"Then... should we drink together?"
Wanda cautiously scooped a spoonful of the rich, fragrant chicken soup and, remembering to cool it first, brought it to Hode's lips.
Since their relationship had grown closer, she felt less shy than before.
"Sure."
Hode leaned in and took a sip.
Seeing Hode's gentle expression, Wanda felt a wave of warmth in her heart.
This was the life she longed for; just being together made her feel comfortable and loved.
It's just a little unsettling.
Even now, her legs couldn't stop trembling.
To her, this was love.
"Wanda."
Hode dragged a chair closer to Wanda and abruptly wrapped his left arm around her slender waist.
"Um… can't we take a break? And I haven't finished my soup yet!"
Wanda's eyes widened in shock, and even the spoon she held trembled slightly. This was utterly terrifying. Yet, for some reason, she found it a bit exhilarating and intriguing.
"Alright, you drink first. I'll go get ready; the punishment hasn't concluded yet."
With a mischievous smile, Hode patted her gently and slowly got up to walk outside.
Watching Hode's wicked smile as he left, Wanda suddenly recalled something. If her memory served her right, she had vaguely agreed to some strange game with him while babbling nonsensically.
At this thought, her cheeks flushed, and she quickly lowered her head. Since he wanted it, there was nothing she could do but continue stirring the soup.
After Hode shut the door, he didn't use the dimensional door again. Instead, he walked briskly toward the kitchen on the first floor. There, he found a warming station with about seven or eight bowls of warm chicken soup. Every portion was extremely nourishing.
"I'm still as clever and brave as ever!" Hode couldn't help but praise himself. Since he had been quite busy lately, he had asked Reina to prepare several servings of chicken soup and keep them warm.
Going out to buy some? Absolutely not; there was simply not enough time!
He picked up one of the bowls of soup and placed it on a tray before opening the dimensional door to return to the guest room.
At that moment, Gwen was sitting obediently by the edge of the bed. Upon seeing the familiar golden light, her face lit up with a radiant smile.
"You're back!"
Gwen noticed the chicken soup in Hode's hand, and her eyes sparkled. "You really went to buy the chicken soup!"
Although she had just brushed it off earlier, Hode still brought back a bowl of soup, and it was impossible not to feel touched. It had been a long time since she felt such a warm and heartfelt gesture.
"Look at you; this is just a small thing," Hode said with a smile, playfully pinching Gwen's cheek. "Drinking chicken soup after getting caught in the rain is good for your health."
As Hode extended his hand, Gwen leaned in a little closer, perfectly content.
"But for me, this isn't a small thing; you are wonderful!"