Piercing

Atticus nearly choked, coughing a few times as he quickly tried to regain his composure.

Around them, the other youths cast envious glances, watching the duo intently. They tried to eavesdrop on the conversation, but no sound escaped the few meters around them.

Lirae was very beautiful, and not only that, she was an apex. Many of the males wanted a chance to speak to her.

Atticus's mind raced as he pieced together what had just happened. 'She got me.'

By kissing her hand, he had already implied that he found her attractive.

His thoughts drifted to Seraphina, recalling her parting words, 'She's watching…'

After a brief pause, Atticus replied, "Yes, you're… pretty," while keeping his tone even.

Lirae's smile widened. "Hmm," she said, resting a hand on her chin as if lost in thought. "Do you have a girlfriend, Atticus Ravenstein?"