Aiko's Misunderstanding

The girl followed Lily up the stairs, her voice hoarse but cheerful. "You don't have to feel guilty. I'm fine."

"…"

Lily glanced at her, puzzled. Which part of me looks guilty? It wasn't as if she had made her drink that salted lemon juice.

"My name is Aiko Nakamura, but you can call me Aiko," the girl continued, her voice still husky as she smiled and extended her hand toward Lily.

Her outstretched hand blocked Lily's path, leaving her no choice but to stop. With a forced smile, Lily introduced herself. "Lily Anderson."

"That's a beautiful name," Aiko said warmly, shaking her hand enthusiastically. "I'm half-Japanese, half-Chinese. My father recently came to China to work with Blackwood Enterprise., so I came along for fun."

Lily maintained her stiff smile.

Aiko's enthusiasm made Lily feel uncomfortable. They weren't that close.