I'm just retreating to advance

Is Sophie a gentle girl?

Perhaps she is, but she definitely doesn't show it, or rather, she isn't ready to reveal those tenderest corners of her heart just yet.

Instead, to mask these vulnerabilities, she turns them into sharper spikes.

Like a hedgehog, its back bristling with spines, all to protect its soft belly.

So when Sam tries to say something, she cuts him off, leaving him no room to maneuver.

It's not that she wants to be cruel to Sam specifically, but rather, she wants to be more decisive herself. She always hopes to be firm, indestructible.

Uncontrolled by any emotion.

The wind blew through her hair, and Sam clearly saw Sophie's eyes trying to remain calm, trying to be peaceful, but they betrayed her struggle.

Sam stood still, just watching her. "Do you want me to know?"

Sophie's gaze shifted for a moment, just a moment, then quickly returned to Sam's face.