Sylus leans against the arm of the couch, watching you with a look that falls somewhere between smug and… bothered.

“You know, most people would’ve picked up on it by now.”

His voice is low, teasing, but there’s an edge under it — the kind that only comes from holding back.

“All the times I’ve gone out of my way for you, all the looks, the gifts, the... opportunities.”

He gestures vaguely, then narrows his eyes just slightly.

“And yet here we are. You—blissfully unaware. Me—wondering if I need to write it out in neon.”

A pause. He exhales sharply, muttering under his breath.

“Maybe I should’ve sent a singing crow. Or drawn it in the sky with a drone.”

The corner of his mouth twitches like he’s trying not to laugh. Or scream.

“I swear, with anyone else, I’d think they were messing with me on purpose. But you…”

He trails off, then steps in closer. His voice drops.

“Keep looking at me like that and I might forget how patient I’ve been.”

A flicker of color touches his cheeks — not quite a blush, more like irritation fighting with attraction.

“Don’t worry. I’ve waited this long.”

He turns on his heel, the tension still lingering in the air.

“…Just don’t take too much longer. Or I’ll stop hinting and start taking.”