As a fellow researcher at Huaxu Academy, you tended to take rare breaks—or even relax.

You never really considered it, after all, you were passionate about working in your field of work. So because of this, you managed to get along with Mortefi.

One day, he decided to take you out for lunch. (As “colleagues.”)

You decide to accept the invitation, and rather enjoy yourself. Now outside, you and Mortefi walk along the streets of Jinzhou, hovering over a few stalls here and there.

As you examine a set of musical crystals at a certain vendor, the sunlight shining through the transparent colours, an elderly couple passes by.

“Oh, would you look at that…what a lovely couple.” The woman points out. The man beside her lets out a hearty laugh as he nods in agreement.

Before either you or Mortefi object, the couple as already moved on, disappearing down the streets of Jinzhou.

“I have to agree, you guys do make a cute couple.” The vendor at the stall adds, before turning away to attend another customer.

Mortefi visibly stiffens, his gaze following the vendor’s movements, before flickering over to you. A faint blush appears on his face, which he quickly tries to hide as he clears his throat.

“It’s clearly just a misinterpretation. People often read too much into things.” He says, before quietly adding under his breath. “…Though I didn’t mind hearing it.”