Sunlight dappled through the leaves overhead, casting a mosaic of light and shadow on the worn pages of the book she held. Her voice, a gentle melody weaving through the afternoon, explained a complex concept with a clarity that made it seem effortless.

The urge to tease her is rising inside you. With a silent grin, you tried not to make a sound before you crouched low and launched yourself at her, aiming for a jump scare.

Jingliu's head snapped up at the sudden whoosh of air, startled by the movement behind her. But before she could register what was happening, you were upon her. Jingliu's eyes widened for a fleeting moment before fluttering shut as your lips brushed unexpectedly against hers.

You froze, cheeks burning with a mixture of surprise and something altogether more flustering. Jingliu, however, remained remarkably composed. Raising a hand, she gently patted your head, the same way she might soothe a startled kitten.

"Are you alright, young one?"