"Look at the ice cream, not me. If you want more, just buy another one."
Tatsumaki's voice carried a hint of unease under Sol's steady gaze. She pushed the ice cream in her hand toward him.
"Eat it. I'm not hungry."
Sol shook his head, though his eyes drifted to her slender neck without permission. Her skin looked almost luminous under the moonlight, faint veins barely visible, giving her an oddly captivating presence.
Tatsumaki narrowed her eyes, suspicion rising as she slowly licked the tip of the ice cream. "You're not planning something weird, are you?"
"How could I be?" Sol forced his gaze elsewhere, his throat moving slightly. "I just find it more interesting to watch you eat."
"Pervert!" Her ears turned red instantly. Her green curls fluttered with agitation, yet she kept eating, taking another bite.
A bit of cream lingered at the corner of her lips. Almost without thinking, Sol reached out to wipe it away.
Tatsumaki jerked back like a startled animal. "What are you doing?!"
"You had cream on your face," he said calmly, as if it were nothing unusual.
She froze, her cheeks deepening in color, even her ears flushed. Quickly, she wiped her mouth with her sleeve, eyes wide. "Don't meddle!"
"Sorry." Sol pulled his hand back, a faint smile in his eyes. "Reflex."
"Shut up!" she snapped, glaring at him.
She floated away with a huff, nibbling at her ice cream while sneaking glances at him. Only after confirming he stayed where he was did she relax slightly.
The night breeze passed through, lifting her curls. Sol found himself thinking that this version of Tatsumaki, less domineering and more expressive, was far more interesting.
"Hey."
Her voice came softer this time.
"Are you really just here to buy ice cream?"
Sol nodded. "Yeah. You said earlier you wanted some."
Her lashes trembled slightly, something unreadable flickering in her eyes. She floated closer, looking up at him.
"Why did you use your powers to make me fall asleep?"
"Me?" Sol blinked, feigning confusion. "I just wanted you to sleep better."
"Liar." Her grip tightened around the stick. "You clearly wanted to sneak out."
Sol let out a small sigh. "Alright, I admit it. I thought you wouldn't let me come out just to buy ice cream."
Her eyes narrowed, glowing faintly in the night. "Just for that?"
"Just for that." He pointed at the ice cream in her hand.
She stared at him for a long moment, then suddenly stuffed the rest into her mouth, shivering slightly from the cold.
"Idiot! Don't do that again. You're not allowed to go too far from me."
"Okay, I won't leave you."
At his answer, her curls shifted faintly. She turned her face away, her voice quieter.
"Hmph. Good."
Neon lights shimmered along the street as the wind passed by. Tatsumaki hovered in the air, stealing another glance at Sol, only to find him staring off into the distance.
"Hey, Rookie." Her tone carried a trace of hesitation. "You really won't leave me?"
Sol turned back to her. "Yeah. I'll always be with you."
Her heart skipped. She quickly floated higher, her hair flaring out.
"Who asked you that?! I meant you're not allowed to leave my sight. Don't get ahead of yourself!"
"I know." A slight smile formed on his lips. "I'll stay where you can see me."
Her ears reddened further. She spun around abruptly.
"Idiot! Don't say things like that so casually!"
"I'm just telling the truth."
"Shut up!" She grabbed his wrist, green energy wrapping around them as they lifted into the air. "We're going back now!"
The wind rushed past them. Sol could feel the warmth of her hand despite her harsh tone.
"You're holding too tight," he said.
"Mind your own business!" she snapped, though her grip loosened slightly. "Say another word and I'll drop you."
Back at the apartment, she let go immediately and floated toward the window, pulling the curtains shut. Her back faced him, her shoulders tense.
"Don't tell anyone about tonight."
"Alright." Sol watched her quietly. "Are you still mad?"
"Who's mad?!" She turned sharply, eyes wide. "I just… I just…"
Her words caught, her face flushing again.
Sol stepped closer, stopping just short of her. "Just what?"
The curtains blocked the moonlight, leaving the room dim. Their figures were visible, yet distant, as if something unseen stood between them.
Her breathing grew uneven. She turned away.
"I just think you're troublesome. I'm going to sleep."
She floated back to her room and lay down. Moonlight slipped through a gap, covering her small frame in silver.
Sol remained in the living room, still and quiet.
Time passed.
"Hey, Rookie."
Her voice came again, softer than before.
"Are you asleep?"
Sol opened his eyes where he lay on the floor. "Not yet."
"I can't sleep." She turned on the bed, her hair spreading across the pillow. "Come talk to me for a bit."
He stood and walked over, sitting where the moonlight did not reach, keeping a small distance.
"About what?"
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