[Don't give up on him.]

  Ting stood up upon hearing the restrained voice. — Sorry...? — she looked at the interface in front of her.

  [It won't be easy or quick, and what you are trying to do won't work.]

  [However, yes, he will eventually be able to live up to your expectations.]

  — No, but why do you say it won't work? — she narrowed her eyes. — Do you know what his real problem is? ...It's not just problems with his parents, like Noah says and seems to believe, is it? You-

  [Don't think too much about it, Ting. Knowing more won't bring you anything good, nor Noah.]

  — But-

  [I know you're curious and it's unlikely that you'll just let it go.]

  [Nevertheless, there's no other option. You won’t find answers in this state.]

  — You know...? Hearing you talk like this makes me feel like you know me.

  [Of course...]

  [I've been with Noah since before he met you, I’ve watched each of your interactions, so I certainly know you at least a little.]

  [Enough to know that you're hiding your fear, not just from Noah, but from yourself.]

  Clenching her fists, gripping the blankets, she gave a small forced smile. — You seem very observant, it seems.

  [You’ll have to do more than just let him touch you so hesitantly. I’m sure you’ve noticed that’s his way of trying to connect with you, but it doesn’t make sense as you won’t let yourself care either.]

  [That safe distance you’re trying to maintain won't do either of you any good.]

  [You can trust him.]

  [Don’t distance yourself from the only person in the world who would do anything to keep you safe. Otherwise, you’ll regret it.]

  — ...Is that a threat? — she frowned, trying to steady her trembling hands.

  [How could I..]

  — So, you're saying I should fully trust feelings that even he doesn't know where they came from? Something forged by someone else... Maybe by you? Also, how does it feel? Are you having fun watching us?

  There was no answer.

  Ting sighed at the empty screen, believing the conversation was over.

  [The feelings are real.]

  The voice returned, confident.

  [Don’t doubt that.]

  [I hope it won't be necessary, but if you ever lose yourself somehow, keep your eyes open, Ting.]

  — What...? What do you mean by that?

  [Don't move or follow the voices.]

  [Wait for the light, and be sure that Noah will bring you back someday.]

  — Stop speaking in riddles and be clear.

  [Of course, I hope you'll do the same for him when needed.]

  — Hey, I told you to-!

  The door opened.

  Ting glanced at Noah with narrowed eyes, seeing his confusion. She looked back at the interface, realizing she wasn't going to get any more answers, and collapsed onto the bed, sighing.

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  — How was it? Did everything go well?

  Closing the door, he approached. He nodded. — She’ll be fine, and so will the other two. — Clearing the loose strands from her face, Noah caressed her. — Did something happen? You seem upset... Did the system do anything while I was gone?

  She looked away. — It’s fine... She just wouldn’t tell me about the things you’ve been hiding.

  — Oh, so that's what you were doing here? — Noah leaned in, but Ting turned away, stopping him. — ...Are you sure you’re okay?

  She nodded. — Just don’t do that now, alright?

  Noah looked at the interface, which soon went dark. — Alright. — He lay down beside her, and didn’t touch her.

  Turning around, it was Ting who used his arm as a pillow and hugged him. — Stay like this for a moment. — She stopped him from turning around to hug her.

  With little pretense, his gaze wandered until it rested on her. To his surprise, she was looking at him too, and showed no sign of wanting to break eye contact.

  Ting scooted up, stopping next to his neck. She hesitated for a moment, then kissed him. — I imagine you like that, — she repeated.

  — Yes, but not now... It’s obvious you’re not okay.

  — I am, and there isn’t much you can do to help in this case. I just, — her warm breath moved closer to his neck, — want to understand why you like this kind of thing in particular. The sensation itself doesn’t seem very special to me.

  — Well, for me, it’s not about the act itself but with whom I do it. — He turned, brushed her hair aside, and moved closer. — For example, I don’t feel the urge to hug anyone else but you. As for kissing or being close, same thing.

  Ting stared at the ceiling while feeling his firm lips marking her skin. Her heart raced with each kiss, then calmed as they pulled away. Her body warmed, the feeling was not of disgust or anger. Maybe she liked it, she just wasn’t sure. She couldn’t give it a name. No, she didn’t want to...

  Fear...

  She was too afraid to admit it and allow herself to enjoy affection not meant for comforting her.

  Pushing Noah to the side, she ended up on top of him.

  — I admit it, I like it. — She kissed him. — But don't use that as an excuse to always try this kind of thing whenever you get the chance, understand?

  — ...Only when we're alone?

  She paused, hesitant. She knew Noah would take every chance if she agreed, but — When we're alone. — Ting didn’t hate the idea, as long as he kept accepting her limits.

  The gentle touches that slid along her body without ever crossing major boundaries, she didn’t hate them. She just didn’t want to admit it since she knew Noah would take it as permission for more, and she wasn’t ready yet. Her body might have been. Sometimes, she felt it wanted to. But her mind wasn’t there yet. Mentally, Ting still saw herself as a girl who would have trouble accepting even their lips touching.

  Damn hedonists...!

  Even as she kissed Noah’s neck, moving closer to his chest each moment, she still couldn’t shake the idea that this desire and lack of restraint came from her time near Mount Meiyang. She could still clearly remember the moans, painfully vivid, and should she try to recall, she would see any of the moments completely. Far outweighing the others, that place was hands down the worst she had ever been.

  — Do you want me to open my shirt so you can keep going? — Noah offered, making her stop.

  Ting crossed her arms, turning away. — Don't overdo it, — she said to herself, though it also served as an answer. — I thought you got embarrassed about this too.

  Standing up, Noah hugged her from behind. — A bit... But if you want, I don’t mind showing. And more importantly, now it's my turn, right? — He kissed her shoulder. — But there's something I need to do now, so I guess I'll leave it for later.

  She turned her face, looking at him with a less-than-happy expression.

  — Or maybe not... — Smiling, he left a small mark on her nape. — So instead of me stopping, want to help me out a bit?

  — Depends on what you’re going to do.

  — I just want to create some techniques.

  — Just... — she sighed, it was ridiculous. However, since it was Noah, it didn't seem impossible. — And how could I help you then?

  — I’d say just your presence is enough, but you’d end up getting bored. — Ting felt the kisses descending along her back as her clothes opened. — So, I’d like some suggestions. I want to create a Qi absorption technique, but I’m not sure which element or concept to use.

  She pulled her clothes closed as much as she could. The tears left by the elder’s blades were still there.

  So, Noah had to move back to the neck and shoulder region. His hands, however, avoided only the most sensitive areas, even if they came close at times. Every time his fingers got too close to somewhere they shouldn’t, Ting stopped him. It worked as a practical marking of limits, something he respected, as he didn’t go back to those spots again in the moment.

  — An element... I like lightning. I think it’s beautiful, — she commented.

  — Beautiful...? But how would that help the technique be better?

  — Lightning is quick and destructive, which would give the user power. And if the technique is good, the element isn’t as important, is it?

  — Maybe not-

  — No, stop. Don’t bite me again! — She pushed his head back. — My shoulder was already hurting before, you know?

  — Alright, alright, I’ll stick to kisses. Let’s keep planning the technique, okay?

  — Humph! — she glared at him, annoyed. — And move your hand from between my thighs. — There was no yell, just a warning. — Next time, I’ll stop.

  — Alright, sorry... But my stomach is still fair game, right?

  She didn’t answer, except with a huff. Which Noah took as confirmation.