His face flushed so fast it was almost impressive, color spreading from his cheeks all the way to the tips of his ears.
He sucked in a slow breath, then bit his lip, looking away just as quickly.
"…You are." he said hoarsely, then stopped, as if unsure how to continue. "…very beautiful."
His body, unfortunately, reacted faster than his mind.
Ningning noticed.
Immediately.
Her eyes widened.
"Oh."
Oh.
So that's what it looks like when it's…excited.
Her embarrassment faded just a little, replaced by something dangerously close to confidence.
Seeing him flustered made her feel… braver.
She took a tentative step closer.
Weijie noticed and stiffened. "Ningning.."
She chuckled nervously. "I was just—"
She reached out without thinking.
He caught her wrist instantly, his grip firm but gentle.
"We cannot." he said, voice strained but resolute. "Not yet. We must bond first. Or wait until the mating season."
She blinked.
"…Oh."
