Cluelessness wasn't necessarily a disadvantage. Knowing less could prevent overthinking, shortening eventual shock.
Liam experienced that advantage right now. Unlike Joel and the audience, he couldn't consider the many implications of Melissa's gesture, allowing him to recover earlier than everyone else.
"Senior Sister, does your ankle still hurt?" Liam asked.
Melissa avoided Liam's gaze, keeping her head down but also shaking it to provide an answer.
The reassuring answer deepened Liam's confusion, but the hand on his elbow rekindled bashful sensations he was familiar with, distracting him and making him divert his gaze.
Joel watched everything unfold, feeling as if he was intruding on something private, but also experiencing undeniable amusement.
The matter was far more complicated than it looked, but Joel had already warned Melissa back then. He had also publicly taken Liam's side, so it was too late to escape the problems that might follow.
