Chapter 112: One Night, One Whisper

"You’re the most unique girl I’ve ever met." Kenn shook his head with an amused smile still adorning his face.

"What do you mean by unique? That sounds like sarcasm," I protested in a low voice.

"Just take it as the most honest compliment from me," he replied calmly.

His words successfully made my cheeks feel hot. I lowered my head, trying with all my strength to hide the blush spreading across my face.

The atmosphere still felt awkward, or maybe it was just me who felt that way. Until now, I had not fully gotten used to this other side of Kenn. His current attitude was very different from the figure I first knew. This made me confused about how I should respond.

Several minutes passed in silence. Unable to stand the quiet any longer, I gathered the courage to look up again. Kenn was still staring at me in silence. I could not bear to return his gaze for too long for fear that something undesirable might happen.

I shifted my gaze left and right, searching for another object that could draw my attention, but the street remained empty without even a single cat passing by.

"Is that street more interesting than me?" Kenn broke the silence with a subtle teasing tone.

"No, I’m just enjoying the night breeze," I answered casually.

The night breeze brushed against me, making me reflexively hug myself because of the cold. Not long after, I felt Kenn’s fingers move slowly, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

I gasped softly and stared at his hand in confusion.

"Why, Kenn?" I asked in panic.

"Just wanted to tidy it up," he answered briefly.

He did not explain further, only kept looking at me calmly before finally letting out a long breath.

"Are you okay going home this late?"

"It’s not a problem. Before leaving, I already told Grandma that I might come home late."

I glanced at my wristwatch, the time was almost two in the morning. I cleared my throat briefly.

"Kenn, I think I should go inside. I’m cold. Besides, it’s already too late for us to be chatting outside."

"Wait a moment," he stopped me.

Without waiting for his response, I tried to slip away from the side of his arm. But with a swift movement, Kenn caught my hand. He turned his body to face me and pulled my waist closer.

The distance between us vanished instantly.

"Where are you trying to run to?" he asked in a challenging tone.

I let out a small yelp at his sudden action.

My eyes widened when Kenn leaned down until our noses touched. I shook my head in panic, trying to break free from his embrace.

This situation was already out of control.

"Kenn, let go. This isn’t funny."

"Don’t go yet before I say something," he said, his voice sounding hoarse in my ears.

"But it doesn’t have to be like this, does it? You’re holding me like I’m a prisoner," I snapped. "Just say it, but please give me a little space," I pleaded, my breath coming in gasps.

Kenn did not move away immediately; instead, he tightened his grip slightly. "If I give you space, you’ll definitely run off before I even finish one sentence."

I fell silent, waiting for what he wanted to say. Trying to ask myself what Kenn was about to say. Feeling that my questions were pointless, I chose to wait for him to say it himself.

Those few seconds of silence felt like forever. He looked at me as if searching for something in my eyes, while I stood there restlessly. The scent of his expensive, masculine perfume began to disturb my calm, sending my thoughts wandering in a direction they should not.

Oh God, what kind of trial is this now?

Kenn’s face slowly moved closer. No, I would not be fooled a second time. He had to be trying to mess with me again. I kept my eyes open, watching his every movement warily.

"You’re very tense," he whispered. "Are you afraid of me?"

"I’m not afraid," I denied, even though my voice trembled.

"Then why is your heart beating so fast? I can even hear it from here," he teased in a low tone.

"That’s because I’m annoyed, Kenn! Not because of anything else," I retorted quickly.

His breath now brushed against my face, turning the cold I had felt earlier into a warmth that was unfamiliar yet ... pleasant.

I watched his lips draw closer, then shifted my gaze to his eyes, which looked as though they were holding back laughter.

Bastard.

I knew he was just playing with me. I began to struggle.

"Kenn, let go! I know you just want to mess with me again. This isn’t funny at all, Kenn!" My breathing quickened with emotion.

Instead of answering, he chuckled softly.

The sparkle in his eyes seemed to dim slightly. "How long will you keep thinking badly of me? Am I really that bad in your eyes?"

"It’s not like that, Kenn. I just ...," I took a deep breath. "All right, I’m sorry for always thinking negatively about you. It’s just that you often make me annoyed, emotional, and angry."

"Is that all? There are no other feelings?" he asked with a look that was hard to interpret.

"What other feelings should there be?" I challenged.

"Missing me too, perhaps?" Kenn grinned widely.

And that was the first time I saw him express himself like that. He looked ... very handsome.

Oh God, my mind was really starting to lose its sanity.

Spontaneously, I blinked my eyes repeatedly. Suddenly Kenn ruffled my hair, and it felt as though the muscles in my legs turned into jelly, about to give way. I tried with all my strength not to be affected by his actions.

"Don’t be so full of yourself," I replied quickly, even though my heart said otherwise.

"Confidence is necessary when you’re dealing with someone as prideful as you," he answered casually.

"Now go inside," he said gently. "Good night."

Unexpectedly, Kenn lowered his body and whispered right into my ear. "Sleep well. Don’t forget to dream of me."

My defenses collapsed instantly. His words seemed to paralyze my brain functions. I stood frozen in place, unable to move even after he let me go.

I could only remain silent until I heard the roar of his car engine moving away and disappearing into the darkness of the night.

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