If Noah was still staring at him, shed have noticed his eyes had darkened. But, since she wasnt, she was only surprised by Kyles sudden touch. He had brought one hand up, to cup the side of her face, with his thumb resting on her lips, gently brushing over them.

Noah had inhaled in surprise, the small gasp for air revealing her white, even teeth and a hint of her scarlet tongue. The sound shed made, the way the light hit her face, and her sudden confessionall of those combined made Kyle want to succumb to his baser instincts.

But, seeing Noah bite down on her lip and feeling her form her hands into fists, he quickly suppressed those impulses and simply brought his hand down, laying it back onto her waist.

If you tell me what you just said again, Ill let you go. He whispered softly, momentarily tightening his hold. I dont know why youre holding it in. Just say it.

Really? Noah questioned, staring at his face intently. Kyle nodded and flashed her a smile. After a bit of time, Noah nodded and mumbled, clearly embarrassed, You Uh, yeah. I like you. I think youre a good man.

Despite hearing those faint words, Kyle squeezed her waist again, Again, clearly.

Puffing up her cheeks, she glared at him, but nevertheless continued, with a raised voice. Kyle. Youre better than I thought. Oh, damn it, she suddenly yelled out, having bitten her tongue. Bowing her head while her eyes tear up, she pouted.

Kyle quickly patted her back and made sure she was okay.

I like you. Noah abruptly said, in a low but clear voice, a blush staining her cheeks, despite the fact that she was still pouting. I really, really like you.

You do? Kyle affirmed, hugging her close, smiling.Thats why I asked you about your ideal type of girl, purposely avoided you and whined like a child. And right now, my confidence is at the lowest. Is that better?

Seeing Noah lift her chin and look at him directly, Kyle met her eyes, his earlier smile turning into a frown. Noahs eyes looked glassy, as if she were ready to cry. But somehow, Kyle felt a sudden thirst hit him at the sight.

From when?

Dont ask me that. Im not even sure.

Seeing her like this, Kyle simultaneously felt worried and happy. After all, it was Kyles first time seeing the girl, who had always been either indifferent, annoyed or talked back with scathing remarks, be so embarrassed, to the point that she would cry.

What do you mean youre not confident? Kyle stubbornly asked, neither loosening or tightening his grip on her.

Thats just how I feel, okay? Now, let me go. Ive already told you what you wanted to hear. Ill just go to my bed and sleep. Noah replied, her tone slightly sour as she struggled to free herself from his hold.

No, Kyle retorted. Its not the right time for you to go. Even if you did come as you pleased. Tell me why you dont feel confident.

Hearing his calm and firm voice, Noah could not help but let out a deep sigh, as though the ground had cracked open. Judging that she would be bothered all morning if she rebelled further, she surrendered. The words she wanted to say started pouring out of her mouth.

I just felt that you were avoiding me lately. Im a bit sensitive to that, by the way. I thought of many reasons but, I really did not know which one it would be. Like, did I do something wrong? Or do you not like me as much as I thought you did?

Without waiting for Kyles response, she continued. You said you loathed Eleonora so much, but I wonder if she had been your original ideal type.

Wait, wait a minute, Noah. Kyle interrupted, the small idea he caught from her words finally forming in his head. As a result, he started laughing out loud. Stop talking nonsense. Did you actually think I was disappointed with how you looked like thus, I avoided you?

Ashamed at his sudden questioning, Noah quickly looked away.

No?

Chuckling, Kyle drew back his hands. But, instead of letting her go completely, he placed both of his hands on her cheeks and smiled. Noah I was just shocked at how much you changed from the past. But, I didnt avoid you because of that. Kyle assured her as he raised his upper body up, in order to properly place his forehead against hers. So, you think that I had only been nice to you because of Eleonora Asils face? And now, since youve regained your original appearance, I didnt have to be as nice to you? He questioned.

Blushing, she retorted fiercely, Well, who doesnt like a pretty face?

Taken aback by her answer, Kyle reeled away a bit before shaking his head, So what? Dont be like that from now on. Thats all I wanted to say.

Touched, Noah stared at him spell-bound for a moment before shaking her own head. Noticing that he had let go of her waist, she took the opportunity to lift her face away from his hands and scramble to sit a distance away.

Observing her actions, Kyle sighed then muttered in a low voice, You said you liked me, yet why are you so anxious to escape from my arms?

Straightening her back, Noah turned her head away, avoiding his gaze, yet again. Thats diff

Youd cry if I kissed you, Noah. Kyle lamented, cutting her off.

Startled by his words, Noah quickly turned to look at him with wide and wary eyes. Earlier, she was trying to think of how to argue that that was a different story but, hearing his words made her train of thought screech to a halt.

Not knowing what else to say, she muttered the flimsy excuse that she thought of earlier. My feelings for you are just like the feelings I have from Muell. You know? Just something innocent platonic! She said, stammering over her words and still staring at him with wide eyes. Unknown to her, due to her shock, her face had given her away. It was bright red, like a freshly picked apple. That shade implying that she was, in fact, clearly aware of him, as a man.

Seeing that expression on her face, Kyle couldnt help but swallow his saliva. He had the sudden urge to take a bite of that apple. When did she become so cute? He mused internally, his lips forming into a small smile.