"Now I understand why Darling fell for all of you…" Liyana said suddenly, her voice soft but clear as she looked around at the others with genuine wonder in her eyes. "You're all so pretty."
The compliment, unexpected and sincere, softened the atmosphere for a fleeting moment—until that all-too-familiar glint sparked in Liyana's eyes.
"Hmm~" she hummed, and then slowly turned her head toward me with an expression that spelled nothing but mischief. "Darling," she purred, "which one of us do you think is more beautiful?"
The mood, which had only just begun to settle, snapped taut like a string pulled too tight.
"Huh?" I blinked, already sensing the trap but powerless to escape it.
She tilted her head innocently, though her tone remained playful. "Between Sister Snow and I… who do you think is more beautiful?"
A breathless silence hung in the air.
Even the soft clink of a teacup being set down seemed to echo too loudly.
