Alaricka thought: Here it comes.

Victor stated gravely, “You’re still a student. Why confess to me? Even as an adult, you’re a high schooler. Dating would be premature. I absolutely cannot reciprocate.”

Alarieka: Fine, fine.

Now she was certain – Victor’s logic circuits were thoroughly fried. His reasoning defied all norms.

Jaylene watched Alarieka’s face flush crimson and couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

Victor eyed the book in Alaricka’s hand dismissively. “This is good. Study hard. Save distractions for university.”

Alaricka gritted her teeth. “Right now, I’m distracted by how to knock your head off.”

Victor mumbled, “So violent?”

Alarieka retorted, “Care to test that–”

Suddenly, Victor leaned in abruptly.

Though avoiding direct eye contact, Alarieka sensed his movement peripherally. Her brow twitched as she instinctively recoiled, but Victor seized her shoulders, pinning her firmly. His thin lips brushed her cheek as he hissed urgently, “Don’t move.”

He then pressed downward, wedging his entire torso between Alaricka and the table.

Stunned, Alaricka looked down. “Victor, what are you doing?”

His flawlessly sculpted face filled her vision, magnified and impossibly striking up close. Yet irritation flared – his face hovered mere centimeters from her abdomen and thighs. “Get. Up.”

Victor shook his head grimly, voice low. “Help me.”

His eyes darted sideways. Following his gaze, Alaricka’s expression shifted.

Near the cafe entrance stood two men scanning the room, exchanging low words. By their expressions, they probably hadn’t spotted Shi Yao yet. But if Shi Yao wasn’t hiding, they’d easily see him from this angle. Though unsure about Shi Yao’s relationship with these two men, that didn’t stop Alarieka’s thoughts.

Alaricka understood, looking down at him: “Got it. Those two are looking for you, and you don’t wanna be found?”

Shi Yao grunted without further explanation.

Alaricka raised an eyebrow: “Fine. I’ll help if you agree to one thing.”

“You.” Shi Yao hesitated, frowning as his ears flushed, “I won’t agree.”

Alaricka rolled her eyes: “What’s wrong with you?”

Jaylene glanced over suspiciously: “What are you two doing? This is public. Don’t cause a scene.”

Alaricka sighed: “What nonsense are you imagining?” She looked down at Shi Yao, smirking: “You started learning computers in elementary school?”

Shi Yao said: “Yeah.”

“How good are you? Expert level?”

Shi Yao said: “Doubting me?”

Alarieka grinned: “Okay, got it.”

Alarieka glanced toward the men again. Confirming they hadn’t been spotted, she grabbed the backrest cushion, pressed it against the glass wall, and shielded Shi Yao’s face completely from outside view.

“You know I’m learning computers?”

“Mhm.”

Alarieka flashed a sly smile: “Then here’s the deal – I hide you, you teach me."

Though confused, Jaylene couldn’t resist her urge to get a hot tutor. Her eyes lit up: “Works for me!”

Shi Yao glared at Alaricka: “Do you know how valuable my time is?”

Alarieka said: “Oh? So that’s a no?”

As she spoke, she slowly lifted the cushion from the glass.

Shi Yao: …

Alaricka warned: “They’re coming. If they walk here, they’ll see you.”

Shi Yao said: “…Stop moving.”

Alaricka gave him a questioning look.

Shi Yao’s expression twisted – not quite angry or resentful, just conflicted. Reluctance filled his eye.

Alarieka nodded: “Deal.”

She dropped the cushion as he muttered: “Fine. I agree.”

Shi Yao silently turned away, showing her his back.

Alarieka immediately noticed his crimson ears. She flicked one: “Why so red?”

Shi Yao watched his ear redden further from her touch. Clenching his teeth, he covered his ear: “Quit messing around!”

Alarieka stopped teasing him. Elbow propped on her chin, she watched the two men pass by until they vanished from sight.

Alarieka watched the two men walk past, then slapped Shi Yao’s hand: “Get up, they’re gone.”