Kana froze in place, blinking rapidly as she tried to process the sudden appearance of the pink-haired girl standing before her.
"R-Ruby?"
Kana stammered softly, her voice barely carrying above the quiet hum of the temple courtyard.
Before she could say anything else, Ruby stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Kana's shoulders, pulling her into a sudden, warm embrace.
Kana's entire body stiffened instantly. Her cheeks flamed crimson, and her wide eyes darted nervously around the open courtyard, scanning for any priests, devotees, or temple guards who might be watching.
The temple was a sacred place, filled with rules and unspoken expectations, and being hugged so suddenly — by someone like Ruby, of all people — in the middle of it all left her flustered beyond belief.
"R-Ruby, wait, we're in the—"
Kana started, but Ruby's soft hand slid behind her head, tugging her face back until their gazes locked.
