The air-conditioning in the convenience store was always turned up too high. Haru wrapped herself in an oversized jacket, yet still sneezed.
"You bought so many cold drinks," Zion said flatly, taking the soda from her arms. It sounded like a scolding.
Haru puffed up her cheeks in protest. "Well, you never smile, so I need icy drinks to boost my happiness."
Zion glanced down at her, saying nothing. The corners of her lips curved—just a tiny fraction, almost imperceptible. But Haru caught it instantly, as if she'd just made a great discovery.
"Hey, hey, hey! You just smiled at me, didn't you?" Haru chased after her, eyes sparkling.
"No."
"Yes! I swear! You totally smiled just now!"
Zion tugged her hoodie lower, keeping her pace steady. "Your imagination."
"Hmph." Haru pouted, yet still followed behind like a stubborn little tail.
---
Back home, Haru flopped onto the couch, dumping all the snacks into a mountain and ripping open a bag of chips. "Zion, when you keep a straight face, it looks like the whole world owes you a million dollars."
Zion sat down beside her, voice calm as ever. "The world does owe me."
"Huh? Who?"
"You."
Haru froze, nearly dropping her chips. She looked up, only to meet Zion's gaze—eyes curved ever so slightly, a faint smile glimmering there, subtle but undeniable.
Her heart skipped a beat. Color rushed to her cheeks. "Wh-what do you mean I owe you…?"
Zion's eyes stayed locked on hers, words slow and deliberate: "You owe me a lifetime."
---
Haru gawked, speechless, before blurting out, "...You're being so cheesy all of a sudden."
"Don't like it?" Zion asked.
"I—it's not that I hate it…" Haru hugged a pillow, mumbling, "But you'd better only smile at me."
Her tone was soft, almost like she was staking a claim. Zion reached out, ruffling her hair, and whispered, "Mm. Only for you."
---
The night grew late. The TV played some random variety show, bathing the room in warm light. Haru curled up in Zion's arms, eyelids drooping, but still managed to mumble, "You should smile more. Otherwise people might be scared of you."
"Let them be scared," Zion murmured. "That way, only you'll dare to come close."
Haru's eyes fluttered half-shut, her smile dreamy. "Guess that means I'm the lucky one."
Zion looked down at the sleepy little bundle in her arms. And then, finally, she couldn't hold back a smile—gentle and soft, a smile that belonged to Haru alone, warm enough to melt away all her cold edges.