Tatsumaki trembled all over, startled by Allen's sudden movement, and sank into the soft mattress. She opened her emerald green eyes wide, looking at Allen's face so close to her, and even her breathing stopped for a moment.
"You!" Tatsumaki's breathing quickened, her cheeks flushing visibly. She could clearly feel the weight of Allen's body and the warmth radiating through his pajamas.
Allen looked down at her, moonlight seeping through the gap in the curtains, shining on Tatsumaki's slightly trembling Matsuge. He slowly slid his right hand down her wrist, finally intertwining his fingers with hers and gently pressing her hand to the pillow.
"Don't move," Allen's voice was low, with a hint of hoarseness. "Just stay like this for a while."
Tatsumaki's chest heaved violently. She could feel Allen's breath on her face, carrying a faint smell of blood. This position made her whole body tense, and she even forgot to use her Psychokinesis.
"Let, let go," her voice was much softer than usual, and a trace of panic flashed in her green eyes.
Allen didn't release her; instead, he leaned in closer. His nose almost touched Tatsumaki's cheek, and his warm breath instantly made Tatsumaki's ear tips turn crimson. She could clearly feel the warmth of Allen's chest and the strong beat of his heart.
"You..." Tatsumaki's voice trembled slightly. "What exactly do you want to do..."
Allen's gaze fell on her slightly parted lips, and his Adam's apple unconsciously bobbed. He slowly lowered his head but stopped just as he was about to touch her.
Tatsumaki held her breath, her green curly hair floating unconsciously. Her fingers tightened involuntarily, her nails almost digging into Allen's palm.
Just at this critical moment, Allen suddenly released his hand and rolled over to lie beside her.
"I'm sorry," his voice returned to normal. "I lost control a bit."
Tatsumaki immediately curled up on the other side of the bed, her green curly hair fluttering violently, her cheeks as red as ripe apples. She clutched the corner of the quilt tightly, her heart pounding so fast it felt like it would burst from her chest.
"Idiot, pervert, lecher, coward!" she cursed exasperatedly, but her voice was much softer than usual. "Who allowed you to do that!"
Allen turned his head. Tatsumaki's profile glowed softly in the moonlight, and there were still unshed tears on her Matsuge. He reached out to wipe them away but was slapped away by Tatsumaki.
"Don't touch me!" Tatsumaki glared at him fiercely, complex emotions flickering in her green eyes. "If you dare to do that again, I'll, I'll..."
Her threat abruptly stopped because Allen suddenly leaned in and gently kissed her forehead.
Tatsumaki froze, even her breathing stopped for a moment. This feather-light kiss made her tremble all over.
"Good night, Tatsumaki," Allen's voice was impossibly gentle.
Tatsumaki abruptly pulled the quilt over her head, her muffled voice coming from beneath it: "Idiot, coward."
Allen looked at the bulging quilt, the corners of his mouth curving slightly upward. He lay back down, his hands behind his head, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Under the covers, Tatsumaki bit her lower lip tightly, her fingers unconsciously stroking the spot where she had just been kissed. Allen's warmth still lingered there, making her heart pound like a drum.
"Annoying Rookie," she muttered softly, yet unconsciously edged closer to Allen's side.
The moonlight was obscured by clouds, and the apartment was pitch black. The two lay there quietly, neither speaking again, only the intertwined sounds of their breathing echoing in the silent room.
The morning sun streamed into the room through the gap in the curtains. Tatsumaki suddenly opened her eyes and found herself curled up in Allen's arms. Her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, and her green curly hair stood on end like a startled cat.
"Id-idiot!" She scrambled to free herself from Allen's embrace.
Allen was awakened by the commotion and opened his eyes to see Tatsumaki floating in mid-air, her green curly hair fluttering wildly, her small face flushed. "Who allowed you to sleep holding me!"
"Sorry," Allen rubbed his eyes, his voice still hoarse from sleep. "Maybe I sleep poorly."
Tatsumaki's ear tips were bleeding red. She glared fiercely at Allen and floated towards the bathroom. "Don't follow me!"
The bathroom door slammed shut. Allen heard the sound of water and Tatsumaki's exasperated muttering from inside. He looked down at his own hands, small and soft.
Last night's memories gradually became clear: the light kiss on Tatsumaki's forehead, and her small, secret movement of inching closer afterward.
"This is troublesome," Allen murmured to himself. He had only intended to use the opportunity to clear his name, not expecting things to develop this way.
In the bathroom, Tatsumaki turned the cold water on full blast, trying to cool her burning cheeks. In the mirror, the girl's wet green curly hair clung to her cheeks, and her lips were unconsciously pressed into a thin line.
"That idiot..." she whispered, her fingers unconsciously stroking her forehead. Allen's lip temperature seemed to still linger there, and this realization made her heart race again, so she quickly splashed cold water on her face.
"Calm down, Tatsumaki!" she gritted her teeth at her reflection. "You're just monitoring him, you're not..."
"Knock, knock, knock."
A sudden knock on the door startled Tatsumaki, almost making her float. "Wh-what do you want!"
"Breakfast is ready," Allen's voice came through the door. "Your favorite fried eggs and toast."
Tatsumaki's stomach rumbled uncooperatively. She then remembered that she had eaten almost nothing last night except Allen's ice cream. After a moment of hesitation, she floated to the door, then suddenly remembered something and quickly checked if her clothes were tidy.
"Who, who asked you to meddle!" She pulled open the door, her green eyes wide. "I can make my own!"
Allen stood outside, holding a tray. "I haven't cooked much, so just make do."
Tatsumaki's imposing manner immediately weakened a bit, her green curly hair falling. "So stupid, you haven't cooked before but still tried."
She took the tray and floated to the dining table, eating Allen's breakfast in small bites. The fried eggs were perfectly cooked, and the toast was golden and crispy. Tatsumaki had to admit that the Rookie's cooking was surprisingly good; it was hard to imagine it was his first time cooking.
Allen sat opposite her, quietly watching her eat. Sunlight streamed through the window onto Tatsumaki, giving her a soft golden glow, completely different from her usual arrogant demeanor.
"What are you looking at?" Tatsumaki noticed his gaze, and her ear tips turned red again. "Don't stare at me."
Allen withdrew his gaze and picked up his communicator. "The Association sent a message; another meeting is being held. They want us to go to headquarters."
Tatsumaki's fork paused in mid-air, a trace of panic flashing in her green eyes. "Did they find something?"
"Not sure," Allen shook his head. "They just said it was an important meeting."
Tatsumaki put down her fork, and green energy enveloped the tray, making it float towards the kitchen. "I'm going to change. You, you're not allowed to peek!"
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