Scarlet's eyes sparkled as she misheard as finish line.

"Really?!"

Excitement rushed through her again. Without thinking twice, she dashed forward.

"I'll finish it quickly!"

But her body wasn't keeping up anymore. Her steps lost balance. Her foot struck a small stone— And she stumbled on air or rather than she stumbled on a pebble. Her body tilted forward the earth intending to kiss the ground.

I'm gonna fall aahh

I'm doomed—

She shut her eyes in fear of her face will smash with the ground. But instead of hitting the ground—

A strong arm wrapped around her waist.

Huh?

In one smooth motion, she was pulled back. Her back collided with a firm chest. She froze. Ciel's arm wrapped around her waist, holding her securely in place.

Not hurried. Then—

he leaned down slightly. His voice brushed against her ear. Low and Amused. "You really can't go a minute without causing trouble, can you…?"

A pause.

Then he speak softer and almost in teasing tone—

"You clumsy little kitten."

Goosebumps spread across her skin. Her fingers curled slightly as she realized— she was completely trapped in his hold. He hugged her from back. His arm around her waist. His chest against her back. No space between them. Her face turned red instantly.

"You—!"

She tried to move— but his hold didn't loosen. Instead, his grip tightened just a little. As if stopping her on purpose. "Careful," he murmured near her ear, almost like he was enjoying this,

"If I let go now… you might fall again."

Her heart skipped. This wasn't helping at all.

"Let go!" she snapped, her voice flustered more than angry. Ciel chuckled softly.

That low, quiet laugh right behind her— made her ears burn even more.

"Hmm… but I just saved you."

Another slight pause. "Shouldn't I get some gratitude first?" Scarlet's brain completely short-circuited. "Gratitude?! For what—trapping me like this?!"

"Trapping?" he repeated, amused.

"I'm holding you so you won't fall again. There's a difference."

Her face turned even redder. And then slowly— he loosened his hold.

But not before his fingers lightly brushed her waist as he let go. Before Scarlet could even steady herself—

the world tilted.

"Huh—?"

The ground disappeared from beneath her feet. And the next second— she was in the air. Her eyes widened as what happened to her she couldn't understand.

"Huh?!"

Then it hit her. She was in Ciel's arms.

"Huhhh—?!"

Her brain lagged.

Then—

"AHHH!! Put me down!!"

Her voice finally worked. But Ciel didn't even slow down. He adjusted his hold on her as if it was nothing—and started running again.

Calmly and Effortless. As if carrying her weighed nothing. "You just sprained your foot," he said casually. Like this was the most normal thing in the world. Scarlet froze for a second.

"How did he know—

My foot is actually in pain" 

But she has to argue this is embarrassing to be in his arms. Then struggled lightly.

"I can run—put… me… down!"

Her words broke in between breaths. But he only chuckled.

"No."

She stopped moving. Not because she agreed— but because of how easily he said it. Ciel glanced down at her. And he paused after seeing her reaction.

Her face was completely flushed. From ears to neck. Even her fingers curled awkwardly against his shirt.

Then— his gaze dropped lower. To her lips that were Slightly parted, they were still trying to argue.

For a brief second— his eyes darkened. He licked his own lips unconsciously. Then looked away like nothing happened. Scarlet didn't notice.

She was too busy panicking.

"This is embarrassing—people will see—!"

"Let them and this is our territory," he replied without hesitation. That only made her more flustered.

"Ciel!!"

He smirked slightly at her reaction. Then spoke again— this time softer..

"Relax."

A pause. Then— with that same teasing calm. "You have to listen to me today, It's my birthday."

Scarlet blinked. Her thoughts froze.

"…What does that have to do with anything?!" Ciel glanced at her again. A faint smile tugged at his lips.