Scarlet covered her face with both hands.Her mind was a complete mess. 'What is wrong with me…'

Her fingers pressed harder against her cheeks, as if she could hide the heat spreading across her face.

How can I get flustered over a 17—no, 18-year-old kid? She frowned behind her hands.

'Mentally, I’m older than him… way older.'

She had lived once already.

Seen things and Felt things. She wasn’t supposed to react like this— Not to someone like him.

And yet— her heart refused to listen. I still get nervous around him… Her grip tightened slightly. I still fall for his teasing… Her lips pressed into a thin line.

'This damn bastard.' 

Ciel glanced down at her. She had gone unusually quiet. That alone was suspicious. A faint smirk appeared on his lips. “I’m carrying you while running,” he said casually, his voice steady despite his pace, “and you’re lost in thoughts?” A small pause. His eyes lingered on her hidden face.

“Who are you thinking about?”

Scarlet, still caught in her own thoughts, answered without thinking— “About you.”

Silence. For a brief moment— even the rhythm of his steps faltered.

Not enough to stop— but enough to lift his brows.

Scarlet froze. Her body went stiff. Her eyes widened behind her hands.

'What did I just say—?!'

Her hands dropped instantly to cover her mouth. “No—I mean—I was thinking about something else!” She turned her face away so quickly it almost looked like she was trying to escape.

Too late. Ciel’s smirk deepened. There was something satisfied in his gaze now. “You can’t take back what you already admitted, little kitten.” Her ears turned red instantly.

“Don’t call me that!”

Her voice came out sharper than she intended. “But it suits you.”

She shot back immediately, “How?!”

Ciel adjusted his hold on her slightly—effortless, natural—like carrying her had already become second nature. He didn’t even slow down. Then, calmly—

“Clumsy.”

A beat.

“Sharp tongue when you speak.”

Another.

“And you show your claws without thinking.”

Scarlet pouted, her brows knitting together.

“You’re just making accusations.”

There was no hesitation in her tone. Just pure denial. Ciel chuckled softly.

But he didn’t argue.

That only made her more annoyed. She turned her face away again.

He’s just a kid. Just a kid. You’re an adult.

She repeated it again and again in her mind.

Like a reminder.

But somehow—

that thought gave her confidence.

A strange kind of confidence 

Slowly— she relaxed. Her tense shoulders eased. Her grip on his shirt loosened..And before she even realized it—she had settled comfortably in his arms completely.

As if it was natural. As if she belonged there. She even shifted slightly— adjusting herself to sit better.

More comfortably.

Ciel noticed. Of course he did. His eyes flickered down at her briefly. Then back ahead. A faint, unreadable expression passed through his gaze.

Then— with a small grin, completely unbothered—

Scarlet spoke.

“You’re doing a good job.”

Her tone carried a hint of approval. Almost like she was praising him. “Keep it up. Run faster.”

Ciel raised an eyebrow.

“Oh?”

His voice held amusement. “You’ve gotten very comfortable, haven’t you?”

Scarlet didn’t even hesitate. “Didn’t you tell me to relax?”

Her answer was instant and Natural.

As if there was nothing wrong with her behavior. Ciel let out a quiet laugh. This time, it was a little more obvious.

“You really are a tsundere cat.”

She clicked her tongue annoyed.

But— she didn’t deny it.

After a while— Scarlet looked ahead.

Her expression shifted. Then suddenly— she pointed forward.

“Wait—what’s that?”

Another flag. Her eyes widened. Suspicion crept in.

“How many flags are there?”

She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Don’t tell me that wasn’t halfway earlier!”

Ciel didn’t answer immediately. Instead— his gaze dropped to her again. To the girl sitting comfortably in his arms— complaining, questioning, completely unaware of how she looked right now.

A faint smile formed on his lips. Not teasing this time.

Something softer. His voice, when he spoke— was lower and almost indulgent to her.

“That…”

A small pause.

“…is the finish line.”

Scarlet blinked.

Then—

“Huh?! Already?!”

Her voice rose in disbelief. She turned her head slightly, trying to confirm it again. Her reaction was genuine and unfiltered.

Ciel glanced ahead— then back at her.

That teasing glint returned to his eyes.

“If you want…”

He slowed his pace just a little. Not enough to stop—

just enough to make her notice.

“I can run another lap.”

A brief pause. His gaze lingered on her.

“With you like this.”

Scarlet’s brain froze for half a second.

She waved her hands quickly.

“No, no—don’t be so generous, Mr. Ciel!”

Her tone was hurried.

Ciel laughed. It echoed softly in the air as he continued toward the finish line—

still carrying her— as if letting go wasn’t something he was in a hurry to do.

And Scarlet— despite all her complaints— didn’t ask him to stop again.