"But you always liked the reward."

For a brief moment— his expression shifted. A memory surfaced.

Flashback

They were younger in pre nursery school. A group of kids had surrounded Scarlet, trying to bully her. She didn't step back. But before things could escalate— Ciel stepped in quietly. The fight ended quickly. The boys ran while crying. Scarlet dusted her hands and turned to him. "You did well" while patting his head "What do you want as a reward?"

Ciel, without much thought, pointed somewhere. Scarlet followed his finger. Her gaze landed on a teenage couple nearby. The girl leaned in— and kissed the boy.

Scarlet blinked.

Oh.

Then nodded to herself. So that's what he wants. She turned back to Ciel. Then without hesitation— she stepped forward and gave him a small peck on the cheek. Ciel froze completely.

Because what he had actually pointed at— was a newly launched chocolate displayed beside that couple. But instead— he got… that. He didn't say anything. But was alittle disappointed as he didn't got to eat the chocolate.

And from that day, every time he helped her—whether in fights, pranks, or even studies—

he received that same "reward."

Flashback Ends

Back to the present— Ciel's smirk deepened. He stepped closer.Before Scarlet could react— his hand slid to her waist. Firm and Confident. He pulled her toward him.Scarlet stumbled forward.Her hands instinctively pressed against his chest to steady herself.

For a second— they were too close. Her breath caught. His smirk remained. Her expression—

confused.

Caught.

Click.

The cameraman didn't miss the moment. "Perfect!" he said excitedly. Scarlet blinked. Still processing what just happened. Then—

Ciel leaned down slightly. His lips close to her ear. His voice low and Warm.

"Revenge complete, little kitten."

Scarlet's face turned red instantly. "You—!"

She lightly stamped on his foot. Not enough to hurt— but enough to show her protest. Ciel didn't even react. If anything— he looked more amused. "Please, come see the photos," the cameraman called.

They both turned. On the screen— the images appeared.

The first one—

her kissing his cheek.

His expression—caught between surprise and something deeper.

The second—

his hand on her waist.

Her leaning into him.

Their gazes locked.

It looked—

less like random photos—

and more like a scene from a romantic drama.

Scarlet blinked.

"…These came out good."

Ciel didn't reply.

He simply paid for the photos.

And kept them.

Scarlet immediately noticed.

"Hey—those are mine too!"

She reached for them.

Ciel casually lifted his hand higher.

Out of her reach.

"Give it to me take another set from him!"

"No."

"Ciel!"

She tried again—leaning forward—

stretching—

completely focused on snatching the photos—

And then—

thud.

She bumped into someone.

Both of them lost balance.

Fell backward—

But only one hit the ground.

Scarlet didn't.

Because—

once again—

Ciel caught her.

His arm wrapped around her—

pulling her back against him.

Shielding her from the fall.

Meanwhile—

Raven lay on the ground.

Staring up. With Annoyed expression ready to blow up.

Scarlet blinked—

then her attention shifted.

Her eyes lit up instantly.

"Chloe! And you guys?!"

She smiled brightly.

Only then—

she looked down.

And saw who she had collided with.

"…Oh."

Raven glared at her.

"Why is it always you?"

Scarlet awkwardly laughed.

"Sorry."

She quickly reached out and helped him stand up.

Raven dusted himself off, still irritated.

Victor stepped forward, taking the lead.

A smile on his face.

"Happy birthday, President."

Daniel followed calmly.

"Wishing you great success."

Chloe crossed her arms, glancing between the two—

then smirked.

"And a lively partner."

Scarlet choked slightly.

"Partner?!"

Raven scoffed.

"Hope you stay safe around stray cats."

Scarlet shot him a glare immediately.

"Say that again."

Raven raised an eyebrow.

"Stray. Cat."

Scarlet clenched her fists.

"YOU—"

Before she could launch at him—

Ciel spoke.

"Thank you."

His tone was calm.

Cutting through the chaos easily.

Scar thought "today she's being intrupped too much I think it been 3rd time or 4th she couldn't retort back because of someone got in the way.

Anyways she come to Chloe and ask what she bought and chat happily.