After another moment of contemplation, Wendy continued, "Later, you started conducting daily check-ups on me and preparing experiments to extract the gemstone—honestly, don't you feel even a hint of embarrassment? I'm a girl, and every day, having to climb onto the lab table while you freely grope around my body, especially my legs, is incredibly disrespectful!"
"I've already said it; we're discussing serious matters. Those were standard experimental check-ups, nothing to be embarrassed about." Zeke lightly flicked Wendy's head with his finger.
Wendy puffed up her cheeks, glaring at Zeke indignantly.
With her emotional flow disrupted again, Wendy had to gather her thoughts before continuing, "Then came your self-modification experiment, seizing the opportunity to capture Gray Serpent and Jackal. Afterward, Cioara escaped, and I was ambushed... In summary, you did save me that time, and it was...it was quite memorable."
Wendy scratched her face, shifting her gaze aside as she blushed.
At that moment, the young Zeke had appeared shirtless, exuding immense power. He held her by the waist, boldly facing off against Kevin emerging from the Sea of Quanta, sword raised to repel him—it was truly impressive! Even now, recalling that scene made Wendy's heart flutter like a deer bounding within her chest.
Zeke nodded and prompted her again.
"Go on."
"After that, you helped me retrieve my gemstone and insisted I stay with Anti-Entropy. Honestly, I was quite happy about it at the time. I didn't know where else to go, and returning to Schicksal wasn't an option. Even though you framed it as keeping me around for your own purposes, staying with you felt like the right choice... In any case, thank you. If not for you, I might never have had the chance to be with everyone all this time." Wendy pursed her lips, sounding somewhat reluctant yet sincere.
Reflecting back, if she had left then, she likely wouldn't have been able to share life with Big Sisters Kiana, Mei, and Bronya, Seele, Sin, or even the ever-troublesome Rozaliya and Liliya. Missing out on those connections would undoubtedly have been a massive regret.
"The next chapter involved studying and working within Anti-Entropy. You, sir, were relentless when issuing orders; many times, you pushed us to our limits. However, I knew deep down you genuinely cared for everyone. You always took safety measures seriously, promptly identified our weaknesses, and helped us address them. Step by step, you guided and supported us until we reached where we are today... Ah, there are just so many memories to recount, it's impossible to cover them all!" Wendy scratched her head, furrowing her delicate brows, feeling overwhelmed as she gazed at Zeke.
Zeke furrowed his brow, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"So after all that talk, what exactly is it about me that you like?"
"I'm waiting for your analysis! If I could explain it clearly, would there be any need to reminisce so much?!"
"Well... Could it be because I constantly tease you?"
"Get lost! I'm not some freak!"
"Then, perhaps it's because I've helped you a lot?"
"Hmm, that does seem possible."
"Or maybe just plain old attachment over time?"
"I...I suppose that can't be ruled out either..."
They stared at each other, gradually running out of words.
After a long moment, Wendy suddenly slammed her hands on the table in frustration.
"(╯‵□′)╯(┻━┻! All this talking achieved nothing! Why did you even make me recount such embarrassing memories? Were you just looking for a laugh?!?"
"Not quite. I could poke fun at you anytime; no need to waste time with these tactics."
"Zeke!!!" she exclaimed angrily.
"Bind!" Zeke responded calmly.
Wendy lunged forward but found herself suspended mid-air by Zeke's blue light chains.
"Ahhhh! Let me down, you jerk! Today, I'm definitely going to teach you a lesson!"
"Calm down. Losing your temper won't solve anything."
"You're the crazy one! Your whole family is insane!"
"I'm the only member of my family," Zeke retorted instinctively, then realized it wasn't entirely true anymore. Now Kiana and Bronya were part of his family too, and Sin would be eventually. So, he was no longer alone.
Wendy suddenly calmed down, her face showing remorse.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up."
She silently scolded herself for being insensitive. Knowing well that everyone had their own sorrows amidst Honkai's devastation, she still kept poking at Zeke's wounds—perhaps this was one reason why he disliked her?
Feeling guilty, Wendy looked apologetically at Zeke.
Zeke's fingers twitched slightly, gently guiding Wendy back to her seat.
After a moment of awkward silence, Zeke sighed and stood up.
"Forget it; let's call it a day. I've noted all your information and will analyze it thoroughly later. For now, we should get some rest."
Zeke turned to leave.
In the next instant, the soft, faintly fragrant body of the girl wrapped around him from behind.
"Wendy?"
"Let me...let me hug you just once."
"You should know my stance; we need to maintain some distance."
"Just for now, right here, can't you let me hug you? I won't cry—am I destined to never get any sweets?!" Wendy's voice suddenly amplified, carrying traces of sobbing.
Zeke froze on the spot, feeling utterly at a loss.
Wendy tightened her embrace, savoring Zeke's warmth. After a long moment, she spoke with a mix of sadness and anguish:
"Don't ask when or why I fell for you! I simply do, immensely so—I want to be together with you forever! Why isn't it possible? Is it truly not allowed?!"
"I can't take care of so many girls."
"I don't need you to take care of me! Just like before, let's laugh and talk, even if that means enduring your scolding or anger. Please, allow me to stay here, by your side. Isn't this small request too much to ask?"
As Wendy poured out her hidden feelings, intense emotions erupted within her. Now, unable to control her thoughts and emotions, she forgot about her agreement with Seele. All she wanted was to express herself freely and demand an answer immediately.
After an unsettlingly long silence, Zeke shook his head and said, "I'm sorry."
Yes, all he could offer was an apology.
He never intended to hurt anyone, but Kiana and the others were of greater importance to him.
Wendy clung tightly to Zeke, unable to respond. Yet, Zeke felt the dampness on his back, knowing Wendy's tears had soaked through his shirt.
Finally, Wendy released her hold on Zeke.
"Ahem! I was just...just joking, you don't need to take it seriously! Of course, I wouldn't harm Big Sister Kiana and the others; don't worry, I'll get over it soon enough. Well, it's late now. I'm off to bed, bye!"
Wendy hastily turned away, knocking over a chair before briskly leaving as if nothing happened.
Despite being somewhat slow to catch on, even Zeke could tell that Wendy wasn't being truthful. She was putting up a front to ease the awkwardness.
He remained rooted in place, noticing several crystalline teardrops glistening with moonlight where Wendy had stood.
"Sigh..."
The moonlit night still held its beauty, but unfortunately, Zeke no longer had the heart to appreciate it.