Aron tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her up carefully. Why had he never realized that the soil here was so slippery? Shiqi rose slowly and as she straightened, she brushed the grass from her clothes, while her other hand still held onto him. He waited only long enough to make sure she was standing properly, then loosened his fingers so he could step back.
But before he could withdraw, her hand closed around his. He looked at their joined hands and his eyes shot up to hers, as he looked at her in confusion. Why was she holding onto him? Was she going to slip again? "What are you..."
In answer, she gave him a bright and unbothered smile, as she claimed, "Now that you've held my hand in yours. I am not going to let you leave me."
Aron blinked. That made no sense. None. He frowned and tried to tug his hand free, but she clung onto him with surprising strength-only for her foot to catch on the same loose stone again.
