Alex's eyes flashed.
His foot moved. Fast. Precise.
Tapped the boy's side. Light kick.
The boy flew. Gently. Away from Lilian.
Landed on his butt. Safe. Unharmed.
The red drink splashed on the floor instead.
In the same motion—
Alex scooped Lilian up. Arms around her waist.
Lifted her. Spun.
One full circle.
Away from the spill.
Away from danger.
Lilian gasped. Surprised.
Her hands on his shoulders. Steadying herself.
Face turning red. Looking down. Shy.
Her fingers moved to her hair. Tucking it behind her ear.
Heart racing.
Alex set her down. Gentle.
"You okay?"
Lilian nodded. Couldn't meet his eyes.
"Y-yes..."
Voice soft. Sweet.
The boy on the ground.
Sitting there.
Completely fine.
Not a scratch.
Then—
His face scrunched up.
Mouth opened wide.
"WAAAAAAHHHHH!"
Screaming. Crying.
Loud. Dramatic.
Rolling on the floor.
His mother rushed over. Still on her phone.
"Xiao Ming! Baby, what happened?!"
Didn't even look at Alex or Lilian.
