Si Hon had already turned back to the shelves.
Like nothing had happened.
Again.
Back to her Mihu.
Aeloria didn't say anything at first.
She just looked at Mihu.
Directly.
Silently.
Her gaze stayed there a second too long— long enough for the air to shift, for the weight behind it to settle in. Then, without breaking that stare, she started moving forward, her steps measured and steady. Seong and Suha were still ahead, but Aeloria didn't stop, didn't slow, closing the distance like it had already been decided.
Step. Step. Step.
"What are you looking at?"
She stopped right in front of Mihu, her voice calm— but not soft. Up close, there was no trace of that earlier flustered reaction, no lingering embarrassment. This was different. This was the version of her she actually carried— sharp, strict, and edged with quiet authority.
Mihu flinched.
Hard.
