Chapter 317 - 309. Rotten Roots
"Can I see you again?" Xue Ren stared at Zein with sparkling eyes, although he managed to hold back from holding the older guide’s hands—their espers had been busy making sure there was at least a meter of space between them during luncheon.
"Why not?" Zein shrugged. "Maybe after everything’s over."
"It’s a promise!" Ren pointed to the older guide, and repeated once again before being ushered inside the car.
Zein watched the car leaving the guild compound and chuckled when Bassena waved at it, looking happier about their departure than their arrival, even though they were basically allies now.
"Why are you still getting jealous?" Zein asked during their journey back to the top floor, and Bassena pursed his lips as he replied quietly.
"...because you think he’s cute,"
Zein raised his brow and tilted his head. "Even though I already confess my feelings for you?"
"Th-this and that is different!" Bassena pressed his lips and turned his face away in clear embarrassment.
"How?" Zein grabbed the esper’s jaw and turned the man back to face him--half because he wanted to see Bassena’s flustered face. "Is there a need for you to feel insecure?"
Bassena pressed his lips tighter, which made his pinched face look funny. "It’s just...reflex?" the voice that came out tapered out into a pitiful squeak so Zein let the esper’s face go. Bassena bit his lips and, two seconds later, groaned loudly inside the elevator. "Agh! I just couldn’t help it, okay? It’s just happened!"
Looking at the mighty Serpent Lord buried his reddened face in his palm, Zein couldn’t help but roll his eyes and sighed. "It’s good that you’re cute, so I don’t have to feel like hitting you."