Mary Jane couldn't stop staring at him.
Her breathing was still shaky from the encounter, but her eyes kept drifting toward the black-haired boy standing beside her.
Arin glanced at her.
"You're really okay?" he asked softly.
That gentle tone made her heart skip.
"I… y-yeah," she said, brushing her red hair behind her ear. "Thanks to you."
Silence hung for a moment, warm rather than awkward.
Then MJ suddenly straightened, determination flashing in her eyes.
"I'm treating you," she declared.
Arin blinked.
"…Treating me?"
"Yes." She nodded firmly. "Coffee, food, anything. You saved me. I'm not just walking away like nothing happened."
He gave a soft exhale, half sigh, half amused.
"You don't have to. Really."
But MJ took a step closer, her green eyes locking onto his.
"I want to."
Her voice wavered slightly—not from fear, but something else.
Something warm.
Arin could tell from her gaze.
She was really sincere thanking him… .
"…Alright," he said finally. "Coffee, then."
Her face brightened instantly.
"Great! There's a small café near the park. I go there often."
She picked up her fallen bag, brushing dirt off her jeans, but every few seconds her eyes slipped to him—almost shyly.
They left the park together.
She walked beside him, closer than before, like being near him made her feel safer.
After a minute, she spoke again.
"You know… I wasn't expecting my day to start like that."
"Getting harassed?" Arin asked teasly.
"Yeah. And being rescued by the quiet genius in my class."
Arin raised an eyebrow.
"…Genius?"
MJ laughed lightly.
"You get the highest grades. Never talk. Always look out the window like you're thinking about something deep."
Arin didn't deny it.
She continued, voice softer now:
"And today… you looked so calm while fighting. It was scary but also…"
She trailed off, cheeks warming.
"Impressive?" Arin asked gently.
She blushed harder.
"…Yeah."
They walked a little more before reaching a cozy street café with hanging lights and warm wooden décor. MJ pushed the door open with a grin.
"Welcome to Café Bloom. My favorite place."
Arin followed her in.
The warm smell of coffee and pastries filled the air.
MJ ordered two drinks—"One caramel latte… and one black coffee"—then led Arin to a corner table by the window.
She sat across from him, chin resting on her hand as she studied his face.
"So… who are you really, Arin?"
He met her eyes calmly.
"Just a guy trying to live quietly."
MJ smiled softly.
"I don't believe that."
Arin tilted his head. "No?"
"No. There's something about you feel mysterious … ."
He didn't respond to her just offers her a smile .
The drinks arrived, and MJ pushed his cup toward him.
"To the boy who saved me today," she said, raising her latte. "Thank you."
Arin tapped his cup lightly against hers.
"Anytime, Mary Jane."
Her cheeks reddened again.
She took a sip and looked at him over the rim of her cup—eyes bright, soft, and a little shy.
For the first time since arriving in this world…
Arin felt warmth blooming in his chest.
Seeing Her smile.
The way she looked at him.
It felt so somewhat unreal.
MJ Watson, the girl many boys has crushed, now smiling at him .