Hajin opened his mouth to refuse.
She read the answer on his face before he formed the first word.
Didi stepped forward, caught both his hands, and locked her fingers around them before the refusal could escape his parted lips.
"Please?" she asked, looking up through her lashes.
Her voice softened into a careful plea that carried just enough tremor.
"I've already told my friends about the person who saved me," Didi continued, tightening her fingers around his.
She glanced toward the waiting academy students.
"They've been dying to meet you," she added.
Hajin tried to pull one hand free, but her grip followed.
"It would be embarrassing if I arrived alone after promising you would be there," Didi said, allowing vulnerability to enter her eyes.
'She knows exactly what she is doing.'
His resolve weakened anyway, each squeeze of her fingers wearing it thinner.
The pleading expression shifted into a small, knowing smirk when Didi felt his resistance fade.
