❝Hmm…Don’t ya like my smile~?❞ she teased, easing back just enough to put a little space between them.
❝Honestly, I thought you were just humoring me, ne~❞ Her voice softened, the playful lilt fading into subtle sincerity. ❝But…if we are on the same page, I’d like that.❞
“You think this is a game?”
Laxus looked at her for a long moment before releasing a quiet laugh.
“Nah….I’m just waiting to see when you’ll stop hiding behind that smile and say what you actually mean.
Because I think we both are feeling the same way here.”
❝It should’ve been pretty obvious by now, ya know~.❞
Mirajane smiled at him with practiced innocence, making no attempt to widen the small distance between them.
❝…And if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you actually like this little game, hm~?❞ she hummed.
“Careful.”
Instead of backing away. He leaned in just enough to erase what little distance remained. His smirk really set in.
“Keep sayin’ things like that and people’ll think you’re trying to flirt with me.”
She only nodded, as though she knew exactly what she was doing. The distance between them grew shorter, yet she remained just as unfazed as he was.
Rising onto the tips of her toes, she made sure that their faces were only a few inches apart.
❝You are stubbornly cute, Laxus.❞
❝Heh… Keep tellin’ yourself that. Sooner or later you’ll slip. Everybody does.❞
He leaned in just enough to close the distance she’d created. Now standing almost face to face with her.
❝’Cause if it is… you’re pickin’ the wrong guy to outlast.❞
His remark made her chuckle back at him as she lightly tapped his shoulder in amusement. Once she’d regained her composure, she greeted him with a playful grin.
❝Oh, Laxus….You underestimate my patience. I can keep this up much longer than ya think, ne~.❞
She tilted her ++
“Heh.”
Laxus let out a low chuckle. Not taking the bait for even a second.
“You’re askin’ the wrong guy. I don’t lose my nerve.”
His grin sharpened.
“Question is…..how long before you get tired of waitin’ and make the first move?”