Zuko took a step forward but held Lina’s hands tightly.

“Desiree, there are some things I must clarify with you. We had a childhood connection, but we’ve grown up now.” Zuko paused and enunciated each word. “There’s a difference between men and women!”

“You—”

“Also, I don’t have any ‘bros’ or ‘buddies’, only one younger brother, Toph. I do have a few close friends, but they’re all male.”

Zuko smiled. “Do you understand what I mean now?”

Desiree could not help the twitching of her lips.

“Zuko, I know you’re dating Lina, but you can’t not be friends with the opposite sex just because you have a fiancee, right?”

“Are you trying to say that pure friendships exist between men and women?” Zuko smirked. “But I think that’s the most irresponsible thing to do in a relationship!”

“Zuko…”

“Of course, normal interactions are completely reasonable, but anything that exceeds the normal range…” There was a pause before Zuko uttered heavily, “Have some self-respect!”

Desiree took two steps back and looked at Zuko in disbelief.

Harpers, Desiree was used to seeing elders who had families outside their marriages. The legitimate

her head before her husband. If a woman liked a man, she could just

even think there was anything wrong with

delivered a decisive blow that shattered her lifelong beliefs today He

said everything I needed to say.” Zuko hugged Lina tightly. “I think I’ve made it clear. Don’t blame me for falling out if you continue to bother

“You—”

be having a drink.” Zuko smiled. “Lina and I have other things

led Lina out of the

him hold her hand, she felt his palm’s warmth and knew she had everything she needed in the world. She tried to walk steadily but was so excited she wanted to jump up and

leaving the bar, Lina

“Zuko…”

the matter?”

being polite and saying, “You offended Desiree because of me. That

say, “Desiree has been your friend for so many years. It’s not fair

I be so hypocritical? What

expressed exactly what she

wanted to

Lina burst into

react, she sprang onto him, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. She planted a

caught off

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