No Strings Attached

Despite the thunderous crackle of fireworks, lan's words pierced through the cacophony, clear and distinct, reaching Clara's ears. His hot, moist lips caught her off guard, prying her pearly teeth apart. The tender, intoxicating kiss, tinged with a hint of liquor, swept over Clara. For a fleeting moment, her mind went blank, and her heart skipped a beat. She had to admit she coveted this kiss and yearned for its taste.

A surge of desire bubbled up within her, urging her to reciprocate, but soon enough, her senses snapped back to reality. With a firm push, she distanced herself from lan.

Her eyes, glistening from the fireworks' reflection, sparkled like the stars ignited in the night sky.

Sensing her irritation, lan quickly fished out an exquisite piece from his pocket, an emerald pendant. He then draped it around Clara's neck. His voice was husky, "Clara, I had this necklace blessed by Master Heiman to keep you safe. It's your New Year's gift. You must wear it at all times. Never take it off, or it'll lose its magic, understand?"

Clara's cool fingertips traced the contours of the pendant, and the words of reproach lodged in her throat.

She knew of Master Heiman, the revered abbot from the White Abbey. His blessings were said to be potent, but to secure such a blessing, one had to endure many tribulations.

whole week just to seek a simple blessing for lan, bowing in devout prayer day after day. Considering the effort she

to the pendant, whispering, "lan, this is the last time. Don't do

a smile. "Alright, I'll listen to you

out and playfully tugged her beanie down, asking with a grin, "Didn't you also get

the cufflinks she had won at the auction, intended for lan on New

inside? It's too cold

slightly and turned to

times. Chase kept a protective arm around

deflated her excitement. Annoyed, she kicked him in the shin. "Mind your own business! It's

planning to do, huh?

holiday season.