Chapter 136

I was taken completely by surprise by the way he was looking at me. His gaze was direct, without hesitation, as if he was seeing straight through me. There was no hint of shock or embarrassment—nothing was hidden.

"N-no, thank you," I managed to say, stammering slightly.

His stare felt oddly intense, almost too warm, and it made me uncomfortable enough to want to look away.

"Take a break, then joi