Muttering a hurried goodbye, I dash into the bathroom to clean myself and change into something more comfortable. I take my time showering and removing all the traces of the day from my body, and when I'm done, I moisturize my skin and dab some perfume behind my ear. I settle on a dark blue silk dress—perfect to wear to bed for a nap.

But as I come back to the room, I note Ze has not left. He's sitting on my bed, his legs apart, his palms resting on his knees. I frown, concerned. It's been an hour since I left him there, maybe two.

His intense gaze is on me, his lips pursed as he just stares at me.

"Ze? What are you doing? Don't you have some demons to slay?" I ask, thinking he'd get the hint and leave. I did my duty and helped him. Now I deserve some me time, which is code for I'm tired and I want to nap the day away. After everything that happened today, I think I'm entitled to as much.

"I have been thinking," he starts slowly.

I raise a brow at him.

"You have been thinking for over an hour?"

"I have been thinking," he repeats, clearing his throat. "Today was a success."

"It was." I nod.

"Because of you," he surprises me by adding.

Now that's...unexpected. He looks mighty uncomfortable as he says that, though.

"You did well," he adds quietly.

"Thank you... I guess?"

He nods, his expression serious.

"You are, indeed, a worthy female."

"Okay..."

"We make a good team," he continues awkwardly.

"Right. Thanks. Now you can go."

He doesn't move.

"We shall celebrate," he declares, straightening his back.

"Celebrate?" I repeat numbly, still confused.

"I have decided to give you the honor of being the first female to go on a date with me."

"A...date?"

He nods proudly.

"You may rejoice."

FIFTY-SIX

I stare at him for a moment before I burst into laughter.

He doesn't share my mirth, however.

"What is so amusing, human?" He narrows his eyes at me.

"Do you even know what a date is?" I ask, my lips quivering as I try to curb my laughter.

"Of course," he answers in indignation. "I have performed thorough research." He opens his palm, manifesting a stack of about five or six books, all with the same mix of red and white cover and spine.

"What is that?" I frown, moving closer to examine the titles.

"The books you like to read. I procured them from your world to familiarize myself with those hobbies of yours."

Somehow, that statement warms my heart. He, who has never had a hobby in his life, wanted to learn more about mine.

"But... How did you think those are the books I like to read?"