The second Ryo kissed her forehead Petal found herself suddenly breathless, her rambling having ceased in mid-sentence. It was like someone had hit the pause button on her, freezing her in place, her wide eyes blinked up at Ryo in surprise. A rush of warmth spread from her forehead, where Ryo's lips had brushed against her skin. She was still trying to process what had happened when he answered her question. Her heart pounded in her chest, the usual rhythm replaced with a catchy beat that was as surprising as it was exhilarating. She couldn’t help the giggle that slipped past her lips. She sat there, a bit stunned, still smiling up at him. She could feel a blush creeping up her cheeks, but she didn't attempt to hide it.
"Well, well, Mr. Wisdom, are you trying to make me one of those heartbroken kids?" she teased. She was trying to bring back the light-hearted banter, hoping it would help her regain her composure. She gave him a playful nudge with her shoulder, an attempt to return them to their normal interaction. But the blush was stubborn, refusing to leave her cheeks, and she could not completely erase the slight tremble in her voice. It was strange, how Ryo's single gesture had managed to disrupt her usual bubbly demeanor. She looked up at him, her eyes twinkling, "So, do you always surprise people like this, or is it just me?" Her playful tone was returning, and with it, her confidence.