"I'm not sulking," Lisa retorted, her voice a flat, controlled ribbon of sound.
Her lips pressed into a thin line, a physical barrier to her brewing discontent.
"Oh, aren't you?" Zhang Wei's challenge hung in the air, playful yet probing.
He propelled his newly acquired chair backwards with a swift motion and stood, his footsteps a deliberate echo on the cold floor.
Each step towards Lisa etched a deeper furrow in her brow, her frown a silent scream against his advancing presence.
"I told you I am alright. Or do you want me to throw a temper for no reason?" Her words were a rapid-fire attempt at deflection, her eyes rolling in exasperation, yet betrayed by an internal wave of panic as he closed the distance between them.
"Really?" His skepticism, almost tangible, as he settled beside her, his movements a blend of grace and intention.
With a gentle, yet assertive pull, he brought her closer.
