Her voice held no irritation, it seemed more like she was... teasing.

Arnold Simmons’s gaze flickered slightly, catching a glimpse of a bright, beautiful face in his peripheral vision; he whispered softly, "Hmm."

She laughed again, gently tapping on the palm of his hand, "Arnold, how are you still so adorable?"

A tingling sensation spread from the center of his palm.

Arnold instinctively tightened his grip, just in time to catch that mischievous little hand.

A soft, warm touch.

"Do you really need to go to the Blackwood Forest?"

The conversation shifted back.

Hannah frowned slightly, then relaxed, looking down at the ground with a quiet, "Hmm."

"The Blackwood Forest is very dangerous now."

"I know."

But even if it was dangerous, she had to go.

If she couldn’t even get through the Blackwood Forest, there was no way she could reach the Lost Realm.

Moreover, she had the ability to protect herself.

A cool breeze swept through the streets, and just in a moment, the distant horizon blushed with an orange sunset.

It looked like it was going to rain again.

Lately, District Nine and the borders had been restless.

"I’ll go with you."

Hannah stopped in her tracks and looked up at him, "Are you sure?"

Arnold nodded, "Hmm."

He couldn’t possibly let her face those things alone.

Whether it was the Blackwood Forest or the Lost Realm, he would go with her.

Hannah sighed, swinging Arnold’s hand gently, like a child at play, her expression placid, the corners of her mouth lifted into a slight smile.

But it was still impossible to tell if she was happy or angry.

After a few seconds, she sighed again and then wrapped her arms around Arnold’s waist, burying her whole self into his embrace.

Arnold tentatively reached out, gently stroking her soft black hair as he used to.

"Hannah."

He called her name.

A muffled sound came from his chest.

"Hmm."

His eyes lowered, focusing solely on her, "I want to be with you, no matter what happens."

Hannah didn’t speak, just pressed closer and nuzzled into his chest.

Like a hibernating plush animal, seeking a sense of safe belonging.

After a long time, she finally responded softly.

"I know."

Her voice was delicate and breathy.

Arnold couldn’t see her expression, only gently soothing her by stroking her head.

"Hannah, I’ve always been here."

He didn’t want to experience losing her again.

Never.

"Arnold." She took a deep breath, lifted her head, her eyes still bright, "This is my own matter."

It was not about setting boundaries.

She was still her.

But she was also not her.

She had many things to do.

Past, present, future, she had long been accustomed to facing everything alone.

She didn’t need anyone’s companionship, nor did she need to drag anyone down with her.

She was confident in her own strength and independence.

Her world was not only about love and companionship.

Hannah asked him, "Would you be angry?"

Arnold shook his head, pulling her into his embrace, seriously saying, "No."

He respected all her decisions.

But one thing...

"I will go with you to the Blackwood Forest."

Hannah relaxed, leaning into his embrace, "It’s very dangerous there."

Arnold said, "That’s why I must go."

"I’m very capable, I can protect myself."

She clutched the clothing at Arnold’s side, tugging it slightly as if slightly displeased.

Arnold soothed her, "I know, but I will still worry."

He believed in her capabilities.

But even if there was just a one in ten thousand chance...