Zara cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "Ahem… I get it, you're a rude kid."
The boy's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He pointed a trembling finger at her, clearly scandalized.
"W-What did you just call me? I'm not rude at all!"
Zara waved her hand dismissively, trying to change the subject from the previous embarrassing point.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. You're a perfect little gentleman."
His eye twitched at the clear sarcasm in her voice.
"So…" Zara leaned forward slightly, a playful glint in her eyes. "You gonna tell me your name now, kiddo?"
He turned his head dramatically to the side, gazing at the sky as if hoping it would swallow him whole.
"My name's Cathan. Now you know—so stop bothering me."
Zara smiled, unfazed, and walked up to him. Gently, she patted his head. His body stiffened like a statue at her touch.
"What do you think you're doing?" he snapped.
She ignored his glare and looked up at the sky beside him.
