Seeing Hera’s flustered state in Zhane’s arms, Dave offered with a warm smile, "Sweetheart, would you like to be in my arms instead?" His genuine tone made Hera’s heart skip a beat and caused Zhane to pause. He nced down, finding Hera still hiding her face against his chest, while Dave eagerly peered over his shoulder, clearly wanting to take his ce. Dave’s gaze turned usatory, as if Zhane were hoarding Hera all to himself. Zhane, however, remained silent, prepared to honor Hera’s choice if she preferred to be with Dave.
Dave and Zhane waited in anticipation for Hera’s response, and feeling once again under the spotlight, she managed to croak out, "I’m fine now. I can walk on my own. It was just a moment of stiff muscles." Despite her attempt to downy the situation, her bright red ears betrayed her embarrassment. Both Zhane and Dave found her flustered state endearing.
"Are you sure you don’t want to experience being held in my strong arms instead?" Dave teased Hera, unable to resist seeing her blush like a lovesick young girl. "Despite my appearance, I have toned muscles that can hold their own against any of my friends." He shed a yful, boyish grin, and sent Zhane a challenging smirk.
Zhane shook his head at Dave’s childishpetitiveness ring up once again. He turned his attention back to Hera, his expression softening with concern. "Are you sure you’re feeling okay to walk on your own?" he asked gently.
Hera didn’t respond verbally but gave a weak nod, too embarrassed to make eye contact as she struggled to regain herposure. The feeling of being the center of attention only added to her difort, and she could almost sense the crowd around them, as if they were eagerly watching a captivating performance unfold.
Dave’s childish behavior wasn’t helping the situation, so Hera peered over Zhane’s shoulder and shot daggers at him with a fierce re. Dave visibly shuddered under her intense gaze, realizing only then how far he had pushed things due to his jealousy and sense of being left out. His shoulders slumped in defeat, and he muttered a weak apology. "I’m sorry," he said, looking like a chastened fox with his ears drooping.
Zhane chose not to kick Dave while he was down, refraining from further reprimanding him. He knew Hera’s intense gaze had already delivered the necessary message. It was unusual to see Dave back down so quickly and even apologize, given his typically mischievous nature. Usually, Dave would persist until he got what he wanted, but Hera’s stern look had managed to subdue him. Silently, Dave fell into line behind them, his usual bravado reced by a subdued demeanor.
Zhane carefully set Hera down, but he continued to hold her right hand, ready to offer support if she felt any difort. Despite his earlier apology, Dave was still eager to be close to Hera. As he reached out for her hand, he hesitated, his hand hovering in mid-air. Noticing Dave’s hesitation and feeling a bit sympathetic, Hera extended her left hand to grasp his, offering a reassuring touch.
hen Dave felt Hera’s small, soft hand in his, his slumped shoulders straightened, and a wide grin spread across his face. With newfound energy, he walked alongside Hera and Zhane, his steps light and springy. Zhane couldn’t help but shake his head, amused by Dave’s quick turnaround. He hadn’t realized how easily Dave could be cated with a simple gesture of reassurance.
On the other hand, Hera seemed to be growing ustomed to being nked by two male leads at once. She instinctively reached out to Dave, her actions reflecting a growing empathy that made her want to soothe their down moments. She noticed that her feelings were starting to align with theirs, but she chose not to overthink it. Instead, she decided to go with the flow and let things unfold naturally.