Lulu’s smile was sweet and comforting, yet Lily felt only a chill creeping down her spine.

If she refused, Lulu would surely do even more outrageous things…

With no choice left, Lily gave a slight nod.

She was utterly drained, powerless to resist whatever Lulu might do.

A satisfied smile graced Lulu’s face.

“There, there—good girl~”

Lulu set the tray on the nearby table, walked over, lifted Lily gently back into bed, and affectionately patted her head.

She returned with the food, sat beside Lily, scooped a bite of omelette rice with a small spoon, and brought it softly to Lily’s lips.

“Open up~ Say ah~”

Lily obeyed, taking small bites while glancing at Lulu. Tenderness shimmered in Lulu’s eyes—her gaze as gentle as a spring breeze.

Yet to Lily, it was terrifying. More terrifying than Lulu’s roughness the night before.

Because Lily finally understood: every act stemmed from Lulu’s love.

Love made her imprison Lily. Love drove the punishment after Lily said she didn’t like her. Love now shaped this gentle mask—so unlike last night.

This was Lulu’s love. Heavy. Suffocating.

Lily no longer felt human—just a pet, a plaything held tightly in Lulu’s palm, utterly at her mercy.

A surreal haze washed over her. *Is this a dream?*

But the fragrant omelette rice on her tongue whispered the truth: she was a caged bird in Lulu’s world.

The Lulu Lily knew was sweet, romantic, kind-hearted, cheerful—flawed, yes, sometimes impulsive, careless. They’d grown up together; Lily knew every habit, every quirk.

Which made this impossible to grasp.

How could impulsive, scatterbrained Lulu pull off a kidnapping? Plan it meticulously?

Most unbelievable: she hadn’t absentmindedly left the handcuff key in her pocket—a habit Lily had witnessed countless times, without exception. As likely as the sun rising west.

*Was it all an act?*

Could love twist someone into wearing a mask for years… just to reveal it now?

“Hey, my dearest Lily-chan~”

Lulu’s voice, warm with anticipation, brushed Lily’s ear.

“How is it? Delicious?”

“…”

Lily jolted, trembling all over.

Lulu tilted her head. “Huh? Don’t you like it, Lily?”

“…”

Silence might bring worse.

Lily shook her head quickly. “N-no… I really… really like it.”

“Really?” Lulu pressed.

“…Mm.”

A blissful smile bloomed on Lulu’s face.

So happy.

Never this happy before.

Like walking on cotton-candy clouds toward a candy-colored rainbow—Lulu’s heart soared, flooded with honey-sweet joy, all from three little words.

She hadn’t known she’d be so easily fulfilled. Lily’s quiet praise felt like the greatest reward. Pride bubbled up, giddy and warm.

*She liked my omelette rice!*

*She said it herself!*

“If you like it, finish every bite!”

Humming softly, Lulu smiled and continued feeding her playfully.

Watching Lulu’s radiant joy, Lily’s chest tightened with tangled emotions.

Strangely… the weight eased. For a heartbeat, it felt normal—like Lulu had simply cooked her a meal at home.

When Lily saw that genuine, glowing smile, a flicker of warmth sparked in her own heart. Contagious.

*Why? It shouldn’t feel like this.*

She couldn’t accept the imprisonment. Couldn’t accept last night’s torment with that little toy.

But… did she truly hate Lulu?

After a silent pause, the answer stunned her.

No. She didn’t.

Their bond ran deep—woven from years of greetings, shared walks, whispered chats. Not even this could break it.

Lily realized: she still cared. If freed now, she wouldn’t call the police or tell their parents. She’d just need time to heal.

And if Lulu sincerely apologized… they could still be best friends.

To her shock, Lily saw only a girl who’d chosen the wrong path to love. She felt no urge to expose the crime, only worry: *If this gets out, Lulu’s life is ruined…*

*Is my love for her really this deep?*

Not as fierce as Lulu’s—but steady, ancient, carved into the softest part of her heart.

Her nose twitched. Tears spilled over.

She hated how pathetic she felt—still protecting the kidnapper before her. Yet her heart refused to change.

“Aww, why are you crying again?”

“Because… your omelette rice is just too delicious, Lulu…”

Lily offered a sorrowful smile.

The virus called love… once infected, there is no escape.