This was something that they would often do whenever it was cold. Before this, when he warmed her hands, it would warm her heart too, but now... it merely gave her a sense of trepidation.

Because she had no idea what he was trying to do.

She squirmed uncomfortably and tried to pull her hands back, but his fingers were firmly wrapped around them, not letting her pull away.

"Mr. Valor..."

"Call me Jack. Haven't you always called me Jack?"

She pursed her lips tightly.

"Consider it an order. Call me Jack." He murmured softly, not wanting to hear her call him "Mr. Valor" one more time because it really annoyed him.

Serenity remained quiet for a long time before she finally uttered the word "Jack" softly.

The corners of his mouth instantly curled up into a smile.

The pure-looking smile left her in a daze. Before this, she had always thought that his smile was very pure, like it had not been contaminated by the world. It made her want to protect this purity in him.

But... Jackson Va