Ark Simulator, don't I have no physical form?

Mostima gave a knowing smirk, glancing towards the villa entrance: "The rules are simple~ When little Suri comes out... we'll give him a... 'surprise welcome ceremony'!" She deliberately dragged out her words, her eyes gleaming with mischievous excitement.

"Huh? A sneak attack on Suri?!" Fiameta was startled and waved her hands repeatedly. "No, no! He'll be angry!" She hadn't forgotten Suri's terrifying fighting power and cold eyes.

“Oh, it’s just a game, not a real fight.” Mostima waved her hand dismissively. “Look at how awkward he was just now. It’s good for him to stretch his muscles and vent his frustration. Besides, with Remian around, he won’t dare to do anything.” She winked at Remian, seeking an ally.

Remien looked at Mostima's mischievous grin, then at Fiameta's mixture of fear and excitement, and smiled helplessly. She knew Mostima was just being silly, but... seeing Suri occasionally let his guard down and play around like a normal teenager seemed... not so bad? She softly told Fiameta, "Be careful, don't go too far." This was tacit approval.

With Remian's endorsement, Fiameta grew bolder. She gripped the water gun tightly, a nervous yet excited expression on her face: "Okay... okay then! Let's play for a little while!"

The two acted quickly, hiding behind palm trees and lounge chairs by the pool, filling their water tanks, and standing ready like two excited children preparing to ambush their prey.

Not long after, the glass door of the villa opened, and Su Rui came out carrying two large takeout bags. The blush on his face had faded, and he had returned to his usual indifferent expression, though a faint trace of weariness lingered between his brows, a weariness that came from just escaping a "girls' topic." He was about to invite Remi and the others over for dinner…

"attack!!"

With Mostima's cheerful "command," two rapid jets of water, like white arrows, shot precisely from the left and right towards the unsuspecting Surui!

"Pfft!"

"Crack-!"

The icy water splashed onto Su Rui unexpectedly, soaking him completely from his cheeks and chest to his trouser legs!

Suri: "!!!"

He froze, as if struck by a spell! He nearly dropped the takeout bag from his hand! After a few seconds of stunned silence, a surge of anger, a mixture of shock, bewilderment, and a feeling of being mocked, rushed to his head! His dark eyes sharpened instantly, turning sharply towards the direction from which the water jet had come!

“Mostima!!!” He practically spat out the name through gritted teeth, his voice so cold it could freeze a person to death! He saw Mostima hiding behind a palm tree, laughing so hard she was doubled over, and on the other side, Fiameta, both nervous and excited!

"Hahaha! Target hit!" Mostima wasn't afraid of him at all. She proudly raised her water gun and jumped out from behind the tree. "Little Suri! You're too slow! Come and receive the baptism of justice!" With that, she pulled the trigger again, and a jet of water shot towards Suri's face!

Fiamet also mustered his courage, poked his head out from behind cover, and fired a shot in the direction of Suri. Although his aim was a bit off, his momentum was strong!

Suri jerked to the side to avoid Mostima's jet of water, but his shoulder still got splashed. The icy touch and the blatant provocation completely ignited his anger! Calmness! Image! To hell with all that! He just wanted to shove those two reckless women into the pool!

Volume 17, Chapter 1082: You're courting death.

"You...you're courting death!!" he roared, ignoring the takeout in his hand. He casually tossed the bag onto a dry recliner beside him, his eyes flashing, and a fierce aura instantly erupted from his body! His gaze was like lightning as he quickly scanned the battlefield, then he darted towards the nearest toy basket containing another spare water gun!

"Oh no! He's serious! Run!" Mostima screamed when she saw the situation was bad, and turned to jump into the pool!

But Suri was incredibly fast! He grabbed the water gun almost instantly, without even looking, and with a flick of his wrist, a fast and rapid jet of water, like a precise bullet, struck Mostima directly in the back!

"Ah!" Mostima screamed as she was drenched and plunged into the pool, splashing a huge spray of water!

One taken care of! Without pausing, Suri's icy gaze instantly locked onto Fiameta, who was preparing to launch a sneak attack on the other side!

Fiameta was terrified by his murderous gaze, almost dropping the water gun in her hand: "Su...Su Rui! I was wrong! Don't hit me!" she begged, instinctively hiding behind Remian's wheelchair.

"Now you know you're wrong? Too late!" Su Rui snorted coldly, not buying it at all. He turned the gun around and shot a jet of water towards the direction where Fiameta was hiding!

"Ah!" Fiameta cried out in surprise, hurriedly dodging as water splashed past her arm, feeling cool and refreshing.

"Suri! Go easy on him!" Remyanne, seeing the chaotic scene, was both amused and worried, and quickly tried to stop them. But her voice was soon drowned out by the even louder noise.

Mostima had already climbed out of the pool, soaking wet, her short silver-gray hair plastered to her cheeks, but she laughed even more wildly: "Little Suri! Take this!" She pulled out another water gun from somewhere (heaven knows how many spare weapons she had hidden!) and started shooting wildly at Suri from the water!

Suri nimbly dodged left and right, while his water gun seemed to come alive, launching precise counterattacks! The water jets crisscrossed in the air, hissing loudly. Although he was fighting on land, his excellent reaction speed and accurate shooting allowed him to hold his own for a while! He even occasionally forced Mostima and Fiameta into a frantic struggle!

A chaotic and intense water gun battle erupted in the backyard! Water splashed everywhere, screams, laughter, and the spray of water guns filled the air! The usually cold and taciturn Su Rui seemed to have been ignited by a hidden competitive spirit and playful nature characteristic of youth. Although he still maintained a stern expression, a rare and vibrant light shone in his dark eyes! Like an enraged yet delighted snow leopard, he nimbly darted and counterattacked on the "battlefield"!

Remi'an sat in her wheelchair, watching the scene before her, so lively and vibrant, like children playing, a gentle and gratified smile on her face. This side of Suri was rare, yet…exceptionally real, exceptionally moving. She didn't participate, but quietly stood by, acting as the most loyal spectator and…Suri's "safe zone."

The battle lasted nearly twenty minutes. Although Suri possessed exceptional "combat skills," he was ultimately fighting two opponents, and Mostima was cunning, while Fiameta occasionally managed to get lucky. Combined with the natural advantage of the swimming pool as cover, he inevitably ended up soaked to the bone. His silver hair was completely drenched, clinging limply to his forehead and cheeks, constantly dripping water. His white T-shirt and beach shorts clung tightly to his body, outlining his lean and powerful muscles. Water droplets slid down his smooth jawline and collarbone, gleaming under the light.

Mostima and Fiameta weren't much better off; both looked like they'd been pulled out of the water, their hair and clothes completely soaked, but their faces beamed with carefree, happy smiles.

"Ceasefire! Ceasefire! I surrender!" Mostima was the first to give in, collapsing by the pool, panting and raising her hands in surrender, but her face beamed with joy. "Little Suri, you're amazing! I can't beat you!"

Fiameta was also exhausted, panting heavily as she leaned on Remian's wheelchair: "I can't... I have no strength left... Suri, you're a monster..."

Su Rui stood by the pool, his chest rising and falling slightly, his breathing a little rapid. He wiped the water droplets from his face, looked at the disheveled appearance of his two "defeated opponents," and snorted coldly. Although he didn't speak, the corners of his tightly pressed lips curled up almost imperceptibly, as if... he was in a good mood? This chaotic scuffle had unexpectedly allowed him to vent his pent-up frustration and embarrassment, making him feel much more relaxed.

However, after the strenuous exercise, a strong sense of fatigue followed. Especially after relaxing, the physical exhaustion from last night's "intense exercise" and today's day of activity (including the water gun fight just now) surged up like a tide. He couldn't help but let out a big yawn, a layer of physiological mist rising in his dark eyes, making his gaze somewhat unfocused.

"Ah..." He rubbed his slightly sore eyes, feeling his eyelids getting heavier and heavier.

"Tired?" Remy's gentle voice sounded beside her. She pushed the wheelchair to Suri, took out a dry towel that she had prepared beforehand, and gently wiped his still dripping hair and cheeks. "Have you had enough fun? Go take a hot shower, change into dry clothes, and then it's time to eat." Her movements were gentle, and her tone was full of concern.

The warm, dry towel touched his skin, bringing a comforting warmth. Remien's familiar fragrance, combined with her gentle voice, was like the most effective tranquilizer. Suri's tense nerves completely relaxed, and a strong wave of drowsiness washed over him. Like a cat that had been stroked comfortably, he slightly closed his eyes, letting out a muffled, weary murmur. He didn't even have the energy to dwell on the "humiliation" of being ambushed earlier.

"Hmm..." he mumbled in response, but his body involuntarily leaned towards Remian. He was so tired that he didn't even want to move.

Remien looked at him, so sleepy he could barely keep his eyes open, and felt both heartache and amusement. She opened her arms, and Suri, as if finding support, very naturally and somewhat dependently rested his wet head on her shoulder, almost half-lying down in her wheelchair. He closed his eyes, his long, wet, silver eyelashes drooping, his breathing gradually becoming even and long—he had actually…fallen asleep right next to Remien?!

Volume 17, Chapter 1083: Looks exhausted.

Mostima and Fiameta climbed out of the pool to find this scene: Suri, like a large, soaking wet, exhausted dog, nestled defenselessly in Remien's arms, fast asleep. Remien held him gently, lightly drying his hair with a towel, a tender smile on her face.

"Wow... she fell asleep instantly..." Mostima exclaimed, lowering her voice to Fiameta, "She must be exhausted~"

Fiamet nodded, looking at Suri's unguarded sleeping face, a strange feeling welling up inside her. This boy, usually as cold as ice and as strong as a monster, also had such a vulnerable and dependent side.

“Let’s go take a shower and change first,” Remien whispered to Mostima and Fiameta. “Let him sleep a little longer. Wait until the takeout is a little warm before waking him up.”

Mostima and Fiameta nodded, quietly picked up dry towels, wrapped themselves in them, and went back to their room to take a shower.

The backyard returned to tranquility, save for the gentle lapping of the pool and Suri's steady breathing. Remien looked down at the peaceful sleeping face of the boy in her arms, her heart overflowing with tenderness. This evening, though it began chaotically and proceeded in a whirlwind of activity, ended... in such peace and warmth. To him, being able to lean on her so unguarded was the greatest happiness.

Suri slowly awoke from her deep sleep, enveloped in an incredibly warm, soft, and reassuring feeling. Her consciousness returned like a receding tide, the first sensation being a comfortable blend of slight ache and utter relaxation throughout her body. Next came the familiar, delicate fragrance of Remian lingering at her nose, and… two other distinct yet familiar feminine scents—the sun-kissed soapy aroma of Fiameta, and Mostima's unique, slightly aggressive aroma, a blend of worldly dust and exotic spices.

He shifted slightly, finding himself curled up in an extremely dependent and relaxed posture… within a soft and warm “circle” formed by the bodies of three women. His head rested on Remien’s soft thighs, his cheek able to clearly feel the soft touch of her loungewear fabric. One of Remien’s hands was gently, almost absently, combing through the slightly damp silver hair on his forehead. And his back was pressed against the warm sides of Fiameta and Mostima, who seemed to be asleep as well, their even breathing providing a reassuring, rising and falling sensation.

This feeling of being completely enveloped and surrounded by gentle warmth was something he had never experienced before. There was no wariness, no alienation, only an almost instinctive sense of acceptance and protection. He closed his eyes, greedily savoring this rare tranquility and warmth, and for a moment he was reluctant to wake up.

However, his biological clock and gradually clearing consciousness still made him slowly open his eyes. The first thing that came into view was Remian's lowered, gentle, smiling lake-blue eyes.

"Awake?" Remy's voice was as soft as a feather brushing against his heart. Her fingertips paused for a moment, then gently brushed against his brow bone. "Did you sleep well?"

Suri blinked, still a little sleepy. He subconsciously rubbed his cheek against Remian's leg like a lazy feline, letting out a muffled and hoarse "...Mmm" from deep in his throat. His voice was thick with nasal tone and sleepiness, sounding almost like a spoiled child.

This subconscious gesture of affection instantly melted Remy's heart, and her smile deepened.

Just then, Suri felt the side of Mostima's body that was pressed against his back move slightly. He instinctively turned his head and met a pair of lake-blue eyes that were close to his, eyes that held a playful smile.

Mostima had woken up sometime earlier and was lying on her side, propping her head up with one hand, watching him with a leisurely air. Her short, silver-gray hair was a little messy, with a few strands playfully falling across her forehead, and her face wore a sly and knowing expression, as if she had discovered some interesting secret. Her gaze lingered on Suri's cheek, which had just brushed against Remian's leg, and on his sleepy, unguarded face, the corner of her mouth curving into a meaningful smile.

Eyes facing each other.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Normally, if Mostima stared at him like that, Suri would immediately turn cold, kill her with his gaze, or simply get up and leave, radiating a "keep away" aura. But at this moment, perhaps the languid feeling of just waking up hadn't completely faded, perhaps the overwhelming sense of security in Remi's arms was too overwhelming, or perhaps... the various "exceptions" from last night to today had made him somewhat tolerant of this level of "intimate contact"? Suri's reaction was unexpectedly calm.

He didn't immediately look away, nor did he show any displeasure or wariness. He simply watched Mostima quietly, the lingering sleepiness in his dark eyes gradually fading, returning to their usual clarity, but the usual coldness and aloofness seemed to have faded considerably. His gaze was calm and unwavering, even carrying a hint of... the bewilderment of just waking up and... an almost tacit indifference?

He stared at Mostima without speaking or moving, as if they were communicating silently.

Mostima's eyes deepened with amusement; she seemed to understand the message conveyed in Suri's gaze—a tacit approval tinged with indulgence: "I know you're watching, but I don't care, as long as you don't go too far." Her smile broadened, radiating a triumphant pleasure.

Then, she made a movement that made Su Rui's body stiffen almost imperceptibly—she reached out her free hand, her fingertips slightly cool, and very naturally and gently brushed aside a strand of damp hair that had fallen across Su Rui's forehead. The movement was gentle, carrying a kind of… indulgent intimacy?

Suri's body tensed for a split second! It was an almost instinctive, wary reaction to sudden contact. His dark eyes narrowed slightly, his pupils contracted, and his gaze was fixed firmly on Mostima's fingers.

However, the expected push or scolding did not occur. After a brief stiffness, Suri's tense body slowly relaxed. He did not pull away, nor did he speak to stop her. He even... just as Mostima's fingertips were about to leave his forehead, he extremely lightly, almost imperceptibly... rubbed his forehead against her fingertips?!

Volume 17, page 1084 is at least acceptable.

The movement was so subtle it was almost an illusion, so fast it vanished in an instant! But Mostima's fingers clearly felt that extremely brief, warm, soft touch! Her eyes lit up instantly! As if she had discovered a new continent!

After making that movement, Suri immediately seemed somewhat annoyed, quickly turning his face away and burying his cheek between Remian's legs again, leaving only his faintly pink earlobe exposed, revealing his inner turmoil. He seemed... to feel a trace of... shame about his subconscious, almost "response" to that intimate gesture just now?

But this subtle interaction was like a silent contract, quietly reached between the two.

Mostima withdrew her hand, her smile softening considerably, losing some of its playfulness and gaining a genuine warmth. She understood. Suri was expressing himself in his own way: as long as she behaved herself and didn't engage in any outrageous pranks or dangerous tests, then, for Remian's sake, he was willing to accept her as a "companion," and even... tacitly approve of this level of harmless intimacy.

This was an unprecedented and enormous concession for Suri.

All of this was observed by Remien, who was standing nearby. Watching Suri's subtle, indulgent nuzzling motion towards Mostima, she felt a surge of indescribable warmth and relief. She knew that Suri was clumsily and slowly trying to open his heart, trying to accept trustworthy companions other than her. What a difficult step this was for him!

She didn't point it out, but instead stroked Su Rui's hair even more gently, giving him silent support and encouragement through her actions.

At this moment, Fiameta, on the other side, also woke up groggily. She rubbed her eyes and was stunned for a moment when she saw the heartwarming scene of the three of them sleeping in each other's arms (although Suri was the core). Then, a silly smile appeared on her face: "Ah...everyone's awake? What time is it? Is dinner cold?"

Her honest words broke the subtle silence in the air and gave Su Rui an excuse to get rid of the awkward situation.

As if reminded, Suri abruptly lifted his head from Remien's lap, his movements somewhat hurried. His face still held lingering sleepiness and a barely perceptible blush. His tone returned to its usual indifference, but without a hint of sharpness: "...I'm hungry. Go heat up some food." He then tried to break free from the "encirclement" of the three women.

Remien laughed and released her grip. Mostima also chuckled and moved aside, casually patting Suri's back (a gesture that made Suri stiffen slightly, but she didn't pull away): "Go on, go on~ I'm starving~"

Fiameta quickly got up and moved her slightly numb arms.

Su Rui stood up and straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes. He glanced at the now-cold pizza box on the table, then at the three smiling women beside him. That unfamiliar feeling of being relied upon and needed resurfaced within him. He pursed his lips, said nothing, turned and walked to the kitchen, where he skillfully began operating the microwave to heat the food.

His back view remained upright and aloof, but the aura of unapproachability emanating from him seemed to have softened slightly.

Remian, Mostima, and Fiameta exchanged smiles and got up to help set the table, fetch cutlery, and pour drinks. The atmosphere was harmonious and warm.

When the steaming pizza was served again, its aroma filling the air, the four of them sat down together. Suri remained silent, focused on her savory pizza, but she no longer responded to Mostima's occasional teasing jokes, which were meant without malice, with the usual coldness. Occasionally, she would even let out a very soft, ambiguous hum in response. She merely glanced at Fiameta's clumsy attempt to nearly spill her juice, offering no sarcastic remark.

This subtle change was perhaps not even fully realized by Suri herself. But Remian, Mostima, and Fiameta clearly felt it. This night, made extraordinary by a thrilling water gun fight, an unexpected embrace and sleep, and a silent pact of "rubbing" together, was extraordinary. Suri's cold and hardened heart seemed to be quietly pried open by this noisy yet warm companionship. And the future, it seemed, was filled with the glimmer of more possibilities because of this crack.

After dinner, night had fallen. The spacious and tranquil open-air balcony on the second floor of the villa was bathed in the cool, salty sea breeze, which dispelled the last traces of the day's heat. The deep blue sky was dotted with stars, their light reflecting off the fishing boats on the distant horizon. A comfortable rattan sofa and coffee table were placed in one corner of the balcony, creating a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

Su Rui, holding a steaming cup of black coffee (he insisted on having one after meals, even though it was late), walked alone to the balcony railing. Leaning against the cool metal railing, he tilted his head slightly, gazing at the deep night sky, his silver hair gently swaying in the night breeze. He had changed into clean, dark gray loungewear, his daytime sharpness gone, appearing somewhat thin and…quiet under the starlight. His usually half-closed black eyes, now reflecting the starlight, held less coldness and more an unfathomable distance, as if pondering something, or perhaps simply lost in thought.

In the living room, Remian and Fiameta were still sitting on the sofa, some documents spread out on the coffee table, and the faint light emanating from the screens of their laptops. They seemed to be discussing the follow-up details of today's negotiations, or handling some official business from Laterano. Remian's voice was gentle and clear, while Fiameta occasionally raised questions or added comments; the atmosphere was serious and focused.

The balcony was connected to the living room by open floor-to-ceiling windows. The sounds of conversation from the other side could be faintly heard, but they didn't disturb the tranquility on this side. Suri enjoyed this feeling of being detached yet not completely isolated. He didn't need to participate in those tedious discussions; knowing that Remian was nearby was enough.

However, this tranquility of solitude did not last long.

A light, humming footstep approached from afar. Mostima, carrying a plate with several slices of still-steaming pizza (clearly leftovers from dinner, which she had reheated), strolled onto the balcony with a grin.

"Hey~ Little Suri, pretending to be deep here all by yourself?" She said in a light tone, and without any politeness, she moved closer to Suri, imitating him, leaning against the railing, and handed him the plate in her hand. "Here, it's freshly heated, the cheese is still stretchy~ Want to try some? I don't think you ate much tonight."

Volume 17, Chapter 1085: Mysterious

Suri turned his head, glanced at Mostima indifferently, then looked at the tempting pizza on the plate. It was definitely the savory kind, without any unpleasant fruits or sweet sauces. He hadn't eaten much that evening because he was a bit tired from all the commotion. After hesitating for a moment, he reached out and picked up a small slice, saying softly, "...Thank you."

"You're welcome~" Mostima smiled, her eyes crinkling, and picked up a piece for herself, taking a small bite. As she ate, she nudged Suri's arm with her elbow, lowered her voice, and asked in a slightly gossipy tone, "Hey, what were Remian and Fiamet talking about just now? They were being so secretive."

Su Rui paused in his chewing, then replied expressionlessly, "...I don't know. I didn't hear it." He had never been interested in other people's official business.

"Tch~ Boring~" Mostima pouted, but there was no disappointment on her face. Instead, she moved a little closer to Suri. Their shoulders were almost touching. Suri's body stiffened almost imperceptibly for a moment, but he didn't immediately pull away. After the "baptism" of the afternoon's water gun battle and the evening's embrace, he seemed to have developed a certain "resistance" to Mostima's level of closeness.

Mostima seemed quite pleased with his tacit approval. She stopped pressing him about official business and instead changed the subject, launching into a wide-ranging chatter. From which night market in Siesta had the best grilled fish, to the latest embarrassing incident involving a fellow Executor, to the strange creatures she'd encountered during her wilderness travels… her thoughts jumped around wildly, her language vivid and engaging. Although she mostly talked to herself, Suri didn't show any impatience, simply listening quietly, occasionally letting out a muffled "hmm" in response because of the food in her mouth.

The atmosphere was surprisingly... fairly harmonious.

After finishing her pizza, Suri picked up her coffee and took a sip. Mostima also finished her meal, licked the grease off her fingers, and then... did something that caught Suri completely off guard.

She suddenly turned around, facing Su Rui, with her usual sly and mischievous smile on her face. Before Su Rui could react, she quickly and gently rubbed her cheek against Su Rui's cheek!

It feels warm and soft to the touch, with the aroma of pizza and the unique spices of Mostema, and it separates at the slightest touch!

Suri: "!!!"

He froze, as if struck by lightning! His hand holding the coffee cup hung suspended in mid-air, his pupils contracting sharply! His mind went completely blank from the sudden, overly intimate contact! A tingling, almost electric current seemed to run through his cheek where the touch had occurred, bringing a tingling sensation and… intense shame!

That crazy woman! What is she up to now?!

He almost reflexively stepped back, yelled, or wiped away the strange sensation! But just as his muscles tensed and anger surged, his gaze met Mostima's eyes, which were inches away.

There was no provocation or teasing in those lake-blue eyes; instead, there was a kind of...pure smile, like a small animal expressing affection, and...a hint of barely perceptible, tentative expectation? As if to say, "See, we're 'friends' now, aren't we?"

Moreover... she immediately stepped back after rubbing against him, without making any further moves, just smiling at him and waiting for his reaction.

The anger surging in Su Rui's chest deflated instantly, like a punctured balloon. He recalled the silent "rubbing" agreement from that afternoon, and his tacit consent to "closeness." If he were to fly into a rage now over a mere cheek rub, it seemed... a bit... overreacting? And wouldn't it make him seem... childish? Too... reserved?

More importantly… out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Remian in the living room, looking up towards the balcony. Remian had a gentle smile on her face, seemingly pleased with the “harmonious” scene on the balcony.

Suri's Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty. He forcefully suppressed all negative emotions and instinctive reactions, turning his head back stiffly and slowly. He avoided Mostima's gaze, looking back at the distant sea as if nothing had happened. Only... his originally fair cheeks visibly flushed with a thin layer of red, spreading all the way to his ears. His fingers, gripping the coffee cup, turned slightly white from the pressure.

He chose to...ignore it. He responded to this excessive "intimacy" with silence and awkwardness.

Mostima watched his awkward attempt to remain calm, his neck flushed crimson, and her smile deepened. She knew she had succeeded in her test once again! Suri's bottom line seemed to be... a little softer than she had imagined? At least under the "halo" of Remian's influence and with the tacit approval of their "comrade" status, his tolerance for such harmless, friendly physical contact was gradually increasing.

She didn't push her luck any further, but simply leaned back against the railing in a cheerful mood, picked up her glass of juice (which had somehow appeared), took a sip, and then slowly began to savor the last piece of pizza left on her plate. She stopped talking, simply staying quietly beside Suri, enjoying the night breeze and starlight, and the boy's silent, awkward "indulgence."

Suri remained silent, sipping his slightly cooled coffee. The lingering, soft touch on his cheek, like a feather, occasionally tickled his nerves, making him uneasy. He tried to focus his attention on the starry sky and the sea, attempting to ignore the woman's overwhelming presence beside him and the lingering strangeness on his face.