Jane teased “him” mercilessly. It’s like she couldn’t hear his protest and denial.

“She really isn’t.” Naya insisted. She’s afraid this is out of Jade’s character.

“Yeah, that’s why you draw her. You’re not about to tell me she’s a client who asked you to draw her, right?”

“Yes, that’s it.” Naya was grasping at straws. This made Jane laugh loudly, while Jade grunted.

You can’t tell her that. Jade thought. As he lay on the bed, his sister’s teasing occupied his thoughts. He does like her. She’s his type, if he’s being honest. Physical-wise. As for the other aspects… well, they do have a lot in common. He knew it’s mainly because she’s his guardian. She knows everything about him. He frowned as he thought of something. Was she always watching him? Anytime, anywhere? He shuddered. Please, no. He chuckled, which puzzled Naya. His first crush is not even human. What’s going on with him?

During dinner, Jane divulged his secret to the rest of the family. Jade has a crush! Naya was flustered, as she doesn’t know how to react to that. How would Jade react to that?

“Help! You!” She screamed internally. Jade was watching the open television in the living room. He could roughly guess Jane’s intentions from earlier. Unfortunately, it was all new to Naya and she wasn’t reacting as well as he hoped. But it didn’t bother him. In a way, Jane is telling the truth.

“Don’t sweat it. They’ll only tease you further if you show that you’re embarrassed.” He replied without a glance at her. He had to consider their situation. He’s not about to waste their time together. He grinned to himself. How many others can say they fell in love with their guardians?

He froze. Did he just say…? He shook his head. No. It’s just a crush. No way is he in love. That would be weirder than a simple crush. He at least knows that a crush is mostly a physical attraction and it could end quickly when you find someone better looking. Oh wait, this is the first girl he thought was pretty. He groaned.

“What is wrong with you?” Her voice came to him, sounding concerned. Did she hear his groan of frustration?

“Nothing. We’ll talk later.” He dismissed. He hadn’t decided yet. All he knows is that this is a once in a lifetime experience. He can’t waste it. He may be timid towards other people, but that’s mostly because he doesn’t care about what they think of him. He couldn’t care less.

Towards Naya, though…

He grinned as he thought of something. She couldn’t run away. She’s stuck to his body. They already tried a few things during the first few days but nothing worked. She can't escape, and he can't go back.

When Naya got to his room, she took a misstep when she found him waiting for her by the door. She winced as her body slammed the door closed.

“Are you okay?” He moved closer to her to take a look.

“Fine. It’s my good arm.” She froze after saying that. Technically, it’s his arm. Would he think she's claiming what's his?

Jade helped her, though she didn’t need it. She raised an eyebrow upon seeing his serious expression.

“You said we’ll talk. What about?”

Him planting an arm on her left side, to lean it against the door… Her heart rate went up for some reason.

“Jane’s not wrong. I like you.” There. Who said confessing is hard? Jade is very straight-forward. He’s the type not to overthink important things.

Naya is beyond stunned as she could now hear her own heartbeats. It was loud against her chest. Although this body she’s occupying is a guy’s, she’s still a girl. Who knew why guardians need that distinction between genders?

Her legs turned to jelly from the shock. Jade quickly held her by the waist, and now they are closer to each other than ever.

“Are you okay?” His concern is now due to another reason. She almost fainted! Looking at him this close, why does she suddenly think that he looks manly?

She winced as her bad arm touched the door. Jade pulled her away, gently. The contact made her gasp.

When Jade sighed, she felt his breath on her face. He quickly picked her up, startling her, and putting her on the bed.

“I didn’t think you’re clumsy.” He noted, standing on the side as he watched her.

Her brain still hadn’t functioned well. She’s drawing a blank. What is happening?

Unconsciously, she stared at him.

Jade had to rethink this situation. If anyone saw them… if anyone saw her acting this way, they’d definitely think there’s something wrong with “him”. She clearly reacted like any girl would. It’s almost a good thing that he’s seeing her body, instead of his own. That would be major weird. He shook his head to keep those thoughts away.

Naya frowned seeing that action of his.

“What do you think of my confession?” He raised the topic when she looked normal again. She gaped at him. Did he just say that he confessed? She knew what a confession is, but… did he think this through?

“You do know that I’m a guardian?” She raised their number one barrier.

“I know.” His smile caught her off-guard. It was his sincerest smile. She knew that look.

“And you still like me? Are you crazy?” She had to say it, because that’s what it is.

He raised an eyebrow at her. With the way she’s acting, he’s actually… liking her more. He grinned.

Naya knew he’s not like the rest of the kids at his school, his classmates. He’s got a different perspective on things, which is why he mostly keep his opinions to himself.

His decision to let others bully him is not much of a mystery to her. He simply couldn’t be bothered by childish actions. He knew he couldn’t reason with their immaturity.

He suffered and yet… it was a conscious decision on his part. She admires him for it. Still, he’s just someone she had to watch over.

He leaned over her as she was about to sit up. She lay back down quickly to avoid his closeness. Is it right to say she’s almost like his great-great-grandma? Time-wise, given the length of time she stayed with the humans.

“Can I kiss you?” This is one thing Jade was curious as well. He’d kissed no one outside his family. He’s tempted to experience it upon finding a girl he likes.

“Are you out of your mind?” Naya quickly sat up to get away from him. She can’t be sure how he would act, as he’d never liked anyone before. Her forehead bumped into his and they both felt the pain.

“Aw…” She’s got a thick skull. Jade noted as he rubbed his forehead. Then, he froze. Wait… he’s not supposed to feel any pain. More importantly, he could’ve simply passed through her if he wanted. Well, maybe it’s because he wanted to touch her.

“Did you just say aw?” Naya heard it over her own exclamation. She raised an eyebrow. That was unprecedented.