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(A/N's Note: Welcome everyone to the next chapter! I'm not sure how many of these chapters will be left so I'll be working hard over the next few weeks to try and get this story finished!
Also a big big thank you for now over 5k reads! You all have no idea what that means to me!! I will be writing more often when I find the time between my studies but for now, enjoy reading this chapter! A~ xoxo)
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Shen scoffed, his crimson eyes glinting with amusement as he crossed his wings over his chest. "Oh, please, Y/N," he said, voice dripping with playful arrogance. "I highly doubt you could even lay a hand on me. My reflexes are unmatched, and I—"
He didn't get to finish.
Because the moment he let his guard down, Y/N's eyes gleamed with mischief, and without hesitation, she lunged at him. Her fingers expertly darted to his sides, right where she knew he'd be most sensitive.
Shen's entire body jolted in shock, and the proud, composed Lord of Gongmen let out the loudest laugh Y/N had ever heard.
"Y-Y/N—!" he gasped, staggering backward, his wings flaring as he tried to defend himself. But Y/N was relentless. She tickled under his ribs, along the curve of his waist, and even at the base of his wings, making him thrash and squawk with uncharacteristic helplessness.
Y/N was laughing just as much, her own joy amplified by the sight of Shen completely losing his composure. "Oh, I knew it! You are ticklish!" she teased, eyes sparkling. "And here I thought you were unbeatable!"
Shen could barely breathe through his laughter. His knees nearly buckled as he tried to escape her hands, but Y/N had him right where she wanted him. His usual cool and regal demeanor was gone—replaced with this flustered, giggling mess of a peacock.
After a solid minute of relentless tickling, Y/N finally relented, stepping back with a triumphant grin. Shen, however, was left catching his breath, his feathers slightly ruffled, and—most amusingly—his lower beak was pouting ever so slightly.
Y/N gasped dramatically, covering her mouth with both hands. "Oh my goodness... Lord Shen, are you pouting?" she teased, barely containing her laughter.
Shen shot her a glare, straightening up as he smoothed out his robe, trying to reclaim some of his dignity. "I do not pout," he huffed, though the slight tilt of his beak said otherwise.
"Oh, you so are," Y/N giggled, stepping closer to him. "Poor little peacock, did I hurt your pride?"
Shen's expression darkened just enough for Y/N to realize that maybe, just maybe, she had pushed him too far.
Because, without warning, Shen took a slow, calculated step toward her. Then another. And another.
Y/N's laughter faltered as he loomed over her, towering with that dangerously smooth smirk curling on his face. "Shen...?" she said, suddenly cautious.
"Hello, Y/N," he replied way too calmly, lifting an elegant brow.
Y/N swallowed a small laugh and gave a nervous little wave. "Hello, Shen..."
Shen reached out with his wing, taking her wrist ever so gently. "Tell me, darling," he purred, his voice smooth like silk, "do you really think it's a good idea to tease me?"
Y/N grinned, refusing to back down. "No one should ever tease the great Lord Shen, should they?" she said, her voice laced with playful mockery. She was calm, collected, and Shen could see it in her eyes—she thought she had the upper hand.
