𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄 🌹(18+)

𝟒𝟖:- 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬

A boy and a girl sat across from each other at a tiny table, the surface barely big enough to hold the mountain of mismatched toys between them. The boy, about ten years old, lounged back in his chair with a smirk that could rival the devil's, lazily twirling a small pink card between his fingers. It was glittery and obnoxious, completely unlike the sleek black card she had in her hand.

The girl, barely six, narrowed her wide eyes at him. Her tiny fists clenched, cheeks puffed in frustration as she glared at him like he was the most unbearable creature to ever exist. "Give me that back, you oversized idiot! That's mine!" Her little voice squeaked, but the fire in it was unmistakable.

The boy raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing as he examined the pink card. "This? You mean this sparkling fairy princess nonsense?" He waved it tauntingly. "Nah, I think I'll keep it. It suits me better than it suits you."

Her jaw dropped, and her small face turned red with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "You-you oversized giraffe!" she yelled, lunging forward to snatch it.

But he was faster, pulling it out of her reach and holding it above his head like a trophy. "Oversized giraffe? That's a new one," he mused, thoroughly amused.

She didn't back down, though. Glaring at him like a tiny warrior ready for battle, she clenched her teeth. "Fine! If you're keeping that, then I'm keeping this!" She held his black card against her chest, defiance radiating from her.

For a moment, the boy blinked in surprise before his smirk returned, darker and more mischievous. "Oh, I don't think so."

Before she could react, she bolted, clutching the black card like her life depended on it. "Catch me if you can, stupid giraffe!" she shouted over her shoulder.

He didn't move immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with a grin. "You're really going to try running?" he muttered, almost to himself. "How cute."

The girl darted through the small yard, her tiny legs pumping furiously. But after a few steps, something felt...off. She wasn't moving. Or rather, she was moving, but not forward. She peeked over her shoulder, her heart sinking.

The boy stood there, holding the hood of her jacket between his fingers like he'd been waiting for this moment all along. His smirk widened as he cocked his head. "Going somewhere?"

Her eyes widened in realization, but before she could think to wriggle free, he tugged her back with surprising ease. She let out a high-pitched squeal as he pulled her into his arms, one arm looping around her waist to stop her struggling.

"Gotcha," he said smugly, his voice dripping with victory.

"Let me go, you oversized-oof!" she struggled against his hold, but his grip was firm, like he had no intention of letting her escape.

The boy leaned down slightly, his warm breath tickling her ear. "You really thought you could outrun me?"

She stilled, her fiery gaze snapping back to his smirking face. "One day, I'll get my card back. Just you wait!"

He chuckled, the sound deep and full of mockery. "Keep dreaming, princess. I don't lose."

And with that, he let her go, shoving the pink card into his pocket with a triumphant air. She stumbled forward, her fists clenched at her sides. She wanted to scream, cry, or tackle him to the ground, but all she could do was glare at his infuriating grin.

"I hate you!" she yelled, stomping her foot.

"Aw, hate is such a strong word," he said with a smirk, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder. "But you'll love me someday. You'll see."