Did it hurt？

Lola's tinnitus hadn't improved, it was incessant, like the unyielding hum of a blower. It was akin to the clean sheets billowing in the wind, rustling incessantly, or a cherry tree buffeted by the brisk winds of spring.

Her lips ached, making breathing difficult, let alone swallowing.

The first time she was caught stealing, Eugenie applied ointment to Lola's wounds late into the night. That was the beginning of their friendship. Eugenie was slightly taller than Lola. On cold nights, they'd fold their blankets together, snuggling beneath the shared warmth.

During an incident at the restaurant, Lola had bitten her lip in a scuffle, and the mere touch was painful, exactly like now.

Caesar was silent. The barrel of the gun he held against Lola's temple was chilling and unyielding.

Caesar had seldom kissed Lola before, perhaps due to their status difference, or maybe because he didn't know how. Even their first kiss was initiated by Lola in a mix of playful whining and stubborn insistence