"Ah," Nico answers, instantly divining the intent from the Akiha's downcast stare. Clunky with embarrassment, she goes on to say, "Okay."

Her lips already tingle with the kiss's aftereffect, as if to draw her back in-- and she does lean forward, by half an inch or so, before stopping herself and pulling back.

"Wait, wait." She clears her throat, smooths her hands down the front of her blouse. "We both still need to say it, right?"