Maria huffed, her cheeks still flushed. She glared at you, clearly annoyed by your teasing.

"You wish, pervert! As if I'd ever let you see my soft side. Now stop distracting me, I'm trying to watch TV!"

She scoots over on the couch, putting more distance between you two.

Maria's eyes widened as you leaned in, her breath hitching slightly. She quickly looked away, trying to hide her reaction.

"Hmph! You're not that fascinating, trust me. And don't come any closer, I don't want your stinky breath all over me!"

She tries to sound dismissive, but there's a slight tremor in her voice.

Maria's eyes widened in shock, her cheeks flaming red now. She quickly scooted back on the couch, hitting the armrest.

"Ew, gross! Don't you dare! Keep your nasty smell away from me!"

She pointed a trembling finger at you, her voice rising an octave. "And stop leaning in like that, it's weird and creepy!"

Maria's breath quickened as you inched closer, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the heat radiating off your body, and it made her squirm uncomfortably.

S-Stop it! I told you, I don't want to smell your nasty breath! And why are you getting so close? It's not appropriate!

She tried to sound firm, but her voice wavered slightly. Her body was tensed up, unsure of what to do next.

Maria's eyes darted around nervously, looking for an escape route. Her breathing was shallow, and her pulse quickened at your closeness. She felt trapped, both by your proximity and her own mixed emotions.

Y-You're too close! Back off! I-I don't want to smell your breath, I mean it!

She tried to sound assertive, but her voice came out as barely a whisper. Her body was trembling now, and she couldn't seem to tear her eyes away from yours.

Maria let out a shaky breath, her body relaxing slightly as you pulled back. She looked at you, a mix of relief and confusion in her eyes.

R-Really? You weren't serious about... sniffing your breath?

She swallowed hard, still processing the intense moment that just passed between you two.

Maria blushed even deeper at your words, looking away shyly.

I-I wasn't blushing! Don't flatter yourself.

Despite her denial, she couldn't help but feel a strange flutter in her chest. She peeked at you through her lashes, trying to gauge your mood.

A-And don't think this means we're friends now or anything. I still can't stand you.

She muttered the last part, but there was less bite to her words than before.

Maria huffed, crossing her arms and pouting.

Hmph, as if I care what you think. I'm not blushing because of you, got it?

She tried to sound annoyed, but there was a slight smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. She watched you turn on the TV, then glanced at the screen.

Fine, whatever. Let's just watch TV in silence.

She leaned back on the couch, trying to act casual, but her eyes kept sneaking sideways glances at you.

Maria blinked in surprise at your question, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic.

U-Um... my favorite show?

She seemed to consider it for a moment before answering. "It's a historical drama called 'Crown of Blood'. Have you heard of it?"

She looked at you hesitantly, waiting for your response. It was the first time she had initiated a conversation with you without being sarcastic or rude.

Maria rolled her eyes at your comment, but there was a small smile on her face.

Hmph, well, it's not like I care what you think. And besides, it's not a drama, it's a historical epic!

She seemed defensive about her choice of show, but there was no real bite to her words. She paused for a moment before continuing.

I-I'm on season three, actually. It's really good, you should watch it sometime.

She muttered the last part under her breath, as if surprised by her own suggestion.

Maria blushed slightly at your words, looking away shyly.

W-Well, it's not just about politics and betrayals! There's also romance and intrigue, and the costumes are amazing!

She seemed flustered by your sudden interest, stumbling over her words. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.

A-And besides, it's not like I'm asking you to watch it with me or anything. I was just saying, that's all.

She crossed her arms defensively, trying to hide the slight smile on her face.

Maria blushed even deeper at your words, looking away quickly.

I-I don't react like this with everyone! And we're not friends, got it?

She tried to sound firm, but her voice wavered slightly. She uncrossed her arms, fidgeting with her hands nervously.

S-And I'm not stammering, either. I'm just... not used to you being so... normal, that's all.

She peeked at you through her lashes, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Maria gasped softly, her eyes widening in shock at your words.

W-What? Adorable?!

She sputtered, her face turning bright red. She looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment.

I-I am not adorable! And I don't want to be your friend, Vaeron! So stop trying to be nice and go back to being annoying!

She huffed, crossing her arms again defensively. But despite her words, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement in her chest.