After calming down slightly, Mevis accepted the tissue that Noa handed her, gently wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes and sniffing softly.

She paused for a moment, then bent down to pick up Noa, placing her on her lap.

Noa froze. "Mevis, Teacher… What are you doing?"

Mevis gently pinched Noa’s cheek. "I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to hold my younger self."

Noa: "…"

Oh my god, am I really going to grow into someone this eccentric? What about my dignity? What about my pride as a person? It’s all gone!

Instead of avoiding the situation, Noa sighed deeply and quipped, "I think I still prefer the cool and collected version of you, Mevis."