Kill by Patting the Head

The taxi faded into the distance. Tidal and You Xi reached the point of parting.

“Well… see you.”

“Good night, Senior.”

Tidal deliberately chose a direction opposite to home—ensuring they wouldn’t walk together. But after only a few steps, she noticed Raging Flame had transformed again and was quietly following her.

“…?”

She turned, giving Raging Flame a questioning look. The girl just waved, grinning mischievously, offering no explanation.

“Is there something else?” Tidal asked.

“Senior…”

Raging Flame called softly.

Then she crept closer, fidgeting, clearly struggling to say what was on her mind.

“Um…”

“Are you scared of walking home at night? I’ll walk you,” Tidal offered.

She knew her niece had a fear of the dark. At home, the hallway and entryway lights were always left on.

“No, it’s not that. I just wanted to ask… um…”

“What is it?” Tidal cut through the hesitation.

“Senior… how do you think I did today? Hehe.”

Raging Flame grinned, hands clasped behind her back, eyes fixed on her own toes.

“You did well. I think both of you have great potential as magical girls. Keep it up,” Tidal said honestly.

“J-just that? Nothing else?”

Raging Flame’s eyes widened, her face falling with disappointment.

“…?”

Now Tidal was caught off guard. Just that? What did she expect? Nothing else? What else was there?

“You’re so unfair, Senior…”

Seeing Tidal’s lack of reaction, Raging Flame pouted, cheeks puffing up in silent protest.

Watching her sulk, Tidal suddenly understood.

She was… seeking affection.

Her niece was acting cute with her?

Was this some kind of joke?

Tidal froze, stunned, unable to speak.

“You know… do you really like that girl a lot?”

“That girl?”

“Huangxing.”

Raging Flame lowered her eyes, sulking.

“What makes you say that?” Tidal asked, puzzled.

“I saw it! During the fight… Senior, you touched her head, didn’t you?”

Tidal paused, recalling the moment.

Yes—she had patted Huangxing’s head to calm her down. It was a natural gesture of reassurance, like a senior comforting a junior.

But now that she thought about it, it was out of character. She was supposed to be the quiet, cold mentor.

“It was her first mission. She was too nervous. I was just calming her down. What about it?” Tidal said, deliberately cold.

“You’re so sneaky,” Raging Flame muttered, suddenly deflated.

“…I’ve never gotten that kind of treatment.”

“She’s a rookie.”

“I’m a rookie too! I think you’re just being biased!”

“…”

Tidal didn’t reply—not because she was speechless, but because her heart ached.

This was the real You Xi—unfiltered, vulnerable, completely letting her guard down. Not the prickly, defensive girl she usually was.

If she’d stayed as You Dong, she might never have seen this side of her niece.

For a fifteen-year-old, food and shelter weren’t enough. You Xi needed emotional anchoring—someone she could lean on, someone she could act childish with.

And that person… was already gone.

Now, perhaps without even realizing it, You Xi had begun to see Tidal—not just as a magical girl senior, but as a substitute mother, seeking warmth and comfort.

…Realizing this, Tidal’s heart clenched.

What a pitiful, fragile kind of love.

If she didn’t respond…

“Come here.”

Tidal reached out her small, pale hand, curling her fingers.

Raging Flame reacted like a puppy seeing its owner wave—joyfully rushing over.

Mindful of the height difference, Tidal bent down, gently guiding the girl’s head into her hand.

“You did great today. Keep going. I believe you’ll become a magical girl who can stand on her own.”

As she stroked her hair, Tidal spoke in a soft, uncharacteristically gentle tone:

“Until then… I’ll be right here with you.”

“Thank you, Senior… um… sniff…”

Without warning, Raging Flame began to cry.

Tidal froze, stunned, unsure what to do.

“Huh? Why am I crying…?”

Raging Flame frantically wiped her tears with her fingers.

“I’m sorry, Senior. I—”

The more she tried to hide it, the louder her sobs became.

The lingering warmth on her head. The deep sense of safety from being touched—feelings long forgotten—pulled her back into memory.

“…You did so well, Xiao Xi.”

Through tear-blurred vision, the image of You Huimei emerged.

Her mother reached out.

“Come on, don’t cry. Be brave.”

When her vision cleared, the illusion was gone. Only Tidal’s concerned gaze remained.

“I’m sorry… I must’ve triggered a painful memory.”

With the gentlest touch she could manage, Tidal wiped the tears from Raging Flame’s cheeks.

“No… thank you, Senior.” Raging Flame suddenly smiled through her tears.

“If anyone should apologize, it’s me. I shouldn’t have acted so childish.”

“It’s fine.” Tidal shook her head. “Actually… I have a foster daughter. About your age.”

“Huh? Really?”

It was the first time Raging Flame had heard Tidal mention anything about her personal life. She was surprised.

“But… we’re not close,” Tidal said with a bitter smile. “Maybe I’m just not a good parent.”

“No way!” Raging Flame immediately protested. “Senior is strong, kind, and amazing! The best senior ever!”

“It’s not like that,” Tidal sighed, shaking her head. “Sometimes… I wish my daughter could be like you just now. Let her guard down, act childish with me. But… I don’t think that’s ever happened. Maybe I’m just clumsy. She hasn’t fully trusted me yet.”

“You’ll get there, Senior!” Raging Flame cheered. “Let me tell you a secret! You know I live with my uncle, right?”

“My uncle… he’s always lecturing me, always talking about ‘experience’ and ‘lessons,’ like he’s scolding his subordinates. Honestly, I used to hate that kind of person.”

“But lately… I’ve realized he’s actually kind of right. And about the fight with Mo Li—he didn’t force me to apologize. He respected how I felt. So now… I don’t hate him as much. Just… a little less, I guess.”

“If we can reach some kind of understanding… I believe you and your daughter can too. Keep going! Hehe.” Raging Flame gave a thumbs-up, beaming.

…So that’s how you see it?

Hearing her niece’s words, Tidal felt… saved.

“Yeah. Thank you,” she said softly.