Cheong could sense the world through her skin.

It wasn’t too different from how insects operated, which wasn’t exactly the most flattering comparison, but it wasn't inaccurate either. The larger the area of skin exposed to the air, the better she could read the space around her. This wasn’t about understanding fluid dynamics; it was an unconscious skill, honed over years of experience. In familiar environments or during particularly intense moments, the clarity of her spatial awareness increased.

So when someone suddenly appeared, whispering into her ear without the slightest indication of their approach, it naturally triggered a sense of …