**Chapter 6: Sniffles and Sneezes**

Mark's teasing gaze lingered on Courtney, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You know, I think I've discovered a new way to get close to you," he said, his voice low and playful. "All I have to do is bring out the tissues." Courtney chuckled, feeling a flush rise to her cheeks. "Oh, shut up," she said, playfully swatting at his arm. Mark grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Seriously though, let's try to figure out what's going on with you," he said, his expression turning concerned. "Maybe we can run some tests." Courtney raised an eyebrow. "Tests?" Mark nodded. "Yeah, I've got a few ideas. First, let's see if it's just a simple allergy." He pulled out a small notebook and pen from his pocket. "Okay, I'm going to call this the Sneeze Test." Courtney laughed. "The Sneeze Test?" Mark nodded. "Yeah, it's a scientific study. Okay, first question: did you eat anything unusual yesterday?" Courtney thought for a moment. "No, I don't think so. Just the usual stuff." Mark nodded, jotting down some notes. "Okay, next question: have you been around any pets recently?" Courtney shook her head. "No, not that I can think of." Mark smiled mischievously. "Okay, now it's time for the Pollen Test." He picked a nearby flower and held it under Courtney's nose. "Sniff this." Courtney wrinkled her nose, feeling a tickle in her sinuses. She let out a small sneeze, and Mark grinned. "Ah-ha! I think we have a lead," he said, jotting down some more notes. Courtney laughed. "You're ridiculous, you know that?" Mark chuckled. "Hey, someone's got to help you figure out what's going on. Okay, next test: the Dust Test." He picked up a small handful of dust from the ground and held it under Courtney's nose. Courtney let out a small sneeze again, and Mark nodded thoughtfully. "I think I'm starting to get a picture," he said, smiling. "But I need to run one more test to be sure." Courtney raised an eyebrow. "What's that?" Mark grinned mischievously. "The Kiss Test." Courtney's eyes widened in surprise. "The Kiss Test?" Mark nodded. "Yeah, it's a classic. If you sneeze when I kiss you, we'll know it's love." Courtney rolled her eyes, laughing. "You're such a goofball." But Mark just smiled and pulled her close, his lips brushing against hers. Courtney felt a spark of electricity run through her body, and for a moment, she forgot all about her sniffles. But just as Mark deepened the kiss, she felt a tickle in her sinuses, and her body reacted, letting out a small sneeze. Mark grinned, triumphant. "Ah-ha! I knew it," he said, smiling. Courtney laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I think you've made your point," she said, smiling up at him. Mark's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled back at her. "I think I have," he said, his voice low and teasing.