In "The Lost Hero" by Rick Riordan, a character named Piper interacts with someone named Lit, offering him an apologetic smile that is warm and friendly. Despite her disheveled appearance and casual clothing, Piper's charm shines through, leaving a strong impression on those around her. Jason, another character, observes this moment and feels a twinge of jealousy over the attention Piper is giving to Lit. This scene highlights the dynamics of attraction and camaraderie among the characters. Jason's feelings suggest a deeper connection or interest in Piper, while her demeanor reflects her spirited and approachable personality. The contrast between her messy appearance and her cuteness emphasizes that genuine warmth can outweigh superficial details.

Piper gave Lit a friendly sorry-about-that smile. Even with her hair messed up and wearing two-day-old clothes, she looked extremely cute, and Jason felt a little jealous she was giving Lit that smile.