Ran paused at the doorway, turning back to Mr. Moon. He glanced at Rui, his expression softening slightly.
"You two should head downstairs," he suggested, his voice carefully neutral.
"The dining pavilion on the second floor serves breakfast until mid-morning. The cloud buns are particularly good."
Kee Kee perked up instantly at the mention of food, his previous food coma apparently forgotten.
"More celestial food?" He wiggled excitedly in Rui's arms.
"Can we get those sparkly drinks too? The ones that make your tongue tingle?"
Rui hesitated, looking between Ran and Mr. Moon. Something in the Moon Elder's expression suggested their conversation would be private.
"That sounds wonderful," she agreed, grateful for the chance to compose herself.
"I'll meet you there shortly," he added, his eyes lingering on hers a moment longer than necessary.
Rui nodded, adjusting her grip on the squirming Kee Kee.
"Don't take too long," she said, surprising herself with how much she meant it.
