The morning began under low, brooding clouds drifting over the mountain peaks. The air smelled faintly of rain, and by the time Theo had swept the last of the fallen petals from the veranda, the first drops were already pattering softly against the tiled roof of the Cloudpetal Shrine.
Yue stood by the open sliding door, her long black hair swaying in the cool breeze carrying the scent of wet pine.
"Looks like we'll be staying inside today," she said, her voice unhurried, as though the rain itself had slowed the world.
Theo set the broom aside. "Then I'll finish the indoor chores after breakfast."
They ate together in the quiet dining hall, the sound of rain growing steadier. By the time the dishes were cleaned and put away, the gardens beyond the veranda had blurred into a silvery curtain of water.
In the pavilion, Yue set a lacquered chessboard on the low table.
"Come here," she said, arranging the pieces. "A rainy day is good for practice."
Theo knelt opposite her, stretching his fingers before moving his first piece. The game began slowly, each move measured. Chess here was no simple pastime. Behind each shift of the pieces lay an unspoken battle of formation, intent, and control over mana and qi.
The faint scent of sandalwood drifted from the incense burner nearby, mingling with the fresh, cool breath of rain.
At first, Yue's eyes held their usual quiet confidence, but as the game went on, her gaze sharpened. Theo's movements were calm, deliberate. And to her mild surprise, effective. When he finally made the winning move, he leaned back slightly, the corners of his lips lifting in a small, satisfied smile.
"I win," he said.
Yue studied the board, then looked at him, letting a soft chuckle escape. "So you do. You've improved."
"I've been studying." he replied.
"Well done."
The rain drummed steadily against the eaves, a soothing rhythm that made the pavilion feel warmer than it was. They began another game, but the combined warmth of the brazier and the soft patter outside soon dulled Theo's focus. His posture eased, his elbows found the table and before long, his head dipped forward.
When he woke, it was to warmth beneath him and the gentle comb of fingers through his hair. His head rested on something soft, and when his eyes opened, he found Yue looking down at him with a serene smile.
"Falling asleep on the job?" she teased.
"Should I get up?"
"Stay," she said simply, her voice warm. "It's fine."
He let himself relax again, cheek sinking against the silk of her robes. From this angle, he could see her profile in detail. The graceful line of her jaw, the delicate curve of her lips, and the soft rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. The rain's pale light reflected faintly in her eyes, making them seem deeper than ever.
"Your hair has gotten longer," Yue murmured, letting her fingers trail through the strands. "It suits you."
"…Thank you."
A comfortable silence lingered until she spoke again.
"Shall I clean your ear? Like when you were younger?"
Theo's face warmed. "That's… not necessary."
"It's just a small thing," she said lightly. "You used to sit still for it."
"That was when I was a child."
"You're still young." She reached for a folded cloth and a slender tool. "Come here."
Reluctantly, he shifted, letting his head turn on her lap so she could work. Her hand was steady, her touch gentle, and the faint fragrance of her hair drifted close. The quiet was filled only by the rain outside, making the moment feel slower, more intimate.
"Still the same as before," she murmured with a faint smile.
When she was done, he sat up and cleared his throat. "Thank you."
The rain had softened now, falling as a fine mist that caught in the afternoon light. The garden stones glistened dark, and the koi pond rippled under the occasional drop.
"I should start preparing dinner," Theo said, rising.
"Go on," Yue replied, hiding the curve of her lips behind her fan. "I'll be along shortly."
As he stepped out onto the veranda, the damp air brushed against his skin, still carrying the clean scent of rain. Behind him, Yue remained in the pavilion, her quiet gaze following him until he disappeared from view.