"I, I..."
Rhode was surprised to find himself speechless.
"What's wrong? You're the one who gave me the key." Mira laughed lightly as she walked towards the door, wanting to tease Rhode's dumbfounded expression.
But she soon realized the issue at hand.
This was at Rhode's house, and with her current attire, and that statement she just blurted out, in such a setting...
Mira's face flushed slightly. She was already standing in front of him, looking up at him, but couldn't bring herself to speak further.
But her expression and actions, the way she looked into Rhode's eyes, were quite overwhelming for Rhode.
Rhode's gaze began to grow firm, his heartbeat becoming more intense.
He looked directly into the eyes of the girl in front of him, and the words he had held back for so long could no longer be suppressed:
"Mira, I..."
Four slender, gentle fingers pressed against his lips, stopping Rhode from continuing.
"Don't say it!" Mira's eyes showed a hint of panic as she began to avoid Rhode's gaze, her heart betraying her with its rapid beating.
She felt a bit scared.
Although, over these days, there had been a lot of unspoken understanding between the two of them, and many things were already tacit.
She knew a day like this was inevitable, but when it came, she was still a little afraid.
Mira didn't know how she would react after Rhode spoke.
She was afraid that she would reject him for reasons beyond feelings; she didn't know what would happen after that, but it wouldn't be fair to either of them.
"At least, for now, please don't say it, okay?" Mira looked back at him, her eyes filled with pleading.
This kind of gaze made it hard for Rhode to refuse.
Calming down, he also thought his earlier impulse was somewhat rash.
But now he wanted to hold her.
Sometimes the body moves before the mind, acting before calm thought.
So he hugged her.
Mira's body seemed to stiffen slightly, and she lowered the hand covering Rhode's lips, but she didn't push him away.
One second, two seconds, three seconds...
Time seemed to slow down, the room so quiet that it seemed they could hear each other's heartbeats.
Or maybe it was just his own.
Mira's hands slowly rose, reaching behind Rhode, gently pushing him away before she could hug him.
"I... I should go back."
Mira no longer had the courage to look him in the eye, slightly lowering her head as she walked quickly towards the door.
Rhode was also a bit flustered now, realizing that he had been quite irrational today, the brain that usually worked pretty well was now a bit stuck.
Was it too rude? Is she mad at me? Did I go too far?
Should I try to keep her here? Should I explain? How about making a joke to lighten the mood?
Messy thoughts flooded in, chaotic and impossible to sort out.
Until Mira paused at the door and said in a voice so soft it was hard to discern, "See you tomorrow."
The jumble of thoughts disappeared, and Rhode replied, "See you tomorrow."
Today, he had said the same words to two people. The first time, it was out of politeness; this time, it was said with anticipation.
Completely different feelings.
Mira, carrying her apron, slowly descended the stairs, meeting Warm who was coming up. She acted as if she hadn't seen him, quickly tapping down the stairs.
The chubby Warm originally wanted to snuggle up to her and act cute but couldn't keep up with her pace.
Warm looked at Rhode, a bit confused. Did they have a fight?
Will there be one less person to feed it?
Oh no.
Rhode let Warm into the house, watching Mira's silhouette disappear around the staircase corner, suddenly noticing her coat was still hanging on the rack by the door.
Mira had been in such a hurry when she left the house that she just realized she was still wearing the headscarf and apron.
The winter night was a bit chilly, yet she only felt her cheeks burning.
Going back for the coat was not an option, and she was worried that even if she slowed down, he would catch up.
Today, she couldn't let him send her off again.
Mira quickened her pace and suddenly glimpsed a giant crab.
She wanted to escape but realized that on the crab's back wasn't a person but a fluffy ball, with her clothes neatly folded on its back.
Warm, tasked with delivering the clothes, was lying on River Crab's back, an unscrupulous owner employing child labor.
Letting it be known if the clothes fell, there would be no food tomorrow.
Warm felt aggrieved and didn't dare move an inch.
Mira was struck by Warm's pitiful look, reached out to take down the coat and put it on, then rubbed Warm's head: "Alright, I've got it, you two can go back now."
Warm and River Crab said nothing, quietly following Mira as she moved forward.
Mira walked and stopped, and River Crab, carrying Warm, walked and stopped as well.
Though no one spoke, she seemed to hear someone saying something, helplessly responding, "I got it, I got it."
Mira stepped onto River Crab's back.
Warm silently moved to a different position, revealing a cushion underneath.
Mira reached out and felt it; it was warm.
This person really is...
She pouted and sat down, waiting for Warm to snuggle into her embrace.
What winter, what cold wind.
It's clearly very warm.
Warm was very happy, knowing there would be food tomorrow, maybe even a double portion: "Purr~"
When she reached her door, Mira thought someone might be watching the scene from here.
"Hmph!" She lightly patted Warm's head, turned, and went inside, shutting both River Crab and Warm outside.
Warm felt wronged. Why hit me for no reason?
Since she left, Rhode hadn't done anything, just sitting on the bed grinning foolishly.
He lay down, turning over, unable to stop smiling, curling up happily.
Today, he hugged Mira.
Not out of some accident or anything, but a purposeful embrace.
The joy of earning a million yesterday couldn't compare to now.
No, can't get carried away.
Think rationally, today's situation... rational, my foot!
Today he hugged Mira, the sensation of her soft, petite body lingered, the gentle touch of her slender fingers on his lips still felt.
I don't want to be rational anymore, hahaha!
Just recalling the events from a moment ago made Rhode so cheerful, he twisted on the bed like a worm.
After being happy for quite some time, he decided to wash up and calm down when Warm returned riding River Crab.
Heh heh heh.
Has the owner finally gone crazy? Warm's plump body sat on the floor, wondering if the crazy owner would exchange all the money for food for it to eat.
After washing, Rhode no longer sat around giggling.
He hid under the blanket to giggle foolishly.
Calmly analyze, first, she definitely wasn't mad.
Then, thinking carefully, it seemed like Mira had even pressed her cheek against his chest just now.
Though covering his mouth to stop him from speaking, she clearly knew what he wanted to say.
It was both said and unsaid, like being spoken.
What will happen when we meet tomorrow? Lying in bed, Rhode fell asleep, filled with anticipation.
It felt like he might not be able to sleep.
"Purr~" Little short-legged Warm hopped and skipped around the bedroom, "I haven't gotten onto the bed yet, I haven't gotten onto the bed yet!"
"I almost forgot about you." Rhode picked Warm up, feeling his weight, "Have you gained weight again?"
Warm looked at him innocently, thinking it's not fat, just a little growth.
"The blanket is almost unable to cover you." Rhode teasingly tucked Warm into the blanket, then hugged it again, for it had done such a big favor.