Xiang Yu and Li Yao found themselves alone after the two elders departed.
"Junior sister, I'll cook something for you," Xiang Yu said, rising from his seat and gathering the plates they'd been using.
As he stood at the washing basin, Li Yao appeared beside him. She took each clean plate, rinsing it carefully before setting it aside to dry.
"No need, senior brother. I just came to tell you that I'm leaving," she said, her voice carrying a hint of reluctance.
Xiang Yu's hands paused briefly. "Already?" he asked, looking up at her. "How long will you be gone for?"
"About a week," she replied, avoiding his gaze.
"Isn't that too long?"
Li Yao remained silent, her thoughts turning inward. A week did feel excessive, even to her. It seemed she was spending less and less time with her senior brother these days, as though the universe itself conspired to keep them apart.
"Since you're leaving, I'll pack some dishes for you," Xiang Yu offered, breaking through her thoughts.
