The boy followed her toward her room but quickly realized she was changing. His face turned red with embarrassment, and he hurriedly stepped back, closing the door.
Just then, her mother appeared in the hallway. "Here, have something to eat. Sit on the sofa," she said with a warm smile.
He sat down, still flustered. His thoughts were a mess.
"First she's rude, and now she's so careless."
I should've closed the door sooner… "but her body—ah, I can't handle this. His cheeks burned even more".
Her mother noticed his uneasy look. "What's the matter, dear?" she asked gently.
He quickly shook his head.
"N-nothing, ma'am," he replied softly.
A few moments later, the girl came back.
She had just taken a bath; her damp hair fell over her shoulders, and her face glowed naturally.
Without saying anything, she sat down at the table, ate a few bites, then picked up a pillow and lay down on the sofa. Curling up comfortably, she soon began to drift into sleep.
"You should at least finish your meal," her mother said gently to her.
"I'll eat when I wake up," the girl mumbled, already half asleep.
The boy sat quietly at the far end of the sofa, watching her.
Her mother looked at him and asked, "Are you comfortable? If not, you can sit anywhere you like."
"It's alright, Aunty," he replied softly.
Her mother sighed.
"She's so careless," she murmured, shaking her head.
After a short pause, she asked, "So… you'll be living here with us?"
"Yes," he said, stealing another glance at the girl.
She looked peaceful, her damp hair resting on the pillow, her face calm and beautiful as she slept.
Her mother smiled kindly.
"Make yourself comfortable here. And take care of her, alright?"
"Okay, Aunty.
But you should go rest now," he replied politely.
Her mother nodded. "I will. If you need anything, just call me. And yes, you'll be staying in her room."