Her mother nodded. "I will. If you need anything, just call me. And yes, you'll be staying in her room."
He hesitated. "She knows?"
"We told her. Don't worry," she assured him before heading to her own room.
The house was quiet for a while. Only the ticking of the clock filled the silence. Then the girl stirred.
Half-awake, she rubbed her eyes, reached for her pillow, and without saying a word, placed it on his lap. Resting her head against it, she slowly went back to sleep.
He froze, his heart skipping a beat. What's her problem? he thought, confused.
But when he looked at her peaceful face—soft, quiet, and beautiful—his irritation disappeared.
A faint smile appeared on his lips as he leaned closer and whispered softly, "Now I'm going to live with you, naughty beauty."
After some time, the girl had fallen asleep on his lap. The boy, tired from staying up all afternoon with her, moved carefully and lifted her gently into his arms. She stirred a little but didn't wake, still deep in sleep. He carried her carefully to her room and laid her on the bed, tucking the blanket around her.
As he was about to leave, a sudden knock at the door made him stop. He opened it and saw her father standing there with a small smile.
"Hey," her father said, stepping inside and sitting on the sofa. "Did she say or ask anything to you?" he asked, curious.
"No, uncle," the boy replied softly. "She didn't even look at me."
Her father chuckled lightly, but with also shocked.