The rain had finally ceased, leaving the world outside sparkling with droplets that clung to the leaves and windowpanes. By four o'clock, the soft afternoon light streamed through Chen's apartment windows, painting the room in warm, golden hues. Inside, the air was filled with the quiet hum of domestic comfort: the faint smell of leftover tea, the soft rustle of blankets, and the rhythmic purring of Yun Hu, curled contentedly across Chen's chest.
Chen was blissfully unaware of the world outside. His eyelids fluttered in lazy beats, his breathing slow and even. Yun Hu's tiny paws twitched occasionally in his sleep, kneading at Chen's sweater like it was the coziest mattress in existence. The apartment felt like a bubble of warmth, a sanctuary from the damp chill lingering outside.
Xu Jin stood at the doorway, arms folded, watching the scene with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. A soft smile tugged at his lips as he observed Chen's tousled hair, his sweater slightly rumpled from the nap, and the way Yun Hu had claimed him like a personal throne.
"Brother," Xu Jin called, his voice teasing but edged with insistence. "Wake up. The weather's cleared—you promised we'd go outside."
Chen's response was a muffled, half-asleep murmur, barely intelligible. "Five more minutes… let me… sleep…" Yun Hu purred in agreement, nuzzling closer into Chen's neck.
Xu Jin's brow arched, and he stepped forward, a finger gently poking Chen's side. "If you don't wake up in five minutes, I'll pour water on you. Both of you."
Chen grumbled, a soft, indignant noise that was only halfheartedly threatening. Yun Hu, sensing the tension but refusing to move, gave a low, lazy meow as if to warn Xu Jin that he, too, could be mischievous.
The next twenty minutes were a dance of half-baked protests and sleepy flailing. Chen buried his face into Yun Hu's fur, attempting to prolong his nap, while Xu Jin hovered over him, arms crossed, smirking. "You two are impossible," he muttered, shaking his head as Chen's groans filled the room. Yun Hu flicked his tail lazily, completely unbothered, but perfectly aware that Xu Jin was losing patience.
Finally, Chen stirred with a sigh, stretching dramatically as if to convince Xu Jin that he had woken up willingly. Yun Hu slid off him with a graceful flick of his paws, landing lightly on the floor, tail high and alert, ready to follow his humans anywhere.
Xu Jin's eyes caught the outfit Chen had on today. Soft pink sweater, cream-colored bows delicately lining the cuffs and hem—a playful, almost whimsical combination that made Chen look far too adorable for his age. Xu Jin's lips curved into a mischievous smile. "See? This is what happens when you wake up late. You get punished with this," he said, nodding at the outfit. "Consider it… penance."
Chen blinked, cheeks tinting pink as he tugged at the hem nervously. "You… don't youthink you picked this that's why I'm wearing?"
"Of course I'm not thinking anything," Xu Jin replied, stepping closer. "And you look ridiculously cute. Honestly, brother, it should be illegal to look this good while still half asleep."
Yun Hu mewed softly, winding around Chen's legs as if giving his approval—or perhaps making sure Xu Jin didn't get too carried away with compliments. Chen's lips twitched into a small, flustered smile, and he adjusted his sweater self-consciously.
Xu Jin crouched slightly, placing a hand on Chen's shoulder, brushing back a stray lock of hair. "Come on. We need to move before I change my mind and keep you here all day just to admire you."
Chen allowed himself to be led, still blushing, while Yun Hu leapt onto Xu Jin's shoulder, settling there like a furry sentinel. Xu Jin grinned down at him. "Of course you're coming, little demon. You get to supervise everything." Yun Hu meowed in response, swishing his tail proudly.
As they stepped outside, the streets shimmered from the recent rain, and the crisp air was refreshing against their cheeks. Xu Jin glanced at Chen, who was now walking a few steps behind, looking almost ethereal in his pink sweater. Every time Chen blinked or adjusted his sleeves, Xu Jin's chest tightened with a mix of protectiveness and quiet affection.
"Where first?" Chen asked softly, glancing up at Xu Jin with sleepy, trusting eyes.
Xu Jin smirked. "First, the cinema. Then snacks. Then park. You promised me a day of fun, remember?"
Chen nodded, a soft laugh escaping him. "And Yun Hu?"
Xu Jin smirked, his gaze flicking toward the little demon perched on his shoulder. "He comes everywhere. He's my co-pilot."
Chen laughed quietly, shaking his head. "Of course he does. He's too stubborn to stay behind."
The three of them continued walking, Yun Hu occasionally pawing at Xu Jin's hair or shoulders, as if marking his territory and claiming both of them for himself.
Xu jin asked " by the way brother whose clothes are these". Chen simply said mine.
Xu jin" !?? But I've never seen you wearing these ". Chen said flatly " I stopped".
Xu jin sensed his stiff response and didn't ask anything further.