Night had deepened, and the soft light in Xiao Yutian's room bathed everything in a gentle glow. She was about to put down her phone and rest when it suddenly rang—a video call from her parents.
"Yutian, we've been called abroad for work at the last minute. Can you stay at Gu Jinghan's place for a few nights?" her mother said with a smile, though her eyes betrayed a trace of reluctance.
Xiao Yutian muttered, "Ugh, you again… always traveling…" but deep down, she knew it meant she'd be spending several more nights at Gu Jinghan's house.
Setting the phone down, she rolled her eyes, grabbed her jacket, and grumbled inwardly: "This is such a pain."
The night breeze was cool as she approached Gu Jinghan's door and knocked.
The door opened to reveal him—Gu Jinghan, tall and imposing in a black long coat, the porch light casting shadows over his figure. A flicker of unexpected light crossed his eyes.
"I received the message from your parents," he said calmly, though a hint of anticipation hid beneath his composed tone.
Xiao Yutian complained half-heartedly, "This is such a hassle. You guys are always like this…" Yet deep inside, she couldn't help thinking maybe tonight wouldn't be entirely unpleasant.
Gu Jinghan ignored her grumbling, standing silently to the side, the corner of his mouth curling into a subtle, almost hidden smile. He thought privately: She's staying at my house tonight…
Xiao Yutian pushed the door open and stepped into his mansion. He led her to a private guest room, and curiosity got the better of her. She couldn't help asking, "Do you ever sneak into my room?"
Of course, he denied it: "Never." He had always disliked her, so the thought never occurred. But now, hearing her question, he felt a strange anticipation, secretly wanting to see what her personal space looked like.
"Liar! Go die!" she snapped, seeing him momentarily stunned. Her flustered outburst made a trace of amusement flicker in his eyes.
Though his exterior remained icy and indifferent, inside, he found her undeniably cute.
---
Late at night, a sudden storm erupted. The wind howled outside, thunder rumbled, and rain pounded against the windows, causing the room to tremble slightly.
Xiao Yutian awoke with a start, screaming and curling up at the head of the bed.
Hearing the noise, Gu Jinghan immediately put on a long-sleeved shirt and hurried to her room.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly, gently wrapping his arms around her.
Xiao Yutian shivered in his embrace, her voice trembling: "I… I've been afraid of lightning since I was little."
Gu Jinghan froze for a moment, realizing this explained why her parents always entrusted him with her care when traveling.
Seeing her trembling form stirred a strong protective instinct in him. He tightened his hold on her shoulders, his voice low and comforting: "It's okay, I'm here."
She nestled closer, her breathing gradually calming, unconsciously leaning even nearer. Watching her delicate shoulders and soft curves, an unfamiliar possessiveness rose within him.
His hand instinctively rested on her back, sensing her warmth. His own breath grew heavier.
Xiao Yutian looked up at him, eyes flickering with curiosity and a hint of challenge. "Why are you staring at me?"
Gu Jinghan's gaze darkened, his voice low and husky: "I'm not." He tried to suppress the racing of his heart, but his eyes could not leave her.
Thunder roared again, and Xiao Yutian shivered, burrowing closer into his embrace. Gu Jinghan whispered in her ear, "Don't be afraid. I'm here."
She felt his heartbeat, the warmth and security behind his usual cold exterior, and a quiet sense of dependence bloomed within her.
His fingers gently stroked her shoulder, feeling her softness. He muttered under his breath, "Damn it… she's… so…"
Xiao Yutian felt his breath brush her hair, her heart racing, cheeks tinged with pink. She murmured softly, "You're… acting kind of… weird."
He lowered his head to look at her, eyes intense, voice deep but restrained: "Nothing… I just… want to protect you."
Her chest fluttered, and she instinctively clutched his arm, seeking more of his comforting presence.
Outside, the storm raged, shaking the windows, yet the room was filled with a strange intimacy.
Gu Jinghan understood that tonight, this subtle tension, this blend of warmth, protection, and mutual dependence, would quietly take root between them.
He looked down at her slightly curled figure, silently vowing: No matter what, tonight he would protect her, even if the pulse racing in his chest was hard to control.
Xiao Yutian slowly closed her eyes in his embrace, secretly hoping that her rival… might come a little closer tonight.
Lightning flashed outside, and Gu Jinghan leaned down, pressing gently toward her hair, inhaling her scent, his breathing growing heavier.
The room was filled only with the storm's roar and the faint rhythm of their hearts, the air quietly ignited with a tension that was both sweet and electrifying.