(Anxin's POV)
I don't remember deciding to come here.
I just…
Ended up here.
Standing outside his door like it's the most normal thing in the world.
This is becoming a habit.
A dangerous one.
I knock once.
Then open it without waiting.
"Didi Wang?"
"Kitchen."
Of course.
I step inside, closing the door behind me.
And immediately—
I feel it.
That difference.
His place doesn't feel empty when he's here.
It feels…
Warm.
Alive.
Safe.
I walk toward the kitchen slowly.
And there he is.
Sleeves rolled up.
Focused.
Cooking.
Like a normal person.
Like he's not someone who could destroy people without hesitation.
How are these two versions the same person?
I lean against the doorway.
Watching.
Just for a second.
Maybe longer.
"You're staring."
I blink.
"I'm not."
"Liar."
I walk in.
"You didn't even look."
"I don't need to."
Of course he doesn't.
He never does.
"Coffee?" he asks.
"Yes."
"Say it properly."
I stare at him.
"…You're serious?"
"Very."
I sigh.
"Didi Wang, please give me coffee."
He pauses.
Just slightly.
Then hands it to me.
I take a sip.
And close my eyes.
Perfect.
Always perfect.
"Still the best," I whisper.
—
(Hedi's POV)
She came here again.
Without asking.
Without thinking.
Like she belongs here.
Like this is her place too.
And I don't stop her.
Because I don't want to.
"You came just for coffee?" I ask.
"Yes."
"Liar."
She sighs.
"Fine. I had a long day."
That's enough.
That always is.
"You could've gone home."
"I did."
"And then you came here."
She shrugs.
"It's closer."
It's not.
But I don't argue.
Because I know why she's here.
And I don't want to scare her away by saying it out loud.
—
(Anxin's POV)
Why is he standing so close?
When did he get this close?
Why does it feel like the air changed?
"You're acting weird," I say.
"You came to my house."
"That's normal."
"You didn't text."
"I didn't need to."
"Exactly."
"What does that mean?"
He steps closer.
Just a little.
"That you trust me."
My breath catches.
"Of course I do."
"No hesitation."
"There's nothing to hesitate about."
Silence.
Then—
"And that doesn't scare you?"
"No."
"Why not?"
I don't think.
"Because it's you."
The moment I say it—
I realize.
That was too honest.
Way too honest.
—
(Hedi's POV)
She said it.
Just like that.
Without thinking.
Without holding back.
And it hits harder than anything else.
Because she means it.
"You should eat," I say.
She groans.
"Again?"
"Yes."
"I had coffee."
"That's not food."
"It counts."
"It doesn't."
I turn away before I do something stupid.
And start cooking.
Because I need something to focus on.
Something safe.
—
(Anxin's POV)
I watch him cook.
And I don't know why—
But it makes my chest feel… warm.
"How are you good at everything?" I ask.
"I'm not."
"You are."
"Eat first."
A few minutes later—
I'm sitting on the counter.
Eating.
And yeah.
It's amazing.
Of course it is.
"You're too good at this," I mumble.
"I know."
"Arrogant."
"Honest."
I smile.
Without meaning to.
And he sees.
Of course he does.
—
The room feels different now.
Quieter.
Softer.
More dangerous in a different way.
"Thank you," I say softly.
"Anytime."
A pause.
Then—
"Stay."
My heart skips.
"What?"
"Stay, Xinxin."
That name again.
Soft.
Close.
Too close.
"I can go home."
"You can."
Silence.
"But you don't have to."
I look at him.
Really look.
And for a moment—
I don't see anything else.
Just him.
"…Just for a while," I whisper.
He nods.
"Just a while."
We both know that's a lie.
—
We sit.
Close.
Not touching.
But close enough.
And somehow—
That's worse.
"Didi Wang…"
"Hmm?"
"Your coffee is my favorite."
A pause.
Then—
"You're my favorite."
My heart stops.
Completely.
"What?"
He doesn't look away.
"I said what I said."
I look away immediately.
Because I can't handle that.
Not right now.
"You're dangerous," I whisper.
"And you still came here."
That line again.
But this time—
It feels like something more.
Like something is changing.
And I'm not sure I'm ready for it.