The elevator ride felt longer than it should have.
Not because it actually was — but because neither of them spoke.
Su Lingyan stood with her arms loosely folded, her small backpack still slung over one shoulder. Kai stood beside her, hands in his pockets, staring straight ahead as the floor numbers slid upward in glowing red.
The silence was thick, but not uncomfortable.Just… charged.
"So," Su finally said, eyes still on the numbers, "you moved in fast."
Kai glanced at her. "You're the one who ordered me to."
She smirked. "You didn't complain."
"Didn't seem smart to argue with you."
"That's the first sensible thing you've done all day."
The elevator dinged.
Her door opened to a wide, softly lit hallway that led into her apartment — glass, polished wood, tall windows, and a quiet that felt expensive.
Kai stepped inside and paused.
He'd been here before… but this time it felt different.
Last time, he was a guest.Now, he was… something else.
"Don't just stand there," Su said, kicking off her heels. "Come in."
Kai rolled his trolley bag inside, set his backpack down near the couch, and looked around. The place was spotless, but not cold. There were books on the coffee table, a half-empty wine glass from last night still sitting there, a throw blanket casually draped over the sofa.
"You live here alone?" he asked.
Su shrugged, walking past him. "Mostly."
"Mostly?"
"Sometimes the walls get annoying."
Kai chuckled. "Never thought someone with a place like this would get lonely."
She turned back. "Never thought someone with a Bugatti would get kicked out by a landlady."
Touché.
She walked into the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of water. Kai followed.
"Hungry?" she asked.
"Are you offering?"
"I'm warning you. I don't cook."
"I've survived worse."
She leaned against the counter, watching him. "That sounded personal."
He raised an eyebrow. "You want my tragic backstory on our first night living together?"
She smiled slightly. "Maybe later."
The kettle started boiling. The sound filled the quiet.
"So," Su said casually, "are you uncomfortable?"
Kai looked at her. "Why would I be?"
"You're in my home. My space. My rules."
"And?"
"And most men get… weird about it."
Kai shrugged. "I've had a strange week."
She studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Fair."
They made simple food — nothing fancy. Just noodles and some vegetables she had in the fridge. They stood close, bumping into each other in the narrow kitchen, hands brushing, elbows knocking.
"Sorry," Kai muttered when their fingers touched.
"Relax," she said. "It's not electric."
It kind of was.
They ate at the kitchen island, not sitting properly, just leaning there, stealing glances between bites.
"You're staring," Su said.
"You're interesting."
She snorted. "That's not an answer."
"Neither was that."
When they finished, she moved to wash the dishes. Kai took one from her hand.
"I'll do it."
She blinked. "In my house?"
"Yes."
"That's dangerous. Next thing you know, you'll start acting like you belong here."
Kai looked at her. "Do I not?"
Her breath hitched just a little.
She turned away. "Don't push your luck."
Later, they sat on opposite ends of the couch, scrolling through their phones. The TV was on, but neither was watching.
The silence this time felt… comfortable.
Su glanced sideways at him. "You know, this is weird."
"How?"
"You're not awkward."
"Is that bad?"
"It is when I want you to be."
He smirked. "Sorry to disappoint."
She tossed a cushion at him. He caught it easily.
"Show-off."
Eventually, the hour grew late. The city outside was quiet, lights glittering beyond the tall windows.
"So…" Kai said, standing. "Where am I sleeping?"
Su looked at him for a long second.
"You already know the answer."
"I'd like to hear it."
She sighed. "Don't make it weird."
They stood there, facing each other.
Slowly, she walked closer.
"You're not afraid of me," she said quietly.
"I should be?"
"No," she replied. "Most people are."
Kai met her eyes. "I'm not most people."
That made her smile.
She leaned in first.
The kiss was slow, warm, familiar in a way that surprised both of them. No rush. No hunger. Just… closeness.
When they pulled back, she rested her forehead against his.
"Stay," she whispered.
"I am."
They went to bed together — not rushed, not heavy, just close. Under the same blankets, facing each other, sharing the same quiet.
Su shifted closer, her hand resting on his chest.
"Don't disappear tomorrow," she murmured.
Kai wrapped an arm around her.
"Not planning to."
They fell asleep like that.