Chu Xichen gently took my hand.
"...Yes."
His voice was very soft.
So soft that if the library hadn't been so quiet at that moment, I probably wouldn't have heard it.
I paused for a few seconds before gently taking his hand back.
"Let's go."
By the time we left the library, it was almost dark.
The pale twilight cast long shadows of us both on the deserted school grounds.
Chu Xichen walked beside me, his head down the whole time.
He was very quiet.
So quiet that I occasionally had to turn to see if he was still behind me.
After walking for a while, I finally couldn't help but ask:
"Are you really okay?"
Chu Xichen paused.
"...Yes?"
"I mean, what happened at home."
Hearing that, his eyes immediately darkened.
He tightened his grip on his backpack.
"...I'm used to it."
My steps slowed.
"Used to it?"
A casual remark.
But it made me incredibly uneasy.
How many times must a child go through to calmly say "used to it" like that?
I was silent for a few seconds.
Finally, I just sighed softly.
"If anything bothers you..."
"You can tell me."
Chu Xichen looked up at me.
His eyes clearly showed surprise.
As if he had never imagined anyone would say such words to him.
"...Why are you so kind to me, teacher?"
I was slightly taken aback.
"Why...?"
I chuckled softly.
"Perhaps because you're my student?"
Hearing this, Chu Xichen lowered his head.
But the corners of his lips curved slightly.
Arriving home, I opened the front door.
"Xichen, come in."
He hesitated at the door for a few seconds before slowly stepping inside.
His movements were very careful.
As if afraid of disturbing the place.
Looking at him, my heart unconsciously softened a little.
"Tich Than."
"Yes?"
"You don't need to be so nervous."
He paused slightly, then softly replied:
"...I'm afraid of disturbing you, teacher."
I chuckled helplessly.
"I've already brought you home, isn't it a little late to think about that now?"
Hearing this, Chu Tich Than was stunned.
A few seconds later, his ears slowly turned red.
I almost burst out laughing at his reaction.
This child...
He's just too well-behaved.
I led him upstairs.
"The room next door is empty, you can sleep here for now."
As soon as Chu Tich Than looked at the room, he immediately shook his head.
"No, I can't... I can sleep on the sofa..."
"Tich Than."
I looked at him. "I won't let students sleep on the sofa."
"...But..."
"No buts."
I opened the door to the room and gently stroked his head.
"Listen to me."
Chu Xichen immediately stood still.
Perhaps surprised by the action, his whole body visibly froze.
After a few seconds, he lowered his head.
"...Yes, sir."
His ears were so red they almost looked like they were about to bleed.
I just chuckled inwardly.
Completely unaware...that Xichen's gaze towards me had subtly changed.