บท 39: Sleep

Jingliu paused, her gaze steady as she carefully chose her words. "It's not about anything physical. I just want to be close tonight, to sleep beside you, if that's okay," she said, her voice soft but determined, her eyes fixed on Yasushi.

Yasushi sighed softly, a hint of curiosity in his expression as he nodded. He had wondered about Jingliu's sudden request, but her explanation brought a sense of clarity. It wasn't entirely surprising, given Jingliu's youth and her aspirations for the future.

"I understand. That's fine with me. Just give me a heads-up before you come over, maybe send a text or something," Yasushi replied, his tone gentle yet practical. Jingliu nodded in agreement, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Let's go grab dinner then," she suggested, reaching out to take his wrist, leading him away with a sense of quiet anticipation in the air.

+-+

Dinner unfolded in a cocoon of silence, punctuated only by fleeting attempts at conversation between Jingliu and Yasushi. These exchanges, however, swiftly dissolved into quietude, not out of discomfort but rather due to the weight of their respective thoughts.

Their minds were consumed by the events of the day — a brief yet meaningful outing, a leisurely stroll to her home, and the unexpected revelation that they were to cohabit in the near future, a decision veiled in parental arrangements left unexplored.

Yinhaie's voice cut through the hush, her interruption drawing both Jingliu and Yasushi's attention. "I have news regarding our future lodging, Lady Jingliu, Lord Yasushi," she announced, prompting them to pivot towards her, curiosity flickering in their eyes.

"Lord Yasushi?" Yasushi's brow furrowed in confusion at Yinhaie's formal address.

"In light of your forthcoming residence with Lady Jingliu and the collaborative arrangements between your families," Yinhaie explained, her tone measured, "it seems fitting to use such a title. As for the location, it's nestled near Koyohu street, close to Hululo Beach Resort and several other establishments, making it an appealing locale not limited to students."

Yasushi's eyes widened in disbelief. "Isn't that area known for its exorbitant prices? I recall the highest being around twelve million dollars or one point eight billion yen..." His voice trailed off, a tinge of unease creeping in at the thought of such staggering costs.

Yinhaie's smile was serene. "The collective effort of all three families has secured the most lavish residence available, indeed the one priced at one billion eight hundred million yen," she confirmed, causing Yasushi's jaw to slacken in astonishment.

"Isn't that a bit excessive?" Yasushi's voice wavered, a touch of apprehension creeping into his tone.

"Rest assured, it's nestled within another gated community. Our home ranks third in security, surpassed only by Lady Xinyi's community at second and the most opulent estate with the highest security measures," Yinhaie reassured him, her words aimed at alleviating any concerns.

She delved into a detailed description of the residence, painting a vivid picture of its grandeur. "It boasts twelve bedrooms, including two master suites, each equipped with its own en-suite bathroom. Additionally, there are two spacious bathrooms within the main structure. The house spans three floors, excluding a basement that could be considered a separate dwelling, featuring six rooms — four bedrooms and a combined living room and kitchen area, complete with bathroom facilities and luxurious amenities like a jacuzzi and swimming pool."

Yinhaie's explanation continued, outlining the outdoor features such as swimming pools, expansive gardens, and a sizable driveway. "The property is encircled by a robust electric fence, state-of-the-art security systems, surveillance cameras, and various other enhancements. It would be best to experience its splendor firsthand once we settle in," she concluded, her description painting a picture of extravagance and security.

Yasushi's jaw hung slack as he grappled with the enormity of Yinhaie's description. The notion of residing in such opulence had never crossed his mind, yet now it loomed as an impending reality, a product of the collaborative efforts between his parents, Xinyi, and Jingliu's families.

"And there's more," Yinhaie continued, her tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with a hint of excitement. "The residence also features distinct areas like a convertible basketball court that can transform into a batting or golf practice range, all seamlessly integrated with digital enhancements to replicate the real experience."

She paused, then added with a touch of reassurance, "Additionally, Lord Liang mentioned that this expenditure accounts for merely five percent of their combined income, so there's no need for concern, Lord Yasushi." Her words carried a sense of financial security, alleviating any qualms about the extravagant lifestyle awaiting them.

Yasushi released a weary sigh, sinking back into his seat as he caught the sound of Jingliu's quiet laughter rippling through the air.

"It's quite overwhelming, isn't it?" Jingliu's comment carried a gentle understanding, drawing a tired smile from Yasushi.

"Yeah... it's a lot to take in," he replied, his mind still spinning from the enormity of what he had just learned.

"We've already relocated your belongings, Lord Yasushi. Everything is neatly packed in boxes, awaiting your attention once you finish your meal," Yinhaie interjected, her gaze fixed squarely on Yasushi, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

Yasushi maintained a composed demeanor, acknowledging Yinhaie's statement with a silent nod. Mentally fatigued by the cascade of information, he retreated into a wordless reverie, focusing on his meal as a respite from the whirlwind of announcements.

As the evening progressed, Yasushi found solace in the hushed laughter emanating from Jingliu. Her quiet amusement piqued his curiosity, injecting a subtle allure into the otherwise subdued atmosphere of the dinner table.

+-+

Two hours drifted by, the echoes of dinner fading as Yasushi settled into his new temporary space. His unpacking, a half-hearted endeavor, neared completion; boxes stood testament to his transitory stay, reminders of a brief residency before the next migration. The essentials had found their places, scattered in cozy corners he fancied, while the rest remained cradled in cardboard, their secrets contained.

Emerging from a warm bath, Yasushi paused to dry his hair, then lounged onto his back, idly scrolling through his phone. A message from Jingliu awaited, a simple yet significant intrusion into his solitary evening: "I'll join once you've finished bathing. Let me know."

With a resigned sigh, Yasushi roused himself to prepare, a routine that mingled with the mundane. Homework claimed its share of the hour, a brief flirtation with study, culminating in the ritual of bed-making.

Having completed his preparations, Yasushi sauntered to the doorway, leaning casually against the adjacent wall. He tapped out a message to Jingliu: "Ready for you now."

Moments passed before a soft knock heralded Jingliu's arrival, her silhouette framed in the doorframe, clad in a loose t-shirt, short shorts, and sandals, her hair gathered in a carefree ponytail. She stepped into the room, clutching a small pillow to her chest, her gaze flickering over Yasushi.

"What took you so long?" she inquired, a faint crease forming on her brow.

"Homework and setting up my temporary space," he explained, pushing off the wall to join her.

As Yasushi flicked off the room's lights, moonbeams spilled through the window, casting a silver hue over the space. Jingliu settled onto his bed, nestling into the center before turning to face him, her eyes tracing his approach.

A peculiar unease gripped Jingliu, her heart's rhythm quickening inexplicably. They were to share a night of simple companionship, yet her nerves danced within her. Fingers and toes fidgeted, a silent dance of anticipation as she awaited Yasushi's presence beside her.

After a meticulous final check of the room, Yasushi joined her on the bed, slipping to the opposite edge before inching closer. Silence enveloped them, a weighty presence as they locked gazes, words eluding them in the quiet of the night.

"From now on, we'll be sharing this space, won't we?" Jingliu's voice broke the stillness, her gaze fixed on Yasushi with a tinge of apprehension in her tone and expression.

"Yeah. Feeling nervous?" he queried, meeting her eyes with a similar intensity. Their silent conversation unfolded through locked gazes, delving into unspoken depths.

"A bit, but I trust we'll manage. Yinhaie's presence will help," she confessed, pausing briefly before continuing, "And I trust you won't make things uncomfortable."

"Of course," Yasushi replied, and once more, silence filled the air, their thoughts swirling yet unvoiced.

Earlier in the day, their interactions had flowed effortlessly, but now, in this new dynamic, words seemed to falter. Before Jingliu could navigate the awkwardness, Yasushi turned towards her, enfolding her in an unexpected embrace. Startled, she stiffened momentarily before yielding, reciprocating the embrace as they held each other in the quiet of the night.

"We should get some rest," Yasushi murmured, his fingers gently caressing her hair in a familiar rhythm. It was a comforting gesture from his old life that had seamlessly transitioned into the new.

"Mhm," Jingliu responded softly as they settled down. Instinctively, she nestled her head against his chest, drifting towards sleep.

Yasushi allowed her this closeness, exhaling a sigh as he gazed upward at the ceiling. Just as he was about to succumb to sleep, Jingliu's voice pierced the quiet once more.

"Yasushi," she whispered.

"Hmm?" he acknowledged.

"...I don't like how Xinyi gets close to you. It bothers me," she confessed, her grip on his shirt tightening.

Caught off guard, Yasushi pondered her words before replying, "Perhaps it's unsettling to see your new friend interact closely with someone you once considered an enemy."

Yasushi sensed a flicker of truth in his words, yet beneath the surface, he understood Jingliu's unspoken turmoil. However, he knew that revealing his deeper insights would likely be met with resistance, so he offered a plausible explanation.

"...alright, I can see some truth in that, but I believe there's more to it...however, I'll accept it for now...goodnight," she conceded, her eyes shutting once more as she sought solace in sleep.

"Goodnight," Yasushi echoed softly, following suit as they both surrendered to the embrace of slumber, their unspoken thoughts lingering in the quiet of the night.