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Chapter 8 - Part 6

(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.

since childhood

always running toward him

like he can solve all the problems in the world

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.

ooo how much I love his cooking 

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 your world famous coffee."

He pauses.

Just slightly.

give me a look 

that make me smile 

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.

because I want her to own this place

because I want her to own me. completely

"You came just for coffee?" I ask.

"Yes."

"Liar."

She sighs.

"Fine. I just wanted to spend something with my best friend ."

That's enough.

That always is.

"You could've gone home."

"I did."

"And then you came here."

"your home is my home my home is your home Didi Wang"

She shrugs.

" And It's closer."

It's not.

But I don't argue.

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.

because it makes me feel like home

"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 the best cook," 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.

 why he always does that ohh my poor heart calm down

Completely.

"What?"

He doesn't look away.

"I said what I said."

I look away immediately.

Because I can't handle that.

not the feeling of butterflies

I know I would be totally a red tomato

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.

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