I wake up with a start.

Rubbing my throbbing temples, I grab my phone from the side and check the time.

It’s already 11 a.m.

That strict body clock I’ve had since my teenage years seems to have gone haywire today for some reason.

After a quick wash-up, I head downstairs, thinking I’ll rustle up something to eat in the kitchen.

Just as I reach the staircase, I spot Lin Yuji standing in the middle of the living room, fiddling with his watch.

I blink slowly, wondering if I’m imagining this.

Lin Yuji seems to sense me and looks up.

“You awake?”

Meeting his gaze, I fumble with the hem of my pajamas, mumbling, “Yeah.”

After that short exchange, the air thickens with awkward silence again.

“I’ve got something to do later, so I’ll be heading out for a bit.”

Lin Yuji speaks up again.

The little burst of joy I felt seeing him home starts to fade.

Sure, we’re not the type to celebrate some big wedding anniversary.

But on a day like this, just being home with him would’ve kept me grinning for ages.

Still, my hopes always seem to crash and burn.

I want to call out to him, but I’ve got no good reason, no solid ground to stand on.

So, I just manage a dry, “Okay.”

Watching his back as he leaves, I force myself to swallow the sour ache in my chest.

Don’t get greedy. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment.

I warn myself again in my head.