Lin Yi's body stiffened for a moment, but he didn't push her away. Like that, they slowly made their way to the car, where he carefully settled her into the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt.
On the way back, Su Xiaoxi drifted in and out of sleep. When she woke, she felt herself being gently shaken.
"We're home," Lin Yi's voice came from somewhere above her.
Blearily opening her eyes, she realized she was being carried bridal-style in his arms as he walked toward her apartment building. The realization jolted her awake.
"I... I can walk..." she mumbled, squirming slightly.
"Don't move," Lin Yi tightened his hold. "You'll fall."
Su Xiaoxi had no choice but to obediently nestle in his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest. She could hear the steady, rhythmic beat of his heart. From this angle, she could see the sharp line of his jaw and the faint movement of his Adam's apple—so close she could almost touch it.
Inside the elevator, Lin Yi still showed no sign of putting her down. Su Xiaoxi peeked up at him and found him staring intently at the floor numbers, his expression so serious it was as if he were carrying out some critical mission.
At her doorstep, he finally set her down, keeping one hand on her arm to steady her. "Keys."
She fumbled in her bag for what felt like forever before finally fishing them out. Once the door was open, Lin Yi quickly scanned the apartment, ensuring everything was safe before letting her in.
"Drink this. It'll help with the alcohol," he said, handing her a glass of warm water, his tone back to its usual businesslike efficiency.
Su Xiaoxi took small sips, the warmth slowly sobering her up—only to be replaced by overwhelming embarrassment. *Oh god, what did I say in front of everyone?* And now, being alone with Lin Yi in her apartment...
"Um… thank you for tonight," she murmured, staring into her cup. "And… about what I said earlier, don't take it seriously..."
Lin Yi stood by the window, the moonlight outlining his tall, straight silhouette. After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Drink less in the future. It's not safe."
"Got it…" She fiddled with her fingers. "Tomorrow… do you still want teriyaki chicken for lunch?"
Another pause. Just as Su Xiaoxi thought he wouldn't answer, Lin Yi replied softly, "...Mm."
That simple syllable sent a rush of warmth through her. When she looked up, she found him watching her, his eyes holding something she couldn't quite decipher.