Chapter 40: ᶻz ₍ _ _ ₎

Weiluoya couldn’t sleep.

Xialvdi had her arms wrapped around her from behind, holding her entire body close.

The arm around her waist was pulled too tight, making her very uncomfortable.

At first, the hand was fairly well-behaved.

But before long, it started to wander.

Her fingers first rubbed gently across Weiluoya’s flat stomach through the thin nightgown.

Then, as if discovering some amusing toy, she began poking at her side.

Every poke made Weiluoya twitch from the ticklish sensation.

“…”

She tried to relax, but she could feel the spots Xialvdi’s hand touched growing hot.

Helpless, she scooted toward the edge of the bed, trying to create some distance.

But the moment she moved, the octopus behind her yanked her back.

Xialvdi pressed her head against Weiluoya’s and nuzzled her affectionately, letting out a satisfied hum.

Weiluoya felt goosebumps rise on the back of her neck.

How was she supposed to sleep like this?

If this kept up, she’d die from either ticklishness or annoyance before dawn.

Weiluoya’s patience had reached its limit!

Weiluoya: <(｀^´)>

She flipped over abruptly, struggling against the soft mattress to turn around.

In the dimness, Weiluoya met a pair of sparkling eyes.

“Xialvdi!”

she whispered, her voice embarrassed and irritated.

“Stop squirming!”

Xialvdi blinked, looking innocent.

“I’m not squirming,”

she said, gently poking Weiluoya’s puffed-out cheek.

“I just want to hold you tighter. It gives me a sense of security.”

“Don’t poke my face! And your hand is still moving!”

Weiluoya accused.

“Oh, that…”

Xialvdi glanced at her hand still resting on Weiluoya’s waist and replied with complete confidence.

“It has a mind of its own. It probably thinks you’re too cute and can’t help but touch you a little more.”

Weiluoya was left speechless by this twisted logic.

She glared at Xialvdi.

In the darkness, that pretty face looked especially punchable.

Seeing that she wasn’t speaking, Xialvdi leaned in closer until their noses nearly touched.

“How about we switch positions?”

“What position?”

“We’ll sleep face-to-face,”

Xialvdi coaxed.

“That way, I can keep looking at you, and my hands won’t wander.”

Weiluoya hesitated.

Sleep face-to-face?

Wouldn’t that mean they’d be pressed together?

She’d never been this close to anyone before.

But if she didn’t agree, the harassment from behind would probably last all night.

She wanted to get up tomorrow.

“Did the book you read say that?”

she asked uncertainly.

“Of course,”

Xialvdi nodded eagerly.

“The book says this is the sleeping position that best strengthens the bond between lovers, letting you feel each other’s heartbeats.”

Weiluoya looked at Xialvdi’s face, which was practically screaming,

“Trust me, babe,”

then thought about the restless hand around her waist.

“Fine.”

Between sleep and humiliation, Weiluoya reluctantly chose the former.

“Great!”

Xialvdi cheered immediately, stretched out her long arm, and pulled Weiluoya into her embrace.

Weiluoya felt her waist tighten, and the next second, she was completely enveloped in a soft, warm hug.

Xialvdi rested her chin on top of Weiluoya’s head, her arms tightly encircling her back, and one leg even squeezed between Weiluoya’s, pinning her in place.

S-so close!

Weiluoya: (ᗜ – ᗜ) → (,,ᗜ – ᗜ,,)

A little shy.

Her face was forced into the soft, full curve of Xialvdi’s chest, and all she could breathe was the pleasant scent coming from the other girl.

“Weiluoya, relax a little.”

Xialvdi’s voice came from above, tinged with laughter, the vibration of her chest clearly felt against Weiluoya’s cheek.

“Holding you like this feels like I’m hugging a rock.”

As she spoke, she gently patted Weiluoya’s back, as if soothing a frightened cat.

“It’s okay. I’m here.”

Weiluoya took a deep breath, resigned herself, and forced her stiff muscles to slowly relax.

Her tense nerves gradually loosened under the rhythmic patting and steady heartbeat.

The fatigue and drowsiness washed over her like a tide.

Snuggled in Xialvdi’s arms, enveloped by that warmth that wholly surrounded her, her eyelids grew heavier and heavier.

ᶻz ₍ _ _ ₎

The breathing of the person in her arms grew steady and long—she was clearly fast asleep.

Xialvdi opened her eyes and looked down at Weiluoya in the darkness, peacefully asleep in her embrace.

Moonlight streamed through the window, coating her brilliant golden hair with a soft silver edge.

Her sleeping face was calm.

Her long lashes cast small fan-like shadows beneath her eyes, and her lips were slightly parted, looking like they’d be nice to kiss.

Xialvdi’s lips curled up uncontrollably.

She lowered her head and gently placed a kiss on Weiluoya’s smooth forehead.

Finally…

Finally, she had her again.

Wait.

Why “finally”?

Why did she feel this ecstatic sense of reclamation?

As if she had once lost her.

The memory of that part of the past in her mind was like a forest shrouded in thick fog.

She could sense something important was hidden inside, but she couldn’t see it clearly.

Xialvdi frowned.

A sharp pain shot through her heart.

She shook her head forcefully, pushing those tangled thoughts aside.

Never mind.

She tightened her arms, pulling the person in her embrace even closer.

No matter what happened before.

Since I found you this time,

you’re never getting away from me again.