Finally, after a struggle, I "forced" Han Yuqi downstairs.
He walked behind me, his steps slow, his face still a little pale. But it was slightly better than before.
When we reached the living room, Chu Xichen immediately stood up upon seeing us.
His gaze briefly lingered on Han Yuqi's wrist where I had just held it, then quickly lowered.
"S… teacher."
I nodded.
"Yes, please sit down."
The atmosphere was a little awkward.
I didn't pay much attention to it, and quickly went to the kitchen to set out the food.
A moment later, the table was fully set.
"Come and eat."
I called.
Han Yuqi pulled up a chair and sat down, his expression still as indifferent as before. Chu Xichen sat opposite him, his back straight, his hands neatly placed on his lap, clearly very tense.
I glanced at the two of them, then sighed inwardly.
That's right… two completely different styles.
The meal began in silence.
I picked up a piece of food and placed it in Han Yuqi's bowl.
"Eat."
He didn't say anything, just glanced at it and ate.
I picked up another piece.
And then another.
"Eat more, you have a fever, you need to replenish your nutrients."
Han Yuqi frowned.
"That's enough."
I acted as if I hadn't heard.
I picked up another piece.
"Eat this too, it's good for…"
"Teacher."
He put down his chopsticks.
Looked straight at me.
"That's enough."
Only then did I stop.
Looking down at his bowl, which was almost full.
"…Ah."
I felt a little embarrassed, cleared my throat softly, and withdrew my hand.
"Eat slowly."
Han Yuqi didn't say anything more, just lowered his head and continued eating.
But his gaze seemed… a little softer.
I unconsciously glanced at Chu Xichen.
He was quietly eating plain rice.
He didn't pick up any more food.
His chopsticks only lightly touched the bowl.
I paused slightly.
"Aren't you going to eat the other food?"
Chu Xichen was startled and quickly shook his head.
"Yes… I can eat…"
But his hand remained still.
I watched for a moment, then gently picked up a piece of food and put it in his bowl.
"Eat."
My voice softened a little.
"Don't be shy."
Chu Xichen lowered his head, his ears turning red.
"…Yes."
He began to pick up food, but his movements were still very careful, as if afraid of doing something wrong.
The atmosphere at the table gradually became… strange.
One side was quiet and obedient.
The other side was cold and distant.
I sat in the middle, feeling a little… unsure of what to say.
Just then…
"Is the teacher always this kind to everyone?"
Han Yuqi's voice rang out.
I froze.
Chu Xichen also stopped eating.
The atmosphere seemed to freeze.
I looked at Han Yuqi.
"What do you mean?"
He gave a faint smile.
"Nothing."
"Just… I find it a little annoying."
The words were very soft.
But they felt like thorns.
Chu Xichen tightened his grip on his chopsticks.
His head lowered even further.
"…If it's annoying… you can go home…"
"No need."
I immediately interrupted.
My voice became slightly more serious.
"Let's talk after we finish eating."
Chu Xichen remained silent.
Han Yuqi didn't say anything more either.
The meal continued.
But this time, it wasn't as simple as before.
I didn't know that
One person was trying to keep their distance.
Another person was silently getting closer.
And I…
Still standing in the middle.
I hadn't realized anything yet.