By night, the house was completely still.
Xu Chen preferred it that way. No staff, no background noise, no interruptions. The villa was large enough to run with help, but he never kept any. Privacy mattered more than convenience.
The kitchen lights were on.
Xu Chen stood at the counter, finishing the last step of dinner. A wok sat over steady heat, the sauce thickening as he stirred. The aroma filled the space—savory, slightly sweet, layered with soy, garlic, and a hint of heat from dried chili.
On the side, a plate of Kung Pao Chicken was already prepared.
The chicken pieces were evenly cut, coated in a glossy reddish-brown sauce. Roasted peanuts added texture, while slices of dried chili and green onions gave it contrast. The oil caught the light, giving the dish a rich sheen without looking heavy.
Aum stood across the counter, watching.
"You cook every time?" he asked.
Xu Chen turned off the flame.
"Most of the time."
"That is repetitive."
"So is eating," Xu Chen replied.
Aum didn't argue.
Xu Chen plated the food, placing two portions on the table along with rice.
"Sit," he said.
Aum did.
This time, there was no pause before he picked up the fork.
Xu Chen sat across from him, observing without making it obvious.
Aum took a bite.
Chewed slowly.
Xu Chen waited.
"It has contrast," Aum said. "Soft and firm. The heat builds after a few seconds."
Xu Chen nodded.
"That's the chili."
Aum took another bite.
This time without stopping to analyze immediately.
Xu Chen noticed that.
"Better?" he asked.
"Yes."
That was enough.
They ate without much conversation after that.
Once they were done, Xu Chen picked up the plates and set them aside, then walked toward the living area.
"Come," he said.
Aum followed.
The screen was already on.
"What format is this?" Aum asked, looking at it.
"A movie."
Aum's gaze stayed on the screen.
"We have visual narratives," he said. "Structured sequences, simulated environments. This is similar."
Xu Chen glanced at him.
"So you're not completely unfamiliar."
"No."
Xu Chen sat down on the couch.
Aum sat beside him.
Closer than before.
Not touching.
But not leaving much space either.
The movie started.
Aum's attention stayed on it, but his focus wasn't passive. He followed expressions, tone shifts, pacing—processing it rather than simply watching.
"They exaggerate reactions," he said after a while.
"It helps people connect," Xu Chen replied.
Aum nodded slightly.
Xu Chen leaned back, one arm resting along the back of the couch.
At some point, he reached for the glass on the table.
His fingers brushed against Aum's.
This time, neither of them pulled back immediately.
The contact stayed for a second longer than needed.
Xu Chen became aware of it.
The warmth. The stillness.
He picked up the glass, but his movement had slowed.
Aum's hand remained where it was before he withdrew it.
Xu Chen took a sip, then set the glass down again.
A few minutes later, the movie shifted into a louder sequence.
A sudden burst of sound filled the room.
Xu Chen shifted slightly.
His shoulder pressed against Aum's.
This time, the contact didn't break.
Aum didn't move away.
Xu Chen stayed where he was.
The pressure was light, but constant.
Enough to register.
Xu Chen turned his head slightly.
From this angle, Aum was closer than before.
Not just physically—visually.
Details stood out more clearly.
His eyes were steady, focused on the screen but not unfocused. There was clarity in them, something sharp but not harsh.
Xu Chen's gaze dropped briefly.
Aum's lips were relaxed, natural, not tense or expressive. The kind of detail Xu Chen wouldn't normally pay attention to.
He looked back at the screen.
Then back at Aum again.
"You're not reacting much," Xu Chen said.
"I am processing it," Aum replied.
Xu Chen nodded once.
But his attention didn't return fully to the movie.
Aum turned his head slightly.
Their eyes met.
This time, Xu Chen didn't look away immediately.
The distance between them on the couch felt smaller now.
Not because they had moved.
Because he was aware of it.
"You keep observing me," Aum said.
Xu Chen exhaled lightly.
"You notice everything."
"Yes."
Xu Chen held his gaze for another second.
Then leaned back again, though his shoulder didn't fully leave Aum's.
The contact remained.
Neither of them adjusted it.
After a while, Xu Chen reached for the remote and paused the movie.
The room fell quiet.
"You're adapting," Xu Chen said.
Aum looked at him.
"You ate properly. You're following routine. You're adjusting without being told."
Aum considered that.
"It is required," he said.
Xu Chen nodded.
That answer didn't bother him anymore.
He leaned back, resting his head slightly.
"…We'll figure the rest out," he said.
Aum didn't question it.
The distance between them remained the same.
This time, neither of them changed it.