Yue sat on the porch, lazily rolling an apple between her palms. The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows over her form. She hadn't spoken much since breakfast, which was unusual for her. Normally, she filled the silence with teasing remarks or unnecessary commentary about his habits.
Xu sat nearby, sharpening a small knife with slow, practiced movements. He didn't need the blade to be sharp he rarely needed weapons at all but the rhythmic motion helped him think.
"You've been quiet," he finally said.
Yue tossed the apple in the air and caught it effortlessly. "And you've been brooding."
He didn't react.
She smirked. "Let me guess. You're still thinking about what I said last night."
Xu glanced at her, unimpressed. "You talk too much."
She laughed, taking a bite of the apple. "That's not a denial."
He returned to sharpening the blade. "If you already know the answer, why ask?"
"Because it's fun watching you pretend you don't care," she said breezily, swinging her legs over the edge of the porch. "You're not very good at it, by the way."
Xu's expression didn't change, but she caught the faintest flicker of something in his gaze.
Yue grinned. "See? You don't fool me."
He exhaled through his nose, setting the knife down. "You enjoy being annoying, don't you?"
"I excel at it," she corrected.
Xu shook his head slightly and leaned back against the wooden post. Despite himself, he didn't mind these exchanges. They were pointless, filled with unnecessary banter, but they made the days pass a little faster.
Yue finished her apple and tossed the core into the grass. Then she tilted her head at him, golden eyes gleaming mischievously. "You know, I was thinking…"
"That's dangerous."
She ignored him. "Since I'm already here, I should make myself useful."
"You already cook and clean," he pointed out.
"Yes, but I was thinking of something more entertaining."
Xu narrowed his eyes slightly. "Like what?"
Yue grinned. "A game."
He raised a brow. "A game?"
She nodded, shifting to sit cross-legged in front of him. "You answer one question honestly, and I answer one honestly. Simple."
Xu gave her a flat look. "I don't like games."
"That's because you always play alone," she said without missing a beat. "Come on, humor me. One question each."
He considered rejecting her outright, but the expectant way she looked at him made it clear she wouldn't let it go. With a resigned sigh, he leaned forward. "Fine. You first."
Yue beamed. "Alright. My question… What's something you hate?"
Xu didn't hesitate. "Needless talking."
She laughed. "That's cheating."
"You never said the answer had to be interesting."
"Fine, fine. Your turn."
Xu studied her for a moment. "Why were you running?"
Yue's expression didn't change, but the playful glint in her eyes dimmed slightly.
For a moment, he thought she wouldn't answer. Then, she leaned back on her hands, looking up at the sky.
"Because I didn't want to be owned."
She said it simply, without embellishment, but there was something heavy in her words.
Xu didn't press her.
Yue suddenly clapped her hands together. "Alright, my turn again!"
He sighed. "You didn't say we were doing multiple rounds."
"Too late, I already decided." She leaned forward, her golden eyes sharp. "Have you ever cared about someone?"
Xu held her gaze, unmoving.
A breeze rustled the leaves. Somewhere in the distance, birds chirped.
Then, finally, he answered.
"No."
Yue's expression was unreadable. Then, to his surprise, she smiled not her usual smirk, but something softer.
"Well," she said lightly, "I guess there's a first time for everything."
"...."
Xu didn't reply.