Early the next morning, Fang Li changed into his school uniform, packed his books into his bag, slung it over his shoulder, then turned to look at Index on the bed.
"Mmm..."
There, Index was hugging Sphinx and sulking.
Seeing that, Fang Li shook his head.
"Hey..." Fang Li addressed Index. "How long are you planning to keep looking like that?"
"Because Fang Li is abandoning me." Index puffed out her cheeks and said with great dissatisfaction, "Why do you have to go to school? Isn't staying home nice?"
"If your parents heard you say that, they'd be moved to tears." Fang Li laughed. "I'm a student, so of course I have to go to school. Otherwise, I won't get my scholarship. Without living expenses, you won't have anything to eat."
"Th-That's such a serious matter?!" Index immediately fell for it, her expression changing as she hurriedly said, "Then you should go! We absolutely can't have no food!"
"...While that works out perfectly for me, I have mixed feelings about you compromising just for a meal." Fang Li rubbed his brow. "You'd better behave and stay home. I've already made lunch and put it in the fridge. I'll come back and make dinner, so wait for me at home, okay?"
"Got it." Index lifted the cat in her hands and smiled. "Don't worry, I have Sphinx to keep me company."
"That's good." Fang Li smiled faintly, then left the house.
Index watched Fang Li leave until he shut the door behind him, only then withdrawing her gaze.
"Sigh..."
Index sighed, then quickly came to her senses and patted her cheeks.
"No, even if I'll be lonely without Fang Li here, I can't be so pathetic. When Fang Li comes back, I have to welcome him with the brightest smile possible!"