Sleeping in Each Other's Arms

Although Obito had purchased a mountain of ingredients, it was quickly devoured by Shi Xiu and the others until almost nothing remained.

Seeing only scraps left on the table, Kushina began to tidy up with nimble, practiced movements.

She skillfully sorted the remaining food and carefully tucked it away into the refrigerator.

Once everyone was full and satisfied, Shi Xiu slowly stood up, walked over to Yagura, and gave his shoulder a light pat. With a beaming smile, he said, "Yagura, I'm afraid I must trouble you to stay in the Kamui dimension for a little while longer."

Hearing this, Yagura couldn't help but shudder. He swallowed hard, forcing a fawning smile onto his face.

Yagura stammered, "Th-that... Lord Shi Xiu, do you think you could..."

Unfortunately, before he could finish his sentence, Shi Xiu used Kamui without a moment's hesitation.

The space before them twisted, and Yagura vanished instantly, sent back into the Kamui dimension.

At the same time, the corners of Shi Xiu's mouth curled into a sly, mischievous grin as he declared, "Nope!"

By now, night had quietly descended, and a faint sunset glow lingered on the horizon. Shi Xiu looked up at the sky, then turned to Kakashi and Nara Luling. "It's getting late. Kakashi, Luling, you two should head home for today."

Kakashi nodded obediently, signaling his understanding. Nara Luling, however, seemed reluctant to leave; she gazed at Shi Xiu with her beautiful, deep eyes, as if she still had much to say.

In the end, though, Nara Luling turned away in silence and walked toward the door alongside Kakashi.

Shi Xiu watched their retreating figures until they vanished from sight, only then snapping back to reality.

He turned to wave at Haku and said gently, "Haku, why don't you sleep with me tonight? Tomorrow, I'll find a way to expand the house and arrange a room specifically for you."

Haku nodded obediently and replied softly, "Thank you, sir."

After exchanging a few words with Minato and the others, Shi Xiu turned and led Haku into the house.

Upon entering the room, Shi Xiu felt like a weary bird returning to its nest. He walked straight to the soft, comfortable bed and flopped onto it, letting out a sigh of contentment.

Haku, following close behind, stood quietly by the bedside. He pursed his lips, seemingly wanting to say something, but hesitated.

Finally, as if gathering his courage, Haku whispered, "Sir, perhaps... I should just make a bed on the floor."

With that, Haku lowered his head, not daring to meet Shi Xiu's eyes, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his clothes.

Hearing this, Shi Xiu, who had already closed his eyes to rest, snapped them open and sat up with a start.

He looked at Haku with a helpless expression, though a warm, involuntary smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Haku, there's no need to be so formal. Why would you want to sleep on the floor? Unless, of course, you're disgusted by me?" As he spoke, Shi Xiu patted the empty space beside him.

Haku shook his head hurriedly, waving his hands. "No... that's not it, sir."

Finally, Haku gave a small nod and slowly shuffled toward the edge of the bed.

When he reached the bedside, he hesitated once more before carefully sitting on the edge and lying down. He curled his body into a small ball, as if afraid of taking up too much space or disturbing Shi Xiu.

Seeing Haku like this, Shi Xiu couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Finding him incredibly cute and innocent, he reached out and patted the empty spot beside him again, gesturing for Haku to move closer.

Haku froze for a moment, then shifted slightly closer to Shi Xiu.

The two lay quietly on the soft bed, the room filled only with the sound of their intertwined, gentle breathing.

After a long while, the silence was broken by Haku's cautious voice: "Sir, that girl from today... she seems to have feelings for you."

Hearing this, Shi Xiu, who had been feigning sleep, slowly opened his eyes. He let out a soft sigh, his deep gaze filled with an indescribable complexity.

After a moment of hesitation, Shi Xiu couldn't help himself. He rolled over, reached out, and pinched Haku's fair, delicate cheek, saying softly:

"You little brat, you know quite a lot for your age! Alright, stop thinking about such nonsense and just close your eyes and get some sleep."

Startled by the sudden action, Haku's delicate face became slightly distorted under the pressure of Shi Xiu's fingers.

Haku struggled to shake his head, trying to escape from Shi Xiu's grasp, and pleaded, "S-sir, please don't! I won't ask again, I promise!"

Seeing Haku's pitiful expression, Shi Xiu finally took pity on him and let go. He returned to his original position as if nothing had happened, staring blankly at the white ceiling above.

Haku sat up, rubbing his sore cheek with both hands, then lay back down on his side, his large, watery eyes fixed unblinkingly on Shi Xiu.

Feeling Haku's intense gaze, Shi Xiu felt a bit strange. He turned his head and asked, "Haku? Why do you keep staring at me? Is there something you want to say?"

Haku opened his mouth as if he really wanted to say something, but ultimately just shook his head and whispered, "N-nothing."

Shi Xiu smiled at Haku's shy demeanor, the corners of his mouth lifting as he gave a helpless, gentle shake of his head.

Haku's cheeks were flushed like the evening clouds, his head bowed low, not daring to meet Shi Xiu's eyes.

Time slipped away, and before long, drowsiness began to creep over Haku. His bright eyes grew hazy, and his eyelids began to flutter, as if under a spell.

Shi Xiu noticed the change immediately. He reached out and gently patted Haku's shoulder, his voice as soft as a spring breeze: "If you're tired, just go to sleep."

Hearing these caring words, a warm current flooded Haku's heart.

Haku looked up, gazing at Shi Xiu's handsome face with shimmering eyes. After a long moment of hesitation, he finally gathered his courage, slowly opened his arms, and hugged Shi Xiu tightly. "Thank you, sir. You are so kind!"

Shi Xiu clearly hadn't expected this, and he froze for a second before a doting smile appeared on his face.

He reached out and carefully embraced Haku, patting his back gently as if lulling a child to sleep.

"Sleep, sleep..." Shi Xiu murmured, his gentle voice echoing in the quiet room like a beautiful lullaby.

Haku nodded obediently and closed his eyes, his long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Before long, his breathing evened out, and he drifted into a sweet dream.

Shi Xiu remained lying on the bed, turning his head to watch Haku's peaceful face with deep, focused affection.

The moonlight spilled in like water, illuminating Haku's face through the window and making his skin look as smooth as jade and his features as delicate as a lotus. Looking at this beautiful scene, Shi Xiu felt an unprecedented sense of tranquility in his heart.

Watching Haku asleep in his arms, Shi Xiu thought that perhaps it was time to make a decision regarding Nara Luling.