Ark Simulator, Am I Not Incorporeal?

My heart started racing for no reason.

"The dress is inside." Su Rui's (in sheep form) voice sounded behind her. He had changed back into his simple loungewear and was standing by the window, watching the street gradually sink into twilight. "Go try it on. If it doesn't fit, there's still time to adjust it."

The dress. Prepared by Su Rui.

Eyjafjalla's cheeks flushed slightly, her heart filled with a mixture of anticipation, shyness, and a touch of trepidation as she approached the gift box. She first opened the slightly larger box, decorated with a light pink ribbon.

The moment the box was opened, soft light illuminated a pure white interior. Eyjafjalla carefully took out the dress, her pink eyes instantly brightening.

It was a simple yet elegant knee-length dress. Not an exaggerated princess dress or an overly revealing style, but rather a classic A-line cut, made of exquisitely textured ivory-white satin with a subtle sheen. The neckline was a conservative small round neck, but the shoulders featured slightly puffed sleeves, adding a touch of girlish playfulness. A delicate silk belt in the same color, with a softer texture, cinched at the waist, could be tied into a delicate bow at the back. The skirt flowed naturally, adorned only with a band of extremely fine, almost invisible silver thread embroidery along the edge, reflecting a faint shimmer in the light. The entire dress had no superfluous embellishments, yet it exuded a pure, elegant, and youthful beauty.

"So beautiful..." Eyjafjalla couldn't help but murmur in admiration, her fingers gently tracing the smooth, cool silk, her eyes filled with amazement. This was exactly the ball gown she had imagined, the most suitable for her, and even more beautiful than she had imagined.

"Go give it a try." Su Rui's (in sheep form) voice rang out again, still calm and devoid of emotion.

Eyjafjalla nodded vigorously, clutching her skirt, and like a little hamster that had stolen candy, quickly slipped into her bedroom.

When she changed into the dress, awkwardly tied the belt at the back, and stood in front of the old, cracked full-length mirror in the bedroom, she couldn't help but hold her breath.

The girl in the mirror seemed to be under a spell. The ivory-white silk perfectly outlined her slender figure, making her already fair skin appear even more radiant. The puff sleeves softened her slightly thin shoulders, and the bow at her waist accentuated her slender figure. The skirt's length reached just to her knees, revealing her shapely calves. Her soft, long pink hair (which she had carefully combed) looked exceptionally gentle and lovely against the backdrop of the simple white. Even her tiny, childlike horns seemed to have lost some of their naivety and gained a unique, innocent charm characteristic of a girl her age, all because of this outfit.

Eyjafjalla's cheeks flushed instantly, and her pink eyes filled with unbelievable joy. She had never worn such a beautiful dress, nor had she ever imagined that she could... look so good.

She took a deep breath, tried smiling a few times in front of the mirror, and then tried twirling around. The hem of her skirt drew an elegant arc, and the silver thread embroidery occasionally shimmered in the dim light of the old bulb. She was extremely satisfied.

When she shyly, yet with barely concealed anticipation, pushed open the bedroom door and reappeared in the living room, Su Rui's (in sheep form) gaze naturally fell upon her.

He remained standing by the window, his dark eyes calmly sweeping over her from head to toe, without lingering, yet not immediately looking away. His gaze seemed to be conducting some kind of precise scan and assessment.

Eyjafjalla's heart leaped into her throat, her fingers unconsciously twisting together as she awaited Su Rui's evaluation.

"Hmm." Su Rui (in lamb form) nodded almost imperceptibly, uttering only a single syllable in a flat tone, "Suitable."

It was only two words, but Eyjafjalla's heart felt instantly filled with honey, so sweet it was almost overflowing. She knew that for Su Rui to say "suitable" was already a very high compliment. A bright smile bloomed on her face, and she nodded vigorously.

Then, she looked curiously at another, slightly smaller gift box tied with a dark blue ribbon. "Su Rui, yours...?"

Su Rui (in her sheep form) walked up to the gift box and casually opened it. Inside was a dark gray, impeccably tailored, casually styled suit. There was no tie, and the inner layer was a simple pure white shirt with the top two buttons undone. There were no elaborate decorations, and the fabric looked to be just an ordinary high-grade wool blend, but the cut and details exuded an understated sense of refinement.

Eyjafjalla looked at the outfit, then at Su Rui's exquisitely handsome face and striking silver hair, and began to imagine what he would look like in it. He would definitely... look incredibly good.

Su Rui (in his sheep form) picked up the clothes and, without trying to hide it from Eyjafjalla, changed right there in the living room. His movements were fluid and natural, as if he were just changing into an ordinary jacket. When he buttoned up the last button of his dark gray suit jacket (he did), and straightened his shirt collar, Eyjafjalla felt her breath catch in her throat.

The dark gray suit perfectly complemented his slender and upright figure, highlighting the unique charm of a young man who straddled the line between youthful innocence and maturity. The open shirt collar revealed a glimpse of his delicate collarbone and fair neck, softening the formality of the suit and adding a touch of casualness and untamed spirit. His small, boyish horns, impossible to conceal by the suit, and his smooth, silver-white short hair created a striking contrast with the dark, slightly mature attire. Far from detracting from his appearance, this contrast enhanced his mysterious and intriguing charm.

He stood there, his dark eyes calm and still, as if gazing at himself in a mirror, or perhaps indifferent to everything around him. But that exquisite beauty, transcending gender and almost like a work of art, and that indescribable, unique aura that blended coolness and youthful energy, were like moonlight in the night, captivating all who looked away.

Car 1312 of Volume 19 is ready.

Eyjafjalla's cheeks flushed even more, her heart pounding uncontrollably in her chest. She even regretted letting Su Rui change into this outfit... It's... it looks amazing! What will she look like at the ball later...?

Su Rui (in lamb form) seemed completely unconcerned about her current appearance. She simply raised her wrist, glanced at the old phone (which was now disguised as a simple black wristwatch), and calmly said, "It's almost time. The car is downstairs."

The "car" he was referring to was certainly not an ordinary taxi or bus. When Eyjafjalla followed Su Rui downstairs and saw the sleek, long-wheelbase luxury sedan parked quietly in the shadows of the apartment building, its paint gleaming with a subtle dark silver sheen in the dim light, without any brand markings, she was once again struck by Su Rui's silent, astonishing ability to "arrange" things.

The driver was a middle-aged man in a smart uniform, wearing white gloves and with an expressionless face. He respectfully opened the car door for the two of them, showing no surprise at Su Rui (in her lamb form) and Eyjafjalla's striking appearance and attire, as if he were already used to it.

The car interior was spacious, filled with a very faint, comforting fragrance, and the temperature was just right. Eyjafjalla sat somewhat awkwardly in the soft leather seats, but her gaze couldn't help but steal glances at Su Rui beside her. He was leaning back in his seat, his head slightly turned as he looked out the window at the familiar, gray streetscape of Cumberland County rushing past. His profile was dimly lit by the occasional neon lights flashing past the car window, making his expression unreadable.

The car drove smoothly toward the community high school's gymnasium—the venue for the prom. The closer they got, the faster Eyjafjalla's heart pounded. There was anticipation for the prom, excitement about wearing a beautiful dress, but more than anything, there was a mix of nervousness and a subtle sense of "fighting." She knew that with Su Rui's looks, she would undoubtedly be the center of attention tonight. And she had to "protect" her Su Rui.

As the limousine silently glided into the temporary parking area outside the stadium, it immediately attracted the attention of many students who had already arrived. When they saw Eyjafjalla, who was wearing a white dress and looked a little nervous, get out of the car, and then Su Rui, who was wearing a dark gray casual suit, looked calm, and whose silver hair and little horns shone brightly under the bright lights at the stadium entrance, the surrounding noise seemed to be instantly silenced.

Countless gazes, like spotlights, instantly focused on the two of them. To be precise, they focused on Su Rui.

Amazement, curiosity, disbelief, jealousy, eagerness... a complex mix of emotions mingled in those gazes.

Eyjafjalla clearly felt the undisguised, burning gazes fixed on Su Rui. Her hands tightened instinctively, and almost without thinking, the moment Su Rui (in her lamb form) stepped out of the car, she stepped forward, reached out, and tightly, firmly took Su Rui's arm.

The movements were so fast and natural, as if they had been rehearsed countless times.

Su Rui (in her sheep form) didn't seem surprised by her actions. Her black eyes glanced down at her tightly held arm before she casually looked away, letting Eyjafjalla hold her arm, and started walking towards the brightly lit stadium entrance where music could be faintly heard.

Eyjafjalla straightened her back, trying to appear calm and composed, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. But only she knew that her palms were slightly sweaty from nervousness and a strong, assertive feeling. She moved closer to Su Rui, almost half of her body nestled against him, her pink eyes scanning the surroundings warily, like a young animal protecting its precious treasure.

Her actions successfully froze several girls who had initially been excited and ready to approach Su Rui when she got out of the car. Looking at Eyjafjalla's unwavering stance as she clung tightly to Su Rui, and Su Rui's calm and acquiescing (or perhaps even "indulgent"?) demeanor, they showed expressions of resentment, envy, or understanding. Ultimately, they reluctantly looked away or turned their gaze elsewhere.

As they walked into the stadium, similar scenes unfolded repeatedly. Both boys and girls couldn't take their eyes off Su Rui. But when they saw Eyjafjalla's hand, wrapped tightly around Su Rui's arm like a vine, and her slightly tense yet unusually firm gaze, carrying a clear "keep away" warning, most chose to observe or whisper amongst themselves.

The gymnasium was decorated with a festive atmosphere, with ribbons, balloons, and flashing neon lights. Students were already dancing to music in the center of the dance floor. The air was filled with the sweet smell of drinks, perfume, and the restless energy of youth.

Eyjafjalla, arm in arm with Su Rui, didn't immediately enter the dance floor. Instead, they found a relatively quiet corner to stand in. Her eyes remained alert, scanning their surroundings to make sure no one slipped through the net.

Su Rui (in lamb form) seemed indifferent to everything around him, simply standing calmly, his gaze fixed on the swaying figures on the dance floor or the rotating colored lights on the ceiling. Deep within his dark eyes remained an unfathomable calm. He let Eyjafjalla hold his arm, neither pulling away nor offering any intimate response, as if he were merely a temporarily requisitioned human armrest.

But for Eyjafjalla, that was enough. Su Rui didn't reject her approach, nor did she shake off her hand; this was tacit consent, a symbol of her successful "assertion of sovereignty."

Soon, the music changed to a soothing tune. More students glided onto the dance floor in pairs, dancing an elegant slow dance.

Eyjafjalla's heart pounded again at the romantic music and atmosphere. She tilted her head back, her pink eyes sparkling as she looked at Su Rui, her voice trembling slightly with anticipation. "Su Rui... shall we... dance?"

Su Rui (in lamb form) lowered his eyes, his dark eyes calmly meeting hers. He seemed to think for... a fraction of a second.

"Hmm," he responded, which was taken as agreement.

Eyjafjalla's heart was instantly filled with immense joy. She pulled Su Rui along, almost impatiently, and stepped onto the dance floor.

When Su Rui's hand gently rested on her waist (a perfectly executed movement, maintaining a polite distance), and she placed her own hand on Su Rui's shoulder, Eyjafjalla felt her cheeks burn intensely. She could clearly feel the cool touch of Su Rui's palm through the thin fabric of her clothes, and smell his familiar, clean, and refreshing scent, mixed with the faint, pleasant fragrance of his new suit.

Volume 19, Chapter 1313: Exclusivity Up

Music flowed, lights were soft. Su Rui (in sheep form)'s dance steps were unexpectedly standard, even... precise. He led Eyjafjalla, slowly spinning in the dance floor, his movements fluid and stable, without the slightest hesitation or delay, as if he had already programmed every step of the dance into his routine.

Eyjafjalla was initially a little nervous and awkward, but under Su Rui's steady and precise guidance, she quickly relaxed, following his rhythm and savoring this rare moment of being so close and "formal" with Su Rui. She tilted her head slightly, her pink eyes fixed on Su Rui's profile so close to hers, gazing at his calm black eyes, his silver eyelashes, his exquisitely perfect jawline... her heart filled with immense satisfaction and an almost dizzying happiness.

This was her graduation prom. She was wearing the beautiful dress Su Rui had prepared, and dancing with the incredible, uniquely her Su Rui.

The surrounding gazes seemed to be shut out by this beautiful scene. Eyjafjalla didn't care what others thought of her, Su Rui, or them. She only knew that at this moment, Su Rui was within her reach, spinning her around, and her arm was still tightly clasped around him, silently declaring to everyone: he was hers.

As the dance ended, Eyjafjalla was still immersed in a tipsy bliss, reluctant to leave Su Rui's side. She didn't invite Su Rui to dance a second time (though she really wanted to), but instead held his arm tightly, leading him as they strolled slowly along the edge of the ballroom, searching for a quiet corner with fewer people.

"Su Rui, shall we sit over there?" She pointed to an empty small round table for two at the far end of the dance floor, near the drinks area.

"Hmm." Su Rui (in lamb form) replied indifferently, and was pulled over by her.

The two sat down, Eyjafjalla still didn't let go of Su Rui's arm, as if if she let go, Su Rui would be "snatched away" by the noisy ball and those eye-catching gazes.

She picked up a brightly colored, non-alcoholic cocktail from the table, sipped it slowly, but her gaze remained fixed on Su Rui. She chatted with him casually, the conversation ranging from the decorations at the ball to the dance they had just performed, and then to their hopes for the future (mostly she talked, while Su Rui listened calmly, occasionally humming in agreement).

All night long, Eyjafjalla stayed by Su Rui's side like a little dragon guarding a treasure. They took walks, chatted, and occasionally danced a slow dance on the dance floor (whenever the music became more exciting or fast-paced, she would pull Su Rui away from the dance floor), and then find a place to sit and rest. She successfully and silently "repelled" everyone who tried to approach, chat, or simply want to glance at Su Rui with her seemingly weak but actually unusually firm posture and gaze.

Su Rui (in his sheep form) remained completely silent throughout. He neither actively participated in the festivities of the ball nor expressed approval or disapproval of Eyjafjalla's "protective" actions. He simply existed quietly, like a perfect, moving, exquisite doll, being led by Eyjafjalla through the meticulously planned ceremonial path called the "Graduation Ball."

As midnight approached and the ball drew to a close, students began to say goodbye and leave in twos and threes. Eyjafjalla finally breathed a sigh of relief. She had completed her "guardianship" and spent a perfect ball night with Su Rui. Although Su Rui had little expression throughout and spoke very little, as long as he was by her side and as long as he didn't reject her advances, it was already the most perfect graduation ball for her.

"Shall we... go home?" Eyjafjalla looked up, her pink eyes sparkling in the shimmering lights as she gazed at Su Rui. Her voice carried a hint of weariness from the end of the ball, but even more so, a soft, contented gentleness.

Su Rui (in her lamb form) withdrew her gaze from the gradually dispersing crowd on the dance floor and landed on Eyjafjalla's face. Her black eyes remained calm.

"Hmm." He nodded and stood up.

Eyjafjalla quickly stood up and, once again, very naturally, took Su Rui's arm, as if this gesture had become her fixed posture for the evening.

Under the last few gazes of amazement, envy, or complicated emotions, the two walked out of the still-noisy stadium. The dark silver limousine, like a silent ghost, had been waiting quietly at the door.

Settling into the warm and comfortable carriage, the car smoothly drove towards the old apartment building. Eyjafjalla leaned back in her seat, watching the familiar night view of Cumberland County rushing past the window, a satisfied and sweet smile always on her lips.

Her high school years, after this graduation prom with Su Rui by her side, could finally come to a close without any regrets. And a new future was slowly unfolding in that sun-drenched villa in Trimounts, under Su Rui's calm yet powerful protection.

She gently turned her head to look at Su Rui, who was resting with her eyes closed (perhaps dealing with "work" again). Her pink eyes were filled with determination and affection.

No matter what the future holds, she will hold onto him tightly, just like tonight.

Like a whale swimming in the night, the dark silver limousine glided silently through the familiar yet unfamiliar streets of Cumberland County, cut by dim streetlights. Inside, everything was the same as when it arrived, except for the faint, comforting fragrance and the almost inaudible hum of the engine. The noise of the ball, the music, the flashing lights, and the admiring or inquisitive glances seemed to be shut out of this moving, tranquil space.

Eyjafjalla still clung tightly to Su Rui's arm, as if this posture had become an integral part of her body that night. But the initial tension and "battle" had faded, replaced by a relaxed, contented languor. She gently rested her head on Su Rui's shoulder, her silver hair brushing against his neck. Her pink eyes were slightly narrowed as she gazed out the window at the rapidly receding street scene, which appeared even more dilapidated and desolate in the dead of night, while the corners of her mouth maintained a slight upward curve.

Su Rui (in his lamb form) remained seated calmly, his black eyes gazing out the window, though his gaze seemed not to be focused on any particular scenery. He let Eyjafjalla lean against him, neither pushing her away nor responding, like a constant, silent support.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the familiar, dusty apartment building. The driver got out silently and opened the door for the two of them. The damp, cold air of the night rushed in instantly, carrying the distinctive smell of Cumberland County, mixed with a faint industrial dust.

Volume 19, Chapter 1314: Ready to Depart

Eyjafjalla seemed to shiver slightly from the chilly air, instinctively tightening her grip on Su Rui's arm. Su Rui (in lamb form) said nothing, simply leading her out of the car and onto the cold concrete steps in front of the apartment building.

The motion-sensor lights in the hallway were as sluggish as ever, reluctantly flickering on with a dim, yellowish glow at the sound of their heavy footsteps, illuminating the mottled stains on the walls and the outdated locksmith advertisements. This familiar surroundings stood in stark and absurd contrast to the brightly lit, glamorous ballroom of just hours before, and to the sun-drenched, brand-new villa in Trimounts. Yet, strangely, Eyjafjalla felt little disgust or sadness towards this place. Perhaps it was because tonight's ball had been too wonderful, perhaps because she knew she was about to leave this place forever, or perhaps simply because Su Rui was beside her.

Opening the old, slightly creaking apartment door, a familiar, empty, and cold atmosphere rushed out. The noise and warmth of the dance party were instantly swallowed up by the silent darkness.

Eyjafjalla didn't turn on the lights immediately. She released her arm from Su Rui's and, using the faint, ever-present light filtering through the window, groped her way off the white leather shoes she'd worn to match her dress—shoes that weren't too high but still made her ankles ache. Stepping barefoot onto the cold, rough floor, she took a deep breath, but the smile on her face didn't fade.

She turned around and looked at Su Rui in the dim light. Su Rui (in his sheep form) had already turned on the old, dimly lit overhead light in the living room. The dim light shone down, outlining his delicate profile and dark gray suit in a hazy way, and also illuminating Eyjafjalla's still-white dress, which seemed to shimmer in the dim light, and her strikingly bright pink eyes.

"Su Rui," Eyjafjalla's voice broke the silence of the apartment, slightly hoarse from the ball, and filled with a strange, suppressed excitement, "Tonight... was wonderful."

Su Rui (in his lamb form) did not respond to her remark, which was clearly imbued with personal emotion. He simply and calmly took off his suit jacket, casually draped it over the back of the chair, and then unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt (which he had kept buttoned at the ball), the movements natural and fluid, as if he were merely completing a routine. Only after doing this did he raise his eyelids, his dark eyes looking at Eyjafjalla, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment.

Eyjafjalla's face still bore a lingering blush, and her pink eyes shone unusually bright in the dim light, not from tired drowsiness, but rather as if two small, joyful flames were burning within them. However, her posture betrayed a subtle weariness—her shoulders slumped slightly, and her stance was not as upright as before.

"You should rest," Su Rui's (in lamb form) voice rang out, calm and even, as if stating an objective fact. "Starting tomorrow, we will be leaving Cumberland County. Although the property is still in your name, we are unlikely to return for the next few years. You can take any personal belongings you deem important."

His words, like a cool night breeze, dispelled the lingering warmth in Eyjafjalla's heart, a warmth born from the afterglow of the ball, pulling her back to reality. Leaving, truly and completely leaving. Saying goodbye to this place filled with sorrowful and lonely memories, and also saying goodbye to the bleak life she had lived for the past decade.

But Eyjafjalla's smile only faded slightly before blooming again, even brighter. She shook her head, her long pink hair swaying gently with her movement.

"I packed my bags a long time ago," she said lightly, with a hint of secret pride. "Just a small suitcase in the closet. It contains only a few essential clothes, some books, and photos of Mom and Dad." She paused, her gaze sweeping across the cold, empty apartment, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but quickly replaced by determination. "There...is nothing left here worth taking."

The important things are no longer in this cold "house," but in her heart, in the future she is about to embark on, a future guided by Su Rui.

Su Rui (in lamb form) nodded almost imperceptibly, seemingly unsurprised by the answer. He said nothing more, as if preparing to attend to his own affairs or simply rest.

But Eyjafjalla didn't move. She remained standing there, barefoot on the cold floor, her bright pink eyes fixed on Su Rui. That gaze was no longer just the tense and possessive "protection" she had at the ball, but something deeper, indescribable, a mixture of attachment, longing, and a certain resolute intent.

Night had fallen, and all was quiet. Under the dim light, a girl in a pristine white dress and a boy in dark casual clothes with soft silver hair faced each other silently. A subtle, thick silence filled the air, as if one could hear the sound of dust floating in the light, and the sound of each other... perhaps only Eyjafjalla herself, with her heart beating faster and faster.

Su Rui (in lamb form) clearly noticed Eyjafjalla's unusually bright and persistent gaze. His dark eyes flickered slightly as he calmly returned her gaze, seemingly waiting for her next words or action.

Eyjafjalla's heart pounded faster and louder in her chest, as if trying to break free from the constraints of her ribs. The blush on her cheeks spread uncontrollably again, even hotter than at the ball. She knew that her current "unwillingness to sleep" was not just excitement, but had a deeper reason.

That thought, which had been brewing and swelling in her heart since the dance, when he twirled her around, when she clung tightly to his arm, when she nestled against him in the corner. That secret and surging thought about "farewell" and "beginning," about "possession" and "confirmation," about "dependence" and "desire."

Leaving here means saying goodbye to the past. And moving towards a future with Su Rui, she wants a... a deeper "mark" that belongs only to the two of them. A "certificate" that she can hold onto with absolute certainty and firmness in unfamiliar Trimounts, in a brand-new house, and in a future where there may be more covetous eyes.

She knew Su Rui might not understand or care about such human emotional rituals. But she wanted them. Almost instinctively, desperately.

Volume 19, Chapter 1315: Sheep eat grass, what does Eyjafjalla eat?

"Su Rui ..." Eyjafjalla spoke again, her voice even lower and hoarse than before, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor. She gave no reason or explanation, but simply took a small step forward, moving closer to Su Rui.

Then, under the gaze of Su Rui's calm, unwavering black eyes, she reached out, not to take his arm as before, but hesitantly yet with unusual determination, and gently took Su Rui's hand.

Su Rui's hands were slightly larger than hers, with long, slender fingers and distinct knuckles. Her skin had a constant, slightly cool feel, like the finest jade. Eyjafjalla's palms, however, were slightly sweaty due to nervousness and an inexplicable heat.

Su Rui (in lamb form) lowered his eyes, glanced at his hand that was being held, then raised them again to look at Eyjafjalla. His dark eyes remained largely expressionless, but beneath that calm, a subtle, almost analytical glint seemed to flicker. He was "reading" her heartbeat, body temperature, hormone levels, micro-expressions... a series of physiological indicators, trying to understand the "motivation" behind her unusual behavior.

But he did not pull his hand away.

Eyjafjalla seemed to have received some kind of silent permission, or rather, it was Su Rui's usual tacit approval of her "not crossing the line" behavior that gave her courage. She pulled Su Rui's hand slightly, not towards the living room, nor towards Su Rui's temporary bedroom, but turned around, took his hand, and walked step by step towards the closed bedroom door that belonged to her.

Her footsteps were light, her bare feet barely making a sound on the floor. But her heartbeat was like a drum, clearly audible in the quiet apartment. Each step felt like she was walking towards a predetermined yet unknown ritual.

Su Rui (in lamb form) was led by her, neither resisting nor taking initiative, simply following calmly. His gaze fell on Eyjafjalla's slightly trembling yet unusually determined back, on her long, flowing pink hair, and then swept over the dim, cold, soon-to-be-abandoned apartment. His core, composed of data and logic, was perhaps operating at high speed, analyzing the current situation, Eyjafjalla's biosignals, possible intentions, and the most appropriate response strategy. But ultimately, all the analysis seemed to lead to a temporary conclusion: no threat, observable, and the behavioral logic conformed to the current speculative model of "leaving the environment and establishing a stronger emotional connection."

Therefore, he chose to wait and see.

Eyjafjalla walked to the bedroom door, her other hand trembling slightly as she grasped the cold doorknob and gently turned it. The old hinges emitted a soft, teeth-grinding creak, like a long sigh.

The door opened. The bedroom was even darker than the living room, with only the faint light from the city outside the window barely outlining the rough contours of the furniture and the narrow single bed covered with a plain sheet.

She didn't turn on the light.

She simply turned around, and in the deeper shadows by the door, she looked up, her pink eyes, still strikingly bright in the dim light, gazing deeply, deeply at Su Rui. In that gaze, there was dependence, longing, the courage to gamble everything, and the purest, almost overflowing, burning emotions of a young girl.

Then, she took Su Rui's hand and walked into that private, dark place that belonged to her past, and gently closed the door behind her.

"Click."

A soft sound shut out the dim light in the living room, and also shut out everything from the outside world.

Inside the door was boundless darkness and silence. Only two faint, almost overlapping breaths rose and fell gently in the small space.