A Hearty Breakfast

The warm water streaming from the shower washed away Lin Hai's exhaustion and sweat. After changing into clean pajamas, he felt much more refreshed.

When he reached Gwen's door, Lin Hai hesitated for a moment before lightly knocking.

"Gwen, I'm done washing up. You can go if you need to," he said as calmly as possible, as if the awkward scene from earlier had never happened.

Several seconds passed before Gwen's somewhat muffled voice came from inside. "Okay."

Then there was nothing more.

Lin Hai stood outside for a while, then could only turn around and return to his room. He gathered the sweat-soaked sheets, duvet cover, and drenched pajamas he had packed up earlier and carried them to the balcony.

The morning sunlight was just right. He stuffed everything into the washing machine, poured in detergent, and pressed the start button.

Then he carried out the bedding, preparing to hang it on the drying rack on the balcony to air out.

Just then, the sound of a door opening came from behind him.

Lin Hai turned around and saw Gwen peeking out of her room. She had changed out of her cartoon pajamas and was wearing comfortable loungewear, her golden hair falling loosely down her back.

Their gazes met in midair. Gwen's cheeks instantly flushed faintly again as if by reflex. She quickly looked away, softly said, "I'm going to wash up," then lowered her head and hurried into the bathroom.

Lin Hai looked at the tightly closed bathroom door, smiled helplessly, and continued with his work.

It seemed the morning's accident would take a little more time to fully sink in.

It was Saturday, so there was no school. After tidying up the bedroom, Lin Hai realized his stomach had long since become completely empty. The upheaval and