On the twenty-third day, Shuo was woken by sunlight, frowning in irritation.
The curtains weren't fully closed. A shaft of light squeezed through the gap, drawing a crooked golden line across the floor, dazzling enough to make his head spin.
He lay still and glanced at the bed opposite-the quilt was folded neatly into a block of tofu, and the space by the window was empty. Sai was out again.
There was a paper bag on the table, though, along with two cups of hot tea and a fresh bag of candy. He didn't have to think to know Sai and Shin had left them.
He took his time sitting up, his hair a mess and his eyes still sleepy. Fine particles of light instinctively gathered at his fingertips and flickered, dispelling the last of his drowsiness.
He got out of bed to wash up. Only when cold water splashed against his face did he fully wake.
While drying his face, he casually brushed the light particles at his fingertips across the mirror to clear away the condensation so it wouldn't blur his view. His movements were languid, yet carried an easy briskness.
He had just finished drying his face when the door opened and Sai walked in, carrying another bulging paper bag.
Shuo glanced at the paper bag on the table, then at the one in Sai's hand, and clicked his tongue. "What's this? Two bags? Are you eating two portions?"
"No," Sai said softly. "I didn't know which kind you wanted, so I bought both."
Shuo raised an eyebrow and walked over. He opened the bag on the table first-salmon rice balls, the same kind they often ate before-then the one in Sai's hand. Plum rice balls. Their sour smell immediately wafted out.
He deliberately picked up a