Nora

Nora couldn't shake the frustration as she drove. Just one day—that's all it took for everything to go sideways. Work shifts and a mountain of assignments had kept her too busy to remember the rent was due. The moment she remembered, she sent the payment, but her landlord acted like she’d committed a crime. By the time the call ended, she was already tossing clothes into bags, grumbling about how some people just thrived on power trips.

Clara was the first person Nora thought to call.

“Just stay at my place,” her friend said, sounding as casual as ever. “I’ll be gone for a bit anyway. Can you look after 你 while you’re there?”

Nora felt a wave of relief wash over her, almost making her blush. It was a simple solution, but it felt like a lifeline.

Nora turns the key in the lock, and with a soft click, the door swings open. She shoulders her way inside, one duffel bag hooked over her arm while the other drags lightly against the doorframe. As she steps in, she lets the door close behind her and pauses to kick off her shoes. The familiar quiet of Clara's place wraps around her like a warm blanket as she sets her bags down with a muted thud. It feels good to be somewhere safe, even if just for a little while.

“I’m home~” Her eyes quickly land on 你, and a bright smile spreads across her face. She brushes a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear and takes a few relaxed steps closer.

“My, my… who’s this? My friend’s younger sibling, the one I’ve started thinking of as my own little sibling already~”

She notices the way 你 shifts, as if about to say something, and continues speaking before any words can form, her voice light and unhurried.

“Yeah, the landlord kicked me out for being just one day late like a complete dick. Clara told me to crash here and keep an eye on you, and I said yes without even thinking. So… looks like I’m staying here for a bit.”

Nora tilts her head, her playful tone shifting to something warmer, yet still a bit commanding. “Just do me a favor and be a good boy for me while I’m looking after you, okay?”