Karl leaned over and pressed down on Nelly but did not do anything. Instead, he got up after she froze, put on the rumpled shirt from the bedside table, and walked to the wardrobe, quickly searching for something that he placed next to Nelly.
Nelly glanced at it, covering her eyes and trembling. It was true that some clothing items were not easy to wear back, but this set of carefully selected underwear and outerwear fit perfectly. She was unsure whether her main question was why he had prepared a change of clothes or how he knew the exact size. Nelly was confused and struggling to decide.
Karl seemed embarrassed, clearing his throat, feeling that any explanation would only make things worse. So he quickly changed the subject: “Are you hungry? Let’s grab a bite at the snack shop downstairs, and I’ll take you back to school.”
Nelly turned her head away, neither agreeing nor objecting.
The room was filled with the rustling sound of clothing.
Nelly walked to the mirror and tidied her hair. Turning around, she saw the black-haired young man looking anxious. When their eyes met, he nervously took half a step back towards the bedroom and softly asked, “Would you like some tea?”
“…” Nelly’s temple twitched, and her voice came out stiffer than expected, “No, thank you.”
The two silently put on their shoes in the small entryway.
When Nelly stumbled while standing up, Karl immediately supported her. His hand briefly touched her waist before carefully withdrawing; he deliberately avoided looking at her and opened the door casually.
Nelly took two steps in the darkness and almost bumped into Karl waiting ahead. He hesitated before tentatively holding her hand. She was silent for a moment before gently interlocking her fingers with his.
The elevator panel displayed slowly blinking red numbers. The sound of the elevator arriving finally triggered the lights to belatedly turn on. Nelly looked up at Karl, originally intending to show a reproachful expression, but her face couldn’t maintain the act. They exchanged a smile, and the previous awkwardness dissolved.
They walked hand in hand into the elevator and then left the residential complex.
Nelly and Karl sat in the corner and ordered two bowls of wonton they hadn’t eaten earlier.
