diymy Chapter 21 is titled "Jealousy"
Chapter 21 is titled "Jealousy"
He Yuran and Shen Zixin sat somewhat awkwardly on the edge of the bed, each occupying one side of the bed.
Both of them had changed into their pajamas—He Yuran's pajamas were borrowed from Lu Yue.
"Xiao Ran decided to stay here at the last minute, so she probably didn't bring any pajamas. You can wear mine," Lu Yue said, and then lent He Yu Ran her pajamas.
Although He Yuran requested to sleep in Shen Zixin's room, it was more of an impulsive act—a feeling of not wanting to easily show weakness in front of Noah.
However, when Noah calmly relinquished the "right to sleep together" to her, the joy of victory that surged in her heart was quickly overshadowed by her inner unease.
She was not mentally prepared in the slightest.
Although "Shen Zixin" had long held a special place in her heart, those around her could also see this affection.
However, the excessively long period of "childhood sweethearts" buried the true feelings they had as "lovers".
The two were too familiar with each other, so neither considered this point. The feelings were more based on daily interactions, lacking that decisive leap.
Although their relationship goes beyond friendship, they interact more like family.
This resulted in them never expressing or confirming their feelings for each other. Even before their innocent childhood, they had never even held hands.
But now, they are going to sleep in the same bed.
"It's getting late, you should get some rest."
Shen Zixin broke the silence first. He stood up and slowly walked towards the light switch on the wall.
"I'm turning off the lights," he said softly.
"Hmm..." He Yuran responded vaguely, then crawled into the quilt and lay properly against one side of the bed, leaving enough space on the other side for two more people to lie down.
With a "click," the lights went out, and the bedroom was completely enveloped in darkness.
Shen Zixin groped her way to the other side of the bed and lay down as well.
There was just one person's distance between them, which was about the same distance between Noah and Noah that night.
However, it was completely different from my state of mind back then.
Neither of them spoke, and they lay there in silence.
Time passed second by second, and Shen Zixin could clearly hear He Yuran's slightly rapid breathing and her own heartbeat quickening.
"Ah Xin..."
Like a dream, He Yuran's voice rang out in the darkness.
"Um?"
"We...we're university students, right? We're adults..."
Her voice sounded as if she had mustered all her courage.
"So, there's no need... to be so reserved like this, is there?"
She paused for a moment, then took a deep breath—
"So... even if Ah Xin wants to do something to me... I'll be very happy."
The moment she finished speaking, Shen Zixin felt a slight rustling sound from the bedding beside her.
He Yuran seemed to subtly adjust her posture in the darkness, and the distance between them gradually closed.
"I...I like you, A-Xin."
"I've always... ever since a very, very long time ago, I've always... always liked it."
These words struck Shen Zixin's heart.
Although he had a vague premonition of this moment—or rather, he subconsciously looked forward to it—his heart still began to pound uncontrollably when this feeling was presented to him in such a straightforward way.
Darkness became the best cover at this moment.
It concealed the shyness and unease that might appear on He Yuran's face, and also spared her from facing Shen Zixin's gaze.
At the same time, this darkness generously gave Shen Zixin precious time to process this sudden yet destined confession.
After a long silence, Shen Zixin finally spoke slowly: "...I have indeed received your sentiments."
This single sentence caused He Yuran's tense breathing to suddenly stop.
"But, Yu Ran..." Shen Zixin's tone abruptly shifted the next moment, "Are you really saying all this just because of that pure 'liking'?"
"Huh?" He Yuran's voice was filled with unexpected confusion and bewilderment.
Ah Xin... what is he saying?
"Noah's appearance makes you very resentful, right? She lives in my house and even sleeps in the same bed as me. All of this makes you feel that the 'position' you've always occupied is under unprecedented threat."
"So that's why you chose this time and this method to assert your 'ownership' over her, isn't it?"
His words were like a bucket of water, mercilessly extinguishing the flames burning in He Yuran's heart.
It also extinguished all her courage.
He Yuran fell silent.
Yes, she couldn't deny it. Noah, this girl who appeared out of nowhere, easily disrupted all her plans, leaving her utterly bewildered.
The sense of crisis that she felt about being overtaken or even completely replaced made her anxious.
"It's not that I don't believe in your feelings, Yu Ran."
Shen Zixin's tone softened unconsciously after noticing her silence.
"We grew up together, so I know exactly how you feel. But I hope your feelings aren't just an impulse born out of jealousy."
"So I hope you can think about it carefully again. Is your feeling truly rooted in the feelings that have slowly accumulated between us over a long period of time, or is it just a spiteful act towards Noah at this moment?"
Shen Zixin's words were a clear rejection.
A long silence fell over the room once again.
As time passed, Shen Zixin's eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness. With the help of the moonlight, he could vaguely see He Yuran's disappointed expression after being rejected.
Seeing his childhood sweetheart with such an expression, he couldn't bear it after all.
"How about we hold hands and sleep together tonight?" Shen Zixin suggested.
He Yuran was slightly taken aback.
Immediately, an indescribable warmth slowly welled up from the deepest part of my heart, dispelling all the loss and unease I had just felt.
"...Mmm." She answered in an almost inaudible voice.
A warm hand reached out in the darkness and gently took her hand in its grasp.
His palms conveyed a reassuring warmth.
"Consider this my initial response after confirming that I have received your feelings," Shen Zixin said, her voice carrying a hint of relief.
"Thank you... A-Xin..." He Yu-ran's tone became reassured, but then she hesitated and said, "I... I just... have one more question..."
"Um?"
"You and Noah...you really just lay in bed sleeping last night, and didn't do anything...right?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Zixin couldn't help but chuckle softly.
"Of course," he replied, his tone relaxed yet unwavering.
"Really... then I'm relieved." After hearing this, He Yuran finally felt relieved and closed her eyes in peace.