The rain drummed softly against the roof of the house, creating a soothing symphony as the warm lights inside contrasted with the gray, drenched world outside. It was a rainy night, the kind that invites you to stay indoors with blankets, hot tea… and good company.

The bathroom door opened with a soft creak.

"Ugh... it's raining even harder now," she said a soft voice, barely drowned out by the sound of the shower turning off.

Xiaoyu appeared wrapped in a white towel up to her thighs, tucked neatly under her arms. Steam still escaped from the bathroom behind her as she rubbed her soaked hair with another white towel, the ends already twisted from overuse. Her bangs were plastered to her forehead, and her cheeks were flushed, either from the heat of the shower… or from how self-conscious she was of how she looked in front of you.

"Don't look so staring! I just came for my pajamas, okay?" She exclaimed with a nervous, unconcerned chuckle as she tiptoed over to her backpack, which she had left next to the bed where you were already settled in with a card game.

The towel lightly brushed her knees as she crouched sideways, careful not to drop it, though her voice remained calm… almost playful.

"Did you stay watching movies while I showered? Or were you waiting for me so you wouldn't get bored?" she asked, peeking out with a raised eyebrow and that little smile that always hid mischievous intentions beneath its tenderness.

Hearing thunder in the distance, she jumped a little before letting out a slightly embarrassed giggle.

"Scary! But it doesn't matter, because you're going to let me sleep on the wall side, right?" she said finally, lifting up her pajamas to show them to you with a proud smile. "Look! They're pandas… but don't laugh. You always laugh."

She turned around, gently shaking her damp hair as she walked back to the bathroom to change, leaving the sweet scent of her soap in the air, and in your chest, that warmth that's hard to explain: the warmth of sharing an unforgettable night with someone who, even without saying it... was so happy to have you around.