After dropping Linda off, Mikayla returned home. The warm yellow light filled the living room where Cayden sat on the sofa, playing with the orange cat.
Orange couldn't endure the long petting session from its male owner and immediately ran to Mikayla's side, rubbing against her leg when it saw her.
Mikayla picked up the cat, surprised to see Cayden already back and sitting on the sofa in a daze, his cheeks slightly flushed, likely from drinking.
Hesitating, Mikayla still poured him a cup of warm water and approached, immediately smelling the alcohol. "If you're drunk, why aren't you lying down in bed?"
"I'm not drunk. I just wanted to wait for you to come back."
Mikayla's heart skipped a beat. She handed him the cup, "Drink some water."
"Yeah."
After drinking, he obediently placed the cup on the coffee table. Cayden leaned his head against the sofa, his fringe slightly covering his deep-set eyes. He looked at Mikayla, a smile tugging at his lips, resembling a large cat bubbling over after drinking.
Cayden mumbled something. Mikayla leaned in closer, unable to hear him clearly.
His warm breath brushed against her pale shoulder and neck. Mikayla's breath hitched, and just as she tried to pull away, Cayden quickly grabbed her arm.
"Mikayla."
"What's wrong?" she couldn't help but brush his fringe aside, thinking perhaps she should tell him he needed a haircut once he sobered up.
"There's a banquet next week. Will you accompany me?"
Mikayla frowned. She disliked those occasions filled with flattery and superficial interactions.
"Didn't Zion go with you today?"
"…The invitation specifies bringing a spouse."
Mikayla didn't know what to say. They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, the only sound being the ticking of the wall clock. Cayden still held her slender arm, implying he wouldn't let go unless she agreed.
After some hesitation, Mikayla reluctantly agreed, "Alright."
His smile widened, making Mikayla mutter inwardly: He said he wasn't drunk? When have I ever seen him like this?
"If there's nothing else, I'll head to my room."
Cayden still didn't release her hand. He spoke, his deep voice resonating in her ear, "Will you help me to bed?"
"Aren't you not drunk?"
"When I helped you last time, you also said you weren't drunk."
Of all things to remember! How could he recall her embarrassing moment even when drunk? Seeing her puffed-up face, Cayden quickly added, "Sorry, I won't bring it up again."
It felt like hitting soft cotton. Mikayla carefully helped him up. Cayden leaned on her, his steps unsteady, almost causing her to lose balance.
"Walk properly!"
Cayden obeyed a bit more. Finally, she got him to lie down in bed. Mikayla teased, "You're so obedient when drunk. If I'd known, I'd have recorded it to use against you later."
After managing to get him into bed, he still held onto her hand, refusing to let go.
Taking advantage of his drunken state, Mikayla became bolder. "I've done my duty. Go to sleep now; I need to wash up."
She gently closed the door, leaving the room in darkness, with only the faint moonlight filtering through the curtains.
She didn't expect Cayden to be so cute when drunk. Next time, she would definitely record it, she thought mischievously.
As the protagonist lay in bed, a faint smile played on his lips, as if he were dreaming sweetly.
When Mikayla returned, Cayden instinctively wrapped his arms around her. Mikayla shivered slightly.
"Cayden? Cayden?" Mikayla whispered. She looked up at him, watching his peaceful sleeping face.
His long eyelashes cast shadows, his nose was straight, and his lips were thin. He appeared softer than his usual aloof demeanor. Mikayla couldn't help but touch his delicate profile.
His eyelashes fluttered, and he tightened his hold on Mikayla. She sighed helplessly, eventually falling asleep in his embrace.
