"Alright, here's today's portion. Take a look—if everything looks fine, press your fingerprint on it."
Cain accepted the notebook from Saphen and obediently stamped it.
It had been nearly three weeks since Cain started living with Saphen. By now, his injuries had almost completely healed. He could move around normally and even handle some tasks, as long as they weren't too strenuous or physically demanding.
As for Saphen—well, Saphen simply felt that having the male lead around was wonderful!
He didn't even need to do his own laundry anymore. The male lead could take care of that. He could even cook. It was truly amazing!
But did that mean Saphen would reduce Cain's debt? Of course not. After all, his current persona was that of a broke, money-grubbing country bumpkin. All he cared about was money, money, money!
Seeing Saphen hugging the debt ledger with a silly grin on his face, Cain couldn't help but find it amusing. He suddenly said, "I can go to the supermarket now."
Saphen raised an eyebrow at that, gesturing for him to continue.
Seeing the signal, Cain immediately said, "Every day I have to wait until you come home before I can cook. That makes it very late, so I need a bicycle. Tomorrow I'll take you to work and bring the bicycle back, alright?"
In his mind, Saphen was already talking to 6677: [Is it almost time for the plot where the male lead regains his memories? Why does he suddenly want to go out?]
6677 immediately replied: [There's still some time before that part, sir. Maybe the male lead just wants to go outside. He's human too! Even if he seems perfect, you can't just lock him up in a golden house!]
Saphen felt that 6677 always had a thick filter when it came to the male lead. In its eyes, the male lead was definitely an angel—utterly flawless.
Cain looked at Saphen with anticipation, only to see him smiling back as he said, "Do you really think my shabby bicycle can carry the two of us?"
Looking at Cain's sturdy build, Saphen felt the thing might collapse the moment Cain sat on it.
Cain: "..."
Seeing Cain's frustrated yet speechless expression, Saphen chuckled. He pushed Cain's face away, pulled the blanket up, and decisively said, "Sleep."
Cain watched Saphen curl up into a small hill in front of him, then finally closed his eyes.
The lights went out. Nearly thirty minutes later, Cain finally heard the familiar movement. By now, he had done it enough times that it had become a habit—lifting the blanket.
As expected, a second later, Saphen's warm, fragrant body burrowed into his arms.
Cain glanced down at him. Saphen was entirely at ease, hugging him as if he were a giant body pillow—one that conveniently radiated heat.
They still each used their own blanket every night, and every morning Saphen woke up questioning his entire existence. No matter what promises he made in the morning, he always ended up curled in Cain's arms by night.
Cain tapped Saphen lightly on the tip of his nose and suddenly realized he was smiling.
Instinctively, he touched the corner of his mouth, but he didn't try to suppress the smile. Instead, he buried his face into Saphen's hair and took a deep breath.
6677 was speechless, watching the male lead sniff Saphen like he was inhaling a cat.
Was Saphen really that fragrant? Cain looked like he was about to get addicted.
The next morning, as soon as Saphen opened the door to leave the house, he saw Cain sitting on the bicycle, wearing a serious expression as he said, "Get on."
Seeing Cain acting like he was about to sign a hundred-billion-dollar contract, then looking at his loungewear—with the cartoon brown bear on it—Saphen burst out laughing.
Even though Cain was already used to Saphen being like this, he still couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed sometimes. But that embarrassment was always mixed with a bit of happiness.
He really did like it. He liked the way Saphen looked at him and then broke into that bright smile.
Saphen walked over, still smiling. "Look—your tire's already going flat."
Cain lowered his eyes, only to see that the tire was simply compressed under his weight, not actually flat.
He helplessly looked back at Saphen, who was clearly enjoying himself.
Saphen laughed and ruffled Cain's hair. "Alright, alright. But do you even know how to ride a bike?"
Cain responded almost instantly, "Of course I do!"
Reality proved he did not.
His hands were stiff on the handlebars, trembling just enough to make things unstable. Sitting behind him, Saphen went perfectly still, afraid that if he moved even a little, they'd both topple over.
Staring at Cain's broad back while feeling just how clumsy he was, Saphen couldn't resist teasing, "Can you even manage this? If not, just sit in the back, you big dummy."
Cain immediately gritted his teeth. "I'm not a big dumb oaf!"
Fortunately, Cain genuinely had a strong learning ability. After just a short try, he quickly grasped the essentials of riding a bicycle, and soon he was smoothly carrying Saphen down the road.
At least Saphen wouldn't be late for work.
When Saphen got off the bike, Cain immediately said, "I'll bring you lunch!"
Saphen looked at him for a moment but still nodded. "Alright, thanks in advance."
Then he lightly tapped Cain on the shoulder with his fist and said, "Be a little economical with your spending, alright? Go home now."
Cain watched Saphen's retreating figure. He saw him enter the store, and almost immediately, another man approached, like a hungry wolf catching the scent of meat, sticking close to Saphen while chattering nonstop.
Saphen just pulled his mask slightly and nodded. From this distance, Cain couldn't tell what he was saying, but it was clear from their expressions that they were on friendly terms.
Cain hardly had to think to know that this other man was the one who had tried to pierce his navel like Saphen.
Annoying.
Cain muttered to himself, then pedaled away.
Inside the store, Damian seemed to sense something. He suddenly turned around, only to see a tall man riding off on a bicycle—but that bicycle… looked a little like Saphen's.
He couldn't help but glance at Saphen, casually asking, "Saphen, did you bike to work today like usual?"
Saphen didn't pay much attention. "Someone gave me a ride."
Damian's expression immediately darkened. He stepped closer, smiling. "Someone? You two renting the same place?"
Before Saphen could answer, Damian continued, "I'm about to get kicked out myself. Could you… Take me in a little? Saphennn~"
Suddenly, Damian's face was gently pushed back. Saphen looked at him and said softly, "You don't look that poor, Damian."
Damian smiled, but before he could say anything else, Saphen suddenly leaned closer to him.
Damian's eyes widened. Instinctively, he pressed his lips together, staring at Saphen. Saphen's eyes always seemed to be smiling. He only heard him speak softly:
"Damian, do you like me?"
Damian's heart skipped a beat.
He stared into the sparkling golden eyes before him, feeling like his entire world had exploded.
Saphen knew! Saphen had always known!