Sunset Reflections

As the sun began to set, the sky was gradually painted with hues of twilight. A sleeping girl slowly stirred on the sofa, rubbing her sleepy eyes with her fair hands. Her snow-white hair cascaded down her shoulders, shimmering with a faint golden glow in the setting sun.

Perhaps it was because she hadn’t taken a nap in the afternoon, or maybe preparing lunch and cleaning had been too exhausting, but Bai Xia slept deeply and peacefully.

”Mmm… What time is it…” The girl’s soft voice was hoarse with sleep. Her white hair fell across her cheeks, and her ruby-red eyes were still clouded with a mist, making her appear incredibly adorable. Despite waking up, she seemed far from fully alert.

“Sunset, Bai Xia,” Mo Bai said softly, placing his book aside as he looked at the drowsy girl beside him. He gently tousled her disheveled white hair. “If you sleep any longer, you’ll miss dinner.”

Feeling the warmth of his hand, Bai Xia instinctively nuzzled closer, like a playful kitten. This continued until she suddenly realized who was in front of her and how embarrassing her actions were.

‘Waah… Mo, Mo-bro…’

The girl, now wide awake, reacted dramatically, nearly tumbling off the sofa in her haste. ‘D-did I sleep for a long time?’

Waking up, Bai Xia stammered, her small hands flustered as she straightened her wrinkled maid dress. Despite her efforts, her flushed cheeks and nervous movements betrayed her inner turmoil.

Oh no, why didn’t anyone tell her that Mo Bai was sitting next to her? Now, not only had she slept in front of him without a care for her appearance, but she had also behaved like a clingy kitten, nuzzling his hand. Bai Xia wished she could find a hole to hide in.

“I’m sure you can see the sunset for yourself,” Mo Bai chuckled, watching the flustered white-haired girl beside him. “Go change your clothes. I’ll take you out to eat something good.”

“Oh…” Bai Xia nodded, her long white hair obscuring her crimson face.

Mo Bai had grown accustomed to this. Whenever Bai Xia was embarrassed or had something she couldn’t face, she would lower her head and sit quietly, not saying a word. From his vantage point, he could only see the top of her fluffy head and her slightly reddened ears. The girl’s petite frame, combined with her flowing white hair, made it hard for Mo Bai not to be drawn to her.

Although it wasn’t the first time he had thought so, Bai Xia was incredibly adorable when she was shy.

Remembering what his father had told him—that Bai Xia would instinctively seek his company and rely on him—Mo Bai realized that his little classmate had a hint of a ‘tsundere’ personality. It made sense why his father described Bai Xia as someone who held herself back, as she had unconsciously leaned into his palm while asleep, but now she was flustered and trying to change the subject. It was like she was a completely different person.

Her lips were certainly stubborn.

Mo Bai thought there was nothing wrong with that. As long as she remained vulnerable, her ‘tsundere’ side would only show her ‘dere’ side. After all, feelings should be cultivated step by step.

However, seeing Bai Xia’s shy and endearing appearance, Mo Bai wondered just how far this closeness and reliance would go. If he dared, he might even try something tonight?

Nah, he was just curious.

It seemed that wearing a skirt was a bit troublesome, so before leaving with Mo Bai, Bai Xia changed into her usual casual outfit: a loose t-shirt and shorts. Her white hair was tied back in a high ponytail, giving the usually delicate and cute girl a refreshing and lively appearance.

Under the light, the girl’s slender, fair legs had a jade-like sheen. For a moment, it was hard for Mo Bai to look away, until Bai Xia tugged at her shorts, her red face filled with a hint of resentment. Only then did Mo Bai awkwardly avert his gaze.

“Why don’t you change into long pants? It’s chilly outside.”

His little blood maid was so beautiful; if she went out like this, she would surely attract a lot of attention. Mo Bai didn’t want to deal with any unwanted advances while out with Bai Xia.

“Long pants? Okay…”

Though she wasn’t sure what Mo Bai was thinking, Bai Xia assumed he was concerned about her being bothered by others. She glanced at her pale, slender legs, her small feet clad in cute, frilly white socks, causing her face to flush with embarrassment.

Seriously, she had dressed up for him, and he didn’t even notice. Hmph…

Despite her internal grumbling, Bai Xia obediently changed into a pair of long pants and joined Mo Bai outside.

Unlike the chaotic, poorly maintained areas of the city, Mo Bai’s apartment was located in a high-end residential complex with a beautiful environment. Just outside the complex was a park and a large shopping mall. Although the street lamps hadn’t yet lit up, the area would be even more beautiful once they did.

Bai Xia followed Mo Bai slowly, her small, fair hands holding his larger one. In the fading sunlight, she curiously looked around, marveling at the ‘rich neighborhood’ she might never have visited otherwise.

The breeze brushed against her face, lifting a few strands of her pure white hair. Even now, Bai Xia felt as if the scenery before her wasn’t quite real, causing her to gaze at Mo Bai’s back with a hint of bewilderment.

After all, just yesterday, she was still a wanted criminal, and today she was living with the heir to a powerful family in the capital. The sudden shift was unexpected.

Seeing that the girl behind him was lost in thought, Mo Bai gently tugged at their joined hands, bringing Bai Xia back to the present. She blinked at him in confusion.

“What’s wrong, Bai Xia? You seemed deep in thought,” Mo Bai asked, slowing his pace and glancing at the girl beside him, who kept her head bowed.

“N-no, it’s nothing. I was just thinking…” Bai Xia stammered, her voice growing softer.

By the time she had regained her composure, she realized she had fallen behind and quickly caught up to Mo Bai, her face flushed with embarrassment.

This wasn’t the blood maid at all; she was more like a clingy, slightly ‘tsundere’ sweet girl.

Mo Bai smiled and pulled her closer, gently patting her head. Her white ponytail swayed with the movement, and from the side, this shy white-haired girl would undoubtedly be many’s dream girl.

“What’s on your mind? Any worries?” Mo Bai asked, slowing their pace and looking at the girl beside him, who kept her head low.

“It’s nothing… just feeling that you’re really…” Bai Xia’s voice trailed off, her ears turning a deep red.

Mo Bai reached out, slowly undoing the band holding her ponytail. In an instant, her white hair billowed in the evening breeze, causing Bai Xia to look at him in surprise, trying to reach for it, but Mo Bai gently held her wrist.

“Don’t move,” he said softly, his voice warm in the twilight. “I prefer your hair loose.”

“W-well, if that’s what you like… You just want to bully me…” Bai Xia muttered, but she stayed still, allowing her white hair to dance in the wind.

“Have you ever tried coconut chicken? I’ll take you there.”

“No, I haven’t…”