Hidden Things

“Are you an idiot?”

I grabbed the tissue, balled it up, and gently tapped Xiao Xi on the head.

“Senior, what do you mean? You lied to me and now you’re calling me an idiot?” Xiao Xi rubbed her head, her red-rimmed eyes glaring at me.

“If I really wanted to trick you, what would I gain? Deception always has a purpose.” I gently wiped the corner of her eye with the tissue. She didn’t pull away. She just closed her eyes and let me do it, like a docile kitten.

“Then why don’t you want me to know where you live?” Xiao Xi pouted and opened one eye to peek at me.

Hearing her bring the question back to the starting point, I knew I couldn’t avoid it. I had to give her an answer.

“Actually, my room is a bit messy. I was planning to clean it up in a few days and then invite you over.” I sighed, seeing that she seemed calmer now. I finally withdrew my hand from her face.

“Really?” Xiao Xi looked at me suspiciously, her face full of disbelief.

“Of course it’s true.” I forced myself to stay calm, meeting her eyes directly, trying my best to look like a man with nothing to hide.

“Alright, since you say so, I’ll trust you for now…” She stared at me for a few more seconds before finally looking away.

I let out a slow, silent breath. I’d gotten through it. That should buy me a few days to stash everything in the closet. (Sorry, guys.)

“But I still want to see your place soon! I can’t wait. How about I help you clean today? Don’t underestimate me; I do housework all the time at home. I’ll make it spotless.” Just when I thought the crisis was over, Xiao Xi spoke up again, looking quite proud of herself.

“Cough, cough…!” I choked, the air getting stuck in my throat.

“Senior, what’s that supposed to be? Are you looking down on me?” Xiao Xi’s expression shifted. She clenched her fist and punched my arm in irritation.

“No, no! It’s just that my room is really dirty and messy. You’ll hate it once you see it, Xiao Xi.” I quickly explained, trying to ignore the burning sensation in my throat.

“Dirty and messy? That’s exactly why you need help! It’s fine, Senior. I won’t mind.”

Her words caught me off guard. This wasn’t how I had expected this to go. Shouldn’t a girl be disgusted and tell me to clean up on my own? No choice. I had to pull out the ultimate move.

“Xiao Xi… there are things in my room that… shouldn’t be seen.” I said, finally giving up.

“Things that shouldn’t be seen?” She looked confused at first, but then realization hit. Her fair face turned a vivid crimson.

“You… pervert! Senior!”

“So now you understand.”

Even if it wasn’t just adult doujinshi, if anyone found my stash, they’d be disgusted. I didn’t bother to elaborate further.

“But… thinking about it, it’s okay. You’re a normal guy, after all. Fine, I’ll wait a few more days. Just make sure you clean up your room before then!” The more she spoke, the shyer she got. Finally, she looked away nervously and hurried ahead.

I stood there, stunned by her reaction. That was it? I was fully prepared for her to hate me. Girls usually despise pervy stuff like that. I expected to be called “disgusting” and ignored.

But Xiao Xi didn’t seem to hate me. She even understood? (I really couldn’t figure her out.)

“Senior! What are you standing there for? Come on!” Xiao Xi waved at me from a short distance away, her cute face bright with a smile again. I stopped overthinking. As long as she didn’t hate me and was still willing to be around me, I’d treat her well.

“Yeah, I’m coming!” I smiled back and followed after her.