Chapter 17
Lian
I hadn't intended to spend the night in Pepper's room, but the bell tower striking five times meant it was time to wake up, no matter whose bed I was in. Except Pepper was still asleep and snoring softly, which was unexpected. She was always in the kitchen before me.
Except today was her day off, and she likely wanted to sleep in.
She looked so peaceful that it seemed rude to wake her. But sneaking out was also rude, especially after the wonderful night. I'd made that mistake with a past partner too, and it had ended in a heated fight that I had no intention of repeating, especially when I'd been trying to be considerate.
I squirmed a little, trying to get out from underneath Pepper's arm and the covers, but they were both locking me in.
It wasn't unpleasant, but I could already feel the day starting to run away from me.
It was time to make breakfast and get going, so I needed to make a decision. Wake Pepper up or sneak out.
It would be easier if I knew which would make her more upset, but this dilemma was making me realise there was still a lot we didn't know about each other. Maybe I would just let her sleep. If this was going to cause discourse, it would be better for me if she was well-rested, right?
I sat up slowly, pushing the covers away so I could leave without disturbing her, but Pepper roused, looking unfocused and confused for a moment.
"What time is it?" she asked, her voice thick from sleep.
"The bell tower has struck five."
"It's early." She swung her arm back over me. "Sleep some more."
"I can't," I said, feeling frustration spark up in me. It really would've been easier if I could've just snuck out because now I was being difficult.
Pepper kissed my arm. "You can, just close your eyes and count sheep. Or rabbits."
"No, I can't," I said, fighting against the urge to push her away. This was interfering with my usual morning routine and causing stress, which defeated the point of my morning ritual. I did it to reduce stress, not create more of it.
With a yawn, Pepper sat up too. She looked like a sleepy mess, which was somewhat adorable, and I might've enjoyed it a lot more if it wasn't already past five.
"Tell me what the problem is," Pepper said, yawning again and rubbing her eyes.
"I wake up at five, and then I make my breakfast. If I don't, my day runs away from me and spins out of control, and then I can't sleep. But if I can't sleep, then the next day, I don't wake up at five either, and then I have another bad day and then—"
Pepper stroked her hand down my back. "Breathe, Lian. Breathe."
It was easier said than done, and I balled my hands into tight fists until I could feel my nails press into my palms. It helped cut through the spiral but not the headache forming between my temples.
Why did this have to be difficult? I didn't want to get so out of sorts just because I wasn't able to go through my normal routine, but it seemed to get the better of me despite my desires.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realise you wanted to do your morning ritual today as well," she said as she drew her hand down my back, the soft touch taking away any sting in her words. "Let's get up."
"But it's your day off, and you said you wanted to sleep in," I replied, my stomach filling with dread and disappointment in myself for turning this into such a big deal. This was why I shouldn't get close to people, I only ended up making things difficult.
"Lian," she said softly. "It's fine. I wouldn't have said that if I'd realised that it was a problem for you.
So please, let's get up and have breakfast. I've been enjoying spending time with you in the early mornings.
Today is no different." She leaned in and kissed my shoulder in a surprisingly intimate gesture that took me a little by surprise, but in a good way.
"If you're certain."
"I am," she said firmly. "Maybe I could finally try your zhou if that doesn't interfere with your routine? And you can tell me if it does, I don't want to make your life more difficult for you."
"It doesn't," I said. "I can make two portions." I didn't think I'd ever done that before. Most of the women I'd spent the night with hadn't been interested in that. Though perhaps it had been because I wanted them to get up at five if they wanted to have it.
"Then it sounds like the perfect morning," she said.
"I'm sorry I woke you. I was trying to be quiet." I didn't think Pepper was angry with me about it, but I was still feeling bad about waking her when she wanted to rest.
"You were sneaking out?" Pepper finally looked at me properly. "Do you not want to have breakfast with me?"
"I do. I wasn't sneaking out to get away from you. I just didn't want to wake you," I said quickly, frustrated by how much of a mess this had become. This wasn't the cute, relaxing morning-after that people wanted.
Pepper was still looking at me. "So you had a good time last night?"
"Very much. I like spending time with you, and last night was enjoyable.
Very enjoyable," I said, heat rising up to my cheeks.
A first time with a new person could be awkward, but that hadn't been the case.
Her touches had been very welcome, and I was very much looking forward to more of them in the future.
The smile on Pepper's face changed, and she looked pleased. "I'm glad you think so because I feel the same way. So let's get up and make breakfast, and maybe we can talk about what a perfect morning looks like for either of us. So that next time, there won't be any surprises?"
Her suggestion made the tension in my stomach disperse. "I like that. Talking and there being a next time."
Pepper leaned in, pressing her lips softly against mine. "Good. Now let's make zhou and get ready for the festival."
The festival. Somehow, I'd completely forgotten about it. My mind had been so consumed by everything that was Pepper. Even if my cousins insisted I didn't need to serve them, there was plenty still to do.
But hopefully, I would also get a chance to enjoy the festival and to discover more of what Purple Oak had to offer me. After yesterday, I was starting to think that it could be a lot, and I was eager to discover it.