I opened my 28-inch suitcase, half of which was filled with snacks and daily necessities.

I had heard that the food during quarantine wasn't great, so before returning home, I splurged on a whole box of instant snacks, along with some hot dogs, sandwiches, and pickled vegetables.

I even packed a foldable water bottle.

It was already past nine in the evening, after the hotel's meal service hours. I asked him, "Are you hungry? Want to share some instant snacks?"

Brandon shook his head and took my kettle.

Gurgle.

Someone's stomach growled.

I looked up at him, and his ears turned slightly red, though he pretended to be nonchalant.

She was so cute.

I chuckled to myself, saying, "Just pretend you're helping me eat. I really don't want to take a bunch of instant snacks home."

After boiling the water, we sat at the table and swallowed the snacks together.

They were really delicious.

After finishing, I collapsed contentedly onto the sofa.

It was getting late, and I planned to wash up and go to bed.

After brushing my teeth and just as I was about to lie down, I suddenly realized a problem.

The blanket—there was only one.

Even with the air conditioning set to thirty degrees, it was still December in the north.

Brandon and I exchanged glances. I gathered my courage and spoke first.

"How about… we sleep together?"

Brandon let out a sigh.

"Aren't you afraid?"

I blinked and said, "What's there to be afraid of?"

...

Brandon looked a bit helpless. "I can do without the blanket."

I panicked. "No way! You paid for the room, and you shouldn't sleep on the sofa or go without a blanket. What if you catch a cold?"

He stared at me, making me feel a little guilty.

I shrank my neck, "Well, even though I really want to give the blanket to you, I'm afraid of the cold."

I raised three fingers to the sky, "I swear, I sleep very honestly!"

He sighed again.

It sounded like he was reluctant. "Fine."

I placed a bottle of water in the middle of the blanket as a dividing line, and we each took our side.

Brandon's breathing was shallow as he slept. I was initially a bit tense, but as time went on, fatigue washed over me, and I fell into a deep sleep.

I had a strange dream.

In my dream, Brandon was a prince from Candyland, his whole body made of sweets. His arms were chocolate, his fingers were vanilla cookies, and his lips were strawberry candy.