Work Text:
When the turning yellow leaves rustled, silently parting from the branches to return to mother earth. A gentle north wind blew softly, sweeping in and enveloping the surroundings, causing the air to turn cold. The evening shadows faded earlier. It seemed winter was drawing near.
In the laboratory of The Member #81 of the Genius Society, Ruan Mei was sound asleep on her desk, thick piles of documents stacked next to her, the computer screen still displayed effective research results and reports, and the cup of coffee had long gone cold. The room was quite messy compared to usual, it must have been a tough day for her, a rare occurrence indeed.
Suddenly, a gust of biting cold wind sneaked through the window, causing her involuntarily to curl up, and dispelling her documents across the room. Ruan Mei softly opened her eyes in a daze, not yet fully awake. Instinctively, she reached for her blouse, adjusted her glasses and put them on. "How long have I been asleep?" Ruan Mei muttered, looking out the window to see the sky completely dark. She started, realizing how late it was… Her phone screen lit up, showing it was 9:48 PM and displaying dozens of incoming messages, alongside notifications of missed calls from her colleague — The Member #83 of the Genius Society, Ms. Herta. Oh, crap, she suddenly remembered she had not notified Herta about arriving late.
(3 missed calls from Herta)
...
"Why aren't you answering my calls? Are you busy?"
"Why are you working so late today? You should have at least told me earlier!"
"Grey Bean and Cheese Tart miss you, they keep bothering me!!"
"If you're not home by 9 PM, I’m coming to pick you up."
(9+ messages from Herta)
…
Alas, she had accidentally become the source of her partner's distress. There was no time to waste, swiftly, she resolved to tidy her space and hasten her return as soon as possible. Ruan Mei gathered the scattered papers, turned off the computer, and performed one final, tender review of her research advancement.
Abruptly, the sound of the doorbell chimed, she wondered who would seek her out at this solitary hour? Putting on her blouse, she went to open the door. And who else could it be but the esteemed Genius Number 83 herself? "Ah, Herta, what are you doing here at this time?" Ruan Mei inquired. Though a flicker of foreboding crossed her heart, Ruan Mei maintained her serene composure. She gently guided her partner into the room, shielding her from the biting cold, her hand resting delicately upon Herta's waist.
"Do you even need to ask?! I came to pick you up, what else could it be? It's almost night time and you're still not home! I thought something had happened to you!" Herta lamented, her expression tight with vexation, a flame of impassioned displeasure now proving difficult to quell. She was utterly exasperated with her thoughtless colleague!
Genius Number 81 recognized the tempest of emotion she had provoked, it was undeniably her fault. Drawing Herta tenderly closer, she enveloped her colleague in a heartfelt embrace, murmuring: "Are you cold? My apology, I accidentally fell asleep during work." She hoped this proximity might gently soothe Herta's turmoil, yet her anger seemed to have ignited a vibrant warmth within her, holding Herta felt cozy.
Herta was surprised by this prodigy's actions, but understanding her intentions, she didn't bother to push her away. She placed her hands on Ruan Mei's shoulders, glancing at the girl who was looking at her with a remorseful expression. She retorted: "Don't you think that just because you comfort me I'll forgive you! Why did you fall asleep during work? If you're that tired, why didn't you go home earlier? What were you trying to do? What kind of clumsy genius are you?!"
"Sorry, I didn't mean to… I was about to go home anyway. Let me give you a ride, let's go home together." She titled her head to meet Herta's eyes, thrilled by the realization of her partner's concern. A quiet joy blossomed in her heart, suggesting that perhaps she should "compensate" her colleague in some way.
Herta sighed, a sudden wave of pity washing over her. She softened her voice slightly and inquired: "So are you done yet? Hurry up so we can go home for dinner." she had already gone into the kitchen, though cooking was not her forte and had taken quite some time, she had endeavored to prepare a delicious meal for Ruan Mei. Yet, today she had to wait, so she had eaten her portion and reserved her roommate's share.
Ruan Mei nodded instantly, wearing her long black coat, not forgetting to wrap a wool scarf around her neck, though somewhat carelessly. Herta noticed this and sighed again: "You are clearly pissing me off! Wrap it warmly so you don't get cold, don't you know the seasons are changing?" As she spoke, she meticulously and skillfully adjusted the scarf, tying it into a lovely bow that looked so charming. She couldn't resist pinching Ruan Mei's cheek gently, just enough to satisfy her annoyance. Hand in hand, the two left the laboratory.
…
Sitting in the car, Herta's anger had long faded, yet she maintained a grumpy expression, desiring only to tease her colleague who was driving. Ruan Mei, of course, noticed her attitude, thinking to herself that Herta must still be vexed, resolving to soothe her once they arrived home. A silent embrace encompassed their journey, no one willing to utter a word to break the awkward atmosphere.
…
10:15 PM. At Apartment X, 13th floor, they arrived back at their home. It was then that Herta finally spoke, "The food I wrapped is in the refrigerator, heat it up. I also bought you a sweet pastry. Hurry up and take a shower so we can go to bed." After saying that, she cast a brief glare at Ruan Mei and went straight into the bedroom.
Ruan Mei felt a flutter of bewilderment, wondering, "Is she really that upset?" But disobeying her would surely increase her displeasure. She went to the kitchen and heated up the meal her roommate had prepared. Although it still had a slightly burnt taste, the spices remained beautifully harmonized, not overpowering each other, making it truly delicious. She could not forget to savor the sweet pastry Herta had purchased for her.
All the affection Herta held seemed encapsulated within this meal. Feeling utterly cherished, Ruan Mei's lips curled gently upward. Even if her roommate was angry with her, it was only because she cared about her. And that, she realized, was more than enough.
…
A short while later, having finished her bath, she slipped into her black pajamas and gently stroked her two "creations" — Grey Bean and Cheese Tart. They had missed her terribly, clinging to her ceaselessly, yearning for even a sliver of her attention. After singing them to sleep, she entered the bedroom she shared with Herta. Herta sat on the bed, indulging in a skincare mask while scrolling through her phone. Hearing the click of the door, she looked up. "Are you done? Let's go to sleep, just give me a sec." she stepped off the bed and entered the bathroom to remove her mask and wash her face. Ruan Mei remained motionless by the doorway, utterly lost in thought, waiting for Herta to finish before they both finally climbed into bed.
Seeing Herta lying down without facing her, Ruan Mei initiated closeness, wrapping her arms around Herta's waist and resting her head gently on her shoulder. She whispered: "Are you still angry at me? I'm sorry, I didn't mean not to tell you." She buried her face in Herta's shoulder, hoping for her forgiveness. "The food you cooked today was delicious…" she added, a subtle hint of longing in her tone.
Upon hearing this, Herta reluctantly turned to face Ruan Mei, that spring lake of emotion, which had rarely been ruffled, now feigning a coquettish tone. She sighed softly: "Why are you being so whiny? I didn't say I was still angry with you. It's late now, just go to sleep." She placed both hands upon Ruan Mei's cheeks, alternating between squeezing and softly pinching them, thinking how adorable and foolish she looked. Ruan Mei offered no resistance, yielding entirely to Herta's affection, and replied:
"I'll pay attention next time. Besides, I have tomorrow off, and I don't want to go to sleep early."
"It's almost the break of a new dawn, and you still say it's not late?"
"I still want to talk to you."
"You are such an idiot..."
Before Herta could utter another word, Ruan Mei abruptly turned and pressed down upon her body. Without a word, she placed a kiss on Herta's lips, gently nipping those saccharine lips, sweet like sugar. Herta was surprise by her sudden actions, yet she bore no dislike for it. She rested her hands on Ruan Mei's shoulders and simply allowed herself to surrender to the moment. Perceiving her tacit agreement, Ruan Mei no longer kept her distance.
That kiss did not remain solely on the edges of their lips, Ruan Mei tenderly probed deeper, as though exploring for a hidden treasure of incomparable worth. Once discovered, she could not restrain herself, entwining with Herta with no path for retreat. She deeply craved the affection Herta held for her, feeling its sweetness reflected on her lover's tongue, and thus, she was compelled to answer that devotion.
As their affections began to transcend the initial boundaries, Ruan Mei paused, trailing kisses from Herta's cheek down to her neck, delicately nipping that soft, sensitive skin. Herta's mind spun wildly, her consciousness wavering, her face flushed scarlet, her breathing growing ragged. To be so overwhelmingly consumed by her roommate's ardor was a dizzying sensation, and recalling this, she held Ruan Mei's head, her voice trembling: "S-Stop, not tonight. If you continue, I swear I won't speak to you tomorrow."
Ruan Mei was completely overcome. Noting her plea, Ruan Mei felt a subtle dissatisfaction, she had not finished her "amends" yet. She shifted, settling beside Herta, kissed her cheek once more, and drew her warmly into her embrace.
"Then let's sleep. Good night, Herta."
"Mm, sleep well."
Herta hugged her stuffed cat, rested in Ruan Mei's arms, and gradually drifted off to sleep. In the chill of the winter night, two geniuses found solace, warming each other's souls.