Two months.
He barely felt it. When one had a stable job and good rhythm of life, time had almost no grasp. It had been two months since he welcomed Yasuo in his modest flat.
When he realized that, he wasn't so shocked or anything. It was a mere fact. Maybe yes he was still surprised to see time go so fast yet he knew things happened since then.
Quietly going back home after a day of teaching, he often had this time to think, sitting in transports. It was good, now it was still rather sunny outside when he got back from work. As much as he liked winter, it was still depressing to leave and return at night.
It wouldn't be the same thing anymore though. Leaving early in the morning had changed, now he had a guest. Indeed usually he didn't see Yasuo at that time except on rare occasions. The fact remained, he had someone at home and he would always remember because he tried not to make too much noise as he got ready. Lily, that was another issue, she would make a fuss no matter what.
Still, he had someone there, even if the flat seemed so quiet. Trivial but he liked to know that. He wasn't truly alone.
One day, he will leave though. To forget about it was stupid. This was how it was supposed to go. Once Yasuo got a room or anything correct to rent, he would go on his own. Yi had no idea how he felt about it. It wasn't positive, as if hollow, empty. For someone having already accepted a certain dayly solitude, it was quite a stretch to feel sad about a guest leaving. Maybe it depended on the person, after all. Maybe instinctively he considered Yasuo a good enough friend to feel at ease around. Anyway, his flat would seem empty once he would be gone, just like a part of his heart. Lily was good company but having another person nearby was also a comfort.
For now he pushed that thought away, he didn't need to feel sad for no real reason. Furthermore, it wasn't going to happen so soon. He had seen Yasuo several time complaining about the price of flats and rooms in the city and this wasn't going to be solved in a few days.
What was that ? Relief ? No, of course no. He would never wish that kind of things. For the latter this was already quite stressful to be sheltered like this without any kind of compensation or payment. They had talked about it and it was obvious, Yasuo didn't like to be a burden. Yi wondered why he felt this to such point, there was no need but maybe a personal reason.
Each day seemed to impact a bit more the latter, as if there was a limit in time before he was kicked out, with or without results. I wouldn't. Although this didn't lessen one's concerns.
One time of inattention and he could have missed his station. Walking back home, Yi's thoughts lingered on this issue.
If he was asked, he would say it wasn't a real problem. At the beginning he would have expected to be at least a little bothered by the presence of someone else in his home – no matter what level of acquaintance and frienship. However it didn't happen or in such faint level that he didn't notice. Again, surely it depended on who he welcomed in his flat. Yasuo was nice enough not to be a bother of any kind, however he considered himself.
Now it made two months and he wasn't waiting for the end of it. It was fine, he got used to it and even liked the company. Given the latter's chance to find a correct place to live, in his budget, he would still need his roof for a few more months, if not more.
And now he's paying. Yi couldn't believe he let him do that. Adamant to give his help, he had first refused any attempt to pay from Yasuo. He knew that his friend never had a lot of money, no need to make his situation worse. That stubborn idiot seeked a job just for that.
The reason why he surrended and accepted a 'contribution' was Yasuo's peace of mind. He made it clear, he disliked being here just to bother and eat his food – both statements being wrong. So Yi accepted. If he could help the latter feel at bit better then he would do it. Not that they really needed it, his salary was more than enough and that didn't take in count the money received sometimes from family. Yes, they still kept doing it.
Long sigh. At least this wasn't a real issue. At the end of the month he would check the bills and everything and prove to Yasuo that it was fine anyway. He still understood this need to participate, not being useless.
At last he reached the building. Checking the mailbox, there was nothing. Either Yasuo went down to take it or there was none for this day. In merry haste, he made it to the door and unlocked it.
As expected, Lily was fast to meow behind the door. Welcome home. It made him smile like many days, glad to find her.
« Hey ! »
« No ! Stay here ! » Urgent shout from Yasuo, just as he caught the cat before she could escape.
So this was his return home, to this happy scene. Lily, struggling a bit in Yasuo's arms, soon about to bite him. Indeed a few seconds later he dropped her, swearing lowly. Upset, she left the corridor since the occasion was over.
« Damnit. » Both looked in the direction taken by the cat, before focusing back. « Hey, how was your day ? »
« Exhausting, nothing new. And you ? »
« Napped all I could. Really, going back to work is horrible. »
« Indeed. Welcome to adult life. » Sly smile, as he took off coat and docs. Now it was time to relax.
« I knooooooow… Oh wait, I went for groceries, gonna try something good. »
It was Yasuo's turn to cook tonight and it wasn't contested. Yi was glad not to have to take care of it this time, a bit too tired.
By reflex he sat on the couch, not far of Lily's spot. Oh dear feeling when she looked up and came closer to be petted, already purring. Hello hello my lady.
« Yi ? » Still in the corridor, surely he was going to the kitchen after that question.
« Yes ? »
« I'm going out tonight. Just so you know. »