6.
Jin woke to the sound of running water, but it was secondary. In that moment he discovered what Christmas lights felt like, jumbled, stiff and non-functional. Bones and joints creaked until he was in front of the bathroom door, listening to the gush of a shower.
What was it like to have a shower in one's room? A pang of jealously rushed through his diaphragm passing quick. He didn't understand but he hated himself for being there.
Quietly, he left, relieved to be outside her room. He wasn't sure if anyone was there, he'd yet to see a soul and they'd been bang-on-the-ceiling loud.
He stopped.
There'd been no one last time. What did her parents look like? He'd never seen past the shit eating door keeper.
By the looks of it, it was a two-bedroom apartment with three bathrooms, one in each room, a large one for guests.
There was a bad assed lounge, both spacious and well kept.
It brought images of cocktail parties and jazz, some guy on the piano. A huge wine glass full of coins and bills.
Stylish black couches made the perimeter of the lounge, Jin couldn't help but notice how only half looked like they'd ever been used. One cushion was sunk in and torn in the corners, he could almost make out the shape of Paige's butt. That put a smile on his face.
'Now leave my butt alone'
A long passage split. One led to a large study with its own gym and Jacuzzi. Beyond the Jacuzzi was a view of the city he'd never seen. It was impossible not to be taken by it. Who knew a home could be so spacious?
After a long breath, he followed the other split.
It shouldn't have surprised him but he was stunned at how large the kitchen was. An open design with pure black tiling that looked to dance with the morning light. Dotted all around it were some of the most advanced appliances to date, some of it had to be futuristic.
He couldn't help opening the fridge, it was a miracle he was still standing. They'd found Drake and been attacked before he could get his ramen. He also hadn't slept in days; there was also the 'should have been dead' thing. Even then, it felt odd not having to look over his shoulder for something that, clicked, clacked, growled, roared or screamed at him. To be safe, he still gave a single look before opening a door.
It was filled to the brim with food, all fresh. Jin didn't want to touch but that wasn't an option. He put his hands together and silently made a promise to pay Paige back before reaching for the bacon, eggs, tomatoes, ham, milk tofu, rice…
A door squeaked and he turned sharply, knife in hand before he took a breath, rubbing his chest. Paige had just tiptoed into the passage. He didn't know why but he was surprised. It were as though he'd expected her to climb down a window and leave him. The strange thought left a pang.
She was in full uniform, a towel wrapped around her head.
The fridge slammed shut.
"Take whatever you want."
"Thanks."
There might have been a time when he'd be too embarrassed but hunger beat pride. Potential food was never to be passed by, a hard lesson.
He took everything he wanted and started cooking. He wasn't good but wasn't trying to be. There was only avoiding a mess while trying to get everything cooked asap.
Food couldn't be enjoyed with the sword of dishwashing hanging overhead.
When done, he presented his food; bacon, eggs, boiled, fried, tofu, miso, there was even fried polygyny, that stood out to his taste buds. Together they setup on a large onyx counter in the centre of the kitchen.
They ate… Paige mostly watched.
"Um Paige?" Jin said his mouth full.
"What?" She asked just watching him.
She stared but looked at nothing, her eyes were different. Brown with a golden tint… if one looked. They were refreshing.
He hesitated.
"Why isn't anyone here?" he dipping a toe into the waters.
Paige raised a brow.
"I mean it's twice now. There should be a dad pointing a shotgun and shouting ′get away from my little girl!'"
Jin made a show of making his hand a gun and pointing it around. It was probing but he needed to know. He'd apologise, make up for it somehow, but waiting for her to tell him on her own was… he didn't have an unselfish response, a response he'd be okay with were the roles reversed.
Paige's laugh couldn't have been more forced with a whip and chain.
"They're out." Paige said looking around.
She focused on nothing forever until she finally settled on an area, just short of his eyes. He'd dipped a toe and found air.