Work Text:
The rain wept without sunlight, for it was night.
Ruan Mei stared at the window with a pen hovering over a piece of paper, titled “ The Questions About DNA and Genetic Engineering and How It Shapes Our Body “ Quite frankly, she doesn't think it's hard at practice. But when she forms this idea into lines of words, she can't seem to put her mind directly connected with it.
Maybe she just needs tea? After all, it's the only thing that makes her develop paragraphs.
The genius stood up, walking silently to the kitchen. Grabbing a teabag from the drawer, she took a cup and filled it with hot water that had been previously done. Afterwards, she puts the teabag, letting it dissolve.
She took time with it and soon the teabag steeped. Water intertwines with the tea powder. While this happens, Ruan Mei sat on a kitchen stool and stirred it while staring into it blankly.
What could pop in her mind? Something, something should make sense.
Should it be that DNA is the information-carrying molecule found in all living organisms? In most, everything in life DNA is stored in the nucleus coiled up in thread-like structures called chromosomes.
Genetic engineering’s transfer of DNA using biotechnology…
The thinking woman sighed, taking a sip of her recently finished cup of tea. She gently placed it in front of her. After doing this, she put in milk and sugar. She tasted the tea and then stirred. It felt gentle, with a strong scent but just right. After all, it's her usual get-to-go while studying.
Looking around while thinking and sipping tea, she noticed that her dorm is quite big. Big enough for two people, but that changed when her roommate left unexpectedly, and when that happened, Ruan Mei didn't take notice because she rarely left her room when she shared it with others.
Oddly monotone. She doesn't care about the colours as she is instantly interested in studying rather than what looks best. Even this applies to her clothes, in which her clothes were never really considered to be a big deal and only thought to be used to shield the human body from the cold. (Is what Ruan Mei thinks of herself) Although her classmates thought otherwise.
One particular person really, really liked it. That person is Herta herself. The confident, hard-working and smart classmate of hers.
Ruan Mei quite remembers her complimenting things about her fashion and other things, and her intellectual level. Herta could brag about herself when talking to others, but when it comes to Ruan Mei and the geniuses, she speaks with no arrogance. But, she noticed that Herta talks about her differently than others.
Counting while thinking, Ruan Mei had sipped the tea 4 times. She wanted to drink tea for the sake of thinking and yet, here she is zoning out. For her studies for newly acquired possession of being in the top set of Biology and serving as a Year 12 , she really has to complete it as both revision and making her grades higher.
What could the overall structure and genetic engineering truly mean? The DNA part has already been completed, as the paragraph she had structured in her mind to be completely full. Now, the genetic engineering part.
“ Asexuality of genetic material. “ Write that down.
“ Identical and clone-like to the parent. “ Write that down.
“ Mitosis cell cyc— “
Knock knock.
Someone was out there on this rainy night. Freezing at 8°.
“ Hey, are you there? “ The familiar voice sounded. “ It's me. “
No one else, huh? And who might this be?
Ruan Mei approached the living room’s door and opened it slowly, revealing the young woman with long ash brown hair clothed in a coat.
It was Herta with drenched hair from the rain, her breath being visible due to the almost negative temperature.
“ That's surprising, “ Ruan Mei opened the door a little wider. “ Why would you be awake during this time? Especially on a cold night? “ While Ruan Mei talked, she walked backwards and let Herta in, slightly overwhelming her with a sense of warmth from the dorm’s heater. She removed her coat to reveal the dripping rain from the tips of her hair.
“ We had a gathering for one of the Genius Society’s few parties. I initially invited you before, but it seems like you’re too busy. “ Herta asked while shaking off water from her hair by putting her fingers along the lines of it.
“ I would've come, but I had something due tomorrow. “
She closed the door, making the heater completely absorb the air. Herta looked.. oddly good from the rain. (Of course, not in a weird way as you might think.) Herta then said,
“ Let me guess, biology again?
Ruan Mei chuckled, “ Yes. As you can see, I've had a hard time thinking about it more than I usually do. “ Ruan Mei leaned on the door.
“ Knew you would be awake at this hour. “ Herta remarked back with a grin. Ruan Mei told her,
“ Do you want a towel to dry off? “ Ruan Mei grabbed a nearby towel from her loo a few hours earlier, still clean. She then gave it to her.
“ Please. “ Herta removed layers of her clothing, only leaving her black vest and trousers, while earlier she removed her shoes and only wore her socks.
Ruan Mei went to the kitchen and prepared another tea, same preparations; put hot water, teabag, wait for it to dissipate, and then add milk, and stir. She felt the feeling of also giving Herta a spare dessert she recently made yesterday from boredom, tea and biscuits; a classic.
Even though it is literally 11 pm on a school night, they both felt significantly warmer than what an average and exhausting night would be. Herta is surprised but wanted to taste one of Ruan Mei’s desserts.
Ruan Mei invited her to sit with her on the sofa to further warm up. However, she soon noticed that Herta was still quite drenched from the rain, and patiently waited for her to come out of the bathroom.
While waiting for her, she thought of their past encounters again while setting the desserts down on the table.
Faintly remembering the time that they shared outside and inside of school. Herta and Ruan Mei have been closer to each other ever since the start of Year 10, to 11, and 12. If anyone could describe their relationship, it would be “ acquaintances. “
But what do they know besides that?
Not knowing that two of their well known geniuses could be something else entirely, like secretly holding hands and spending time alone together suspiciously? How jokingly scandalous. But Ruan Mei always enjoyed the warmth that Herta would give her, especially the way she showed subtle affection but it was clear.
Ruan Mei appreciated her efforts of not showing it to everyone else, however. If it had been public, she would not mind but the idea of Herta being flustered about it would be cute. She chuckled at the possibility.
A solid 5 minutes passed since Herta went to the bathroom, Ruan Mei would soon realize how she could finish her paper before spending time with her partner. She could do it while waiting, but Herta usually takes about 6-8 minutes to shower, so no time.
Herta eventually left the door out the bathroom, with a towel over her head and wore.. a spare bathrobe.
“ What about your clothes? Do you not have any? “ As if the words slipped out of her mouth suddenly, if it meant something else that isn't about her wanting Herta to dress comfortably, then that's not her fault, maybe.
Herta, slightly taken aback by the sudden words she had heard, quickly shook it off.
“ I left a few clothes of mine in your dorm when I last visited just in case. “ She tries to brush off the fact that Ruan Mei easily made her flustered, but it was clear that her partner would not realize that.
Ruan Mei raised a brow, but then let Herta get changed in the bedroom before going back to the living room to be seen wearing a nightgown that Ruan Mei could easily identify as something she always wears when coming by, after that, Herta sat nearby her.
“ So, “ Herta ignored the fact earlier, and turned to Ruan Mei. “ How would you prove how sweet these are? “ She laid her hand over her own cheek.
“ I practiced it more after studying. “ She offered her a piece of biscuits and a plate with desserts.
“ Looks thrilling. “ Herta agreed, and then used a serrated knife to cut a small piece of cake, revealing a delicious texture. She put one in her mouth and tasted it.
Ruan Mei watched as Herta ate it, finishing the tiny piece. She is visibly surprised how Herta enjoyed it.
“ Brilliant, makes me want to taste more. “ The texture felt lovely at her mouth, so she had to compliment it.
“ If that's tasting then what would be like finishing a slice of cake? “ This is meant to be heart-lighted joke, however, Herta responded,
“ Hm. In that case, it's called consuming. “ Herta chuckled, then sipped the tea. “ I would've consumed it as a whole, but I feel no appetite at this hour. ‘’
Ruan Mei knew that Herta would always sleep early, even after parties. (Herta replies rarely when it’s half past 9.) She ate a piece of dessert while listening.
“ The rain, it miffs me off. I was supposed to make it home by now but then that stupid rain became unbearable to walk through. “ Herta took a sip again. “ Luckily, you were still awake. “
“ Mhm. I got lost at the fact that I was supposed to stay up late just for the paper. “ Ruan Mei picked up a pen nearby and laid the unfinished paper to start thinking again.
“ Have you finished yours? “
“ Of course. Even though I didn't take Biology, I had the same deadline as you. “ Herta leans closer to the sofa, embracing its warmth. “ It's easy. “
“ I agree, but something about it confuses me. Something I can't put into words. Even if I did, it would sound odd.
“ Failures are common for geniuses. After it happens, you gain an idea to prevent it furthermore. “ Ruan Mei confusingly watches Herta point something to her own mouth with a finger.
“ And.. you may have forgotten about something. A small fragment of evidence. “ Eh? Something.. A small fragment of evidence?
“ Hm? “
Ruan Mei did the same, touching the same spot and mirroring Herta but with her own face and finger.
Aha!—a fragment of dessert. How sneaky.
“ Touché. “ Ruan Mei nodded. Herta is glad that she gets it.
Alas, both of them didn't realize that 30 minutes had passed while talking about their studies and light teasing. Herta indirectly helped Ruan Mei in completing her thoughts and how structures are made in wording.
“ That should be perfectly done. “ Herta guided Ruan Mei’s hand to point towards the final argument and sentence, making it more clear. Her hand felt warm, in contrast to Ruan Mei's usual cold ones.
“ To think that it goes like that.. “ Ruan Mei thought for a second and decided to go over her findings and understand the role of genetics. Interesting how she could do it with just the right amount of structuring her complicated thoughts.
“ Well, aren't you feeling sleepy? I could see your head falling off. “ She lets go of her hand, releasing warmth in the way.
“ I need to revise another one. “ She mumbled.
“ I don't think you can, Ruan Mei. It's 12 am and you're practically almost dozing off. “ Herta called it out.
“ It's still early. “ Continued Ruan Mei.
“ School night. “ Then continued Herta.
“ I can sleep during dinnertime tomorrow. “ That's right. She could just take a light nap while it's lunch, but why does Herta care so much about it?
“ Well… If you truly want to do it, then do it while laying on the bed. You started 4 hours ago and not even thinking of stopping. “
Ruan Mei raised a brow. How could Herta know more about her than she knows herself? She would do this very often and remind her to sleep, as she usually does. Nonetheless, she acted without thinking and agreed without hesitation.
“ Okay, I will. “
A few minutes later, both of them were in bed, tired and sleepless.
Ruan Mei is currently reading a book about GCSES (even though she finished it) and turning over the pages, clearly engrossed in her work.
“ Aren't you going to sleep yet? “ Impatiently, Herta puts one of her hands into a hugging position with Ruan Mei’s body.
“ One more.. no.. ten more minutes. “ She mumbles while revising.
“ Do what you will. But take a rest sometime, and I'll maybe purchase you desserts along the road. “ Herta teased with a finger over her mouth.
“ But, you should be sweet and not be bitter about not overworking yourself too much. Geniuses like us need to have a beauty sleep too. “ Herta pleaded, “ So please? “
Ruan Mei listens carefully and then suddenly taking her book out of her hands, and then fully sinks into the bed with Herta.
“ If you continue persuading me, then I might just do it. “ Ruan Mei unknowingly teased her, their noses touching when she turned face to face. Herta knows how much Ruan Mei could crumble under affection, but she knows that she doesn't admit it. Quite adorable, indeed.
“ And I think it might've worked. “
Herta then made their faces closer to the way they could hear each other breathing, and… maybe.. maybe..
“ Goodnight, Ruan Mei. “ And.. equal sleep deprivation hit back at her. Made her eyes more sleepy. Herta hugged her while Ruan Mei turned back to think.
She felt a cliffhanger, as if she really wanted them to portray love. But it's reasonable, as it is midnight. The need for sleep also reminded her, however something bugs her off.
It's a bit warmer than what Ruan Mei feels everyday.
The cold night is becoming colder; winter is ever more on the way. The heater feels the same way as she normally sets it up to be, and she didn't derive and differentiate anything.
Except…
She realized that Herta was embracing her. As if she's pressing her down to warmth and hotness under the warm blanket.
Herta wrapped her arms around Ruan Mei as if she's trying to convince her to not work without sleep—but she's taking away the sleep from her by cuddling.
Herta smelled sweet, maybe because of how close they were. Considering the fact that Herta’s head is pressing down gently on Ruan Mei’s shoulder. They were so close together that she could practically get used and addicted to it.
It makes her want to move her arms—turn her over, and be the one hugging her too. To feel her own hands wrapped on Herta.
However, Ruan Mei is supposed to revise while Herta is hugging her to sleep, but she couldn't get enough of it and decided that she could do it tomorrow instead. Sleep wanted her, and it would pull Ruan Mei down even further when she felt her partner around her. Warmth, heat, and the gentle touch of belonging made her stop wanting to revise for tonight.
Oh, how she deeply wanted this.
“ …Go to sleep, Ruan…Mei. “ As if Herta already predicted Ruan Mei’s thoughts. Even in sleep talking, she could sense her sleep deprived girlfriend to still be up.
She chuckled at the thought. Eventually, she brought over her fingers to cup Herta’s fingers while she's asleep, wanting to feel her warmth again. Herta may never realize what she had done to permanently change something within Ruan Mei. Something far more beyond craving warmth.
Something that shaped their relationship in the first place.
“ Love. “ The word rolled off her tongue.
Ugh, how can she resist the urge now when she said it? Whatever, she’s doing it.
Ruan Mei turned to face Herta and poked her girlfriend’s nose before closing her weary eyes, taking in the absolute need of warmth within both of them, then closing the small distance between their intertwined bodies.
She wrapped her arms equally with Herta so they could share it. The scent intensified and certainly had an effect on Ruan Mei. As she had emphasized that love comes in different sc
ents. She continued with the act and pulled them closer together.
Ruan Mei then made the final thing, putting her head on top of Herta’s hair.
Oh, how much Herta’s scent feels like to her beyond love.