My Gentle Cousin/ The Quiet Boy I Brought Home

Chapter 3: No Classes Today

☀️ NEXT MORNING

The sun was already shining bright through the windows, filling the house with warm daylight. Zhyrelion had woken up early as usual, finished his morning routine, and was just about to head downstairs when a sudden, high‑pitched but joyful scream echoed through the hallway — loud enough to make him pause mid‑step.

“YESSSS!!! NO CLASSES TODAY!!!”

It was Catriona’s voice, full of pure excitement.

A moment later, her bedroom door flew open, and she came running out in her comfortable home clothes, hair still a little messy from sleep, but her face beaming like she had just won a prize. She almost bumped into Zhyrelion who was standing there, and immediately grabbed his arm, shaking it lightly in her happiness.

“Zhy! Zhy, guess what?!” she shouted, eyes sparkling. “I just checked the school group chat and the official page! There are no classes today at all! The teachers and staff have important whole‑day meetings and training, so the campus will be closed to students!”

Zhyrelion blinked in surprise, then let out a small, soft laugh at her reaction. He had already prepared his uniform and packed his bag, ready to drive to school — but this news changed everything.

“No classes?” he repeated gently, adjusting his grip on the strap of his bag. “So we get to rest the whole day?”

“Exactly!” Catriona nodded vigorously, grinning from ear to ear. “No waking up early in a rush, no strict rules, no sitting in class for hours — just a free day to do whatever we want! Isn’t that great?”

She was practically bouncing on her heels, so relieved and happy that the long first day was followed by a full day of break.

Zhyrelion looked at her, and a faint, genuine smile spread across his face. It was rare to see her this openly excited, and her mood was contagious. He relaxed his posture, putting his bag back down on the side table.

“It is good news,” he agreed softly. “I was already ready to go, but a day to rest and settle in properly is even better.”

Downstairs, their parents also heard the commotion and came out of the living room, smiling at the sight.

“Looks like you two get a holiday today,” her father said, chuckling. “The school sent a notice to us too — all faculty meetings, so no lessons. You can take it easy today.”

Catriona turned to Zhyrelion, her eyes lighting up with ideas already. “Since we have the whole day free… what do you want to do? We can stay here, or walk around the garden, or just relax in the gazebo — whatever you feel like!”

Zhyrelion thought for a moment, then gave her a calm look. “Anything is fine. As long as I don’t have to rush or worry about rules for a while… it feels good.”

Even though he said it quietly, there was a hint of relief in his voice. After following strict schedules and rules since he arrived, having a whole day of freedom felt like a small gift. And as he watched Catriona already planning what snacks to bring out, he knew this unexpected break would be a nice chance to get to know each other even better, away from the pressure of school.

Before Zhyrelion could even finish his thought, Catriona’s eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. She didn’t even wait to discuss plans properly — she just grabbed his wrist lightly and pulled him along as she ran toward the back door.

“Then let’s start right now! Come onnn!” she called out, her voice bright and bubbly.

They rushed through the hallway and out to the backyard, where the sparkling pool waited under the warm morning sun. Without hesitation, Catriona let go of his hand, kicked off her slippers, and ran straight toward the edge.

With a loud, joyful laugh, she jumped right into the pool!

SPLASH!

Water sprayed up in all directions, some droplets even reaching Zhyrelion standing a few feet away. He blinked, taken by surprise, and quickly stepped back a little to avoid getting soaked fully. When the water settled, Catriona popped her head up, wiping water from her face and grinning widely like a happy little kid.

“Come in, Zhy! The water’s so nice and cool!” she invited, waving her hand playfully. “It’s perfect for this weather!”

Zhyrelion stood at the edge, looking down at her with a mix of amusement and helplessness. He shook his head slightly, a soft smile tugging at his lips. Even though she was older, she could still be this carefree and spontaneous — something he was not used to, but found strangely refreshing.

“Maybe later,” he said gently, though his eyes held no real refusal. “I’ll just sit here and watch first.”

“Boring!” she teased, splashing a little water toward him on purpose. “You work too hard even when there’s no school! Relax a little, okay?”

Zhyrelion just chuckled softly, pulling a nearby lounge chair closer to the gazebo so he could sit comfortably. He leaned back, resting his arms on the armrest, and simply watched her swim and play around in the water.

For the first time, he didn’t have to think about rules, papers, or schedules. He could just breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sound of splashing water, and enjoy this quiet, peaceful moment — and watching Catriona being so happy made it feel even better.

Catriona didn’t push him anymore after that. She simply turned around and swam freely, moving smoothly across the clear blue water, sometimes floating on her back to let the warm sunlight touch her face. There was no rush, no noise, no lessons to worry about — just her, the cool water, and the soft breeze blowing through the trees.

Every now and then she would stop, rest her arms on the edge of the pool, and glance over at Zhyrelion sitting in the shade. She’d give him a lazy, content smile before diving back under or gliding slowly to the other end.

Zhyrelion stayed right where he was, relaxed but still attentive. He picked up a book he had brought out earlier, but his eyes would often drift back to her without him noticing. Even in this quiet moment, that observant nature of his was still there — making sure she was safe, that she didn’t slip or stay too long under the sun. But it was no longer out of duty or rules; it was just natural care.

The morning went by slowly and peacefully. The only sounds were the gentle ripples of water, the chirping of birds, and the distant soft movements of the house staff going about their work. For both of them, it was a much‑needed pause — a quiet break that let them breathe and settle even more into this new life together.

After a while, Catriona swam back toward the steps, her hair damp and sticking to her shoulders, cheeks flushed pink from the sun. She climbed out slowly, grabbing a big fluffy towel to wrap around herself, still looking refreshed and happy.

“Ah… that felt so good,” she sighed, sitting down on the bench near him. “Nothing beats a swim when you have no classes to go to.”

Zhyrelion closed his book and looked at her with that usual soft expression. “You look much more relaxed now. Good to see you enjoying it.”

“Of course I am!” she grinned, wiping her face. “And now that I’m done swimming… maybe we can just stay here, eat some snacks, and talk? No plans, no deadlines — just us.”

He nodded easily, a small smile appearing on his lips. “That sounds perfect.”

Catriona stood up, stretching her arms lazily. “I’ll just go freshen up quickly, okay? Be right back!”

She hurried back inside the house and went straight to her room. She took a warm, refreshing shower, changed into soft, comfortable clothes — loose shorts and a light cotton top — and brushed her hair until it fell neatly over her shoulders. When she stepped out again, she carried a soft, sweet scent that lingered gently around her — exactly like cherry candy, fresh and lovely.

She walked back toward the backyard, and before she even reached the gazebo, a small figure came running toward her from the garden path.

It was Baby Arlorn, her little cousin, only four years old. He had been playing with his nanny nearby, but the moment he saw Catriona, his face lit up and he ran as fast as his little legs could carry him.

“Kuya! Ate Catriona!” he called out in his cute, high voice, arms wide open.

Catriona laughed and bent down to catch him, lifting him up into a warm hug. “Hello there, my little cutie! Did you miss me?”

Arlorn wrapped his small arms tightly around her neck, resting his head on her shoulder. “Missed you! You smell so good… like sweet fruit!” he mumbled happily.

Zhyrelion, who had been watching from his seat, stood up politely and walked closer. He looked at the little boy with gentle curiosity — this was the first time he had properly met this younger cousin.

Catriona turned to him, still holding Arlorn securely. “Zhy, this is Arlorn. He’s my little cousin, from my mother’s side. He often stays here during the day.”

She looked at the boy and smiled. “Arlorn, say hello to Zhyrelion. He’s my cousin too, just like a big brother, okay?”

Arlorn peeked out from Catriona’s shoulder, his big round eyes staring curiously at Zhyrelion. For a moment he stayed quiet, then gave a small, shy wave. “H-Hello…”

Zhyrelion’s usual calm expression softened even more. He knelt down slightly so he was at eye level with the child, his voice becoming extra gentle and warm — softer than how he spoke to anyone else.

“Hello, Arlorn,” he said quietly, smiling faintly. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Even though he was still reserved, there was something in his tone that felt safe and kind. Arlorn stared at him for a few more seconds, then slowly relaxed his grip on Catriona’s shirt, looking at Zhyrelion with less fear and more interest.

The little boy tilted his head, his round eyes scanning Zhyrelion from head to toe. He noticed how neat and calm he was, how he didn’t speak too loud or move too fast — just like someone who wouldn’t scare him. After a short pause, Arlorn reached out one small hand and touched the sleeve of Zhyrelion’s shirt lightly, as if checking if he was real.

“You’re… quiet,” Arlorn said in his tiny voice.

Zhyrelion let him touch, not pulling away or making a big deal out of it. A faint, warm smile touched his lips — softer than any expression Catriona had seen before.

“Yes,” he answered gently. “I don’t talk much. But I can listen if you want to tell me something.”

Arlorn’s face brightened a little more. He turned back to Catriona, then pointed at Zhyrelion. “He’s nice. Can he play with us too?”

Catriona laughed softly, her heart feeling warm seeing how easily the little one warmed up to him. “Of course he can! That’s what cousins do — we all play and spend time together.”

She set Arlorn down carefully on his feet, but he immediately grabbed the hem of Zhyrelion’s shirt, holding on tight like he had found a new favorite person. Zhyrelion didn’t mind at all; he simply adjusted his posture so the boy felt steady, his movements slow and careful.

“Look what I have!” Arlorn suddenly remembered, letting go only to run a few steps away and come back dragging a small toy truck and a set of colorful building blocks. He dropped them on the grass between them, then looked up expectantly. “Help me build a tall tower, okay? A very tall one!”

Zhyrelion glanced at Catriona, who just nodded with a smile, giving him the go‑ahead. He sat down cross‑legged on the soft grass, his usual focused look returning — but this time, it was for something fun and light.

“Alright,” he said softly. “Let’s make it strong and tall, so it won’t fall down easily.”

Arlorn clapped his hands happily and sat right next to him, watching closely as Zhyrelion started stacking the blocks. He didn’t just throw them on carelessly; he arranged them evenly, balanced each layer perfectly, and even explained in simple words what he was doing — slow enough for a four‑year‑old to understand.

Catriona sat nearby, resting her chin on her hand, watching the two of them. The sweet cherry scent from her clothes drifted gently in the breeze, mixing with the fresh smell of grass and flowers. Seeing Zhyrelion like this — patient, gentle, and completely absorbed in something so simple — made her realize even more just how many layers he had.

He wasn’t just quiet or shy; he was careful, thoughtful, and good with people once he felt comfortable. And with Arlorn clinging to his side, already treating him like a trusted playmate, it was clear that his kindness was just as strong as the hidden strength he kept inside.

“See?” Zhyrelion said softly, pointing to the tower that was already taller than Arlorn’s hand. “If you put them straight, they stay up. Want to try the next one?”

Arlorn nodded eagerly, taking a block and placing it carefully, copying exactly how Zhyrelion did it. “Like this?”

“Just like that,” Zhyrelion praised, his voice warm and encouraging. “Very good.”

Catriona smiled to herself, feeling so content. This quiet, ordinary day without classes had turned into something really special — and it was only just the beginning.

Just then, one of the maids walked over from the house, stopping a few steps away and bowing politely.

“Excuse me, Miss Catriona,” she said gently. “Your niece Grace has arrived. She’s waiting at the main entrance.”

Catriona looked up, wiping a strand of hair from her face. “Oh, right! Let her come through, please. Tell her to meet us here in the backyard.”

“Right away, Miss.”

A few minutes later, footsteps approached along the garden path. Grace — Catriona’s niece, a teenager a little older than her — walked into view. She had dressed nicely and fixed her hair, as usual, but the moment her eyes landed on the scene by the gazebo, her steps slowed and her expression changed completely.

There sat Zhyrelion, still neat and proper even while sitting on the grass, his posture straight, his features calm and handsome as he helped little Arlorn with the blocks. Grace’s eyes widened slightly in surprise — she hadn’t expected to see such a well‑groomed, good‑looking young man here.

Almost instinctively, she smoothed down her clothes, tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and even stood a little taller, trying to look her best. She didn’t realize she was checking herself out right there, just to make a good first impression.

Catriona noticed every single movement from the side. She bit back a laugh, then slowly rolled her eyes — just a tiny, dramatic little roll — before shaking her head in amusement. Here we go again, she thought. Another one who falls for how neat and proper he looks before even talking to him.

She cleared her throat lightly to get Grace’s attention. “Grace! Over here.”

Grace blinked, snapping out of her little moment, and walked over with a bright, friendly smile — though her eyes kept darting back toward Zhyrelion.

“Hi Ate Catriona!” she greeted, then glanced at the young man curiously. “I didn’t know you had a guest today…”

Catriona grinned, enjoying the reaction a little too much. “He’s not a guest. This is Zhyrelion — my cousin, staying with us now. Zhy, this is Grace, my niece.”

Zhyrelion looked up politely, gave a small nod, and spoke in his usual calm tone. “Hello. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too!” Grace replied quickly, her voice a little sweeter than usual. “You look… really well‑kept. Very neat.”

“Thank you,” Zhyrelion answered simply, before turning his attention back to Arlorn, who was pulling at his sleeve to show him another block.

Catriona watched Grace’s gaze still lingering on him, and couldn’t help but roll her eyes again — this time more openly, though still with a playful smile. She already knew how this would go: Grace, just like Alisha, would be drawn to his quiet, well‑mannered ways, and poor Zhyrelion would stay completely unaware of it all.

I swear, Catriona thought to herself, if only they knew how he is when he’s relaxed… but I guess it’s also part of his charm.

Grace stayed for just a few more minutes, her eyes still occasionally glancing toward Zhyrelion, but she kept her conversation focused on Catriona.

“By the way, Ate Catriona,” she said with a warm smile, “this coming Saturday, you should come visit our place, okay? We’re going to the beach nearby — the weather is perfect, and it’ll be fun. Don’t forget, alright?”

Catriona nodded easily. “Sure, I’ll keep that in mind. Sounds like a nice break.”

“Great!” Grace beamed, then gave a polite nod to everyone. “I’ll get going now, I just wanted to pass by and invite you. See you soon!”

“See you!” Catriona waved back.

Grace turned and walked away, glancing one last time at Zhyrelion before she disappeared along the garden path.

Once she was gone, Catriona looked over at Zhyrelion, who hadn’t even looked up much during the whole exchange — too focused on helping Arlorn finish their tower.

“Saturday at the beach,” she said lightly, more to herself than to him. “Hmmm… wonder if you’d like to come too.”

Zhyrelion paused, then looked up at her with a curious expression. “Beach?”

“Mhm,” she smiled. “We can talk about it later. For now, let’s finish this tower before Arlorn decides to knock it down!”

As they went back to their quiet moment, watching Arlorn proudly place the last block on top of their tower, Catriona rested her cheek against her hand and let her eyes wander over to Zhyrelion. He was still speaking softly to the little boy, his expression calm and gentle, completely unaware of the attention he had just gotten.

And as she thought back to Alisha at school, then Grace just now — both of them looking at him with that same interested glint in their eyes — she couldn’t help but let out a soft, exasperated huff.

Under her breath, so quiet that only the breeze could hear it, she murmured to herself:

“Ugh… why do all these girlies keep looking his way…?”

She crossed her arms lightly, a tiny pout forming on her lips. He’s just quiet and polite, that’s all! she thought, feeling that familiar little twinge of jealousy creep back in. Can’t they see he’s still new here and doesn’t even notice it himself? It’s not fair…

Zhyrelion, of course, didn’t catch a single word of it. He was too busy making sure the tower stayed steady, and when Arlorn cheered loudly because it didn’t fall, a small, genuine smile spread across his face — one that made Catriona’s heart do a little flip even as she was still grumbling inside.

And why does he have to look so nice when he smiles too? she added silently to herself, shaking her head like she was confused by her own feelings. This is so annoying… but also… kind of nice? Ugh!

She let out another quiet sigh, deciding to just push those messy thoughts aside for now. After all, no matter how many others looked his way, right now he was here, in their home, spending time with her and Arlorn — and that was enough for her.

But even though she thought she spoke too softly to be heard, Zhyrelion’s senses were sharper than anyone realized. Years of being observant and careful had trained him to pick up even the quietest sounds around him.

He paused what he was doing, turned his head slightly, and looked at Catriona with a faint, confused frown.

“Hmm?” he asked gently. “Did you say something, Catriona? I thought I heard you murmur just now.”

Catriona’s eyes went wide for a split second. She froze, feeling her cheeks suddenly heat up — oh no, he heard me!

She quickly waved her hands, trying to play it off as nothing, forcing a bright, innocent smile. “N-Nothing! I didn’t say anything important! Just… just talking to myself, that’s all!”

Zhyrelion stared at her for a moment longer, clearly not fully convinced, but he didn’t press further. He knew she had those little moods sometimes, and he didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. He just nodded slowly, though his eyes held a hint of curiosity.

“Alright,” he said softly. “If you say so.”

But as he turned back to Arlorn, a tiny thought lingered in his mind — what was she complaining about just now? He glanced at her again from the corner of his eye, seeing her looking away, cheeks still pink, and arms crossed tightly over her chest like she was trying to hide something.

He didn’t understand it yet, but deep down, he felt that whatever it was, it wasn’t something bad. Just… one of those little quirks that made her who she was.

Catriona, meanwhile, was screaming inside. Great! Now he thinks I’m being weird! she thought, kicking herself mentally. Next time I’ll have to mumble even quieter… or just stop thinking out loud!

She cleared her throat loudly, trying to change the subject fast. “A-Anyway! Look at that tower! It’s so tall! Arlorn, you did such a good job!”

Arlorn cheered happily, completely unaware of the little exchange between the two older cousins, and clapped his hands again.

Zhyrelion let out a soft, quiet chuckle — so faint Catriona almost missed it — and shook his head. Whatever it was, it made this ordinary day feel even warmer and more interesting.