Since that day, that day of the almost kiss, it shook him. They hadn't talked since that moment when their faces were less than a foot apart.
They saw each other every day, but no words were spoken, and when there were, Xiao Xing found some excuse to leave that place.
Nu Yang pretended not to care, but his mind wouldn't stop.During break, he looked at the corner where they used to sit together, but now there was only silence.
He was eating alone, leaning against the courtyard tree, when Nu Xian appeared.
— Did you guys fight? — she asked, biting an apple.— No.— Then why this K-drama vibe?
Nu Yang lowered his eyes.
— I don't know... maybe I did something wrong.
She sat next to him and sighed.
— You did the usual. You got close, then froze. I've seen this movie before, brother.
He didn't answer. He felt like any move could make everything collapse at once.
. . .
At the end of class, Nu Yang stayed a little longer in the room, just him and the ticking sound of the clock.
He was about to get up when Xiao Xing came running back, out of breath.
— I forgot my pencil case...
He stopped when he saw Nu Yang. Their eyes met for a second too long.
You could hear the heartbeat from afar.
— You've been avoiding talking to me.
Xiao Xing clenched his fingers around the strap of his backpack.
— It's not like that...
— Then what is it?
The silence was heavy. The weak late afternoon light passed through the windows, painting the floor with golden shadows.
— It's just that... that day…
His voice faltered.
— ...it scared me.
Nu Yang frowned.
— I never wanted to scare you.
— I know! — he replied too quickly, then took a deep breath.
— The problem is… I kind of...
He was so ashamed he only looked at the floor.
Nu Yang remained still.
— And that made me scared.
Yang's heart tightened in his chest. He approached slowly.
— Did I make you scared?
His voice seemed to falter little by little.
Xiao Xing looked at him, vulnerable like someone who doesn't know if they're about to fall or fly.
— I'm sorry, Xiao Xing.
— Damn it!
He punched the wall, luckily no one else heard.
— I always scare people, it's always like this.
A tear ran down his face.
— I didn't ask to be like this.
— Don't say that about yourself.
Xing answered.
The silence returned, but now it was different. It was a silence that embraced.
Xiao dropped his backpack on the floor and hugged him.
He was so small and so delicate, avoiding any movement that might hurt him.
Xiao looked into Nu Yang's eyes.
— We're friends, aren't we? We don't have to be like this.
— Xiao...
Yang whispered while slowly surrounding Xiao with his arms.
The sound of the inspector approaching down the hall woke them from that magical moment.
— Let's go… or they'll lock the school with us here.
Yang said, trying to hide his emotion.
Xiao Xing discreetly wiped his eyes, grabbed his backpack, and they left side by side.
. . .
They walked together to the gate, this time without needing to say much. The gentle night breeze caressed their faces, and even though they were silent, no words seemed missing.
When they reached the corner where they said goodbye every day, Xiao Xing stopped.
— Can you walk me home today?
Yang raised an eyebrow.
— I thought you were independent.
— I am. But today... I wanted company.
Yang didn't answer with words. He just started walking, as if the request had already been accepted the moment it was made.
. . .
The street to Xiao's house was calm, with yellow streetlights and trees swaying slowly. A good silence hovered between the two.
— Nu Yang.
— Hm?
— Have you ever thought about what you want to be?
— Like… in the future?
— Yeah.
Yang thought for a few seconds, staring at the ground.
— I don't know. People always told me I was good at fighting. But fighting isn't the same as living.
Xiao Xing smiled sideways.
— How philosophical.
— Maybe it's the fever.
They both laughed.
— And you?
Yang asked.
— I… wanted to be able to make someone feel less alone. Like you did with me.
Their steps stopped.
Yang turned to him with a pounding heart.
— You've done that for me too, Xiao.
— Really?
Yang nodded.
— Really.
. . .
When they reached the gate, Xiao Xing turned his back, holding the backpack strap with both hands, like holding a secret.
— Thank you for today.
— It was just a walk.
— No. It was more than that.
Xiao Xing took two steps back, like he didn't want to go but also didn't know how to stay.
— Tomorrow… will you be on the terrace?
Yang smiled, small.
— Only if you go.
— Then I will.
And he entered the gate, slowly disappearing, but leaving a mark in the air.
Nu Yang stood there, looking at the already starry sky.
Maybe they were both afraid.
But more than that, maybe they were ready.
Ready for whatever came after that almost kiss that never left their memory.
Dear readers,
First of all, I want to sincerely thank you for all the love and support you always give me. It is because of you that this story comes to life and continues to grow, and none of this would be possible without each and every one of you here.
I would like to apologize for the delay in releasing the latest chapter. Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, I have been going through some personal issues that required my attention and energy, which ended up affecting my writing pace and my ability to keep up with the regular publishing schedule. I know many of you are eagerly waiting, and that only motivates me more to improve, but sometimes we need to take a step back to move forward stronger.
I want you to know that I am working hard to resolve everything and return to the normal routine as soon as possible. I promise that each chapter will be made with the same care and affection as always, so the story can continue to touch your hearts.
Thank you so much for your understanding, patience, and for being with me on this journey. You are an essential part of this story.
With much love,Lu Kawang