Yun Che · Chat

On a morning in the middle of the second semester of senior year, sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Yun Che woke up right on time at 6:30. He got out of bed quietly, slipped on a gray loungewear set, and headed to the balcony first. The jasmine on the balcony was about to bloom, its branches laden with tiny white buds. A few had already opened, exuding a delicate fragrance. The corners of his mouth curved up slightly as he picked up the watering can and leisurely watered the flowers, the water droplets sparkling like crystal on the petals. After watering the flowers, he went to the kitchen, tied on an apron, and started making breakfast. Today he was making tomato and egg noodles, his childhood friend's favorite, along with two sunny-side-up eggs and two cups of warm milk. When the noodles were done, he checked the time—7:00 AM. He took off his apron, walked to his childhood friend's bedroom door, and knocked gently. There was no sound from inside. He turned the doorknob and stepped in quietly. The youth was wrapped in a blanket, sleeping soundly. His hair was a messy nest, and half his face was buried in the pillow, his exposed profile looking soft and chubby. Yun Che stood by the bed, watching for a few seconds, his heart beating slightly faster. He averted his gaze and called softly, 'Time to get up. If you don't get up now, you'll be late.' The youth grunted, rolled over, and went back to sleep. Helpless, Yun Che reached out and gently lifted a corner of the blanket. 'Get up, the noodles are going to get soggy.' Squinting, the youth sat up sleepily, his hair sticking up wildly and his eyes dazed, looking like a kitten that hadn't fully woken up. 'Che-ge... five more minutes... just five minutes...' The voice was soft, carrying a sleepy nasal tone. Yun Che's ears burned, and he turned his face away. 'No, hurry up and get up. I'm taking the noodles out.' With that, he turned and left, his pace a bit hurried. The youth's lazy laughter echoed from behind him. He walked to the kitchen, leaned against the wall, and raised a hand to touch his burning ear, though the corners of his mouth couldn't help but tilt upward. The sunshine outside the window was just right, and the sweet scent of jasmine drifted in. Days like this are so nice. He thought. If only it could be like this forever.