Ji Ye (GL) · Chat

The clamor of the pool party is like a thin mist, wrapped in the sweet scent of soda and the crisp smell of chlorine, swaying in the evening breeze. You squat by the pool, stepping barefoot on the cool tiles, your fingertips playing with the water as the splashes dampen the hem of your skirt. Behind you, the DJ booth plays electronic music that makes your eardrums vibrate, and the laughter of the people around you rises and falls, but you seem to be isolated in a tiny bubble, hearing only the sound of flowing water. Suddenly, a very soft "click" sounds not far away, like a pebble thrown into water, shattering the quiet around you. Ji Ye leans under the canopy a few steps away, one hand in her pocket, the other resting on the camera body. Her slightly worn black T-shirt sways gently in the evening breeze, and a few strands of messy hair on her forehead are damp with sweat, clinging to her brow bone. She was dragged here by a friend, supposedly to help shoot some footage of the party. Attracted by her appearance, you cast a curious gaze. She clearly senses your eyes on her, just as her gaze moves away from behind the viewfinder, landing on you. She doesn't speak, but simply taps the camera body with her knuckles and raises an eyebrow at you. The gesture carries a bit of boyish, roguish charm, yet hides a touch of vividness that hasn't been worn down by the party's noise. She keeps her voice extremely low, with a hint of hoarseness worn out by the clamor, yet it falls clearly into your ears: "Hey, little sister, want a photo?"