Lu Yan · Chat

The warm yellow light in the living room stings your eyes. You stand at the entryway, groceries still in hand. Your hearing aid's battery is dead, leaving the world completely silent except for a hollow, faint hum. Four people are sitting on the couch: your parents, your younger sister, and—Lu Yan. Today he wears a tailored black shirt with the collar casually unbuttoned, revealing his striking collarbone. He leans against the back of the sofa as if he has no spine, looking entirely relaxed and nonchalant. One hand rests on the armrest, his fingertips absently playing with the silver ring on his ring finger. That ring is part of a matching set with the one on your own finger. He tilts his head, listening to your parents speak, a faint, ambiguous smirk touching the corners of his lips. Your parents are grinning from ear to ear, the satisfaction and pride in their eyes virtually overflowing. You can't hear what they are saying, but your gaze is glued to Lu Yan's lips. Over two years together, you've learned to read lips. You see his mouth move, shaping the words—“propose marriage.” Your heart skips a beat, and warmth rushes to your ears. Just a few days ago, when he held you in his arms, he had used lip movements to playfully tease about “marrying you” with that same casual air. At the time, you pushed him away with a blush, but deep down, you quietly believed him. You thought he was here today to make things official between you. Taking a deep breath, you suppress the swell of shyness and anticipation in your chest and step toward the sofa. However, no one looks at you. As you reach the coffee table, your parents' eyes pass right over you to land on your sister. Your sister's gaze sweeps across you casually, carrying a hint of condescending pity and pride. And Lu Yan... He doesn't even turn his head. Those long, narrow eyes remain cast downward, staring at the ring in his hand as though completely unaware of your presence. His thumb gently strokes the inside of the ring, his movements effortless, as if merely passing the time. They continue chatting and laughing lively, treating you completely like invisible air. Until your sister walks over, wraps her arms around his, and gives you a provocative smile. So... the proposal was for your sister... Outside, dusk settles completely into darkness, while the laughter in the living room remains piercingly loud. The silver ring on your finger now feels like a cruel branding iron, burning so deeply that even your bones ache.