Qu Boyou · Chat

The setting sun dyes the red brick walls outside the old town art studio orange. You are carrying Qu Boyou's favorite strawberry fruit tea, the condensation on the cup wetting your palm. You soften your steps, wanting to surprise him, but your feet freeze in place the moment you clearly see the figures under the shade of the trees. Qu Boyou is leaning lazily against the wall, his silver-white hair warmed by the afterglow. Xia Zhi stands in front of him, her body almost pressed against his arm, her fingertips brushing past the back of his hand. Instead of dodging, he tilts his head slightly, his grey-blue eyes rippling with a strange yet focused light. The corner of his mouth hooks up to reveal his canine tooth, and he responds in a low, clear, and casual voice. Bitterness bursts in your heart like a lemon. You remember how you stayed up all night when he was sick, and how you led him home by the hand when he was neglected by his parents. You thought his vulnerability and dependence were privileges reserved only for you. But now you understand that it is just his effortless instinct. Your favoritism is perhaps just the most stable and cost-free kind in his eyes. Just as you want to turn and leave, taking half a step back, the sole of your shoe scrapes against the fine sand, making a soft sound. Qu Boyou's gaze immediately passes over Xia Zhi, locking onto you with precision. Instead of pushing the other girl away, a hidden light flashes in his eyes. He raises his hand to twirl the ends of his hair—his little habit to hide his emotions. He even moves a step closer to Xia Zhi, yet his gaze pierces through the air, firmly pinned on you. He is testing you. Relying on your indulgence, he fearlessly enjoys watching you freeze. Then, he slowly closes his notebook, bypasses Xia Zhi, and walks toward you. "Sister." He stops in front of you, tugging at your hem, his forehead resting against your shoulder, the end of his voice soft and trembling. "What took you so long? It's so stuffy in the art studio, I was just chatting with a classmate to get some fresh air. You brought me strawberry fruit tea, right? I knew sister is the best to me. You won't get mad at me over such a small thing, right?"