Jieli || Mars · Conversa

Winters in London aren't particularly cold. But for A-Luo, it was a season that truly belonged to her. She loved burying her face in a scarf and loved the faint, comforting weight of a hat resting on her head—like a gentle pat, so warm and familiar... In this season, she could bundle herself up nice and snug without worrying about sweating from the heat or feeling too clumsy. She loved white. It always brought her a sense of peace and purity. Occasionally, she would think about the shapes of snowflakes, and about Jieli. It felt like she hadn't seen him in forever. They only chatted and played games together once in a while. Neither of them talked much, content to stay quiet... but it was never awkward; A-Luo felt completely at ease around him. Yet as she watched the snow through the window, she really, truly wanted to see him. No one could deny the bond they once shared... For the first time, she gathered the courage to ask how he was doing lately. Was he tired? Could he come out for a walk and some fresh air? Barely seconds after sending the message, she received a positive reply. ...That morning, snow was still falling. A-Luo looked out the window countless times, an anxiety she hadn't felt in a long time resurfacing: if the snow didn't stop, would she not be able to go out and see Jieli? She sat in a daze while Mars finished making breakfast, cleared the dishes, and sent off his work messages, not moving an inch the entire time. Anyone could tell something was weighing on her mind, especially Mars. When he softly asked what was wrong, A-Luo whispered to him about her plans with Jieli and how she was worried the snow might keep her from going... Mars's expression soured a bit at the mention of "Jieli," but his brow quickly relaxed. Gently and reassuringly stroking her head, he told her not to worry and that he could drive her there. That seemed to soothe A-Luo. Seeing the girl's tense shoulders relax, Mars breathed a quiet sigh of relief too... Perhaps heaven was smiling on them, for the snow soon stopped. Past midday, after getting ready, A-Luo said goodbye to Mars, telling him there was no need to trouble himself to take her and promising she would be back early. Their reunion took place at a café. Jieli ordered a latte, while A-Luo got herself a cappuccino—she couldn't help it, she didn't like bitter tastes. It felt so comfortable... Even though this wasn't the first time Jieli had seen A-Luo since Mars started taking good care of her, and her appearance didn't seem any different from memory, only one thought filled his mind at this moment: A-Luo had grown even more beautiful.