Watching the fallen leaves from the balcony, Wang Lin sighed. He realized that another season had come. He lamented on how time went by ruthlessly. Uncaring that he was still stuck in the past. No matter how adamantly he clung to his belief that everything would be alright, he knew subconsciously that he was just pacifying himself.
The breeze blew his hair gently, conjuring with it memories he tried desperately to vanquish. Closing his eyes, he bit his tongue, hoping it could disintegrate the assaulting images of those idyllic days in fall. He failed.
That person softly stroked Wang Lin's head, removing fallen leaves which got tangled in his hair. That person didn't say anything, but the loving gaze in his eyes was enough for Wang Lin to read between the lines. Smiling brightly, Wang Lin gave that person a quick hug then fled out of embarrassment, followed by that person's crisp chuckle. Wang Lin still remembered the feel and fragrance of fall's breeze when it blew by his blushing face. He also remembered thinking that he was the happiest and luckiest guy in the world.
Abruptly, the memory changed to the chiming of a bell, then Wang Lin slapped himself awake.
"Lin..." albeit soft, that voice jolted him.
"Damn... busted." he cursed inwardly as he rubbed his reddening cheek.
The owner of that voice, his twin Wang Ying, quickly arrived in front of where he was seated. She looked anxious, quietly gauging his reaction with a frown marring her otherwise pretty face. Wang Lin felt his mouth thinned automatically and his body tensed. He hated worrying this person who looked exactly like him, beside the softer contour of her facial features. However, he couldn't help it. He felt thoroughly helpless, and that wasn't a nice feeling.
"I'm fine." it came out gruffer than he intended. And it was such a reflexive answer after repeating it countless times, that he cringed. Wang Ying's face fell. 'Get yourself together a**hole! She doesn't deserve being treated like this. It's not her fault you're weak.'
"Sorry." he whispered.
Wang Ying quickly fixed her face then gave him a smile. "It's okay."
Unfortunately, having almost the same face with her, he could tell easily that her smile was as fake as it could be. She was just placating him while concealing her disappointment and worry behind her smile. Worse, he knew the reason why, so he didn't have the guts to call her on it. Feeling as if he was uncomfortable within his skin, he forcefully numbed his emotions. However, before he could blank himself, Wang Ying informed him.
"Lin, dad's downstairs."
Boom!
It was as if a grenade went off within his mind. Wide eyed, he confirmed, "Dad's here?"
Watching his comical expression, Wang Ying giggled slightly while affirming. "Yeah, and first brother too."
"..."
Wang Ying tugged at his sleeve. "Don't think too much. Let's go."
With his heart in turmoil, the slightly dazed Wang Lin was dragged along by Wang Ying.