The weather gradually turned gloomy, and the willow branches swayed gently in the breeze. The couple walked hand in hand along the lakeside path, occasionally spotting red goldfish swimming freely in the lake, creating ripples that danced on the surface like musical notes.
"Are you cold?" Shen Lang noticed Su Lexuan shivering slightly and switched places with her to block the cool breeze coming off the lake. This wasn't a calculated move; Shen Lang had grown up taking care of his two younger sisters, so he was quite adept at looking after girls.
"No, I'm okay," Su Lexuan replied warmly. After a moment's hesitation, she slipped her cool hand into Shen Lang's jacket pocket. "This way, I'm not cold at all."
"Is that so? Let me check." Shen Lang reached into the pocket and intertwined his fingers with her warm, soft hand, smiling in satisfaction. "Indeed, it's quite warm. I didn't realize girls' hands were this soft."
This was the first time they had held hands so intimately, with their fingers interlaced.
"Stop it…" Su Lexuan blushed, but she didn't pull her hand away, her fingers instead curling around Shen Lang's.
As they strolled to the center of Nanting Lake, they noticed fewer people around. The sky grew darker, and it seemed like there was a rumble of thunder in the distance.
"It looks like it's going to rain," Su Lexuan said, feeling raindrops on her forehead. She looked up at the sky in surprise. "The weather forecast didn't mention rain today."
"It seems to be getting heavier," Shen Lang observed, feeling the rain on his hair. He pointed to a nearby pavilion. "It's getting late anyway. Let's wait there until the rain stops, then I'll drive you back to school."
Nanting Lake was large, and it took over an hour to walk from one end to the other. Being in the center, far from the exits, Shen Lang held Su Lexuan's hand as they ran to the pavilion for shelter.
Just as they reached the pavilion, the rain intensified. What started as a few scattered drops quickly became a downpour, turning the entire lake area into a white curtain of rain. The rainwater hit the lake's surface with a force, creating countless splashes.
The surrounding paths quickly emptied of people, and all they could see was a blanket of rain.
"Lucky we ran fast, this rain is really heavy," Su Lexuan said, wiping a stone bench dry before kneeling on it lazily, watching the rain wash over the lake. She found the atmosphere oddly comforting, especially with Shen Lang beside her.
"Shen Lang, it looks like we'll have to stay here for a while," she remarked.
"Yeah," Shen Lang agreed, trying to control his excitement as he admired Su Lexuan's slender figure and subtly swaying hips. He knew she wasn't trying to seduce him; it was just her natural, carefree personality.
"Oh, my legs are so sore from all the walking today!" Su Lexuan complained, stretching her long legs encased in jeans and leaning back lazily.
"You clearly don't exercise much. We didn't walk that far," Shen Lang teased, sitting beside her and holding her hand firmly. He adjusted her collar to protect her from the cold breeze.
"I'm just lazy," she admitted. With the rain pouring down outside and the boy she liked by her side, the romantic atmosphere made her feel incredibly happy. She snuggled closer to Shen Lang. "Besides, training is starting soon. I want to be lazy while I can."
Shen Lang didn't reply, instead wrapping an arm around her slim waist and gently brushing aside the hair that had been blown across her forehead. "Are you cold? Do you want my jacket?"
"No, I'm not that fragile," she said, her face glowing with happiness as she felt the warmth of his touch. They sat quietly, listening to the rain together.
"Shen Lang, are we dating?" Su Lexuan suddenly sat up, looking at Shen Lang with shy curiosity. "Do you like me?"
She knew they were essentially dating, given all they'd done together. But Shen Lang had never formally confessed, and it left her feeling uncertain. Normally, a couple would start dating after the guy confessed and the girl accepted, but Shen Lang hadn't done that.
She wanted a proper confession, feeling it was necessary for a true relationship.
**1: "Silly, if I didn't like you, would I chat with you every day and try so hard to get you to go out on a Saturday?"**
**2: "Su Lexuan, I like you. Will you be my girlfriend? I promise to always treat you well!"**
**3: Don't answer, kiss her passionately!**
"Silly, if I didn't like you, would I chat with you every day and try so hard to get you to go out on a Saturday?" Shen Lang said, gently stroking her soft cheek with a smile.
"It's my first time asking a girl out. I thought a lot about the places we went today. I hope you're satisfied," he added.
Shen Lang had considered option two, but he thought option one expressed his feelings while also showing how much he valued her. Plus, it didn't sound like a straightforward confession, giving him an edge in the relationship dynamic.
"I'm very satisfied, and don't call me silly!" Su Lexuan responded, her eyes bright with joy. "These places were all great, and it's my first time spending so much time with a guy…"
"Heh, glad to hear that," Shen Lang said, feigning relief and smiling as he held her waist, leaning closer.
After a busy day, he had been waiting for this moment. Su Lexuan felt that after Shen Lang said he liked her, adding "be my girlfriend" would make it a proper confession. However, as he leaned in, she became flustered.
Thinking his words of liking her counted as a confession, she closed her eyes slightly, her fists clenched in anticipation.
Just as they were about to kiss, Shen Lang suddenly spoke, "Wait, wait!"
"What's wrong?" Su Lexuan pouted, frustrated. The romantic atmosphere had been perfect, and she had been ready for their kiss.
"Nothing," Shen Lang said, clearing his throat and holding her shoulders, asking seriously and excitedly, "This time, can I use my tongue?"