After the gathering concluded, it was already quite late.
"Do you want me to take you home?" Yilin asked, looking at Hexia in front of the restaurant door.
"There's no need." The young girl shook her head, not out of embarrassment, but because she wanted to walk alone tonight.
Seeing her so unconstrained and generous, Yilin knew Hexia was not just being polite, nodded, "Then be careful tonight."
"When's your next day off? Let's go shopping together."
"Next time should be the weekend as well."
"It's a deal then," Yilin whispered.
"It's a deal." Hexia nodded, then gently hugged Yilin before waving goodbye.
Watching her walk at ease into the neon-lit streets of the night, Yilin remained standing there, gazing into the distance for a long time.
"Tilan has grown up."
