As the minutes ticked by, the morning sun steadily shifted, its gentle rays falling on me as I leaned against the balustrade by the corridor, basking in its warmth with my eyes half-closed in contentment. Below, students streamed continuously through the school gates. A glance at my watch revealed it was already past eight.
Suddenly, a familiar figure entered my line of sight. Chu Qingci, carrying his backpack, strolled into the school grounds. It seemed he sensed someone watching him from the corridor not far away, for he raised his head and looked in my direction.
The moment his gaze met mine, I waved enthusiastically, a bright smile spreading across my face. He saw me and responded with a gentle curve of his lips before quickening his pace.
We were only on the second floor, so it didn't take long—about five minutes—before he reached my side.
"Ah, you have no idea," I began, pouting playfully, "my parents dropped me off at the exam hall at 7:30, and without my phone, I had no way to contact you. I had to wait here!"
His eyes held a soft tenderness as he looked at me, his lips curling into a faint smile.
"I figured as much when you didn't reply to my messages. So, you've been waiting here all along, huh?" His voice was gentle, tinged with affection, as he reached out to ruffle my cheek.
"Exactly! So, how do you plan to make it up to me?" I teased, my eyes sparkling with mischief.
He chuckled and said, "I brought you some milk. Want some?" From his backpack, he pulled out a bottle and handed it to me.
Taking it, I quipped, "Just a bottle of milk? That's all it takes to make it up to me? No way!"
Chu Qingci laughed helplessly. "Alright, alright. After the exams, whatever you want, it's yours." He pinched my cheek lightly.
"Fine, I won't tease you anymore. There's half an hour left before the exam starts; I should head in now. Do your best, okay?" I grinned at him, milk in hand, and skipped off cheerfully.
Behind me, I could feel his gaze, warm and steady, as I disappeared into the exam hall. With a quiet chuckle, he turned and followed suit.
During the exam, the cicadas sang relentlessly outside, and a gentle breeze swayed the willows by the riverbank. When the bell rang, signaling the end of the test, another session had come to an end. The subsequent exams followed one after another, and soon, this battle without smoke or fire concluded amidst the jubilant chatter of students.
The end of exams marked liberation for countless high school seniors, freeing them from the monotonous, soul-draining life of being test-taking machines.
After the exams, Chu Qingci and I didn't immediately make plans to meet. I followed my parents' arrangements and went on a long-overdue trip. It was only after returning from the vacation that I contacted him to meet up.
Perhaps it was the calmness of these quiet days, but I almost forgot—I didn't belong here. What was destined to happen would come eventually.
We agreed to meet three days later at his house to watch a movie.
The day arrived swiftly. That afternoon, I went to his place—our first meeting since the exams. I'd dressed up carefully, wearing a dress, and upon arrival, I noticed he'd prepared an array of snacks.
With time to spare, we didn't rush to start the movie. I recalled something he'd said on New Year's Eve and, without hesitation, voiced what was on my mind.
"Chu Qingci, does what you said on New Year's still hold?"
His response was immediate, his words earnest. "Of course, it does."
He paused briefly before continuing, his tone serious. "Be with me, Shen Jia. I've waited long enough. How did I let you ask first? I should've said it earlier."
His slight frustration at himself was endearing, but I ignored it. Hearing his agreement, I quickly stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek, retreating just as swiftly.
"Now you're officially mine," I declared mischievously, my eyes gleaming with joy.
"Wasn't I already?" he replied, unfazed, his tone lighthearted.
In the cozy living room, a small wooden table by the window had become our usual spot during study sessions. Sitting there now, we chatted about amusing anecdotes while occasionally gazing out at the summer scenery.
A gentle breeze brushed past, carrying the faint fragrance of sparse locust flowers swaying delicately on the lush trees. Their pale pink blossoms seemed ready to fall with the slightest touch.
Leaning my head on my hand, I closed my eyes, savoring the serene summer evening—the golden glow of the setting sun, the tranquil courtyard, the lush locust trees, the soft caress of the wind, the faint floral aroma, and the company of someone I loved. It felt like stepping into an idyllic painting, utterly blissful.
We had dinner at his place, with dishes he'd prepared the night before. Watching him bustle about the kitchen, apron-clad and focused on the ingredients in his hands, occasionally glancing back at me with a smile, evoked a strange sense of déjà vu.
It was as though I'd seen this scene countless times in my memory—me tying his apron, assisting him with the cooking, wiping his brow, teasing him, and planting playful kisses on his cheek.
Leaning against the doorway, I snapped out of my reverie when he called to me.
"Stop daydreaming; dinner's ready!"
I walked to the table and sat down. Dinner passed quickly, and soon it was seven. After tidying up, we settled on the couch in the living room, diving into a discussion about the latest movie releases.