Lin Xia pushed open the glass door of the café, and the wind chime jingled softly. She habitually headed toward her usual seat by the window but stopped in her tracks when she passed the piano.
Today's pianist was different.
He wore a dark gray turtleneck sweater, his slender fingers dancing across the keys. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft glow on his profile, highlighting his high nose bridge and slightly pursed lips. His long eyelashes cast faint shadows under his eyes, and an indescribable air of melancholy surrounded him.
Lin Xia unconsciously held her breath. She had never heard such a performance before—each note seemed to carry weight, striking her heart. The melody was sometimes low and somber, sometimes intense, as if telling a sorrowful story.
She stood there, rooted to the spot, until the last note faded into the air. The pianist looked up, and their eyes met. His eyes were dark, like deep, unfathomable pools, impossible to read.
"What's the name of this piece?" Lin Xia heard herself ask.
"*Rainy Night*," he replied, his voice low and soothing. "I wrote it myself."
Lin Xia's heart skipped a beat. She noticed a silver ring on the ring finger of his left hand, glinting faintly in the sunlight.
"I'm Gu Yan," he said, standing up and extending his hand. His palm was warm and dry, his grip firm but gentle.
"Lin Xia," she introduced herself, feeling her cheeks flush.
Gu Yan sat back down, his fingers lightly brushing the keys. "Would you like to hear another piece?" he asked.
Lin Xia nodded and took a seat on the chair beside him. This time, the melody was gentler than before, like a spring drizzle or a lover's whisper. She stole a glance at his profile and noticed his brows slightly furrowed, as if lost in some memory.
"Do you often perform here?" Lin Xia asked when the piece ended.
"Every Wednesday afternoon," Gu Yan replied. "It's the only time I can play."
Lin Xia was about to ask more when a woman in a red dress hurried over. Her makeup was impeccable, but it couldn't hide the anxiety in her eyes.
"Gu Yan," the woman grabbed his arm, "I knew I'd find you here."
Gu Yan's expression turned cold instantly. He stood up, subtly shaking off her hand. "Miss Su, I've told you not to look for me anymore."
"But…" The woman's voice trembled. "I know I was wrong. Can't we start over?"
Lin Xia awkwardly stood up, ready to leave. But Gu Yan suddenly took her hand. "Sorry," he said to the woman, "I have plans now."
He led Lin Xia out of the café, only letting go of her hand after they turned the corner. The spot where he had held her still felt warm.
"I'm sorry," Gu Yan said, "for dragging you into this."
Lin Xia shook her head. "It's fine. But… are you okay?"
Gu Yan leaned against the wall, looking up at the sky. "I'm fine," he said. "It's just that some memories are hard to let go of."
His profile looked especially lonely in the setting sun. Lin Xia suddenly wanted to hug him, but she only said softly, "How about we grab a coffee? I know a nice place nearby."
Gu Yan turned to look at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Sure."