A red-and-white arrow shot straight into the bullseye from 40 meters away, quivering slightly in the air.
Bai Yue lowered his bow expressionlessly. His long, toned arms still tense, the black finger guard hanging at his side.
He wasn’t in great form that day—one of his shots had even veered off wildly, completely missing the center zone.
He casually wiped his forehead with a linen handkerchief, but had no desire to continue. He put his bow aside and walked to the rest area.
Picking up his phone, the glow of the white screen cast a faint reflection on his face—and a deeper gloom in his eyes.
The chat window with Ye Xi was still empty. The user with the hot springs capybara avatar hadn’t sent a single message.
Bai Yue’s gaze darkened further.
When Ye Xi left that day, Bai Yue had purposely lent him his jacket. Based on Ye Xi’s obedient personality, he thought Ye Xi would return it as soon as he had time—giving Bai Yue an excuse to see him again.
But three or four days passed—and nothing.
Bai Yue furrowed his brow slightly, staring at the screen in confusion.
Had he scared Ye Xi off that day…?
But he didn’t think he’d crossed any lines. He had been very careful—he hadn’t shown any inappropriate desires.
Or maybe school was just too busy, and Ye Xi planned to return the jacket through Zheng Yang?
Bai Yue considered it, but quickly ruled it out.
Even with his rose-colored glasses on, he knew Ye Xi was a total academic slacker. Classes meant nothing to him—he’d skip even on exam day.
And Zheng Yang…? Not a chance. Ye Xi wouldn’t say a word to him voluntarily at school.
Bai Yue turned off his phone and slowly stood up. He slung his archery bag over his shoulder, nodded at the owner as a goodbye, and walked out.
The archery range was close to his apartment, so he had walked there.
Even as he neared home, his mind still lingered on Ye Xi.
At first, he was just wondering why Ye Xi hadn’t reached out.
But soon enough…
He began remembering that day at his place—Ye Xi wearing the pajamas he had prepared, standing in the doorway looking at him. The silk pajamas in sky blue clung loosely to his shoulders, revealing a hint of pale skin.
And during breakfast, when Ye Xi drank ice-cold soda from a cup—his long lashes lowered, the chill making his teeth ache and his body shiver almost imperceptibly.
Even Ye Xi’s feet on the floor—wrapped in plain white socks, with elegant arches and narrow soles. Sometimes his toes would curl slightly in nervousness, then relax again.
Bai Yue stopped in front of a vending machine.
The bustling street was filled with lights and people. He stood among them, tall and straight—like a lone pine.
His hand clenched unconsciously around the strap of his bow case.
It was always like this. Ye Xi would pop into his thoughts in the most ordinary moments—and stir his heart.
Back in high school, it had been the same. He’d been the model student, and still found himself sketching Ye Xi’s side profile in class.
And now, even after graduating, the “symptoms” hadn’t improved—in fact, they’d only gotten worse.
Bai Yue let out a soft sigh. On this October night, he felt a rare wave of irritation.
He paused in front of the vending machine and picked out a can of chilled Coke.
He needed something cold—to calm the unrest in his chest.
As he scanned to pay, Bai Yue thought absentmindedly:
In a few days, I’ll just find an excuse to ask Ye Xi out.
If the mountain won’t come to him, he’ll go to the mountain.
He could say he was going to play airsoft with Zheng Yang on the weekend—and invite Ye Xi along.
But this time, he’d be more careful, hiding any trace of his feelings.
With a thud, the cold Coke dropped down. Bai Yue bent over and reached in.
But the moment his hand touched the can—he froze.
The street was alive with activity. Being near the shopping district, there were all kinds of shops, girls in short skirts pushing open glass doors, bells chiming against doorframes, office workers clicking in high heels, and street performers playing guitar nearby…
But it was as if in that noisy moment, he was suddenly blessed with clarity—he caught a very faint sound amidst all the noise.
It seemed someone had walked up behind him.
The friction of white canvas shoes on the ground was anxious and soft, and the gift bag rustled in the night breeze.
At the same time, he also heard a delicate bell sound—very faint, easily overlooked in such a noisy setting.
There was a charm like that on Ye Xi’s bag: a small bear with a golden bell around its neck. It had been a Christmas gift Bai Yue gave Ye Xi last year.
Bai Yue froze for a moment. A thought flashed through his mind—but it felt ridiculous.
Maybe he missed Ye Xi too much and was imagining things.
Bai Yue thought self-mockingly.
He continued pulling out the cold Coke from the machine. The chilled can pressed against his fingers.
Condensation clung to his skin and slid down his fingertips.
And just as he stood up straight, he heard a soft voice behind him, calling his name.
“Bai-ge.”
Bai Yue was stunned. He turned around in disbelief.
On a bustling street, he saw the person he had been thinking about day and night.
Ye Xi was wearing a gradient grey-white long-sleeved T-shirt. His hair was tied in a small ponytail behind his head. He stood at the edge of the sidewalk like a slender, modest bamboo shoot—upright and unassuming—gazing shyly at him.
…..
Ye Xi had noticed Bai Yue’s return five minutes earlier.
He didn’t even dare play his game inside the café, keeping his eyes fixed on the view outside.
His white peach soda was already finished, even the ice had melted into the cup. A tiramisu plate had joined it on the table.
The clock’s hands crept toward 8:45. Ye Xi glanced at the wall clock and started feeling anxious.
Bai Yue would be back soon.
If he didn’t catch him by 10, his chance of seeing Bai Yue that night would be slim.
So Ye Xi grew restless and bit his finger absentmindedly.
Luckily, at 8:55, Bai Yue really appeared.
Ye Xi didn’t know if it was just his biased gaze or if Bai Yue truly stood out.
Even on a busy street, he seemed to carry a natural glow—tall and handsome, dressed in white athletic wear, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, unforgettable at a glance.
Unlike the gentle, always-smiling version of Bai Yue in Ye Xi’s memory, at this moment Bai Yue’s face held no expression. Maybe because he’d just finished working out, he looked a bit distant, almost unapproachable.
Seeing Bai Yue stop at the vending machine, Ye Xi didn’t hesitate. He grabbed the gift bag and rushed out, quickly crossing the crosswalk and jogging to Bai Yue’s back.
Just as the Coke dropped into the machine’s tray and it let out a ding, Ye Xi arrived, slightly out of breath.
…..
The two of them stood facing each other on the street. After saying Bai Yue’s name, Ye Xi suddenly didn’t know what to say next. All the boldness he had mustered vanished.
Bai Yue, however, had already noticed the pink gift bag in Ye Xi’s hand—with little bear patterns, far too cute to match Ye Xi’s usual taste.
He could vaguely make out clothing inside and immediately guessed why Ye Xi was here.
But he pretended not to know, feigning surprise: “What are you doing here?”
Ye Xi finally remembered his mission.
He quickly held up the gift bag.
He had borrowed it from Li Rui yesterday—Li Rui, who had a soft spot for cute things, had a stockpile of overly adorable gift bags. Ye Xi had been a little embarrassed accepting it.
“I came to return your jacket,” Ye Xi stammered. “I had it dry-cleaned. Thank you for lending it to me the other day.”
Bai Yue showed a knowing expression.
He stepped closer, the cold Coke still in his hand.
But instead of taking the gift bag, he gently tapped the Coke against Ye Xi’s cheek.
Just a light touch.
Like teasing a kitten.
Ye Xi was caught off guard by the cold, his face scrunching up from the chilly moisture—but he looked at Bai Yue with innocent confusion, just like a kitten unsure of what just happened.
Bai Yue couldn’t help but laugh.
He thought: How is he always this dazed? It makes people want to bully him a little.
Lowering his gaze, he said insincerely, “You really didn’t have to return the jacket. You could’ve just kept it.”
Ye Xi knew Bai Yue didn’t care about a jacket, but still shook his head and held the gift bag higher.
Bai Yue casually reached out to take it.
He was already thinking about how to invite Ye Xi upstairs…
But before he could come up with an excuse, Ye Xi spoke again.
“Bai-ge…”
Ye Xi’s voice trembled. He was as nervous as the time a girl from the next class chased him down three blocks just to confess.
He said, “Actually, I have one more favor to ask.”
“Hm?”
Bai Yue blinked, surprised.
It was rare for Ye Xi to initiate anything.
He immediately said, “Go ahead.”
Ye Xi swallowed, letting go of the bag.
He closed his eyes, steeling himself: “That thing you said before, about helping me with tutoring… does it still count?”
The moment the words left his mouth, Ye Xi wanted to bite his own tongue.
Way to phrase it, he thought bitterly.
“Does it still count?”—it sounded like he was trying to coerce Bai Yue.
The bag fell completely into Bai Yue’s hand. The thin handles looped around his fingers, swaying in the night breeze.
Just like Bai Yue’s unsettled heart.
He froze this time—completely stunned—staring at Ye Xi in disbelief.
Two seconds of silence passed.
Ye Xi saw his expression and immediately tried to explain: “If it’s not convenient, it’s fine—I was just asking. My deskmate actually introduced me to someone else…”
But before he could finish, Bai Yue interrupted.
“It’s convenient.”
Bai Yue reached out and grabbed Ye Xi’s wrist. The Coke can fell from his hand, rolled on the ground, and stopped by the curb. He didn’t even glance at it.
He stared directly at Ye Xi, as if afraid he’d run off.
“I’m available anytime,” he said.
“Ah…”
Ye Xi was startled, but after realizing what Bai Yue said, he nodded bashfully.
“Then… thank you, ge.”
He didn’t know what else to say, so he just looked at Bai Yue helplessly.
The two of them stood facing each other in the middle of a busy street for a long moment.
Even someone as composed as Bai Yue was thrown off by this sudden surprise. He stared at Ye Xi without blinking.
Passersby kept glancing curiously at the two striking young men, wondering what drama was unfolding.
Half a minute later, Ye Xi started shifting uncomfortably. Bai Yue finally let go of his wrist.
He cleared his throat, trying to cover up his earlier reaction. In a low voice, he asked, “Why did you suddenly ask me for tutoring? You didn’t seem very willing before.”
His tone was neutral—no blame, just curiosity. But under that clear, piercing gaze, it was hard not to feel guilty.
Ye Xi racked his brain. “Because… I want to study seriously now. I did badly on the last monthly exam and my teacher lectured me. She said I should take responsibility for my own future. I think she was right.”
That was only half true.
His teacher had said that—but half a year ago.
At the time, Ye Xi understood her good intentions, but it hadn’t moved him to do anything.
After all, no one had expectations for his life.
But now, it was the only excuse he could give.
Bai Yue made a soft sound of acknowledgment, not indicating whether he believed it or not.
But he didn’t question further. Instead, he gently patted Ye Xi’s head, his voice coaxing: “That’s great. Wanting to work hard is always a good thing.”
He looked at Ye Xi and suggested, “If you don’t mind, we could even start tutoring today.”
“No, no, no—” Ye Xi was startled. “Not today. I’m not prepared.”
His bag contained nothing but a few blank homework pages.
What tutoring? Show Bai Yue how he rolls dice to pick answers?
Bai Yue knew it wasn’t realistic either. He just wanted to lock in a time so Ye Xi wouldn’t back out.
He followed up, “Then how about this weekend? Will you come over?”
Ye Xi licked his lips. There was no way to avoid it. He could only nod.
“Sunday okay?” he asked softly. “I’ll come in the afternoon.”
“Okay.”
Bai Yue agreed instantly. As if worried that wasn’t enough to seal the deal, he added, “I’ll wait for you.”
With that, the most important task of the night was settled.
Ye Xi felt a weight lift from his heart, his tense shoulders relaxing.
But meeting Bai Yue’s intense gaze again, his face began to flush. He grew increasingly self-conscious.
He glanced around, tightened his grip on his bag strap, and wanted to say goodbye—but didn’t know how.
Bai Yue could tell.
But he didn’t want to let Ye Xi leave at all. He looked at him, unable to resist raising a hand—wanting to touch his hair, his cheek.
He wanted to ask: even if we don’t do tutoring today, would you come up to my place for a while?
Maybe eat a slice of cake.
There was a fresh strawberry shortcake in his fridge—something he had specifically prepared, knowing that Ye Xi might come by at any time to return the jacket.
Ye Xi would probably like it.
But just then, Ye Xi’s phone rang.
The ringtone grew louder with each ring. Ye Xi fumbled and finally pulled it out from his pocket.
On the screen, two bold characters lit up: Li Rui.
He gave Bai Yue an apologetic glance. Bai Yue withdrew his hand, stepping back across the invisible line, and smiled patiently: “Go ahead and take it.”
Ye Xi nodded awkwardly. He was worried that Li Rui might be calling about something urgent.
But the moment he answered, Li Rui’s loud voice blasted directly through the speaker:
“Ye Xi! Have you found Bai Yue yet? Do you want me to come over and keep you company—”
Ye Xi instantly hung up the call.
He coughed once, unsure whether Bai Yue had heard anything. Awkwardly, he said, “It was my roommate… urging me to bring him some late-night snacks.”
Bai Yue raised his eyebrows slightly and nodded. Whether it was just his imagination or not, he could’ve sworn he heard his name just now.
But since Ye Xi had now officially been asked to bring snacks, he had a reason to leave.
“Then I’ll head out first, Bai-ge. I’ll come back on Sunday,” Ye Xi said softly.
He glanced around and noticed the soda Bai Yue had dropped earlier was still on the floor. He bent down and picked it up, dutifully handing it over.
“Bai-ge, your drink.”
Bai Yue looked at the cola bottle in Ye Xi’s hand and felt more embarrassed than ever in his life.
Still, he pretended to remain calm, accepting it with a relaxed smile. “Thanks, I accidentally dropped it just now.”
As Ye Xi turned around, ready to leave—
Bai Yue suddenly called after him, “Wait a second.”
Ye Xi looked back in confusion.
Bai Yue placed the tragic cola bottle on the armrest beside him.
Then he took off his archery gear bag and pulled out a small, square, green gift box.
He handed the box to Ye Xi and said softly, “This is a souvenir I brought back from City D. It’s nothing fancy—I just thought it looked cute and wanted to give it to you. But I forgot to give it to you last time.”
Ye Xi froze. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out. He took the gift box.
He glanced at Bai Yue’s expression—somewhat at a loss—then opened the box on the spot.
Inside was a tiny clay doll nestled in a velvet lining. It was smaller than his middle finger, but finely crafted, with vivid and lifelike features.
The little clay figure wore a hat and a denim outfit, with its lips pouted and eyes drooping, looking a bit sleepy.
Bai Yue said, “When I saw this clay doll, it reminded me of you. I thought it was really cute.”
Ye Xi looked up. On this early autumn night, the streetlights were bright and warm, and a light drizzle had started to fall from the sky.
Bai Yue smiled at him. His eyes sparkled like fireflies—gentler than the streetlamps in the night—and even more likely to draw a moth to the flame.
