Leo and Yexinran played freely through the amusement park like a real couple. Yexinran never tired of it, her excitement unflagging—she’d never been this happy before.
"Cheng Hao, look!"
Yexinran pointed excitedly at a nearby candy figurine stall, twisting her head to beam at him.
"Let’s go check it out," Cheng Hao said with a helpless smile at her radiant expression, leading her over.
Yexinran stood before the stall, wide-eyed at the dazzling array of candy figurines. She’d only seen them on TV—never in real life—and curiosity bubbled inside her.
"Pretty miss, want a candy figurine?" the vendor called warmly.
Yexinran didn’t answer. Instead, she turned to Cheng Hao, gripping his arm and swaying it back and forth like a child begging for sweets.
Watching the usually aloof campus goddess act so childishly, Cheng Hao almost laughed. *Is this really the icy queen everyone knows?* She clearly wanted one but was too proud to ask, probably fearing she’d seem childish.
"Boss, one for each of us," Cheng Hao said.
At his words, Yexinran’s flawless face lit up with a smile.
"Coming right up!"
...
The vendor’s hands danced, shaping molten sugar into two miniature figures—Cheng Hao and Yexinran, holding hands just as they had moments ago. Yexinran’s cheeks flushed at the lifelike detail. Cheng Hao marveled too; even their expressions were uncannily accurate.
After paying, Cheng Hao handed her the figurine. Yexinran cradled it, utterly enchanted. Though meant to be eaten, she couldn’t bring herself to take a bite.
"Can’t bear to eat it?" Cheng Hao teased, reading her reluctance. Then, bluntly honest: "It’ll just melt if you don’t."
Yexinran shot him a glare. "You brute! Not romantic at all. Hmph!"
Cheng Hao: "..."
*Just stating facts,* he muttered silently.
As the sugar began to soften in her palm, Yexinran’s shoulders slumped. Seeing her crestfallen, Cheng Hao gently ruffled her hair like she was a beloved pet. "Don’t be sad. I’m right here." He paused, then set an example: "Like this."
*Crunch.*
He bit the head off his own Yexinran figurine.
"What?! You bit off *my* head! Then I’ll bite yours too!"
His words sank in: *The figurine melts, but the real Cheng Hao won’t. He’s here.* Her sadness vanished.
Cheng Hao’s expression turned awkward. *Technically true... but why does it sound so strange?* He cleared his throat. "Xinran... why did you ask me to be your boyfriend for a day?"
"Because—" She huffed, ears flushing cherry-red, fingers fidgeting. "You know why. Don’t pretend." She lowered her head, licking the candy version of his head.
"But this can’t lead anywhere. You know I—"
Yexinran pressed a finger to his lips. "Today, you’re my boyfriend. I don’t want to hear that." She leaned closer, her fresh scent wrapping around him. Her bright eyes blinked up at him. "Besides... who knows what tomorrow brings?"
"I’m certain it won’t happen," Cheng Hao insisted after a pause, choosing honesty.
He expected tears. Instead, she smiled softly. "I believe it will come soon."
Amber glow from neon lights gilded Yexinran’s profile. The untouchable aura she wore at school melted into warmth. No grand moment—just an ordinary instant.
Cheng Hao stood beside her, smiling. Yexinran suddenly looked up.
A warm breeze stirred her silk-like hair.
Their eyes met.
Neon lights flickered across their faces. In that heartbeat, they filled each other’s worlds.
*Thump-thump. Thump-thump.*
*If only Ye Zihan didn’t exist...*
*If this were our first meeting—would it be love at first sight?*
Time slipped away in laughter and playful bickering. Dusk fell as they headed for the final ride: the Ferris wheel. *Of course it’s last,* Cheng Hao thought. *The magic only happens at closing time.*
After boarding a gondola, the wheel began its slow ascent. Yexinran pressed against the glass, thrilled as buildings shrank below and pedestrians became ant-like specks.
She gazed at the star-strewn sky. "I’ve never ridden a Ferris wheel. Never seen a view this beautiful."
"Me neither," Cheng Hao admitted.
"Right now... you wish *she* was here with you, don’t you?"
"...Yes." He didn’t deny it.
"Lucky her."
"Aren’t you upset?"
"It’s... okay."
"I’m sorry, I—"
"Don’t say sorry." Yexinran clasped her hands over her heart, eyes locked on the boy she’d loved for twenty years. "It’s 10:58 PM. Right now... it’s only you and me."
Cheng Hao forgot to breathe.
Flowers bloomed. Birds sang. The Ferris wheel’s glow, the stars in the dark—finally brushing the edges of a distant dream.
Shadows blurred into one.
Neon lights bled into a dizzying kaleidoscope. The silent Ferris wheel turned.
I love stars. I love sunlight. I love Ferris wheels. I love spicy-sour-sweet potatoes. I love all beautiful things.
And—
The one I love most is you.
