Today is December 25th.
The legendary Christmas.
But the house felt cold and empty, with no festive cheer at all. Bai Su and I sat in the living room, leaning against the sofa, hugging cushions as we watched TV.
Though boring, a strangely peaceful happiness filled the air.
I secretly turned to study Bai Su’s profile. His chin was clean-shaven, smooth and stubble-free. His long eyelashes fluttered gently, shadowing his slightly narrow eyes.
Fresh from his writing session, he still wore plain glasses. Yet they couldn’t hide his calm, resolute gaze.
He wore a light yellow hoodie and matching casual pants, radiating warmth.
Looking at him, a soft warmth bloomed in my chest.
I hid a small smile.
It was still early, so TV offered nothing interesting. We watched dull shows, yawning softly under the heater’s warmth.
So sleepy.
By the way—even if Christmas in 2008 wouldn’t match future celebrations, it couldn’t be that different, right?
I suddenly craved a walk outside.
No time like the present.
I yanked Bai Su up from the sofa. He lay there, arms crossed, eyes closed, nearly asleep.
"Bro, come stroll with me!" I said. "It’s Christmas! Let’s hit the streets!"
Bai Su didn’t snap at my interruption. He just removed his glasses, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and mumbled,
"Okay… sure…"
Excitement surged through me.
I grabbed the remote, switched off the TV. "I’m changing in my room. You hurry up too! Bundle up—it’s freezing out there!"
Before he could react, I dashed to my room, flung open the wardrobe, and dumped all my winter clothes onto the bed.
Girls’ wardrobes always overflowed with styles—no wonder we rarely clashed outfits.
I stared at the messy pile, chin propped on my hand. After a long pause, I chose a white down jacket, a simple matching sweater, and light jeans.
I folded the rest neatly back into the wardrobe.
At the door, I bit my lip, cheeks flushing as I locked it tight. Triple-checking the lock, I kicked off my slippers, jumped onto the bed, stripped off my thick pajamas, and changed.
I grabbed black ankle boots from the rack, slipped them on, then tiptoed to the mirror. I admired my cute reflection…
Uwaaah!
Oh my god—why did I call myself cute?!
I clutched my head, drowning in existential doubt.
Su Su’s memories and personality were seeping into me deeper than ever…
I sighed.
Lately, my resistance to Bai Su’s teasing had softened. Sometimes, I didn’t resist at all.
At this rate, I dreaded imagining the future.
What was I supposed to do?
Crouched on the floor, I let out a sigh thick with panic and helplessness.
No answer came.
I didn’t know how long Bai Su and I could keep this fragile balance. But a strange certainty gripped me: as Su Su’s memories reshaped me, this delicate peace would shatter.
Only the timing remained uncertain.
I forced a weak smile at my mirror self, then opened the door.
Bai Su stood ready—though "changed" just meant a brown trench coat over his hoodie and a scarf wrapped snugly.
"Ready?" he asked. His hand reached for mine, natural and smooth.
Annoyance flared. I swatted his hand away, stepped outside first, and turned with a cold tone,
"Let’s go."
Bai Su scratched his head, puzzled but silent. He locked the door behind us and followed.
Outside, the cold bit sharp. A light wind slipped through my jacket’s collar, swirling inside the oversized down coat.
I halted, shivering.
My messy thoughts had made me forget a scarf.
Just as regret hit, a warm scarf—carrying his familiar scent—wrapped around my neck from behind, sealing out the chill.
I spun around. Bai Su.
His expression was tender yet focused as he adjusted the scarf, smoothing every tiny wrinkle with careful fingers.
His cool fingertips brushed my cheek, sending warmth through me.
My face burned. I couldn’t meet his eyes.
Done, he patted my head softly. "There. No more cold."
My heart fluttered.
When his hand sought mine again, I didn’t pull away. I let his large palm envelop my small one.
It felt warm.
We walked the quiet streets.
Strangely, I felt no disappointment at the sparse scenery.
"Su Su, look." Bai Su’s voice cut through my thoughts. He pointed at a crowd gathered nearby.
Curious, I lifted my gaze. People clustered together, doing something unclear.
"Check it out?" he murmured.
I hesitated, then nodded.
Might as well join the fun.
We diverted toward a roadside coffee shop I hadn’t noticed before.
A man dressed as Santa approached us instantly.
"Honored guests, welcome! May I ask… are you a couple?"
Probably a waiter.
I grimaced—definitely a Christmas couple deal. With Bai Su always scheming to "win me over," I avoided these like fire.
But as I opened my mouth to say "We’re siblings," Bai Su pinched my cheek, smiling at the waiter.
"Absolutely. We’re a couple."
I wanted to cry.
Of course! Bai Su just had to stir trouble!
The waiter beamed. He gestured eagerly to a notice board. "Then, would you join our special Christmas couple event?"
I strained to read the board, but Bai Su pulled me close, nodding. "Yes."
Dazed, I let the waiter lead us to a stage-like platform.
Since we’re here, I’d adapt or find a way out.
I stopped resisting and scanned the others.
Five couples stood on the stage.
Huh? When did I get gasoline and a torch in my hands?
I swallowed my FFF Corps duty, took a deep breath—never expected this kind of event.
A bad feeling settled in my gut.
[To be continued]
