Time seemed to freeze, until the cicadas outside the window chirped again, pulling Yue Feather back to reality.

He held a strand of Silver Bell’s hair, the soft texture making him reluctant to let go. His mind went completely blank—he couldn’t even recall how to tie a simple ponytail.

"Hmm?" Silver Bell tilted her head slightly after the long silence. "What’s wrong?"

Her voice, tender yet husky, sent a shiver through Yue Feather’s heart, like a gentle hand stroking his head.

"Ah… I… I’m a bit fuzzy on the details… probably… like this…" Flustered, he looped the hair tie around her hair.

A single ponytail should’ve been simple, but he’d only gathered half the strands flowing down her back, leaving the front loose. Yet this haphazard attempt accidentally created an elegant, classical look, making Silver Bell appear even more gracefully serene.

"Done?" Silver Bell’s voice snapped him out of his daze.

"Ah… y-yeah, probably…" he stammered.

"Okay, let’s go." She didn’t seem to mind at all. She lifted the ponytail resting against her back, draping it over her shoulder. "It kept swaying and felt uncomfortable."

Yue Feather barely heard her. His heart stopped the moment she turned her head, that single ponytail draped over her shoulder. His mouth hung open, breathless.

*How could such a perfect girl exist?*

*Was this heaven’s gift?*

He quickly shook his head with a bitter smile.

He knew he didn’t deserve her. It was all just a hopeless fantasy.

Many complained Chinese school uniforms lacked flair—baggy jackets and pants hiding every figure, dull colors draining all youthful energy. But Yue Feather disagreed. Beauty transformed the uniform. On Silver Bell, it amplified her pure, lotus-like grace.

She outshone even the class flower. Beyond a certain point, beauty wasn’t just about looks—it was the aura radiating from within. Even Kaiyuan High School’s most legendary beauties would pale beside her.

The reactions of passersby proved it.

Even aunties buying groceries couldn’t help murmuring, "What a stunning child."

*Crash!* A cyclist, too busy staring at Silver Bell, nearly hit a lamppost. He braked hard but still tumbled to the ground.

Her overwhelming charm only deepened Yue Feather’s gloom.

Compared to her, he wasn’t even a leaf beside a flower—just dust beneath her feet.

Self-awareness was a virtue, yet knowing his place too well bred quiet sorrow, draining his hope and drive.

The evening market buzzed with people heading home from work. Families preferred cooking—it was cheaper than eating out. The cramped space reeked of fish. Wet, grimy floors were littered with discarded vegetable leaves. Haggling voices drowned out the endless cicadas.

"Why stand so far away?" Silver Bell turned, puzzled, to find Yue Feather lingering three meters behind.

"Ah… no reason…" He shuffled closer, cheeks burning under curious stares.

*Why would such an ordinary boy walk beside a girl like her?*

"Let’s buy food for three days. Since you have school, just breakfast and dinner." Silver Bell spoke firmly, then surprised him by taking his hand. Her soft palm left him dazed as she led him through the stalls.

"For breakfast, noodles or wontons work well. Choose thicker, rounder noodles—they’re chewy, won’t turn soggy, and keep you full. Wonton wrappers should be small and thin for easy morning digestion…"

"Ah… okay…" Yue Feather blinked, stunned. Such a beautiful girl knew how to shop for groceries?

Most pretty girls wouldn’t bother with such things. Yet Silver Bell moved through the market like a seasoned homemaker, efficiently gathering ingredients—dumpling filling, noodle toppings, ginger, garlic, scallions. Every detail mattered.

A strange warmth filled him. It felt like childhood days when his mother guided him through markets. He shook his head. Ahead walked the same ponytailed girl—mature in action, yet radiating youthful innocence.

Pure innocence and quiet maturity blended seamlessly on her. Only Silver Bell could wear both so naturally.

They bought enough for five days. Yue Feather insisted on carrying all the bags. Letting her delicate hands bear heavy loads felt like a crime. He couldn’t bear the thought of red marks marring her skin. Such a beautiful girl shouldn’t suffer even the slightest discomfort.

Back home, Silver Bell filled every wonton wrapper and stored them in the freezer. Yue Feather’s heart swelled. Though she’d appeared suddenly in his life—a stranger staying temporarily—her care felt genuine. It couldn’t be affection; it must be her innate kindness.

He didn’t know when she’d leave after regaining her memories. He just hoped that day would come slowly…

He feared loss before even having her—a pessimist. Yet small kindnesses filled him with joy—an optimist. Humans were complex. Yue Feather was no exception.

"Ah… you take the bed?" Night deepened. The small city quieted. Moonlight spilled through the window as Yue Feather stood awkwardly. Only one bedroom meant sharing the room.

Other boys might scheme to sleep near her. But Yue Feather revered what he loved too much to disrespect it. He’d remade the bed for her comfort.

"The mat’s fine." Silver Bell lay down wearing only his oversized shirt. Her innocence about such things made him ache to protect her.

"Just sleep on the bed—"

"Too hot." Her explanation was simple.

The bed lacked a cooling mat. Even thin sheets couldn’t match the floor’s chill. His room had no AC—just a noisy, feeble fan offering more hope than breeze.

Her blue hair tie rested on the table. Hair loose, she curled slightly on her side, leaving space for him. "Sleep. You have school tomorrow…" Her eyes closed mid-sentence, breath evening out.

"Asleep already? Must be exhausted…" Yue Feather smiled sheepishly. He eyed the space she’d left, swallowed hard, but climbed onto the bed instead. Gently, he draped a light blanket over her stomach. Summer nights still brought chills.

Watching her work all evening made him smile. Yet unease tightened his chest.

*I wish every day could be like this… But how long will it last? It’ll end soon, won’t it…*

He sighed heavily, glancing at the idol poster on his wall. "Maybe only you’ll stay with me…"

Moonlight bathed Silver Bell’s face, highlighting her peaceful sleep. Stray hairs framed her face, adding a touch of allure. Her parted lips revealed neat, pearl-white teeth.

Yue Feather reached out, fingers hovering near her lips. He swallowed again and pulled his hand back.

"Time to sleep," he whispered, turning his back to her on the floor.