Since it was the weekend, the children’s park buzzed with kids clustered in small groups, laughing and playing.

“Anqing, this is the children’s park! So many fun things—what do you want to try?” Xu Yuting held the boy’s hand tightly, her face eager and gentle as she asked softly.

“Whatever you play, I’ll play too.”

It was the boy’s first time here. Shy and hesitant in the unfamiliar setting, he had no strong preference.

“How about swings? Two seats free! Two play, two push—it’s super fun!” At the word *play*, Xie Jinxia lit up, chirping excitedly with her idea.

Childhood friendships bloom in little circles—playing and laughing together.

“No objections.” Chen Ziqing sounded unenthusiastic, lacking typical kid-energy, almost like a tiny adult.

“Anqing, wanna try the swings?” Xu Yuting’s whole focus was on her best friend.

“Sure! Let’s all play together.” Zhao Anqing nodded. He’d never tried swings before, but just being with friends felt happy and enough.

“C’mon, c’mon! Hurry or someone’ll grab the spots!” Xie Jinxia dashed ahead, fearless, her little legs flying.

“Turns! I go first—who pushes me? I’ll push you after!” Jinxia, the round-faced girl, had already hopped onto a swing. Swinging her pale little feet with no one pushing, she called out cheerfully as the others arrived: “Who’s pushing?”

“I will…” Zhao Anqing stepped up, wanting to help.

“Anqing, you try first—it’s your turn. I’ll push you; let Ziqing push Jinxia.” Xu Yuting held his hand, gently stopping him.

“I’ll push first. Really, it’s fine… I’ll play later.” Zhao Anqing felt a flicker of insecurity, instinctively trying to please.

“Well… okay.” Seeing his insistence, Yuting relented.

“Hurry! Push harder!” Jinxia rocked herself weakly, unimpressed.

“Coming.” The boy jogged behind her, palms on her back, and pushed.

Nearby, Yuting sat while Ziqing pushed her swing.

“Harder!” Jinxia urged, still unsatisfied.

“Okay.” Zhao Anqing pushed with all his might to please her.

“Ugh, so weak. Typical boy.” The arc stayed small. Blunt as ever, Jinxia added with a hint of complaint.

“Sorry… I’ll try harder…” He felt guilty—though he truly had given his all.

“Switch. Let Ziqing push you.” Yuting, barely enjoying her own ride, frowned hearing Jinxia’s remark.

“Nope! I’ll push him—show him girl power!” Oblivious to his hurt, Jinxia hopped off and gestured for him to sit. “Hold tight! Don’t blame me if you fly off!”

She took a deep breath, preparing.

“Mm-hmm…” Zhao Anqing’s grip tightened, palms damp with nervous sweat.

“Jinxia, go easy—he’s new to this,” Yuting called, eyes fixed on him, worried.

“Got it.” Jinxia deflated. She’d puffed her cheeks ready for a mighty shove… but Yuting asked. Fine. Gentle first.

She placed her small hands on his back and gave a light push. The swing swayed—modestly, compared to Yuting’s.

“Wheee…” Zhao Anqing let out a delighted gasp, wide-eyed with wonder.

“Hehe, good? Want higher? I’ll make you fly!” His joy lifted Jinxia’s spirit. She grinned boastfully.

“Mm…” He instinctively leaned into the thrill.

“Watch this!” Jinxia blew on her hands, stepped back for a running start—

—and shoved with all her strength.

“WHEEEEEE!” Zhao Anqing clung tight, heart soaring. Laughing, flying, utterly happy with friends.

“Even higher next time!” Pushing felt fun now. Jinxia beamed, ready to thrill him again.

“No, my turn to push.” After a few swings, he gently stepped off, tamping down his own want.

“I’m bored pushing! Anqing, get on—I’ll launch you sky-high!” Jinxia urged him back. *Anqing.* It was the first time she’d used his name. Through play, two kids once distant—even slightly awkward—had quietly grown closer.

“Jinxia, switch with me. I want to play with Anqing; you push Ziqing.” Yuting’s voice held a quiet pang of jealousy she could no longer hide.

“No! Boys are lighter—I push higher!” Jinxia protested stubbornly.

“I’ll bring your favorite candy tomorrow.” Yuting offered sweet persuasion.

“Hmm…” Torn between candy and conquest, Jinxia wavered. *Kid logic: want both.*

“Fine… you push him.” Candy won. She sighed, yielding.

“Anqing, I’m here! Sit quick—I’m stronger than Jinxia. I’ll make you soar!” Yuting’s face lit up, joy blooming at last.