“ overriding crushes and heartaches, school life is a mix of sweet and bitter moments. ”
Dong Hong was sitting in the library when the phone rang. His eyes flickered to the screen as he saw the message from Qiao Lang. He had been too tired to answer yesterday, but now, his heart couldn’t help but race.
“You’ve got a date tomorrow. Don’t worry about it.” The voice on the other end was calm and soothing, like warm tea in a cold room. Dong Hong felt a wave of relief wash over him, but his heart still skipped a beat.
“See you tomorrow at 5 pm at the library’s study room. Don’t worry about coming alone; I’ll be there too.” The message ended abruptly, leaving Dong Hong in aState of half-expecting something.
As evening approached, Dong Hong felt an odd sensation deep within. A familiar sting mixed with a sharp pain coursed through his chest. He reached for his pocket and pulled out the small notebook he had brought along all these months. Inside was a single photo of Qiao Lang from their last trip.
“How are you?” The voice suddenly came from outside. Dong Hong froze, his heart leaping into his throat. He glanced at the door, which was slightly ajar. Someone was standing there.
“I’m fine.” He smiled weakly, clutching the notebook tightly in both hands. “Just wanted to make sure you weren’t upset about that date.” Qiao Lang’s voice was soft, almost gentle, but it still made Dong Hong feel like he’d been hit by a truck.
Dong Hong looked around the room, trying to find the source of the noise. His eyes stopped at the bookcase on the far side of the room. He reached out and pushed it slightly, causing a shelf to fall with a loud clang.
“You’re coming along?” Qiao Lang’s voice came again, this time carrying a hint of shock in it. Dong Hong felt his heart sink. He had been hoping to avoid the topic, but here it was staring him in the face once more.
“No, I didn’t think so. I mean… it’s just a date after all.” Dong Hong tried to explain, his voice trembling slightly. “We’re roommates…”
“Oh?” Qiao Lang’s eyes widened, confusion replacing the shock in an instant. He took a step closer, his hands intuitively reaching for his phone.
Dong Hong couldn’t help but feel a wave of relief wash over him again. His heart had been racing so much lately; this was just a little nudge in the right direction. He nodded, trying to appear calm and collected.
“Yeah, it’s fine. Just wanted you to know I’m not upset about the date.” He tried to ignore the burning sensation in his chest, though it was beginning to throb more visibly.
“Okay,” Qiao Lang said after a moment. His tone was soft, but Dong Hong could feel the heat of his anger rising through the air. “Come on then. Let’s go out and see where this date is supposed to be.”
Dong Hong sighed deeply, trying to steady his breathing. He had been expecting this conversation, but it still felt like a blow to the stomach every time he thought about it. Qiao Lang’s laughter filled the silence, warm and inviting, like a balm for his soul.
“I… I have things to do…” Dong Hong stumbled out of the library, the words trailing off as he took a step forward. His eyes fell on the small notebook in his pocket, still holding that photo of Qiao Lang.
“Don’t worry about it,” Qiao Lang said, placing a hand on Dong Hong’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of everything.” The warmth of his touch was enough to calm Dong Hong further.
Dong Hong nodded, trying to compose himself as he walked back to the study room where the phone was still on the desk. He had a lot of studying to do, and tomorrow’s date was just one more thing on his plate. But for now, all he could do was hold onto the memory of Qiao Lang’s gentle voice and the warmth that came with it.
As he picked up the phone, Dong Hong couldn’t help but feel a little lighter inside. Life sometimes threw you curveballs, and it was in those moments that you had to learn to embrace whatever came your way. With Qiao Lang by his side, even though their relationship was complicated, he knew there was only one thing he could do: make the most of every day.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, placing a small smile on his lips before hanging up. Qiao Lang’s voice was still in his head, soft and warm, like the sound of a calm river running through his ears. He walked out into the corridor, the weight of the day lifting slightly with each step.
And as he reached for his bag, he remembered that today was his birthday. A small detail that somehow made all these moments seem even more intense. He knew Qiao Lang had been thinking about it, planning a little surprise that would make him feel special once more.
But for now, he just had to focus on getting through the day ahead. And whatever happened next month, he was ready for it.
TAG: 校园青春，情感纠葛，回忆录
End.
