“We’re deeply sorry, but your flight has been canceled and rescheduled for tomorrow at 4 AM.” 

Jiaqi rubbed her eyes in exhaustion. She was supposed to be on a flight with the rest of her dance team 3 hours ago, but the manager had managed to mess up the flight schedule.

Sighing, Jiaqi bought her own ticket while scanning the airport for any possible source of caffeine. Finally, landing on the dimly lit coffee shop, she began to shuffle while dragging her suitcase behind.

/

At another air gate, a very tired Xueer stood holding her phone, trying to understand how her manager never purchases a ticket. 

“We’re sorry, but the earliest flight we have at such short notice is for tomorrow at 4 AM.” 

Xueer winced at the early time and ran a trembling hand through her thick hair before purchasing a ticket fo the next flight out. It would be a close call, but Xueer hoped to make her tech rehearsal before the concert date. 

"Thank you for choosing BxQy Airlines; safe flight." 

Xueer gives the receptionist a small nod. Worn out from the excessive day, she glanced around for somewhere to rest. Eventually, spotting a quiet alcove near a timly lit coffee shop lounge, she gradually drags herself over to rest until her flight. 

A tired Xueer didn’t notice a certain brunette tucked in the back of the shop, watching her every move.

Finally reaching a seat, Xueer couldn’t help but collapse on the cushioned seat, letting her mind and heart yearn for a less hectic time. As her eyelids began to grow heavy, Xueer's mind drifted off to a time before the limlight and back to the first time she finally had a new start at a new studio. Everything was simpler back then; there were endless future possibilities, and she herself was so different back then.