“Please do not leave any bags unattended.”

Xuuer scowled as the speakers blared, waking her from her slumber. The reality of the airport was in stark contrast to the warm memories she had been dreaming about. As she glanced at her phone, she saw numorous messages from her company and noticed an email from the corporation regarding their revised dating guidelines at the subject line Xueer let out an annoyed scoff. 

"Artists from Bee Entertainment are now allowed to date after 3 years from their debut date, and if they are caught breaking the policy or found dating outside of the company, their contracts will be terminated."

Xueer huffs, trying not to linger on the idea of dating; her previous relationship still had fresh scares and left her with a broken heart.

Gazing out the large windows in the airport, Xueer couldn’t help but feel pessimistic about the starless night sky. She watches as small raindrops begin to paint the window and can’t help but think back to her first date with the only person she had ever loved. Surrending herself, Xueer let the raindrops take her back to a happier memory. 

/

The sun was slowly fading over the horizon when they finally climbed into the crowded bus. Jiaqi took the initiative to find a cozy window seat, allowing them to watch the city lights blur together. Once in her seat, Xueer couldn't help but let out a content sigh, the adrenaline from the day finally wearing off. Meanwhile, Jiaqi did her best to keep her cool composure, hoping that Xueer couldn’t see her face and ears burning.

Rummaging through her pocket for her earphones, Jiaqi noticed Xueer staring at her with curious eyes and a small smile. Jiaqi sent her an endearing grin and offers Xueer her right earbud. Letting her playlist shuffle it finally landed on Tai Yang's 太阳 (Sun), Jiaqi couldn't help but nod her head in time to the beautiful ballad's chorus. 

Xueer couldn't help but empathize with the character in the song; it reminded her of a previous relationship that felt like a soap opera.

They had cheated on her out of jealousy because she was going to debut first. They even used the company's dating ban to create a fake scandal and got her kicked out of the JYP. The news had spread like wildfire, and even though her ex was eventually let go of by the company, they had already debuted as a solo artist. Xueer was cast aside and ended up finding a part-time job at a cafe while searching for a new company.

/

Xueer slowly watched the sunset tint the sky and couldn't help but try to reach out to touch it. Letting her hand be bathed in shades of warm pink, violet, and orange. Smiling at her action, Jiaqi couldn’t help but copy the short woman’s hand movement and watched as they let their hands dance together in the fading light.

/

It had started with a slight brush of the hand, which had Xueer tensing when she felt Jiaqi's fingertips accidentally touching her’s. 

Jiaqi blushed at how much she wanted to reach out and hold Xueer’s hand and never let go. Xueer let out a quiet gasp when a firm hand finally grabbed her own and intertwined their fingers. 

Jiaqi couldn’t help but release a breath she had been holding upon finally interlocking their hands. Feeling a familiar heat rising from her face and burning her ears, Jiaqi decided to look out the opposite window. 

Xueer didn’t hide her blush; instead, she raised the intertwined hands and gave them a gentle squeeze. Out of the corner of her eye, Xueer caught a bashful smile spread across Jiaqi's face. Watching as the light danced across their hands and painted them in beautiful colors was hypnotic to Xueer. 

When Jiaqi turned around, she found Xueer dopey-eyed and blinking every few seconds to keep herself awake. Jiaqi swore her heart was going to burst at how innocent and adorable Xueer looked. 

Xueer’s head slowly began to dip forward before abruptly jerking back up and squeezing Jiaqi’s hand. As if this were all a dream, and if she let go of Jiaqi, she'd disappear.

/

When the bus hit a particularly rough patch in the road, it jostled the passengers, causing Xueer to almost hit the window. Jiaqi, wanting to protect her, slowly guided Xueer to her strong shoulders instead. 

Xueer, in her semiconscious state, appreciated the warmth radiating off the taller brunette. 

Jiaqi could help but gulp when Xueer nuzzled further into her shoulder. Her short hair tickled her neck as Xueer sighed softly. Jiaqi, being slightly taller, couldn’t help but notice how perfectly Xueer fit into the crook of her neck. 

Watching the last of the sunset disappear over the horizon, the colorful beams sent rays of light into the bus. Not wanting to wake the redhead from her slumber, Jiaqi slowly raised her outside hand to shield the light from Xueer’s face. 

/

When the bus finally came to a halt in front of the next bus stop, it sounded like a mechanical giant sighing. Jiaqi couldn’t help but take a moment to admire Xueer as the streetlights softly illuminated her face. A stray lock of red hair had managed to cover half of her face. She softly brushed the strand of hair behind Xueer’s ear. Jiaqi couldn’t help but feel electricity shoot through her arm. 

Reluctantly, Jiaqi tried to wake the sleepy girl from her slumber. Instead, she was met with a small wince and a free arm clinging gently to her jacket. Smiling at the cute reaction, Jiaqi tried rubbing circles on Xueer’s back while quietly coaxing her awake. Xueer opened her tired eyes to meet warm and caring ones. 

Upon realizing where she was, Xueer was sure her face matched her hair color. Quickly untangling herself from Jiaqi, Xueer tried her best to readjust her clothes that had gotten crinkled on the bus ride. Noticing a hand, Xueer looked up to see Jiaqi sending her a charming grin. Finally taking Jiaqi’s hand to help her up, they exited the bus. 

/

While crossing the road to the coffee shop, Xueer works part-time. She notices that Jiaqi had yet to let her hand go. 

Trying not to get ahead of herself, Xueer reasoned that maybe Jiaqi was cold. Jiaqi, in fact, was not cold. Instead, she was relishing the feeling of holding hands with her crush in public. 

The feeling bubbled up through her stomach and sent electricity down her spine. The dark sky let out a gentle roll of thunder, seeming to agree with Jiaqi’s feelings. 

/

Inside the coffee shop, Jiaqi inhaled and enjoyed the aroma of freshly baked goods. Xueer had a hard time getting Jiaqi to stand in line until a familiar voice called her.  

“Xueer! Didn’t I tell you to go and take a rest from work, and have fun?” Surprised to hear her boss and friend Cai Zhuoyi calling her. 

“I am, I promise. I just got here after practice... to eat something.” Shaking her head fondly, Zhuoyi couldn’t help but roll her eyes. 

“Always a busy girl. What can I get you? It’s on the house for the cutie with red hair.” Jiaqi’s ears perked up upon hearing someone else complement Xueer. As soon as Xueer had finished her order, Jiaqi was back by her side. Not so subtly glaring at Zhuoyi, Xueer couldn’t help but inwardly giggle. 

/

Finally taking their seats in front of a window, they watched as small droplets raced from the top to the bottom. Xueer couldn’t help but comment, “You looked like a fox ready to pounce; you practically tried to glare Joey into the floor.” Blushing at the confrontation with Xueer’s, Jiaqi couldn’t help but sulk. 

“Eh, don’t be sad, little fox. Joey is just my friend and my boss. She wouldn’t actually hit on me, plus she’s dating Keni, the giant dork.” At the mention of one of her teammates Jiaqi, relaxed a little before snickering at the general giant. 

“One time she ran into a studio pole and tried to get in a fight with it.” Xueer could help but raise a hand in an attempt to hide a widening smile. 

“You know it’s not very nice to make fun of your boss’s girlfriend.” Zhuoyi interrupted the conversation with faked annoyance, holding a tray of drinks and a few pastries. 

Xueer replied between giggles “Joey. You can’t tell me about Keni doing stupid things, and expect me not to share them.” Rolling her eyes while grinning, Zhuoyi began to return to her spot behind the counter. 

Before she was out of earshot, Zhuoyi threw out one last remark over her shoulder: “Have fun on your date!” 

The comment left both performers equally flushed. Familiar heat burned from the back of their necks, up to the tips of their ears, and set in their cheeks. They continued to chat in the cozy cafe while the world outside seemed to slowly weep in happiness for the two.