Zhuoyi couldn't help but shake her head at the two from behind the counter. They looked like two love-sick girls.

Taking a deep breath, Zhuoyi looked outside the window and hoped the two could make it to shelter before the rain and the winds picked up again. 

/ 

The orange glow from the night market fake lanterns cast funny shadows on the pavement. Jiaqi chuckled at the height difference between the two shadows, who were seemingly unbothered by the hammering of the rain. Doing her best, Jiaqi tries to navigate the two shadows down one of the night market stalls. 

Shivering at the realization that the bus stop is still a few miles away, Xueer inwardly winces at the feeling of her sopping socks. Glancing to her side, Xueer takes in Jiaqi's side profile, silently tracing her strong jawline down to her neck, stopping herself from staring any longer.

Xueer quickly moves her eyes to Jiaqi's face, smiling at how the rain and wind had rearranged Jiaqi's hairstyle. "I like your new hairstyle, Jiaqi." Xueer couldn't help smiling at the small groan that passed Jiaqi's lips.

Timidly, Xueer reaches up and pushes back a lock of drenched hair behind Jiaqi's ear before pulling away. Jiaqi quickly reached up and held Xueer's cold hands in her own, praying that the heat would leave her blushing face and instead warm Xueer's freezing hands. Xueer swiftly scanned the surrounding market stalls in hopes of finding a distraction from the beating in her chest. Pulling away from Jiaqi, a stall with small animal charms catches Xueer's eye. Gently pulling on Jiaqi's sleeve Xueer leads them to a temporary shelter.

"Which charm can I sell you, Miss, it's only ¥10!" 

Panicking Xueer retracts her hand from Jiaqi and quickly scans the bed of charms. Xueer eyes quickly landed on a little orange fox charm; its kind little black eyes peering up at her reminded her of Jiaqi. Xueer quickly paid and handed the charm to a befuddled Jiaqi before taking a deep breath and bracing herself for the cold shock of rain. Xueer didn't see the subtle pat, Jiaqi gave the little fox before gently putting it into a pocket for safekeeping. 

/

The rain drummed nonchalantly on the bus stop station, but that didn't seem to disturb the two girls wrapped in a snowflake blanket. Xueer had yet to convince her limbs to let go of Jiaqi since she ran from the bus stop and came back with a blanket after Xueer sneezed. A shy smile danced across Jiaqi's face when she threw the blanket over Xueer's slim shoulders, gently guiding Xueer's freezing hands into her jacket pockets. Pulling away gently, Xueer shyly steals a glance at Jiaqi through her damp curtain of hair before giving into Jiaqi's warm embrace.

"Cute". Xueer almost lost it to the gentle hiss of the rain overhead, the compliment curling around her ears and imprinting on her heart.

/

This is ridiculous, I'm falling for you. Xueer stands in the doorway, doing her best to stop shaking and instead focus on the aesthetic of Jiaqi's apartment. Jiaqi reappears holding a pair of sweat and hands them to Xueer, who gratefully clutches the warm clothing to her trembling body.

“I tried to find clothing that would be warmer," Jiaqi says with a smile.

 Xueer opens to thank Jiaqi, but only the sound of her teeth chattering can be heard to her surprise Jiaqi gently unfolds the towel and starts to dry Xueer's hair with it. Relishing the closeness and warmth Jiaqi provides, Xueer can't help but shuffle closer in search of warmth. Satisfied with Xueer's less drenched hair, Jiaqi gently guides Xueer through her small apartment and to the bathroom. 

"Go take a warm shower and change clothes; otherwise, you'll get sick." Xueer couldn't help but feel grateful for the idea. In response, Xueer leaned up to give Jiaqi a quick peck on the cheek before stepping into the bathroom.

/  

“Xueer,” Jiaqi called her quietly, watching the shorter women's heads lull back and forward. Xueer looked adorable in her oversize clothes. 

They decided to watch a C-drama after both of them warmed up with a hot shower and clean clothes. At some point between episodes, they slowly gravitated toward each other. Pushing up her glasses, Jiaqi glanced down to get a better view of Xueer; she had been silently monitoring Xueer since a small cough bubbled from . Jiaqi tries to push away the feeling of her heart palpitating and instead focuses on Xueer's delicate breaths, despite the jagged sound she made when drawing in her breath. Careful not to spook the other girl, Jiaqi scooted closer to Xueer and lifted an arm open for her. In her drowsy state, Xueer immediately fell into them and curled into Jiaqi like a viper.

"It's alright, XueXue; get some rest. I'll wake you up later." Giving in to her instincts, Jiaqi leans in and leaves a tentative kiss on Xueer's forehead.

/

It's 2 AM when Jiaqi wakes up to the sound of a lock turning. She attempted to sit up but was stopped by a weight on her chest and someone nuzzling further into the crook of her neck. Daimeng saunters into the living room clutching a takeout bag as she walks in, only to halt after taking in the sight in front of her.  Smirking, she takes out her phone, while Jiaqi continues to shoot daggers at her.

Careful not to wake the beauty fully on top and enveloped in her arms, Jiaqi lowers her voice and growls at Diameng, "Don't you dare.". 

Daimeng shrugs and bit back a smile. "I haven't seen you that happy in a long time. Admit it, you are whipped, Xu Jiaqi".