I woke up early, as usual.
Even on weekends, my body followed the same rhythm.
Morning light slipped through the curtains in soft, pale lines, brushing against the edge of my desk.
I sat up, tidied my bed, and stretched quietly before heading to the bathroom. The cold water against my face felt refreshing—a small reminder that the day was just beginning.
On weekdays, Mom is the one who makes breakfast.
But on weekends, I like preparing it myself.
Simple things—toast, eggs, a bit of fruit—yet the familiar routine calmed me.
While I ate, I turned on the TV.
Clear skies all day, the forecaster said.
Maybe a little hot in the afternoon.
I let the sound play in the background as I finished my meal.
Last night, I'd chatted with Xia for a while.
She always has so much to talk about—school, new clothes, a café that released a new pancake flavor.
Then she asked if I wanted to go shopping with her today.
I didn't have any plans, and staying inside all day felt a little dull.
So I agreed.
Just as I finished washing the dishes, Mom stepped out of her room.
Her hair was slightly messy, and she looked at me with that gentle, half-sleepy smile.
"You're up early again," she said. "Even on weekends?"
"I just don't want to become lazy," I replied.
She chuckled softly.
"It's okay to relax sometimes, you know."
She made herself a cup of coffee and sat at the counter.
"So, any plans for today?" she asked.
"I'm going out with Xia," I said. "She wanted to check some new fashion releases."
Mom narrowed her eyes playfully over her coffee cup.
"With your friends... or with a boyfriend?"
"Mom!"
I nearly dropped the dishcloth.
"I don't have a boyfriend, and I don't have time for that."
She smiled, clearly amused.
"That's unfortunate. You're so popular at school—I thought someone would've already asked you out."
I sighed, trying not to let my embarrassment show.
"I just haven't met anyone I'm interested in," I said quietly.
"Well," she said, her tone softening, "you should try opening up to people a little. You never know who might surprise you."
For a moment, I remembered what Xia told me last night—
that I should be more honest about what I like, or how I feel.
Maybe Mom and Xia weren't so different after all.
"I'll... think about it," I murmured.
Mom gave me that warm, knowing smile again.
I finished cleaning up, glanced outside, and thought that maybe today wouldn't be such a bad day to go out after all.
******
After finishing breakfast and chatting with Mom, I decided to leave home a little early.
The weather forecast said it would get hot later, and I preferred walking while the air was still cool.
Outside, the sky was a soft blue brushed with thin clouds.
A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of grass and the distant chatter of morning vendors.
It was a peaceful kind of morning—the kind that made you want to slow your steps just a little.
I passed by the small park near my house.
A few people were already there—joggers, dog walkers, and on one side, the elderly woman I often saw in the mornings. She was walking slowly with her cane.
When she spotted me, she smiled.
"Good morning," she said kindly.
"Good morning," I replied with a small bow before continuing on my way.
Soon, I reached the main street.
I checked my phone and sent Xia a message to let her know I was almost there.
A few seconds later, she replied:
Xia: Okay~ I'll be waiting at the station!
When I arrived at the station, I spotted her immediately.
Even from a distance, Xia stood out—waving energetically the moment she saw me.
"Yiyi! Over here!" she called, jogging over with her usual bright grin.
I couldn't help smiling back at her energy.
We walked leisurely toward the shopping district.
The streets were growing livelier—couples strolling hand in hand, families with children, groups of students enjoying their weekend.
Our first stop was the clothing shop Xia had been talking about yesterday.
The moment we stepped inside, her eyes sparkled.
She darted between racks of clothes, pulling out shirts, skirts, and dresses, humming to herself as she tried to decide what to try on first.
"Yiyi, look at this one!"
She held up a light blue dress against herself. "Isn't it cute?"
"It looks nice," I said honestly. "It suits you."
She grinned.
"You should try something too! Maybe this one?"
She handed me a white blouse with soft ruffles.
I hesitated.
"I don't think it'll suit me."
"Of course it will! Come on, just try it!"
Eventually, I gave in—mostly because it was difficult to say no when Xia was that excited.
While I checked my reflection in the mirror, she leaned over with a teasing smile.
"You know," she said, "if you wore that on a date, I bet your future boyfriend would fall for you instantly."
I rolled my eyes lightly, trying not to show my embarrassment.
"You always say things like that."
"That's because it's true!" she laughed.
I shook my head, but the smile wouldn't leave my lips.
Spending time with Xia was always like this—
noisy, warm, full of laughter.
A kind of warmth that made the day feel lighter just by being around her.
******
The shopping district was livelier than I expected.
Even though it was still morning, a soft trace of summer warmth floated in the air, balanced by a pleasant breeze that made walking easy.
Xia walked beside me, carrying a few paper bags from the clothing store we'd just visited.
True to her nature, she talked about everything — shoes, homework, gossip, food — her energy seemingly endless.
I listened quietly, answering when needed.
She didn't mind.
She never did.
When we turned the corner, she suddenly stopped.
"Yiyi, look at that!" she said, pointing excitedly at a small accessory stall nestled between a café and a bookstore.
Before I could react, she was already hurrying toward it, greeting the vendor like an old friend.
I followed a few steps behind.
The stall was filled with hairpins, ribbons, bracelets — tiny things that sparkled faintly under the morning sun.
"Good morning, girls," the vendor said warmly. "Looking for something pretty?"
"Just browsing," Xia replied quickly.
Then she flashed me that mischievous grin.
"Actually, I think something here would look great on Yiyi."
I blinked. "Me?"
She nodded enthusiastically and held up a silver hairpin with a small blue gem.
"This one. It matches your hair."
I tried to step back, but she caught my wrist gently.
"Oh, come on. You always wear your hair the same way. Try something new."
The vendor chuckled softly.
"Your friend is right, dear. You have lovely hair — this would suit you."
Before I could protest, Xia carefully placed the hairpin against my hair.
I glanced at the small mirror on the counter.
The little blue stone caught the light.
It was simple, understated...
But it didn't look bad.
Xia leaned forward with a proud smile.
"See? I told you."
I sighed softly. "You're impossible sometimes."
"Thank you," she said cheerfully — and before I could stop her, she was already paying.
"Xia—"
"Consider it a gift," she cut in.
"You can repay me when we try that new pancake flavor later."
I gave up.
"Fine. But only if it's discount day."
That made her burst out laughing, her voice blending with the busy morning street.
The vendor handed her a small paper bag and smiled.
"You two seem very close."
"We've known each other for a long time," Xia replied brightly.
We left the stall walking side by side again.
Sunlight filtered through the trees, and when the wind brushed past, I felt the faint glint of the new hairpin against my hair.
After a while, a small bookstore caught my eye.
The familiar scent of books drifted from the open door, and my steps slowed.
"Wanna stop here?" I asked.
Xia sighed dramatically.
"You and your books... Sure, why not? But don't make me wait forever."
I smiled lightly and stepped inside.
The cool air and soft instrumental music welcomed me instantly.
I drifted toward the new releases shelf, scanning the titles.
But then—
near the counter—
I spotted two familiar figures.
A boy from our class, holding a book.
And a girl beside him, speaking quietly with the shop staff.
Xia leaned in.
"Oh, isn't that Tang Yuan? And... Ye Ling, right?"
I nodded slightly. "Looks like it."
She grinned. "Should we say hi?"
I glanced their way again.
Tang Yuan looked calm as always, and Ye Ling stood close beside him, her smile gentle — somehow matching the quiet air around him.
"...No," I said softly, tugging at Xia's sleeve. "Let's not bother them."
Xia blinked. "Really?"
"Mm. They seem busy."
She shrugged. "If you say so."
We turned toward another aisle, pretending to browse — but as we passed by, I couldn't help stealing one more glance.
They looked... comfortable together.
In a way I couldn't quite put into words.
When we left the store, the sunlight had grown warmer.
Xia stretched her arms with a yawn.
"So, pancake shop next?"
"Yeah," I said, adjusting the small blue hairpin she had given me.
"Let's go before it gets too crowded."
******
The street ahead smelled faintly of sugar and butter long before we reached the corner.
The pancake shop Xia mentioned was easy to spot—its pastel awning and warm wooden sign standing out against the rows of boutiques nearby. Through the glass window, families and groups of students chatted happily over plates stacked high with fruit and cream.
"It smells amazing already," Xia said, eyes sparkling.
"I'm ordering two flavors. Maybe three."
I smiled at her enthusiasm.
"You're going to regret it halfway through."
"Impossible," she declared, pushing the door open.
The little bell above the entrance chimed softly as we walked inside.
Sweet batter, caramel, and warm butter filled the air. A waitress greeted us and led us to a small booth by the window. I liked the seat—sunlight poured through the glass, casting gentle gold across the table.
We ordered quickly: strawberry cream for Xia, plain honey butter for me.
As soon as the waitress left, Xia leaned forward.
"So," she said, "did you know we have P.E. first thing Monday morning?"
I blinked.
"Really? That's... not the best way to start a new week."
"Right?" she groaned dramatically. "And I heard from another class it might be outdoors. Probably running laps."
I sighed quietly.
"As long as it's not under the noon sun."
"Same. Oh—speaking of our class..." She lowered her voice. "You saw Tang Yuan and Ye Ling at the bookstore, right?"
I looked up from my iced tea.
"...Yes."
"Don't you think they looked kinda... close?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.
I shook my head.
"They were just talking. You're overthinking it."
"Mm, maybe~" she hummed. "Still, Ye Ling doesn't really talk to boys. It's rare. People might start gossiping."
I gave her a look.
"You're the one gossiping."
She grinned.
"Hey, I just observe things."
The pancakes arrived—golden, warm, and irresistibly sweet.
The moment the plates touched the table, Xia's eyes lit up again. She drowned hers in syrup without hesitation.
"By the way," she said casually between bites, "Li Rui told me he might try talking to you again next week."
My fork paused mid-cut.
"...Why?"
"Because he likes you?" she replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
I sighed.
"He barely knows me."
"That's never stopped anyone before," she said with a shrug.
I gave her a helpless look, which only made her laugh harder.
"You're so indifferent, Yiyi," she said, resting her chin on her hand. "People talk about crushes and relationships, and you treat it like background noise."
I thought for a moment before answering softly,
"Maybe... I just haven't met someone who makes me think about that."
She tilted her head with a knowing smile.
"Not yet, huh?"
I ignored the teasing and focused on my pancake—
but for a brief moment, an image flickered in my mind.
A quiet boy standing by a shelf, eyes focused on a book, speaking in that calm, polite tone.
I pushed the thought aside and glanced back at Xia.
"You think too much."
"And you think too little," she shot back.
We both laughed, our voices blending with the cheerful chatter of the café.
Outside, the sun had climbed higher, and the air shimmered faintly with warmth.
Just an ordinary day off—simple, sweet, and somehow... comforting.
******
After we finished our pancakes, Xia wanted to wander a little longer.
The shopping district had grown busier—sunlight reflecting off windows, the sound of chatter and bicycles weaving through the street.
We browsed a few more small shops, but by the time we finally decided to head home, the sky was already fading into orange.
Warm light stretched over the street, soft and comforting.
Xia hummed beside me, sipping the last of her bubble tea.
"Today was nice," she said. "Let's do this again next week."
"Mm. Maybe," I replied with a small smile.
"You'll probably drag me out anyway."
She laughed. "You know me too well."
We parted ways near the station.
She waved one last time before heading toward her bus stop, and I continued walking alone.
The streets were calmer now—just a few people heading home, storefront signs flickering to life one by one.
I liked this hour.
The air was cooler, and everything felt slower, gentler.
I took a different route home than usual, passing by a small park I used to visit when I was younger.
The vending machine by the gate was still there, humming softly under the fading light.
I realized I was a little thirsty.
Maybe something cold before heading home wouldn't hurt.
As I approached, I noticed someone already standing there, looking quietly at the rows of drinks.
He looked familiar—tall, casual clothes, a calm expression that didn't stand out unless you paid attention.
For a moment, I tried to place him.
Then it clicked.
The bookstore.
Tang Yuan.
He looked up just then, as if sensing someone nearby.
Our eyes met briefly, and his expression shifted from mild surprise to recognition.
"Oh... Zhao Yiyi?" he said, as if confirming it wasn't just coincidence.
I hesitated before nodding.
"Ah—yes. Tang Yuan, right? From class."
He gave a small, polite smile.
"Yeah. I didn't expect to see you here."
"Same," I said softly.
"You live around here too?"
"Not far," he replied.
"Just stopped by for a drink on the way home."
The moment fell quiet—only the soft hum of the vending machine filled the space between us.
He didn't seem like the type to talk much, but somehow the silence wasn't uncomfortable.
Eventually, he selected a bottle of iced tea and stepped aside.
"You can go ahead."
"Thanks."
I pressed a button and chose a drink almost at random—only realizing afterward it was the same kind he picked.
He noticed but didn't comment.
His gaze drifted to the sky, now deep orange fading slowly into purple.
"The weather's nice today," he said quietly, almost to himself.
"It is," I replied.
"A little warm, though."
He nodded softly.
"Yeah."
Another pause—gentle, unhurried.
Not awkward. Just... unfamiliar.
I held my drink and gave a polite smile.
"Well... see you Monday, then."
"Yeah," he said, calm and faintly gentle.
"See you."
I turned and began walking home.
But after a few steps, I glanced back.
He was still there, standing by the vending machine, looking up at the evening sky as if lost in thought.
For some reason,
the sight lingered in my mind longer than I expected.