The summer air had a soft golden glow, the streets of Aozora City buzzing with weekend energy. Tianxin stood outside a cozy little café, her fingers fiddling with her phone, but her eyes scanning the street nervously.
She wore a pastel puff-sleeve midi dress, romantic and vintage-inspired, with delicate lace near the sleeves and a soft, flowing skirt. Her hair was loosely pinned back, with soft curls framing her face. She wasn't sure why she spent so much time choosing this dress—but her heart had insisted.
She looked down at her shoes. "Maybe this is too much."
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
"…Whoa."
She looked up. Jiasheng stood a few steps away, staring at her like he'd never seen her before.
"You okay?" she asked.
He didn't move.
"You look—different," he said, eyes trailing the dress like he was trying to remember how to speak.
"Different good or different bad?"
Jiasheng blinked. "Different beautiful." His voice dropped slightly.
Tianxin laughed nervously. "You sure you're not dreaming?"
"If I am, don't wake me up."
She lightly punched his arm, hiding the way her face burned.
🍦 Ice Cream & Jealousy
Later, they wandered through a local festival street. Colorful stalls lined up, laughter in the air. The ice cream stand caught Tianxin's attention.
"One mango ice cream, please!"
The vendor handed it over and smiled a little too brightly. "Your girlfriend has great taste… and a really cute dress."
Jiasheng stepped forward. "She knows. That's why she's with me."
Before she could reply, he snatched the ice cream and took a big bite.
"Hey! That's mine!"
"Compensation for emotional damage," he said coolly.
Tianxin narrowed her eyes. "You're so—"
But before she could finish, a dab of ice cream smeared the edge of her lip. Jiasheng noticed.
"Hold still," he said softly, leaning in. His fingers gently touched her chin, and with one small motion, he wiped the cream away—and then, in a completely unexpected moment, leaned in and kissed her lightly.
It was soft. Barely a second.
Her eyes widened, stunned. "W-what was that?"
He blinked. "You had ice cream on your face."
"That's not how people usually wipe it!"
Jiasheng shrugged, flustered but trying to play it off. "Then I guess I'm not most people."
She stood frozen.
He added, "Also, you looked way too cute eating it. Couldn't help it."
💬 Nervous Hearts
They found a quiet bench by the river, the city lights reflecting off the water. Neither spoke for a while.
Tianxin, still flustered, leaned back and softly said, "You think people get nervous around someone they love?"
Jiasheng turned his head. "Why?"
"Just curious."
He watched her for a long second. "Yeah. I think it means the heart's learning something serious."
She looked at him and smiled faintly. "…Then mine must be preparing for an exam."
He laughed.
They sat together, side by side, sharing one more scoop of ice cream—quietly aware that something had changed between them, something sweet, and slow, and real.