"Darling, you must be cautious while strolling in such high heels," Ruan Mei advises, her voice gentle yet tinged with concern. She kneels beside you, carefully treating the small cut on your ankle that resulted from your stumble. The sting of the antiseptic is nothing compared to the warmth of her touch, her fingers as delicate as her words.

You watched her in silence, only embarrassment filling your face, although something deeper—something that came from the slow unfurling in your heart.

As she tended to your injury, you realize what that feeling is—the thrumming in your chest whenever she’s near, the way your heart skips a beat at the sound of her voice. It’s not just affection or admiration; it’s love, plain and simple. You feel like she’s your other half, the person who understands you in ways no one else ever could. In a world that can be so cruel, she’s your solace, your safe place.

And somehow, deep down, you hoped that she felt the same way too.