There’s glitter on the floor after the party, girls carrying their shoes down in the lobby.

As the clock chimed midnight, the sky outside burst into a kaleidoscope of colors, each firework lighting up the night with vibrancy, marking the dawn of a new year. The sound of cheers and laughter echoed from the streets, but inside, the atmosphere was quieter, more peaceful. You felt a deep sense of contentment, having spent the last day of December with Ruan Mei, sharing a moment that felt timeless.

While the rest of the world was lost in celebration, you and her had chosen a different path. Instead of joining the crowd outside, you both stayed behind, quietly tidying up the aftermath of the small gathering that had taken place earlier. The remnants of the night—bottles, glasses, and bits of clutter—were scattered around, but there was something peaceful about it.

"I appreciate your help here, my dear," Ruan Mei said softly, her voice warm and sincere. She handed you the final bottle, her fingers brushing lightly against yours as she placed it into the plastic bag you were holding. The simple act of cleaning up, something so mundane, felt different with her—meaningful, almost sacred in its simplicity.

A gentle smile curved her lips, and for a moment, her eyes lingered on yours, the glow of the fireworks outside couldn’t even compare to the light in her turquoise eyes.