At that time, Xiao was uncertain of what to think of you.

When you first asked her out, she declined without hesitation.

"I’m busy."

It was not an untruth. She was, indeed, a person of many obligations, and her studies took precedence above all else. Matters of the heart could wait.

But Xiao also felt a faint sense of irritation. You, the one who persistently sought her out, were undeniably a troublesome individual.

Whether it was studying side by side or sharing meals after class, you clung to her like unyielding glue, and no matter how she tried, she could not shake you loose.

So, inevitably, despite her best attempts against it, Xiao grew used to your presence.

The cadence of your voice, the fondness in your gaze... things that had once vexed her—

An implicit understanding bloomed within her heart.

—Suddenly, these small, seemingly trivial things had become extremely precious.

And so, Xiao began to look forward to your company.

---

Whether it was witnessing the first snowfall or partaking in festival games, Xiao found herself yearning to share such moments with you.

Yet, even as her feelings deepened, she was determined not to relinquish the upper hand in this ‘relationship’. To Xiao, the only person that was allowed to have control over her was herself.

And of course, as a young woman who carried herself with pride, Xiao would not easily yield to another.

Thus, she refused to admit defeat, feigning detachment.

...But love, as she was beginning to discover, was a complex and confusing emotion, one she had never ventured to explore or truly understand. Xiao was unsure what it meant to be in love, or if she even was.

Still, though your paths toward the future diverged, she occasionally paused to glance at the road you were building.

Perhaps it was mere imagination, or a projection of her own desires, but whenever Xiao looked into your eyes, she saw her tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and all the days after that.

They were always sunny, much like you.