After a quick round of small chit-chat and photo sharing—yes, yes, we did take pictures, even if the chapters forgot to mention it, please accept this retroactive continuity—we finally slow down.
Jiang smiles at me, soft and warm like he's bookmarking the moment.
"Merry Christmas," he says again, like once isn't enough.
Zeyan nods. Yuyu beams.
"Merry Christmas."
I smile back, tired but full in a way that has nothing to do with food.
"Yeah… Merry Christmas."
And just like that, we split.
Zeyan and Yuyu head off together, silhouettes shrinking down the street, already in their own little bubble. Me and Jiang turn toward apartment.
The second we start walking, I cling to his arm like my life depends on it.
I shiver. Hard.
Okay. Mini skirt? In winter? At night? Who let me make fashion decisions?
Jiang glances down at me, amused. "Cold?"
"No," I lie through chattering teeth. "I'm just… vibrating with festive spirit."
