Mu Zhe looked up, watching the snowflakes drift down to the ground. Everything was blanketed in white. This New Year felt different. Not just because he could only be with his family on New Year's Eve and would have to return to the island the very next day. But because so much had changed in his life lately.
There was Li Yue and the Zhang family. There was his uncle Qihan, and Jonathan. And deepest of all — there was his relationship with Lulu.
His first New Year with someone he loved. It really did feel different. There was always something he was looking forward to. Even a minute apart felt like a whole year.
"Mu Zhe."
A very familiar voice called — one he'd missed so much. He turned around, his lips already curved into a bright, beautiful smile.
"Yo!"
Mu Zhe's smile died instantly. He glared at Zhang Yiran, thoroughly displeased. For the first time ever, his friend's face looked positively irritating.
"Are the others here yet?"
Zhang Yiran asked, completely unaware he was only making things worse. Mu Zhe's quiet hope — just him and Lulu, watching the snow fall together — had been shattered in an instant.
"Does it look like anyone else is here?"
Mu Zhe replied sarcastically, clearly displeased.
"Where's Bai Lu?"
Lulu asked, starting to worry seeing Mu Zhe all alone. What if Li Yue showed up? Would Mu Zhe be safe here? He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Mu Zhe — ready to protect the one he loved.
Zhang Yiran rolled his eyes.
"Show-off," he muttered under his breath.
Mu Zhe gestured toward the café across the road. Through the windows, he could see his brother and the rest of the group already inside. They'd gone in to keep Fantuan warm. Now they were all waiting — waiting for the Zhang family and Bo Ya to show up.
"Is everyone here yet?"
Bo Ya asked, just arriving with luggage alongside Zhang Zhiqi. He sounded concerned.
"Where are the others?"
He only saw Mu Zhe standing there — all alone. That made him even more worried.
"In there."
Mu Zhe said, nodding toward the café across the street. Bo Ya looked over — it was only a few metres away. But for some reason, his heart felt heavy that day. It felt as though something bad was about to happen.
"Call them. We need to hurry."
Bo Ya said firmly to Zhang Zhiqi.
"Let them wait. Ru Yi hasn't arrived yet. Come on, let's go in and join them."
Zhang Zhiqi said. But Bo Ya just looked at him — his gaze heavy, speaking volumes. He wasn't at ease. Every line of his face showed how worried and afraid he was.
"What's wrong?"
Zhang Zhiqi asked softly, his tone gentle and reassuring.
Bo Ya remained silent. His eyes moved to Lulu, then Zhang Yiran, then Mu Zhe. He pushed the uneasy thought aside — no need to alarm everyone, not when it might be nothing more than his own anxiety.
"Go on inside. All of you."
There was no room for argument in his voice.
Mu Zhe looked at Lulu, hoping he'd understand — he'd wanted so badly to spend some time together, just the two of them, playing in the snow. He'd pictured it all so clearly ever since leaving home that morning.
Lulu got the message right away. He turned to his father instead, hoping he could talk Bo Ya into staying a little longer.
"Bo Ya, let them play for a while longer while we wait for Ru Yi."
Zhang Zhiqi coaxed softly, his hand gently wrapping around Bo Ya's — hoping to ease the heaviness in his heart.
"But…"
"Shhh…"
Zhang Zhiqi pulled him close.
"Don't ruin their happiness. They deserve to enjoy this moment. Lulu and Yiran have been apart for so long. Let them have this… okay?"
Zhang Zhiqi coaxed softly.
Bo Ya fell silent. He knew Zhiqi was right. But deep down, a heavy unease wouldn't go away. It felt as though something was looming — something big, and definitely not good.
Bo Ya turned, looking from Zhang Yiran to Lulu, then back again.
"Haaa…"
He let out a heavy sigh.
"Fine… alright."
Bo Ya finally gave in. Mu Zhe's gloomy expression lit up instantly. Lulu just smiled fondly at his beloved's reaction.
"But!"
Everyone's faces fell. They looked at Bo Ya, giving him their best puppy-dog eyes.
"Stay where we can see you, okay?"
Bo Ya said, his voice heavy with concern. His heart raced — it felt as though the sky could fall at any moment, and if he took his eyes off them for even a second, they might simply vanish.
"Got it. We'll stay right here."
Zhang Yiran promised, noticing just how truly anxious Bo Ya was.
"Let's have a snowball fight! I'll go get the others!"
Mu Zhe said, darting off toward the café right away to fetch everyone.
Bo Ya gripped the edge of his sweater, his heart pounding harder than before. The more children out here, the greater the risk. How could he possibly protect them all if Li Yue attacked? Just the thought made his knees feel weak.
"Let's go inside with the others. It's too cold out here."
Zhang Zhiqi urged gently, his heart aching when he saw how pale Bo Ya looked.
But Bo Ya shook his head. He walked over to a nearby bench instead. He needed to keep them in sight — he couldn't let them out of his watchful gaze, not even for a moment.
"Don't sit down just yet."
Bo Ya turned sharply. Zhang Zhiqi was standing right in front of him. What now…?
Zhang Zhiqi brushed the snow off the bench, then took off his sweater and spread it over the wood.
"Go ahead. Sit now."
Zhang Zhiqi smiled warmly at him.
"You don't have to fuss over me like this. I'm not made of glass."
Bo Ya said, frowning slightly. Deep down, he was terrified: if Zhang Zhiqi kept treating him this gently, how much longer could he keep his true feelings buried?
"I know that. But to me, you are."
Zhang Zhiqi gripped Bo Ya's shoulders, gently guiding him toward the bench.
"You're the most important person in my life. Of course I'm going to take care of you."
Bo Ya fell silent. A tender, aching feeling tugged at his heart.
"Sit here. I'll get you some hot chocolate."
Zhang Zhiqi walked off, leaving Bo Ya lost in thought, turning his words over and over in his mind.
"Hurry up, Ah Fei!"
Zhang Yiran's call pulled Bo Ya out of his thoughts. He looked up, watching the children happily having a snowball fight before him.
The weight in his chest lifted just a little as he saw them laughing and playing together. It was the first time he'd seen Zhang Yiran this carefree with others — and the first time he'd seen Lulu play like just an ordinary child.
"Care to join them?"
Bo Ya looked up to see Zhang Zhiqi returning, holding two cups of hot chocolate. He handed one over, then sat down beside him.
"Everything will be okay."
Zhang Zhiqi said softly, hoping to calm the storm in the heart of the man who always stood so faithfully by his side.
"I truly hope so,"
Bo Ya murmured quietly.