The morning of the festival dawned crisp and bright.
Liang Meiyu woke before her alarm, her heart pounding as though it already knew today wouldn't be ordinary. She stood by her window, staring at the school in the distance, where colorful banners fluttered in the breeze.
This was the first festival she'd ever truly looked forward to.
And yet, her chest felt heavy.
Because today, she couldn't just hide behind her sketches or slip through the crowd unnoticed. Today, she would be seen.
---
By mid-morning, the school grounds were alive.
Laughter, chatter, and the clamor of games spilled through every hallway. Booths lined the courtyard, decorated with paper streamers, banners, and lanterns. The smell of grilled skewers and sweet buns lingered in the air.
Meiyu's class had transformed their booth into a glowing lane of lanterns. Strung across bamboo poles, they shimmered in shades of crimson, gold, and pearl. Visitors paused to admire them, and whispers of praise floated through the crowd.
Her classmates beamed with pride. "It's a hit!" someone shouted, clapping her on the shoulder.
Meiyu ducked her head, embarrassed but secretly thrilled.
"You did good," Haoran said beside her, offering her a gentle smile. He wore a simple dark jacket over his uniform, sleeves rolled neatly. Somehow, even in casual clothes, he looked calm, dependable—like the kind of person who would always catch you if you fell.
She smiled back. "We all did."
But before she could say more, a familiar voice cut through the noise.
"Tch. Don't hog her. She has other people to help."
Yichen leaned lazily against one of the poles, hands shoved into his pockets. He wore his uniform jacket loosely, collar popped. His sharp, careless aura stood out even in the festive crowd, drawing curious glances.
Meiyu stiffened. His eyes were on her—not mocking this time, but something heavier, more unreadable.
Her heart skipped.
"Come with me," Yichen said suddenly, not waiting for her reply. He grabbed her wrist lightly and tugged her toward the back of the booth.
Haoran's brows furrowed. "Yichen—"
But Yichen only shot him a look, daring him to interfere.
---
Away from the crowd, behind the booth, the noise dimmed.
Meiyu tugged her wrist free. "What are you doing?"
Yichen leaned against the wall, watching her. His usual smirk was gone. "You're… different today."
She blinked. "Different?"
"You're smiling. Talking to people. Acting like you belong here." His eyes flickered, unsettled. "It bothers me."
Her chest tightened. "Why would it bother you?"
"Because—" His voice cracked, then steadied. "Because I'm not used to it. You were supposed to be the quiet girl I could tease, the one who looked only at her sketches. But now…" He stepped closer, shadows clinging to his sharp features. "Now, everyone's looking at you. And I don't like it."
Her breath caught. Heat crawled up her neck.
Yichen's gaze softened, just for a moment. "I don't want to share that smile with anyone else."
Before she could respond, a voice called out—warm, steady, breaking the moment.
"Meiyu?"
Haoran appeared, holding two bottles of juice. He paused when he saw how close they stood. His eyes flickered, unreadable, but his tone stayed calm. "I was looking for you."
The air grew thick.
Meiyu stepped back quickly, clutching her hands together. "I—I should go help at the booth."
Neither boy moved to stop her. But as she walked away, she could feel their gazes burning at her back—one sharp, one tender.
---
By afternoon, the festival reached its peak.
Crowds flooded the courtyard. Music from the stage echoed across the school. Laughter and camera clicks filled the air.
Meiyu worked nonstop at the lantern booth, explaining designs, helping children paint, smiling more than she had in years.
And yet, every time she looked up, one of them was there.
Haoran, quietly stepping in to hand her brushes or shield her from the rush of visitors.
Yichen, leaning in the corner, scaring off rowdy boys who tried to talk to her, his sharp eyes daring anyone to come too close.
Her chest tightened more with every passing hour.
---
As evening fell, the lantern lighting ceremony began.
Students and visitors gathered in the courtyard, each holding a lantern. The crowd buzzed with excitement, waiting for the moment when the lanterns would rise into the night sky.
Meiyu stood among her classmates, lantern in hand. The paper glowed faintly, painted with blossoms she had drawn herself.
Beside her, Haoran held his lantern calmly, his gaze steady on her. On her other side, Yichen fidgeted impatiently, though his eyes softened when they fell on her.
The teacher's voice rang out. "On the count of three, release your lanterns and make a wish."
"One…"
Meiyu's heart pounded.
"Two…"
The boys glanced at her, almost at the same time.
"Three!"
Lanterns lifted into the air, glowing like stars. The courtyard erupted with cheers as hundreds of lights floated upward, filling the dark sky.
Meiyu released hers slowly, watching it rise.
Her wish burned quietly inside her chest. Please… let me find where I belong.
Beside her, Haoran smiled faintly, his gaze soft on her profile. Yichen clenched his jaw, as if swallowing words he couldn't yet say.
The night sky glittered with lanterns.
But in Meiyu's chest, the weight of two gazes pressed down—warm sunlight and fierce fire.
And she knew.
This festival wasn't the end.
It was only the beginning.
---