Song Sifan stood on his balcony, a cigarette between his lips, a glass of whiskey in hand. His eyes dropped to the street below and fell on the outline of a familiar car.
The sight of that car irritated him. Three months. It had been three months, and still this persistent shadow followed him everywhere, skulking like Song Sifan didn't know his scent by heart.
He took his phone, dialed, and said flatly. "Jie. Call your brother to come home or he'll freeze to death outside."
He ended the call and took another sip of whiskey as he stared down at the car.
Moments later, his phone buzzed. Song Sifan sighed, then reluctantly pressed the phone to his ear.
Kang Wen's voice was low and intimate. It made Song Sifan frown.
"If you're that worried about me, just let me in."
"You're embarrassing yourself."
"I know you still care for me."
Song Sifan rolled his eyes. "Stop doing this. I'm not moved. Go home before I call the cops."
A soft, playful chuckle came from the other end. "Okay, okay, I'm leaving."
As the car pulled away, Song Sifan blocked Kang Wen's contact with hesitation. Staring at the sky, he wished he could see the stars, then took another long drag.
***
Song Sifan stared at the paintbrush for a moment before returning it to the shelf. The bristles were too stiff for what he had in mind. He picked another one and put it straight into his basket.
As he continued down the aisle, his phone buzzed and he placed it against his ear.
"You want to meet at my studio?" Song Sifan's gaze drifted to the shopfront window as he spoke.
Across the street, a man was pretending to look at his phone, but was clearly watching him. Song Sifan's eyes narrowed. How had Kang Wen known where to find him?
"I'll take pictures of the painting," he said. "There's no need to meet at the studio. Let's meet somewhere else instead."
He moved deeper into the store, putting shelves between himself and the window.
"Yes, I'll text you the address on the day."
His gaze drifted across the street again. Satisfied, he muttered to himself: "Catch me if you can, A-Wen."