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墨書 Inktalez
"Give me another chance."
These words were like a stone thrown into the calm surface of a lake, creating huge ripples in my heart.
A chance?
What kind of chance?
A chance to start over?
I stared blankly at his face, so close yet so distant, my mind a complete blank. His deep-set eyes were like two swirling pools, threatening to pull me in entirely. The wind on the terrace seemed to have stilled, and the air grew thick and ambiguous. I could hear the pounding of my heart like a drum.
"…Ran," I managed to say, my voice trembling slightly, "we…"
Between us lay three years, filled with misunderstandings and hurt. Could we really go back?
He seemed to see through my hesitation and worries. Reaching out, he gently brushed aside the hair blown across my forehead. The warmth of his fingertips made me shiver involuntarily.
"I know a lot has happened in the past," he said softly, his voice carrying a soothing power. "I don’t want to deny those hurts, nor do I expect you to forgive me immediately."
"I just…"
He paused, and an emotion flickered in his eyes—one that was almost vulnerable. It was something I had never seen on his face before.
"I don’t want to miss out again."
Not wanting to miss out again…
Those words were like a key that unlocked a long-sealed door in my heart.
Indeed.
We had already missed three years.
How many three-year spans does life offer for missing out and regretting?
If only I hadn’t impulsively blocked him back then.
If only he had been brave enough to find me and tell me the truth.
Would we not have ended up here today?
But there are no ifs.
We have all paid the price for our youthful impulsiveness and stubbornness.
Now, he is back.
Standing in front of me, in a posture that is almost humble, asking for a chance.
Can I still… refuse?
Or rather, do I… want to refuse?
Deep inside, it seems there is a voice shouting:
Stop hesitating, Xia Wan!
Give yourself a chance, and give him a chance!
To hell with pride! To hell with worries!
At the very least… don’t leave any regrets!
I looked into his eyes, filled with hope and anxiety; those once indifferent and distant eyes now reflected only my figure.
I took a deep breath, as if using all my strength.
Then, I gently nodded.
In the sudden brightness of his gaze, I heard myself say in a voice as faint as a mosquito's:
“…Okay.”
One word, light as a feather, yet it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.
Ran's body seemed to stiffen for a moment, then an overwhelming joy and sense of relief instantly lit up his entire face.
He suddenly reached out and tightly embraced me.
His arms were warm and strong, filled with an excitement and cherish of something regained.
I leaned against his solid chest, listening to the powerful rhythm of his heartbeat, one beat after another, gradually syncing with mine.
The familiar yet strange scent enveloped my senses.
In that moment, all the unease, hesitation, and worries… vanished into thin air.
All that remained was an indescribable… peace.
It felt like a ship that had drifted for so long finally finding a harbor to dock.
We held each other quietly like this, without saying a word.
Under the terrace, the celebration banquet continued to buzz with excitement.
On the terrace, it was just the two of us, accompanied by the gentle evening breeze from the Seine River.
Time seemed to stand still in that moment.
After a long while, he slowly released me, but his hands remained resting on my shoulders.
He looked down at me, his gaze so tender it felt as if it could drip with warmth.
"Xia Wan," he said, his voice slightly hoarse, "thank you."
I looked at him and smiled.
This time, it was a smile that came from the heart.
"So..." I teased him deliberately, "is this the request you wanted to make three years ago?"
He paused for a moment, then laughed as a glint of mischief flickered in his eyes.
"Sort of."
"But..." he shifted his tone, "I haven't quite figured out the specifics yet."
"I'll let you know once I have it all sorted out."
"Hey!" I protested, playfully hitting him, "You're being evasive!"
He grasped my hand, holding it tightly in his palm.
"Then... how about I spend a lifetime thinking about it? Is that okay?"
His eyes were serious and focused.
My face flushed again, betraying me.
When did this person become so good at sweet talk?
I turned my head away, unable to meet his gaze for fear of completely losing myself in it.
"Who said you could take a lifetime..." I mumbled softly.
He chuckled lowly, his chest vibrating with delight.
"Then... how about we start tomorrow?" he suggested. "Are you free for dinner?"
Tomorrow...
It seemed my schedule was... open?
I had originally planned to sleep in and then visit the museum.
“...I have some free time,” I said.
“Great,” he replied, a deeper smile lighting up his eyes. “I’ll come pick you up tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
We chatted for a while longer, avoiding the heavy topics of the past. Instead, we spoke like old friends who had reunited after a long separation, sharing stories from the last three years, discussing our plans for the future, and enjoying lighthearted conversations.
The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant, as if the three years of silence and distance between us had never existed.
It wasn’t until Ke Lin found me on the terrace, reminding me that I needed to greet an important buyer, that I reluctantly prepared to leave.
“I’ll head inside now,” I said.
“Alright,” Ran nodded and let go of my hand.
I turned to walk away but couldn’t help glancing back at him after a couple of steps.
He was looking at me too, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
The moonlight spilled over him, wrapping him in a silver glow.
I smiled back at him before turning around and hurrying back to the bustling banquet hall.
Inside, my heart felt as if it were filled with something warm and abundant.
It turned out…
The feeling of reuniting was like this.
A bit surreal, almost dreamlike.
But more than anything, it was grounded and… hopeful.
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