《Crossing to the Far Shore by Starlight》 by Someone Ming
In this bustling, dust-filled world, the two boys were lucky to have a humble little home where they could spend their days together, sharing the seasons and the years. Shen Yan carried a blazing passion in his heart, keeping his edge sheathed and holding himself in check. Lu Zhixu was as thoughtful as warm jade, hiding his feelings behind silence. Sitting across from each other under the lamplight, walking home together, through countless passing days and nights, the unspoken admiration between them became a single spark in their eyes, flickering uncertainly, never daring to shine too brightly. Good friends gathered around them, and the world slowly unfolded. The many sights and sounds of life did not revolve around just the two of them, yet amid all the noise and bustle, each heart ultimately belonged to the other. On this shore were the proprieties of friendship, boundaries they dared not cross. On the far shore lay feelings they kept secret, afraid to touch them. The spark was small, but it refused to go out. The river was vast, but they were not afraid of the long journey.
May they take that faint light as their guide, brave the waves, and slowly cross to the shore where the other waits.
Shen Yan: Openhearted and passionate, carefree on the outside but restrained within. For years, he has hidden his unrequited love beneath the name of friendship, swallowing his feelings, yielding in everything, and loving quietly. The stubbornness of youth drove a wedge between him and Lu Zhixu, and they parted with regrets. After they reunite, he outgrows his recklessness and, with enduring resolve and tenderness, heals the fear and regret they carried from their youth.
Lu Zhixu: Quiet and perceptive, sensitive and starved for affection, he is used to silently healing on his own. He keeps a passionate love buried deep in his heart, too insecure and timid to speak of it. A youthful misunderstanding and a standoff of silence led him to push away the only light in his life. After they reunite, Shen Yan’s steadfast devotion helps him heal and leave his self-imposed isolation. They save each other, mend their broken relationship, and stay by each other’s side year after year.
Theme: A spark need not become a wildfire. The road ahead may be long, but you can cross to the far shore one slow step at a time.
