When Shadows Fall

Also known as: Seeking the Stars

After Li Shuangyang transferred schools in his senior year, a little shadow was always following him. The kid thought he was hiding it well, but Li had noticed him the first time he stared.

Whenever the little shadow sneaked a look at him, Li quietly watched him in return.

He thought the kid would do something, but all he did was silently stare at him.

He looked thin, but his eyes were fierce and full of hurt.

*

Most people have at least some combination of a mom, dad, grandparents, and maternal grandparents in their lives.

Wen Li only learned about this later, from other people. They called it a "normal" family.

People often told him he was "abnormal." He only had his brother.

The one who fed and cared for Wen Li, took him to school, let him run wild, brought him water when he was thirsty, and fed him when he was hungry was still his brother.

After their parents died, his brother was everything to him.

When he was little, his brother looked after him. People often discussed their relationship nearby, saying it was "abnormal" for them to be like that, but Wen Li never paid them any mind.

It wasn't until Wen Ming's family came looking for him that he realized Wen Ming was different from him. Wen Ming was what they called a "normal person."

Wen Ming was different from him.

So Wen Li packed him up, belongings and all, and sent him off to a "normal" family.

After they separated, he sometimes wondered what it was like for Wen Ming to go home. The more he thought about it, the more he wondered what it would be like when they met again.

He never expected to see him again in high school. Time had gone by so fast.

Under the blazing sun, the world was a blur, but Wen Li only had to glance at that person to remember him.

As time went on, the image of him grew more vivid in Wen Li's mind. He gradually realized that, in his eyes, his brother was still just as "abnormal" as he was.

They had gone through the same things.

They had once shared a home and meals.

But his brother seemed to have forgotten him.

It didn't matter. He only had his brother.

Even if his brother couldn't remember him, he would only ever love him.

He only loved his brother.

1. Told from the love interest's perspective.

2. "Normal" is just a label imposed by others. Follow your heart.

Theme: Never run from hardship, and make mental well-being a priority as you grow.