Localized Rainfall

(Free to read in full, with a print edition of the same name now available)

Back in school, Shi Chang was constantly thrown off balance by Xing Jian Yue, who would say one moment, "I'm not close to him," and the next, "Dating your first love is a safe bet." In the end, he simply stopped her and asked if she was actually interested in him.

Shi Chang: "Are you messing with me, or do you like me?"

Xing Jian Yue: "Let me think about it. I'll tell you tomorrow."

No problem. He could wait.

The clock hands went around and around until the appointed time finally came. But he waited and waited, and she never showed.

He thought something must have held her up. There was no shame in a man making the first move.

But when he went to look for her, he found out she'd run away overnight.

Years later, when they met again, Shi Chang's hard heart hadn't even had time to grow thorns before Xing Jian Yue's tears defeated him.

She had a terrible memory, and besides, the years in the hourglass had been so long. He wrestled with his pride, fought it, then finally gave in and made peace with himself.

Fine. He'd confess again.

Xing Jian Yue looked troubled. "...We can't. We're not right for each other."

Shi Chang sighed helplessly. "What is it this time?"

Xing Jian Yue: "Sorry, I almost forgot that I have a boyfriend now."

Shi Chang: "..."

Xing Jian Yue, you really are a menace!

She smiled innocently. "Little brother, you should call me sister-in-law."

*Time travel

Theme: None