Going Home

Feeling the warmth of the coat, Jiang Shen wrapped it around her and looked up. "Thanks."

"You're welcome," Yang Mu smiled softly, his gentle eyes gazing at her with such kindness.

Snapping out of such depressing thoughts, Jiang Shen cast away the gloom and returned to her happy self.

Unconsciously rubbing her earlobe, she then asked, "Did you manage to get the sparklers?"

"I did."

"Do you have a match? Or a lighter, maybe?"

Jiang Shen realized that they couldn't start without lighting them up first. The others merrily went around the area with high spirits, their sparklers added a festive glow to the party.

"Don't worry, they also handed out a box of matches." Yang Mu took out a bunch of sparklers and handed her one, before pulling out a match. "Here."

"Thanks."

The sparklers seemed like an incense stick in her hand, as she smiled and brushed back a strand of the baby hairs that framed her face.

Yang Mu concentrated on not letting the fire die out from the night breeze as he lit up their sparklers.

"They're pretty," Jiang Shen commented while admiring the sparks. "It would've been better if they were of different colors."

"You're much prettier," Yang Mu blurted out.

He realized what he said. The revelation made him want to pull out his hair in frustration. Somehow, he couldn't seem to keep the words he wanted to say a secret.

His heart became bare whenever she was in front of him. All the doubts about himself melted away at her words.

Jiang Shen curiously looked at him. Her gaze was piercing as her deep, brown eyes seemed like a forest you could get lost in.

She let out a peal of laughter and elbowed his side. "Sure I am!"

Yang Mu looked away and stared down at the sparklers in his hand. It was all bright and glowing, just like her.

"What, did you get embarrassed by your words?"

"I didn't."

He denied but the hint of blush on his face said otherwise. Jiang Shen noticed this and couldn't help but pinch his cheek.

"Then why are you blushing?"

The sudden contact with his cheek made Yang Mu subconsciously flinch away, her touch shocking him.

She suddenly felt a little embarrassed. After all, not everyone liked to be touch. She just assumed it was okay to him since she touched his hair just a while ago. It was probably because she had sweaty hands.

Yang Mu noticed her drooping eyes and hurriedly explained, "I was just surprised. I didn't mean to flinch away."

"No, it's okay. I'm sorry for touching you."

Jiang Shen shook her head. It was okay for her that he didn't like it. If she thought about it, she learned something new today.

Yang Mu did not want any misunderstandings to arise and held her hand, squeezing it.

"I'm serious. Your touch..." His gaze flashed with determination. But he was a little hesitant to voice it out. "I don't hate it."

Jiang Shen did have the habit of being overly familiar with a person, regardless of gender.

She sometimes unknowingly intrudes in their personal space, which can then lead to misunderstandings.

She knew it herself. But what was wrong with being overly friendly? Did she have to conform to the idea that the opposite sex should keep their distance from each other?

Unless of course, said person is in a relationship.

It wouldn't come as a shock to her if rumors were spreading that she was deliberately seducing men and acting like a white lotus.

So when Yang Mu took it upon himself to tell her the truth, a sense of delight filled her heart.

"That's a relief. I'd thought you'd hate me."

Jiang Shen valued her friendship with Yang Mu deeply. As they often shared the same intellectual capacity and helped each other out in the classroom.

Their ability to collaborate with one another to complement both of their strengths and weaknesses made Jiang Shen treasure their friendship.

"I'd never." Yang Mu vowed.

The both of them smiled and continued to light up the remaining sparklers until the party had officially ended.

The lights had been turned off as the students made their way out of the school.

It had been decided upon earlier that they would clean up the mess tomorrow, since it was the weekend. The committee happily obliged, eager to go home and rest.

The hectic day had made everyone exhausted, including Jiang Shen who already felt the tiredness seep into her body.

Seeing her quiet, Yang Mu led her to the path with a hand on her back, gently guiding her. "You sleepy?"

Jiang Shen did not hesitate to nod, yawning in the process. She clutched the blazer on her shoulder as she walked on the path.

It was a good thing that Kang Shu did not insist on making her wear heels, as Jiang Shen wore her high cut sneakers. It was a good match, not at all ruining the look.

"Let me take you home."

They stopped in front of the bike racks as the both of stood. The night was dark and the loud chirping of crickets accompanied the lone moon.

The chilly breeze made Jiang Shen even sleepier. She thought it was a good idea, but her bike was still here.

"I still..." She shook her head and said while letting out another yawn. "... Have my bike parked."

Yang Mu frowned. "It's dangerous to ride your bike so late at night. You might get into an accident."

He worried for her wellbeing. What if she often did this? He didn't want to see her take such dangerous route at night again.

Taking the thought seriously, Yang Mu was determined to accompany her to go home every school day.

"Well... what do you... suppose we do." Waves of yawn overcame her as she lightly swayed back and forth on her feet.

Yang Mu held her steady and said, "We'll wait at the bus stop."

"But it's a five minute walk from here..." Jiang Shen managed to mumble under her breathe.

Letting out a chuckle, Yang Mu held her shoulders and led them to walk towards the bus stop.