18. 'Permission'

*Song Meng POV

Some things in this world are just surreal. They are either too incredible or just too amazing or even MY brain to process. That was how I felt when I saw Qin Shan in the courtyard.

Her lavender dress was modest, yet highlighted her every curve. She had left her hair down but curled it, so it was like a black cape behind her. Her makeup seemed light and exquisite, the silver matching the stripes on my suit. I smile at her taking my get up in. We meet eyes and at that moment, we are thinking the same thing.

Wu He calls us to board the car and we set off. I learn about what her experiences in life and school have been like for the past few years. According to her friend Xiao Huan, she was somewhat of an ice queen herself. Wu He smirks at me in the rearview mirror and I suppress a laugh as Qin Shan tries (without success) to refute her friends claim.

The atmosphere in the venue is joyful - not at all haughty. Halloween is right around the corner, the darkest night of the year - yet, staring at Qin Shan, I only see the stars. Darkness has no presence here.

I notice other guys checking her out and I get angry. They look before meeting my eyes, then never look again. Good. That is how it should be. She is mine.

We move to the photo area and take photos in groups. I look over Qin Shan's shoulder at our picture and see that she purchases it. In the photo, We are looking at each other. I'm not smiling but she has subtle grin. Her beauty eminates like that of a star and I'm enchanted again.

Wu He and Qin Shan's friend almost run into the mosh pit and start to dance. Qin Shan starts cheering for them and I can't help but get a little jealous. 'Hopefully she'll cheer like that for me one day.'

Hesitantly, we join together with them and just dance in a little isolated group, away from all the others. This goes on for what feels like a glorious eternity before a slow song starts. It's American and based on her expression, I can tell Qin Shan knows it. Her eyes start to glow. She looks up at me

"Qin Shan, care for a dance?" I automatically ask

She takes my hand and smiles and my heart starts to beat out of my chest.

We start to sway to the music before I realize that she does actually know how to dance. She is quite elegant and we stay in step together. Her smile is fixed the entire song and she looks at me the entire time. Time just slows down as I stare into her eyes. All the other students are looking, whispering. Now, she doesn't care. She is no longer embarrassed and we just really get into the vibe.

Little do we know that a circle has formed around us.

At the end of the song, the semi-circle of students around us starts to applaud. Qin Shan snaps out of whatever bliss she was in and blushes but clutches my hand tighter. We are together and forever meant to be.

She whispers in to my ear

"That song, it was called "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, an american artist." Her voice is soft yet there is a husky kind of tone.

"You are perfect." I whisper to her. I know my voice is a little bit uneven. She flushes than looks up at me.

"Thank you so much for today." I'm shocked all over again. She's thanking me?? It should really be the other way around.

Faster paced music starts to play and we make our way outside onto the patio. The night breeze is cool and so I take off my suit and put it around her. She smiles at me which relays all of the emotions she feels.

I can't help it, I turn her towards me and cup her chin.

"Wait." She says it softly, quietly.

"What?" I'm confused and she looks guilty.

"I'm sorry. I-I can't right now. Not yet. Hopefully soon...I mean maybe..." She starts to ramble off but I understand her completely. It's my fault for trying to move too fast.

"Don't apologize. I'm willing to wait." I say and her eyes light up with tears. Before they can spill I wipe them off.

"What did I do to deserve a person like you." Her voice is so quiet I almost need to strain to hear it.

"Everything." I say. "And really, it should be the other way around." I murmur and she looks slightly confused before giving me a big hug.

"Thank you nevertheless, Song Meng." She sounds so genuine. I return her embrace and we just stay like this. I wish we could stay this way forever.

"Look at the moon. It's beautiful." She says quietly. She is right. It is nearly a full moon. The brightness of it and the subtle luminous beams settle on the patio. We are the only ones still out here.

"It pales in comparison to you." I whisper and she flushes and buries her head into my chest, embarrassed.

"That's an exaggeration." She mutters. I laugh softly and she tilts her head up to look at me.

"Thank you for waiting for me." She says.

Xiao Huan and Wu He meet us out on the patio. They are both sweating after dancing the night away, yet, both of them are glowing. I see the red lipstick on Wu He's shirt collar and grin at him. He blushes and looks away.

"Ready to head out?" He asks, still a little bit flushed.

"Mmm." I reply and take Qin Shan's hand in mine. She stiffens for only a split second but then complies, allowing me to bring her to in front of the venue.

The rest of the dance is still in full swing, but, the four of us decide to leave. It's nearly 11:00pm anyway.

In the car ride, Qin Shan is silent, I steal a glance over at her and notice she has fallen asleep. Her head is not in a very comfortable position so I pull her closer to me and allow her to rest on my shoulder. Her body is warm and she breathes deeply. The sound is so sweet.

Earlier she asked me why I was willing to wait for her, honestly, I would wait a lifetime for her, and even beyond that. I look at her closed eyes and soft breathing

"I love you." I whisper so that only I can hear it.