The final bell echoed across campus, setting off a chorus of cheers and chatter. Students spilled out of the lecture halls, their faces lit with weekend excitement. Amidst the throng, Fu Shen leaned casually against the hood of his sleek black car, arms crossed and a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips.
And then—there she was.
Yue Lu emerged from the crowd with her backpack slung over one shoulder, the soft breeze playing with the strands of her chestnut hair. She spotted him immediately, and her face lit up, her steps quickening.
"Hey, Fu Gege! Waiting for someone?" she called out playfully, her voice carrying the ease of long familiarity.
Fu Shen straightened, his smile widening just a little. "Actually, I was waiting for you," he replied. "Your sister had to leave town for a work emergency. She asked me to make sure her favorite sister gets home safe."
Yue Lu rolled her eyes, cheeks tinged with pink. "I'm her only sister—but I'll accept the flattery. Thanks for the rescue."
They climbed into the car, the doors shutting with a soft click as Fu Shen pulled away from the curb. The car's interior filled with the gentle hum of the engine and the low notes of a ballad playing on the radio. The air between them was warm, unspoken words swimming just beneath the surface.
"So," Fu Shen said, glancing at her, "how was class?"
Yue Lu grinned. "We started a new project in art class. It's abstract portraiture this time. I'm thinking of doing something that captures emotion rather than likeness."
"Of course you are," he said, his voice laced with admiration. "You've always been the type to see what others miss."
Their conversation flowed like a quiet stream, winding through shared memories, silly jokes, and the simple beauty of old black-and-white films they both loved. By the time they pulled into Yue Lu's driveway, the sun was beginning to dip low on the horizon.
Just as she reached for the door handle, Fu Shen spoke again, his tone gentler now. "Hey… I was thinking—how about coming over this weekend? We could work on your project together, maybe binge a few of those classics we both like. Just… hang out."
Yue Lu's heart fluttered. A weekend with Fu Shen. No distractions. No eyes watching. Just the two of them.
"I'd love that," she said, steady and sure. "Sounds like the perfect weekend."
As their eyes met, a silent agreement passed between them—this was more than friendship. This was the beginning of something deeper.
Saturday Morning
Sunlight spilled through gauzy curtains, bathing Fu Shen's apartment in a honeyed glow. At the kitchen table, sketchbooks were open, pencils dancing across pages. The two of them sat side by side, shoulders occasionally brushing.
Fu Shen studied Yue Lu work. "You've got this way of pulling emotion out of nothing. It's like your sketches breathe."
Yue Lu smiled softly. "Thanks, Gege (Older brother). I guess I've always drawn from what I feel… and right now, there's a lot to feel."
Their eyes lingered. The unspoken buzzed louder than the morning quiet.
Saturday Evening
The lights were dim, the television casting flickers of shadow as a vintage film played. They sat close on the couch, their fingers occasionally brushing in the popcorn bowl. Each accidental touch sparked electricity, until it no longer felt accidental.
"You know," Fu Shen murmured, voice low, "these old films have nothing on the story we're writing right now."
Yue Lu turned to him, eyes shining. "I couldn't agree more. It feels like we're in the middle of our own script."
Their laughter intertwined, a melody of growing affection, tangled in the dim light of the living room.
Sunday Afternoon
They walked through the park, autumn leaves crunching beneath their feet like gentle percussion to their flowing conversation. The air was crisp, the sun bright but gentle, and the world felt quieter with just the two of them in it.
"I wish weekends like this could last forever," Fu Shen said suddenly, his gaze lingering on her profile.
Yue Lu paused. "Who says they can't? Maybe we just need to keep carving out our own little space—away from everything."
He looked at her then, really looked at her, as though seeing the start of something that had always been waiting.
Sunday Evening
Back at her door, bags in hand, the silence between them was thick with everything they hadn't yet said.
"This weekend was…" Fu Shen began, searching her eyes.
Yue Lu stepped closer. "It was more than perfect. It was the beginning of something amazing."
She smiled, and with one final look that made his heart ache, turned and stepped inside.
Fu Shen remained on the porch for a moment longer, the weight of the weekend pressing gently against him. He knew—this was just the prologue. Their real story was only just beginning.