She had never thought of telling anyone.
No.
That wasn't true.
She just couldn't find the right person to confide in.
The girl's expression grew somewhat dim.
Xiao Xiao didn't know what else to say.
After all, he wasn't very familiar with the girl.
This was only their second time meeting.
He was an outsider who knew nothing about her relationship with his younger sister, so it wasn't his place to comment. Still, he could offer a few simple words.
"It's good to go for a walk when you're feeling down."
Xiao Xiao smiled. "But be careful."
"...Mm."
The girl answered softly.
Her brows remained slightly furrowed, and a few traces of gloom still lingered.
"Go straight this way, then turn right at the second traffic light. Do you know the art gallery there?"
Xiao Xiao's rather abrupt question caught the girl off guard.
She stared at him blankly.
Go straight... turn right at the second traffic light... an art gallery?
The girl tilted her head and thought for a moment.
Then she shook her head.
Seeing this, Xiao Xiao looked a little troubled.
"You don't know it?"
"I was going to say, there's an art exhibition on there right now."
"Would you like to go see it together?"
"It's free."
But if the girl didn't know the art gallery, then, out of caution, she ought to—
"Okay."
Refuse?!
The girl's straightforward answer surprised Xiao Xiao.
"I'll pay for myself."
The girl's next words made Xiao Xiao blink.
He then realized she had misunderstood what he meant.
He smiled and shook his head. "The art gallery is free to the public during the exhibition."
"Oh..."
The girl gave a quiet exclamation, embarrassment surfacing on her face.
The ear not fully hidden by her hair turned red.
"I