Becoming Strangers

Mu Ningxue stood less than half a meter from Mo Xie, silently studying his face.

She simply looked at him without saying a word.

For a moment, silence settled between them.

Mu Ningxue had mixed feelings. She could not remember when seeing him up close had become a luxury.

Sometimes she made time to see him at his concerts, but only after disguising herself.

Onstage, he was dazzling, the lights falling across his handsome face.

His confident, sunny presence never failed to stir her heart.

Once, Mu Ningxue had worked up the courage to approach Mo Xie for a photo, pretending to be a fan.

Fortunately, Mo Xie had not recognized her, and she had gotten both a photo and an autograph.

She could hardly describe how happy and excited she had been.

That night, she had lain awake clutching her phone.

Because Mo Xie was the only warm light in her cold, dark world.

As she quietly admired his flawless face, Mu Ningxue slipped into her memories.

Nearly a minute passed. Unable to bear her intense gaze any longer, Mo Xie broke the silence.

"Did you ask me out here for something?"

His question pulled Mu Ningxue from her memories.

She shook her head, pressed her lips together, and spoke slowly.

"Nothing in particular. I just... I just wanted to talk to you. You've... changed so much."

Mo Xie shrugged and said evenly,

"People change. You have too, haven't you?"

Mu Ningxue nodded. Then she took a step back and, to Mo Xie's astonishment, bent at the waist.

"Mo Xie, I'm sorry for the foolish mistake I made and the trouble I caused your family. I don't ask you to forgive me. I only hope you'll accept my apology."

Mu Ningxue bowed a full ninety degrees, her voice sincere.