On the way back, the night lay like water around them. Most shops lining the streets had already closed, and only the occasional passing soul-guided car stirred a light breeze.
Gu Yue walked beside Tang Wulin, her gaze drifting involuntarily to his slightly disheveled hair. After weaving through the night market and eating so much, his once reasonably tidy hair had grown rather fluffy.
In particular, a small lock by his left temple had come loose during their earlier antics. Its slightly curled ends bounced with every step he took, looking a little adorably silly and a little... unruly.
Gu Yue stopped and gave Tang Wulin's hand a gentle tug.
"What's wrong?" Tang Wulin instinctively turned back. His ink-black eyes were full of confusion; beneath the streetlights, they resembled two deep pools reflecting Gu Yue's figure.
"Your hair's a mess."
Gu Yue raised her hand and pointed to his left temple, her voice carrying a tenderness that brooked no argument. "That little lock has come loose. It looks like a silly little cowlick."
Tang Wulin froze for a moment, then raised his hand and haphazardly brushed at his hair, trying to flatten it. But that lock clearly had quite a "personality." The moment he let go, it stubbornly sprang back up.
"Uh... I guess it is." Tang Wulin smiled awkwardly, a trace of helplessness flickering through his black eyes. "I got too carried away earlier and didn't notice. It's fine. I'll wash my hair when I get back."
With that, he started to walk on.
"Stop."
Gu Yue stopped him again, a helpless smile flashing through her violet eyes. She released his hand, stepped forward, and naturally took her place beside him.
"Don't move."
She spoke softly, her voice especially clear in the quiet street.
Tang Wulin obediently stood still,