Parting

Ever since they had untangled the knot in their hearts in the grove that day, their relationship seemed to have been infused with new life. Tang Wulin's dependence on Gu Yue and sense of closeness to her grew with each passing day, while Gu Yue felt as though a thousand-pound burden had been lifted from her shoulders. She felt lighter all over. She no longer needed to deliberately hide anything, nor did she have to worry that Tang Wulin would distance himself from her because of the truth.

That evening, the two slipped out of Eastsea Academy and headed to the familiar street nearby. The sunset's lingering glow dyed the street a warm orange, and enticing aromas drifted from the roadside food stalls.

"Ah, so sweet." Tang Wulin held a cup of freshly bought bubble tea, took a long sip, and narrowed his eyes in satisfaction.

Watching his blissful expression, Gu Yue's lips curved slightly, a mischievous gleam flashing in her eyes. She leaned closer and asked softly, "Wulin, is your milk tea good?"

Tang Wulin nodded and said indistinctly, "Yeah! Really good. Want a taste?"

"Sure," Gu Yue answered softly, then did something that sent Tang Wulin's heart racing.

Rather than taking the milk tea from his hand, she leaned straight over and took a gentle sip from the very spot Tang Wulin had just drunk from.

"Mmm... it really is sweet." Tasting the milk tea mingled with Tang Wulin's presence, Gu Yue wore a satisfied smile.

Tang Wulin froze completely. Although the two were already intimately close, Gu Yue's bold gesture still caught him off guard. His face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple, and he stood there at a loss, even forgetting to drink the milk tea in his hand.

"Pfft." Gu Yue could not