The noodles were quite bland, but they made for a decent breakfast. After finishing, Ming Che put down his chopsticks.

“How about we go out and have some fun today? There’s an amusement park where students who just finished the college entrance exam can enter for free.”

Wen Lin nodded.

“Okay.”

Ming Che had already checked the place out. After breakfast, they set off, taking a bus that would take an hour to reach the final stop.

They sat in the back by the window. The bus had air conditioning, and the windows were tightly shut. For some reason, Ming Che started feeling carsick halfway through.

“Are you okay?”

Wen Lin noticed his condition and asked with concern.

“I’m fine, just let me lean on you for a bit.”

Ming Che closed his eyes and leaned on Wen Lin’s shoulder. Although there was a bit of intentionality in his action, he genuinely needed someone to lean on.

The young man’s face was pale, with sweat on his forehead and nose, and his lips were much paler than usual.

Wen Lin looked at him, wanting to find a tissue to wipe his sweat, but realized he hadn’t brought any. He could only sit up straight to make Ming Che more comfortable.

The bus suddenly braked, and Wen Lin quickly steadied Ming Che’s face, his fingers accidentally brushing against his lips. Wen Lin froze for a moment, feeling the coolness of his skin, and called his name.

“Ming Che, should we not go?”

“No, we have to go.”

Wen Lin wasn’t good at persuading people, so he just listened to Ming Che.

He lowered his hand, his gaze falling on Ming Che’s face. His skin was very fair, his eyelashes long, and his lips beautifully shaped—everything about him was pleasing to the eye.

Finally, they got off the bus. As soon as Ming Che touched the ground, he felt much better. The sun was blazing outside, and neither of them had brought an umbrella, so they walked to the amusement park entrance under the scorching sun.

Ming Che bought the tickets, and Wen Lin showed his exam admission ticket to the staff for verification. Although they had left early, the journey took a long time, and by the time they entered, every ride had long queues.

“What do you want to play?”

Ming Che held the amusement park map, which marked every ride.

“Let’s go somewhere less crowded.”

That meant avoiding the park’s popular attractions like the carousel, pirate ship, and roller coaster. Ming Che searched the map and found a nice spot.

He led Wen Lin through the crowd to their destination.

The queue here was mostly parents with children, and it wasn’t long. Ming Che and Wen Lin stood at the back, and after two rounds, it was their turn.

They sat together in a plane cabin, fastened their seatbelts, and waited for the staff to finish checking before the ride started.

The plane slowly ascended to the highest point and then gradually descended. Ming Che glanced down and nudged the person next to him.

“Scared?”

The wind was too loud for Wen Lin to hear clearly.

“What?”

Ming Che leaned closer, speaking into his ear, “I asked, how do you feel?”

“Alright.”

This time, it was Ming Che who didn’t hear clearly. He looked puzzled, so Wen Lin mimicked his action, leaning over to his ear.

“I feel alright.”

The plane’s descent caused Wen Lin to lean towards him, and Ming Che felt something warm brush against his ear.

Time was up, and all the planes landed. They needed to get off to make way for the people in line behind them. It seemed they had wandered into a children’s area, as all the rides nearby were for two people.

The amusement park’s atmosphere was light and joyful, making people relax unconsciously. As the sun rose, the temperature climbed higher. Ming Che went to a cold drink shop, bought two ice cream cones, and found a shady bench to sit on.

The sweetness was a bit mild for Ming Che’s taste. After a few bites, he noticed Wen Lin hadn’t touched his.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”

“Isn’t it too sweet?”

“No, just try it.”

Ming Che demonstrated, licking the ice cream.

Wen Lin followed suit, taking a small bite, and his expression seemed to indicate it was acceptable.

The two cones were quickly finished, leaving a sweet taste on their lips. Ming Che took out a pack of tissues, wiped his mouth, and handed one to Wen Lin.

“There’s some here too.”

Ming Che held his hand, wiping his chin. After Ming Che let go, he saw Wen Lin still wiping vigorously.

“You’re too rough. It’s clean now.”

Ming Che stopped the rough action.

Wen Lin lowered his head, murmuring an acknowledgment.

Ming Che tilted his head to look at him. “Tired? You seem a bit unenthusiastic.”

The sudden closeness startled Wen Lin. He widened his eyes, staring blankly at Ming Che.

“No.”

Ming Che laughed, grabbing Wen Lin’s hand and pulling him up.

“That’s good. Let’s continue.”

The sunlight was blinding. Wen Lin squinted, looking at the hand on his wrist. In the next moment, that hand naturally held his.

The cool temperature from the skin contact made Wen Lin press his lips together, but he didn’t remind the other person about it.

They played for a long time. In the evening, they finally got in line for the amusement park’s most famous Ferris wheel. It wasn’t the best time, as the sky was gray, and the surrounding lights hadn’t turned on.

It was a rare quiet moment. They sat in silence, neither speaking.

Ming Che looked out the window. They were getting farther from the ground. After a while, he turned his gaze back.

“Do you think people really kiss in here? Because of that legend about kissing at the highest point and being together forever.”

“Maybe.”

Wen Lin turned his head, looking a bit uneasy.

“Did you have fun today?”

“Yeah.”

Ming Che smiled. “I did too.”

–

As they got off the Ferris wheel, it started to drizzle. Ming Che checked the weather forecast; the rain might get heavier. They went into a nearby store to wait it out.

Things in the amusement park were more expensive than outside, even an umbrella.

“One should be enough.”

Wen Lin said from behind him.

Ming Che agreed, picking the cheapest one. When he went to pay, Wen Lin beat him to it.

“My money is just enough for this. You treated me to food today.”

It was a nice gesture, so Ming Che didn’t dwell on it. As they left, the rain had already intensified. They shared an umbrella, walking in the rain.

They took the bus back, but unlike before, it was crowded, and they had to stand together.

The bus swayed, and Wen Lin suddenly nudged him, saying, “I’ll go straight home.”

“Okay. You didn’t go back yesterday. Won’t your family worry?”

“My family went out of town.”

“I’ll get off with you and see you home first.”

Wen Lin didn’t refuse.

…

They got off the crowded bus. The alley where Wen Lin lived had no streetlights, relying on the light from nearby houses.

Ming Che held the umbrella, waiting for Wen Lin to unlock the door. He rubbed his nose and sneezed.

The lock was open. Wen Lin glanced at Ming Che, remembering how he got sick after getting caught in the rain last time.

“Why don’t you come in first? I have some cold medicine.”

Ming Che nodded.

“Thanks.”

He sneezed again right after speaking.

“Come on in.”

Wen Lin didn’t hesitate, pulling Ming Che inside.

The room was much more comfortable. Ming Che sat on a chair by the door, watching Wen Lin’s busy figure. Finally, Wen Lin brought over a cup of brown liquid.

“Drink this.”

The bitter smell made Ming Che turn his head. He restrained himself, took the cup, and drank it all in one go, scrunching his face at the bitterness.

“Is it that bitter?”

The young man’s eyes watered, and he nodded vigorously.

“Wait a moment.”

Wen Lin went into the room and returned with a pink-wrapped lollipop.

“I didn’t finish the ones I bought last time.”

Ming Che unwrapped it and popped it into his mouth. The bitterness was instantly subdued, and he crunched the lollipop.

“Is that your room?”

“Yeah, want to see?”

Ming Che stood up, indicating his answer. He changed into the slippers Wen Lin found for him and followed him into the room.

A bed, an old-looking wardrobe, and a wooden desk—simple furnishings. Ming Che’s sharp eyes spotted a book on the bed.

“Can I see that?”

Wen Lin followed his gaze, picked up the book, and handed it to Ming Che. He realized it was the English poetry collection he had seen before. He opened it randomly and landed on the page he had read last time.

Ming Che read aloud.

This time, the background wasn’t the noisy night market but Wen Lin’s room, clear enough to hear even the breathy sounds of his speech.

Wen Lin inexplicably found the voice in his ear a bit alluring.

“Do you read this before bed?” Ming Che only read a few lines before closing the book and placing it back on the bed.

“Not really, just left it there and forgot to take it away.”

“I see.”

Ming Che turned to look out the window.

“I should get going. If it’s too late, there won’t be any buses.”

“Do you want to stay the night?”

Ming Che was momentarily surprised but declined the offer.

“No need. We’ll see each other tomorrow anyway. You’ll come find me, right?”

Wen Lin hesitated. “I have to go to school tomorrow, so I’ll come by later.”

“No problem, I’ll wait for you.”

Ming Che left, missing another opportunity. It wasn’t about being soft-hearted; it just didn’t feel like the right time.

After returning home, Ming Che took a shower and went to bed. Perhaps the medicine worked, as he woke up feeling fine.

Wen Lin had only said he’d come by later, without specifying a time. Ming Che wasn’t in a hurry, spending a leisurely morning and using the last of the ingredients in the fridge for lunch.

As the sun set, students walked in groups on the school grounds. Wen Lin walked alone, thinking of someone waiting for him, and quickened his pace.

“Wen Lin!”

Someone called from behind. Wen Lin turned to see a classmate, the girl from before.

“You walk fast. Do you have a dream school?”

“I haven’t decided. I’ll think about it when the scores come out. I have something to do, so I’ll go ahead.”

Wen Lin quickened his pace after speaking.

…

Finally, he arrived. Wen Lin looked at the apartment building and hurried up the stairs.

Ming Che lived on the fifth floor, which was considered high in this short building. Wen Lin reached the fifth floor, adjusted his shirt, and knocked on the door.

It took a while for Ming Che to answer. Even though it was still light outside, the room seemed dark for some reason.

“You’re here.”

Ming Che looked at the person at the door, smiling faintly.

“Come in.”

“Why are the curtains drawn?”

Wen Lin asked.

“I was watching a movie.”

Ming Che led him to the sofa.

The TV was playing a movie with bold content. The two protagonists exchanged a glance and quickly kissed passionately.

Wen Lin looked away after a few glances. His heart, which had sped up from climbing the stairs, quickened again. He observed the person next to him, surprised to see him watching intently.

Does he think about such things too?

“What do you think?”

Ming Che turned to ask.

“What?”

“The movie.”

Ming Che leaned over a bit.

“What do you think of the movie?”

“The movie…”

Ming Che glanced at his hand on the sofa and placed his own on top.

Wen Lin looked down, puzzled.

“What are you doing?”

Sensing Wen Lin trying to pull his hand away, Ming Che held it firmly.

“What do you think I’m doing?”

“I… don’t know. You should—”

“Didn’t you notice at all?”

Ming Che interrupted, leaning over with a gaze that was usually gentle but now aggressive.

“How could someone be nice to another for no reason?”

Wen Lin felt the other’s breath getting closer, his body stiffening. He wanted to push Ming Che away, but his hands suddenly lost strength.

“There’s only one possibility: he has an ulterior motive.”

Ming Che’s other hand cupped his face, turning it straight.

Wen Lin frowned, his lips tightly pressed, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

“I’m very interested in you, Wen Lin.”

Ming Che held his chin, pretending to lean in for a kiss. He didn’t look into Wen Lin’s eyes, knowing what expression he’d see.

He got closer, and seeing Wen Lin still unmoving, he decided to push further.

Through the fabric, his hand rested on Wen Lin’s waist, gently rubbing. He felt the person below him tremble and start to retreat.

Ming Che leaned in, whispering in a malicious tone.

“Here or on the bed?”

As if pushed to the limit, Wen Lin finally shoved him away, standing up with a shocked expression.

“Too…”

Before he could finish, Wen Lin rushed out.

It’s over.

Ming Che leaned back on the sofa, picking up his phone to send a message.

[I’m leaving tomorrow.]

…

Unnoticed, the building lost a resident.

A few days later, at noon, knocking echoed in the hallway.

The knocking continued for a long time without a response. The neighbor across the hall, about to leave, saw the scene and kindly informed him.

“Who are you looking for? The person living here moved out.”

“He moved?”

The boy’s face showed a moment of confusion.

“Yeah, are you a friend? Didn’t he tell you?”

The neighbor watched the boy leave in a daze, not even noticing when he dropped something.

What a pity for that bowl of tofu pudding.