19 Days - One Shots

Long Lost Soul Mates

One Day

The wind blew softly through Jian Yi's hair as he made his way down the noisy street. People rushed past him on their way to a business meeting or to meet with a friend. Some were calling to all who passed trying to sell fruits and vegetables in their little stalls, competing with each other.

Jian Yi looked up as a large gentlemen shoved a bunch of bananas in his face. "Come, young man, you look hungry. They're cheaper than your average supermarket." The man tempted him.

Jian Yi stared at the bananas and reminisced about the shirt* he had worn a lifetime ago. A certain someone didn't particularly like the shirt. A warm smile slid onto his face as he reached a hand out and lightly brushed his index finger along the yellow curves, before he looked back up at the gentleman.

"Sorry, Uncle! But I'm on my way now to go get some food! Maybe next time." Jian Yi grinned up at him before moving along. He carried on up the noisy street before turning a corner into a relatively quieter area. Less people crowded the place as this was the area for the smaller, less popular stores.

Suddenly, Jian Yi tripped on what seemed to be thin air and managed to catch himself before he face planted the stone pavement. Looking down at his flip flops, he saw that the front of the right one was coming off. "Great," he muttered to himself as he took it off. "today is not my day."

Now holding one flip flop in his hand, Jian Yi hobbled down the street once more before spotting a small cafe with a seated area outside. He quickly hopped over and sat on the closest chair to him. Holding onto the smallest grain of hope Jian Yi inspected the flip flop, wondering if there was any way to save it, when he noticed the strong smell of paint coming his way.

Looking at the shop next door, he saw a woman on a ladder painting the front of her flower store yellow. "Auntie," Jian Yi called to her, causing her to look his way. "does the paint fumes not bother the cafe customers?"

She wiped her brow and a small amount of yellow paint spread across her forehead, adding to the few splotches that rested on her cheek. "Every customer that's come over to my shop today to make a complaint about the fumes has been apologised to. There's not much I can do about the smell, unfortunately. I understand it's not very pleasant and it'll be done as soon as possible. I've already spoken to the cafe owner and they've agreed it's best to keep the customers inside when possible and those who want to eat outside have already been warned." She smiled at him.

Jian Yi nodded before looking at the half finished paint job. "Well, it's a beautiful colour."

Her smile brightened. "Thank you." She turned back to the wall and continued to paint.

Jian Yi turned to face the inside of the cafe and stopped suddenly. His heart pounded in his chest when his eyes widened as they laid upon one individual. He's here. I found him. Zhan Zheng Xi, we meet once again. Jian Yi watched him as the surprise wore off and years and years of memories flooded his head.

"Maybe today is my day after all" He muttered.

Zheng Xi still looked the same as he always did every time they met. Barely a thing had changed, except his hair was slightly shorter at the sides. He sat with a cup at his side - Jian Yi bet it was hot chocolate. Zheng Xi was never a big fan of tea or coffee - and a laptop that he was engrossed in.

He stood slowly and, on wobbly legs, made his way into the cafe. Only one question plagued his mind as he walked forward. Will he remember me?

It wasn't relatively busy and only a few customers were dotted around. Without taking his eyes off Zheng Xi, Jian Yi made his way over to his table and stood in front of the chair opposite the boy of his dreams. It didn't take Zheng Xi long before he glanced up at the gawking boy before him. Zheng Xi's eyes widened ever so slightly in what seemed to be distant recognition, before his eyebrows creased into a slight frown, like he was trying to solve the world's hardest puzzle.