VIOLET LIGHT CRACKS THROUGH THE horizon. The sun had just began to rise—barely enough to dimly illuminate the streets. The school appears to be a mix of ethereal and eerie, with the dim light casting a deep shadow in the crevices and doorways of the outside—creepily melancholic almost.
Fortunately this strange ambiance would soon dissipate within the next few minutes, as the sun furthers its path through the heavens.
It's been three days since the banquet. Three days since Xiao found Hu Tao in the hallway of her grandfather's parlor.Three days since they danced together. Three days since they had last spoken.
Utter silence.
This behavior is uncharacteristic of Hu Tao. He can't remember the last time they'd gone days on end without speaking. Even during times of stressful exams, they still managed to sneak in a few walks or lunch breaks together.
With the complete lack of communication between the two, Xiao felt certain of one thing: whatever happened, must've been bad.
Zero responses to his texts. Zero responses to his calls. Now, it's Monday, and he's determined to ensure he sees evidence of some form of life from his best friend.
˚ ˗ˏˋ. ☾ .ˊˎ˗ ˚
As if it couldn't get any worse, the knife twisted in his chest. Hu Tao didn't show up to school that day. Xiao asked her friends—Xiangling and Chongyun—but even they had no idea where she was.
"Ah! She probably caught a cold from the banquet," Xiangling told Xiao. "There were a ton of people there, and it was definitely a super stressful night for her, so maybe she needs some rest."
"Yeah, that's probably it," Chongyun shrugged. "Though it is weird how she hasn't said anything."
Xiangling sighed, "I guess Hu Tao is Hu Tao, you can never predict what she's gonna do next."
Xiao nodded without saying anything. The pair of teenagers in front of him pick up on his worried and disheartened response.
"It's okay, Xiao! If we don't see her again tomorrow, I promise we'll round everyone up and break down the front door of her house," she reassured. "We'll find out for sure if she's okay. Until then, let's just give her some space just in case."
