Till The End Of The Moon [SEASON- 2]

12. Crazy and Chaos.

When Li Susu stepped out of the house, the hush of the forest greeted her. A soft breeze carried the scent of damp earth and wild blossoms.

Not far ahead, a quiet river flowed-glinting silver under the filtered sunlight. Of course. A river always found its way through the forest.

She walked toward it, her steps slow, heavy with thought, and sat down on the grassy bank. The cool wind brushed her wet lashes. She pressed both hands to her forehead and closed her eyes.

Li Susu (murmuring to herself):
'Why do I feel like Tantai Jin-Minag Tao-remembers everything? But he can't. That voice... that voice told me it's my duty to remind him. No... no, he doesn't remember. But I have to make him remember. I must.
But how? How do I bring back a past buried so deep? Oh gods... I'm so confused. What am I supposed to do?'

She groaned softly, then gasped.
'Wait... yesterday, I told him I'd leave with Jiang today. But if I leave, how will I ever remind Tantai Jin of his past life? No. I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay. I'll remind him, no matter what.'

Resolutely, she stood up-but just as she did, a hand landed on her shoulder from behind.

Startled, she let out a yelp-and tumbled straight into the river.

SPLASH!

Behind her, Miang Tao-who had come looking-froze, wide-eyed... then cracked into a grin. He tried to stifle his laugh, but it slipped out anyway.

Li Susu popped up from the water, soaked and furious. And she saw that grin.

Li Susu: "Have you completely lost your mind?! First, I fall into the river because of you, and now you're laughing?! That's too much! Crazy man!"

Miang Tao (feigning innocence): "When did I laugh? And excuse me, you fell all by yourself. I didn't push you. Understand? Also-I'm not crazy, got it?"

She glared at him, but then turned away, grumbling.

After a moment of silence, he tilted his head and asked, almost teasingly:

Miang Tao: "You're quiet all of a sudden. That's new. What happened to all the fiery talk?"

Li Susu (coolly): "It's fine. I fell by myself. But since I'm down here, maybe you could offer your hand? Or not?"

He raised an eyebrow, then stepped forward and offered his hand.

Miang Tao: "Yes, yes. Here. Hold my hand, and come out."

She took his hand-but not to climb up She took his hand-but not to climb up.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she gave a swift tug-and Miang Tao, caught off guard, stumbled forward-

SPLASH!

Now both of them were in the river.

(It didn't take one or two minutes. Our dear madam did it in one second flat.)

Miang Tao (spluttering): "What-what did you just do?! You dragged me in?! You're insane!"

Li Susu (mock innocent): "Oh no, you fell. Poor thing. But hey-I didn't push you. You fell on your own, remember? Now what's that got to do with me?"

Miang Tao: "You-!"

Without warning, he scooped up water and splashed it right at her. She squealed and turned her face away, but then retaliated, tossing water back at him. Laughter mixed with the sound of the flowing river.

They forgot the pain, the loss, the tangled threads of destiny for a moment. Just two souls, soaked and free, lost in a pocket of peace.

Eventually, breathless from laughter and dripping wet-

Li Susu (wiping her face): "Okay-stop now!"

Miang Tao: "Why? Tired? Or finally admitting defeat?"

Li Susu: "Yes! I give up! Please, stop pouring water on me!"

He grinned and finally relented, sloshing toward the bank. He climbed out and turned back, holding out his hand.

Miang Tao: "Come on, Your Highness."

She smiled, took his hand, and stepped out. But the moment she did, her smile faded.

Her clothes were drenched. And she hadn't brought a change-she came here looking for Tantai Jiang, not expecting an impromptu swim.

Li Susu (under her breath): "Oh god... what do I do now? I don't even have a change of clothes..."

She glanced at him, flustered.

Li Susu: "Do you... have any spare clothes? I didn't bring any when I came looking for Jiang. And because of you, I fell into the river, so... now you have to give me something."

Miang Tao (amused): "I've got clothes. But no girls' clothes. You okay wearing boys' clothes?"

Li Susu: "In my state? I'll wear a potato sack if I have to."

Miang Tao (mock dramatic): "Very well then, Your Royal Highness. But to get those sacred garments, you'll have to honor me by walking all the way back to my humble home."

He gave an exaggerated bow as he said it, grinning.

Li Susu (cracking a smile): "Let's go, you ridiculous man."

And side by side, they headed back-two soaked souls with secrets between them, and something unspoken slowly growing in the quiet space of shared laughter.

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Chapter ended.
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