A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 1

In winter, it gets dark quickly. When Shu Yubai left the company, she noticed it had snowed, and her cheeks felt a slight chill.

As usual, she reversed the car and hit the road. The car played Nan Xue's favorite piano piece, Chopin's Op.9.No.2.

Everything was what Nan Xue liked: the music was her beloved piano, the incense was Japan's ARTLAB PORTE BONHEUR, and the plain paper flowers—one white, one pink—were quietly placed in a glass bottle.

In reality, Shu Yubai hated the car's incense, as it made her feel nauseous. But since Nan Xue liked it, she pretended to like it too.

Nan Xue's workplace was far from hers. During rush hour, the traffic was heavily congested. Taking the subway would be much more convenient than driving.

But Nan Xue said the subway was too crowded, with no seats available, which was exhausting.

So Shu Yubai said, "I'll pick you up from now on. It's on the way anyway."

How could it be on the way?

Shu Yubai smiled inwardly.

She didn't know how long these days would continue; she was getting a bit tired.

Ending it? She couldn't bear the thought.

The car parked steadily at the company entrance, and her phone rang. Connecting to Bluetooth, Nan Xue's voice echoed in the empty car.

"I have another meeting. Wait for me."

Her tone was matter-of-fact.

But her voice was so pleasant, like crushed ice—cool and clear.

Just hearing her voice, Shu Yubai had no thoughts of complaining.

There was even a faint flutter of excitement in her heart.

They had known each other for seven years now.

For seven years, she had guarded a straight woman, always thinking the other would eventually come around. But after seven years, nothing had happened between them. Occasionally, Shu Yubai would jokingly kiss her cheek, and Nan Xue would show no signs of shyness, just acting as if it was normal.    (TN: 🥲)

—They were good friends, so what's a kiss on the cheek? How normal.

Nan Xue, such a beautiful person, had never dated a boyfriend. Why couldn't she be like her—bent?

Shu Yubai rested her head on the steering wheel for a while, thinking she should be arriving soon, then lifted her head and looked at her face in the rearview mirror.

It had become a habit to pay attention to her appearance whenever she saw Nan Xue.

She wore a camel-colored turtleneck sweater, her fair, soft chin nestled in a chunky-knit scarf. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, her doe-like eyes gentle and lively. Her lip color leaned towards a warm orange, giving a warm feeling. Even in winter, her lips were glossy and beautiful, soft and charming.

She picked up the thermos, took a sip of hot water, and before she could swallow it, she saw someone in a white down jacket walking towards her through the snow.

Nan Xue had a tall, slender figure. The puffy down jacket paired with a thick winter skirt made her legs appear incredibly long and straight, her perfect proportions like a girl straight out of a comic. Her shoulder-length short hair, as dark as ebony, contrasted with her snow-white cheeks. The blue scarf loosely wrapped around her neck, her expression indifferent, giving off a cold vibe.

Shu Yubai opened the car door, opened the umbrella, and went to meet her.

She hadn't fully extended her smile when she saw a tall man walk up to Nan Xue, slightly bow his head, and hand her a bag. Surprisingly, Nan Xue didn't refuse; she naturally took it and even smiled at him.