A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 9

The sleeping woman had soft, supple red lips, with an elegant curve at the corners, naturally and gently turned up. Nan Xue extended her fingertip, gradually approaching, wondering what it would feel like to touch them—would it be soft and warm?

Her fingertip hovered above the lips.

Then it suddenly withdrew.

The night was silent, with only the faint sound of the dry wind outside, sweeping through the branches covered in snow.

She recalled things from her childhood.

Even though it was a long time ago, trying to remember only brought fragmented, chaotic recollections.

The cobblestone path in the alley, the rainwater dripping from the eaves, the little girl standing in the courtyard, held by an adult, with eyes full of tenderness. She seemed to have always been like that—fragrant, fair, and exuding a desire to be close to.

Nan Xue tentatively wrapped her arms around Shu Yubai’s waist, resting her chin in her hair, and closed her eyes.

They were very close, their skin touching, soon becoming damp with sweat.

The anxious, chaotic feeling gradually disappeared.

Nan Xue seemed to have finally found peace.

The night passed without dreams.

••••

"Lin Lan is coming in the morning, about something."

In the morning, Shu Yubai sat at the dining table, scrolling through her messages while quickly eating bread.

Lin Lan was a mutual friend of theirs. They used to have a good relationship, but after graduation, she moved to a city different from Shu Yubai and Nan Xue, and the three of them had been apart for a few years. Not everyone is like Nan Xue, who clings to those she values.

"What’s she coming for?"

Nan Xue asked, licking milk from the corner of her mouth.

"She’s going abroad for further studies. It’s inconvenient to bring her dog along, so she wants to temporarily leave it here."

Shu Yubai glanced down and quickly scrolled through the screen, seeing the flight information Lin Lan had sent her.

Southern Airlines, expected to arrive at the airport at 8:00 AM.

"I'll pick her up later. You stay home and wait," Shu Yubai said.

It was Saturday. Unlike Nan Xue, who had weekends off, Shu Yubai worked on Saturdays.

Shu Yubai stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder, and prepared to leave.

"Wait."

As she was about to leave, Nan Xue stopped her, asking, "Aren't you resigning?"

Her gaze was peculiar, as if she was anticipating something but was too reserved to say it. Shu Yubai paused, turning her face slightly and softly replied, "Yeah, I still have a month before I can officially resign."

She wore a beige wool coat with a thin white shirt underneath. Her long hair was down, and she looked gentle and charming. Nan Xue looked at her lips, which were lightly glossed with a pale peach color, shining with a subtle glow. Her lips had looked just as beautiful last night.

Nan Xue suddenly stood up, walked over, and gently wrapped her arms around Shu Yubai's waist.

For a moment, Shu Yubai was stunned. The faint jasmine scent from Nan Xue's hair came close, with her lips slowly nearing Shu Yubai's ear, her breath light and warm.