A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 23

Returning from her uncle’s place and entering the house, Nan Xue turned on the light. The surroundings were quiet and a bit warm, and a small chocolate-colored dog ran down from upstairs, wagging its tail. She hung up her small bag and went upstairs.

Outside the small window, it was cold, and Shu Yubai's cactus was quietly placed on the windowsill.

Outside, the sky was dark, and the snow on the neighbor's rooftops was faintly visible. Inside, the small lights were on, making the room cozy. Nan Xue opened the bedroom door, where Shu Yubai was leaning by the bed. The double bed was covered with a warm cotton blanket, thick and light gray with large squares.

It was still a bit cold at night, so Nan Xue placed a heater gently by the bed, turned it on, and it emitted a warm yellow light.

“Back already?”

Shu Yubai put down her book and looked at her. “Go wash up and sleep.”

Nan Xue placed her painting on the desk by the side and sat on the edge of Shu Yubai’s bed. “My uncle said your painting is very good. There’s no problem with the exhibition.”

Shu Yubai’s eyes brightened for a moment before dimming again.

“Thank you.”

She knew Nan Xue was trying to comfort her.

The glass was double-paned, and once closed, it felt as though it isolated them from the outside world.

In winter, it got dark early. The distant city lights twinkled like stars, reflecting off the blue-tinted mountains in the distance.

Since that day in the hot spring, there seemed to be a subtle, awkward atmosphere between them.

When alone together, she wasn’t sure where to look.

Nan Xue was still wearing a short, fluffy down jacket and blue washed jeans, with long legs and a slim waist. Her jet-black hair fell on her white turtleneck sweater, smooth and glossy, with porcelain-white chin, red and full lips, which must feel wonderful to kiss.

Shu Yubai calmed her mind slightly and said, “Come here.”

“Hmm?” Nan Xue looked up.

Shu Yubai softly said, “Help me massage my shoulders. My back is sore from reading.”

She wore a cross-collar long nightgown, half-leaning against the bed. The warm light reflected on her face, casting a dark shadow from her long eyelashes. Her hair was pinned up, her forehead was smooth and white, her nose was like warm jade, and her lips were red, with a tender smile in her eyes.

The nightgown was made of plush fabric, like a stuffed toy, and the slightly coarse material made one want to embrace it.

Her skin looked even whiter and smoother. The collarbone appeared elegant in the interplay of light and shadow, white and translucent, like fine porcelain. Droplets of water that had not yet dried slid down her neck, falling into the soft, warm depths of her collar.

Nan Xue lowered her gaze, walked over, and approached her. Her fingertips touched the tender skin on Shu Yubai’s neck, warm and soft. Her delicate, bony fingers gently massaged her shoulders.

They were so close, and from this angle, it seemed suitable for a kiss.

“What kind of person do you like?”

Shu Yubai asked softly.

The topic was unexpected. Nan Xue looked over and saw Shu Yubai’s long eyelashes resting quietly and a faint smile at her lips.

It seemed like a casual topic.

Nan Xue thought for a moment and said, “You’ll know when you meet the right person.”

Meaning she hadn’t met them yet?

Shu Yubai felt a bit disappointed but wasn’t surprised.

“And you?” Nan Xue asked.

Shu Yubai looked at Nan Xue, smiled, and said gently, “I like someone like you.”

A soft thing brushed her cheek, warm and light, with a faint fragrance.

Shu Yubai kissed her cheek.

Nan Xue immediately stood up.

“Sister...”

Shu Yubai’s heart raced. She wasn’t sure if this was right. Her palms were sweating, and she struggled to maintain a calm demeanor.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

Nan Xue’s long eyelashes were lowered, seemingly uneasy.

“What’s wrong with a kiss between girls?” Shu Yubai said with a gentle laugh, looking at Nan Xue. “Come here.”

Nan Xue looked at her.

“You kiss me too,” Shu Yubai tilted her head, her red lips curving into a relaxed smile.

The collar of her bathrobe was slightly open, falling off her shoulder, revealing her collarbone and beyond... But she smiled so innocently, as if she hadn’t thought much about it.

Under her smile, it seemed like Nan Xue was avoiding, retreating, and feeling guilty, as if being swayed.

And indeed, she was swayed.

She moved closer and gently kissed Shu Yubai’s cheek.

So soft and warm. The woman’s fragrance became instantly clear.

Nan Xue walked into the bathroom and turned on the faucet, washing her face with cold water.

••••

In the following days, Shu Yubai became busy with the exhibition preparations.

She submitted the painting of the lady on rice paper to the exhibition organizers and then had some free time.

Painting was like that—busy for a while and then idle. After the days leading up to the exhibition, all that remained was waiting for the results, whether gold, silver, bronze, or just a participation award.

She spent her time at home, tending to plants, reading books, and occasionally daydreaming about her early works.

How did she have so much creativity and energy back then?

She sighed lightly.

In the afternoon, Nan Xue came home and looked at her with an expression that seemed to be on the verge of saying something.

After a meal, her dark eyes flickered with some emotion. “Just now, I saw Xiao Yi.”

“Hmm?” Shu Yubai turned to look at her and asked, “And then?”

Nan Xue paused, looked at her quietly for a while, then shook her head and said, “Maybe it wasn’t her. I might have seen wrong.”

Shu Yubai continued clearing the table, not paying much attention.

The temperature dropped gradually, and frost began to form on the window glass.

In the snowy weather, a large red lantern hung downstairs, casting a glow in the dim night. Faint firecracker sounds came from a distance, from some household quietly celebrating.

Just like that, New Year's Eve arrived.

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Translator's note: This chapter is short 😮‍💨.

To Be Continued...