A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 39

"I'm not joking," she said.

Nan Xue's dark eyes quietly looked at her, sitting still, exuding a light, cold fragrance. Being so close, Nan Xue's gaze seemed to observe Shu Yubai's expression, almost tangible.

Shu Yubai could sensitively perceive her seriousness.

The winter morning was quite cold.

Shu Yubai held the breakfast Nan Xue bought—two buns and a cup of soy milk. She felt warmer, but Nan Xue, shivering slightly in the cold, remained silent.

Shu Yubai reached out to touch her hand.

Her hand was icy, soft, like a block of ice, slightly stiff.

Poor thing.

Running out early in the morning to buy breakfast, what was she thinking?

Shu Yubai glanced at Nan Xue. She sat on the wooden bench, white fluff drifting from her down coat’s hood, her dark eyes unblinking, her red lips silent, as if waiting for Shu Yubai to speak.

Her warm breath released faint white mist in the quiet morning.

"You don't even like girls," Shu Yubai said helplessly. "What are we trying for?"

Nan Xue stared at her, slightly nervous, and asked, "You don't want to try with me, do you?"

"No," Shu Yubai replied, lowering her head. Her soft, smooth long hair fell, lightly draping her waist, hiding her expression.

"Why?" Nan Xue's fingers turned pale as she looked at her.

"No reason," Shu Yubai said calmly.

Try?

She might want to, but she didn't dare.

Does Nan Xue like her? She's not even sure herself, which is why she said "try." How does Nan Xue feel about her? Fondness? Or just a simple possessiveness between friends.

What if she gets deeply involved with Nan Xue and it doesn't work out?

Besides, there were many other conflicts—family, status, wealth. Being together smoothly isn't that easy.

In the heat of the moment, confessing seemed like a good idea, but now she felt calm.

It's better to stay friends.

For a long time.

Shu Yubai glanced at Nan Xue again, who was wearing that cotton white T-shirt from last night, loosely covered by a down coat, her small face buried in the thick clothes.

All her earlier discomfort after the failed confession had disappeared.

Shu Yubai squeezed her hand and said, "Let's go home first."

Holding hands, Shu Yubai put Nan Xue's hand into her own coat pocket to keep it warm.

Nan Xue glanced at her sideways.

Shu Yubai's expression remained calm as she held her hand so naturally, without blushing or a racing heartbeat, seemingly without any other thoughts.

She really saw her as a younger sister.

Nan Xue looked away.

That’s good.

As they reached the door, she closed it firmly.

••••

"Not working today?"

Li Nian had cooked a pot of porridge in the morning, with red dates and longan, the aroma filling the entire room. She gently placed the pot on the table in the living room and turned to ask Nan Xue.