A Moment Too Late [GL] by cat喵

Chapter 55

On the other side of the crosswalk, the green light began to flash. The asphalt road was very wide, and it would take a while to cross from one side to the other. People around them were hurrying by, wrapped in winter coats.

“Be careful.”

Nan Xue looked down and gently reminded her.

The car that suddenly drove by was making a right turn and didn’t run a red light. Shu Yubai’s steps momentarily slowed, and in that instant, Nan Xue supported her waist, gently protecting her.

“……”

She glanced at Nan Xue from the corner of her eye.

The person remained calm and seemed to have no other intentions.

The car drove away, but the hand on her waist did not move.

Shu Yubai’s cheeks warmed slightly, and many thoughts crossed her mind in an instant.

The warmth at her waist was palpable. With her coat draped over one wrist and only a thin layer of clothing at her waist, the sensation felt almost like being burned, causing her to shiver slightly.

They walked a few more steps.

Was it enough now?

Why didn’t she let go of her hand?

This position made her quite nervous. It was hard to pinpoint what was off, but it felt unusually intimate. Was Nan Xue being unintentional? She should be… She was straight, so she probably wasn’t thinking too much. Casual touches between straight people are quite normal, just guiding someone across the street, how could that be?

Perhaps it really was unintentional.

Thinking this, she felt a bit disappointed.

As Shu Yubai was half-held, she saw a familiar car on the other side of the road, and through the car window, Nan Xue’s driver looked over.

Making eye contact with the driver, Shu Yubai suddenly felt a strange panic, as if she had been seen through. She touched the white hand at her waist: “Stop…”

Nan Xue was momentarily taken aback, and after a moment, she let go of her hand.

A fleeting look of hurt passed through her eyes.

Shu Yubai didn’t like her touch.

Nan Xue silently recalled the tips she had secretly researched.

It was said that if you like someone, you would enjoy physical contact, not avoid it.

Shu Yubai didn’t like her touch.

Shu Yubai didn’t like her.

Nan Xue’s fingertips grew cold, and her mood fell to the lowest point. She bowed her head and quietly walked beside Shu Yubai, keeping a respectful distance.

She seemed like a child who had suddenly suffered a blow.

Shu Yubai glanced at her from the corner of her eye, not understanding. Was her momentary sadness an illusion?

After hesitating for a moment, she waited for Nan Xue to come closer and gently reached for her hand.

— Holding hands shouldn’t be too much, right?

Her fingertips touched a bit of warmth, very soft. Nan Xue looked up, the woman leaned in to hold her hand, with a faint fragrance among her soft, long hair. Dressed in warm colors, she looked especially gentle against the winter street scene.

Shu Yubai turned back, her eyes glistening slightly, and her lips curved into a smile.

Nan Xue’s heart raced suddenly.