MG2018 - Compilation: One Shots

The Dog

"Are you sure they won't come looking for you?" Shancai looked up at Si worriedly. It was midnight, and she was sitting on the steps while Si leaned against the railing. He placed his hand on her head. "I told you, I've been doing this for weeks. As long as I get back before daylight, we're fine," he reassured her with a smile. She couldn't help but smile back. He really was so handsome.

They settled into comfortable silence, looking up at the stars. Most nights, she waited up until she heard him arrive, his keys clanking as he opened the gate next door. He would go inside and watch until the light went out at her window and he knew she was asleep. He usually did his homework to keep him awake.

But on some nights like this, they both came out to spend some time together, looking at the stars. They didn't talk much; it was enough enjoying the peace and quiet together.

Suddenly, a big dog came bounding in. Si instinctively held out his arm to protect Shancai, but she touched his arm, "It's okay, he's my neighbor's dog." He pulled his arm away and watched as the dog approached Shancai and she hugged it. "Good boy!" She began to play with the dog. "I really love big dogs. They always make you feel safe and warm and loved. That's what got me through the snowsto--" She stopped abruptly and felt a blush creeping into her cheeks.

Si turned to her sharply. "What did you say?" Shancai jumped up and let the dog wander away. "It's getting late, I'm going inside, good night," she stammered and turned away, but Si grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. "Shancai, what do you mean that's how you got through the snowstorm?" he insisted and she turned even redder. "Tell me," he tickled her chin like she had done before and she couldn't help but giggle. She couldn't resist him.

She took a deep breath. "During the snowstorm, when you hugged me," she turned even redder as she recalled how his skin had felt so warm against hers, "I pretended I was hugging a big dog." He stared at her and remembered how, at the hospital after he saved her from the gangsters, she had called him a dog. He had been so annoyed by that for days!

But now, he finally knew what she had meant. In Shancai's own weird, confusing language, being called a dog was quite the compliment! She felt safe with him and loved how he protected her! He gave her a big smile then pulled her into his arms, and his smile widened even further when he felt her arms wrap around his waist tightly.

"You make me so happy," he said, hugging her even tighter. "Don't worry, this big dog will always protect his little white pig!" He kissed her head and she laughed, trying to wriggle away. "Daoming Si! How dare you call me a pig!" she tried to look mad but it just made him laugh even harder. Finally, she just shook her head and laughed, and let him hug her tighter underneath the stars.