She reached home and closed the door softly behind her.
For a moment, she just stood there.
Then she took out the rabbit crochet keychain and hung it carefully on the door hanger.
It swayed slightly.
A small smile appeared on her lips.
The next morning—
Her phone buzzed.
Still half-asleep, she reached for it.
Xu Ming:Good morning. If you're free… let's have coffee together.
She stared at the message.
Her mind didn't respond immediately—
but her heart did.
She sat up slowly, reading it again.
And again.
After a few seconds of hesitation—
she typed.
Lin Ya:Sure.
A reply came almost instantly.
Xu Ming:9:00 AM. Morning Mist Café.
She paused… then replied.
Lin Ya:Okay.
On the other side—
Xu Ming looked at the screen and smiled unconsciously.
Then, as if he couldn't help himself, he sent a voice message.
"I'll wait for you."
His manager noticed the change in his expression.
"Why are you in such a good mood today, Xu Ming?"
He cleared his throat lightly.
"…Nothing."
Then stood up.
"I'm heading out."
At 8:45 AM—
He was already at the café.
The place was quiet, soft music playing in the background.
Morning light filtered through the glass windows, casting a gentle glow across the tables.
He checked the time.
8:47.
Then again.
8:49.
A slight impatience lingered in his eyes.
A fan nearby noticed him and approached cautiously.
"Are you… waiting for someone?"
He nodded.
"Yes."
"Who?" she asked, curiosity slipping through her voice.
He hesitated for a brief second.
Then answered quietly—
"…A friend."
The fan studied him for a moment, slightly suspicious but smiling.
"Can I get an autograph?"
He nodded.
"Of course."
Even as he signed, his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
Then—
The door opened.
He looked up.
And everything else seemed to pause for a second.
She walked in.
He straightened slightly, almost unconsciously.
Then raised his hand.
"Here."
She saw him and walked toward him.
Her steps slowed as she reached the table.
She sat across from him.
For a moment—
neither spoke.
"What would you like to drink?" he asked, breaking the silence.
"Black coffee," she replied.
He nodded.
"Same."
He signaled the waiter.
"Two black coffees."
After the waiter left, silence returned again—
but this time, it wasn't uncomfortable.
Just… unfamiliar.
The coffee arrived.
Steam rising gently from the cups.
She lifted hers and took a small sip.
"It's good."
He watched her for a moment, then smiled.
"I come here often… with my crew."
She glanced around the café.
"It feels peaceful."
A pause.
"This place must mean a lot to you."
He leaned back slightly.
"…It does."
His eyes drifted toward the window.
"The river view from here… it helps clear my mind."
She followed his gaze.
"Yes… I can see that."
A quiet understanding passed between them.
"How's your work?" he asked after a while.
She exhaled lightly.
"It's hectic… meetings, deadlines…"
Then smiled faintly.
"But I like it."
He nodded slowly.
"As long as it makes you happy."
Her fingers tightened slightly around the cup.
She didn't reply immediately—
just nodded.
At that moment—
her phone rang.
She glanced at the screen.
Her expression changed slightly.
"Sorry—"
She stood up as she answered.
"…Yes, I understand. I'll come right away."
She ended the call.
"I have to go. It's urgent."
He looked at her, then nodded.
"It's okay."
A small pause.
Then, with a hint of teasing—
"But you owe me one."
She smiled softly.
"Alright. I won't forget."
She picked up her bag and turned—
"Wait."
She stopped and looked back.
He hesitated for a second.
Then spoke.
"When you're free… do you want to visit my set?"
"I'm working on a new drama."
A faint smirk appeared.
"I'm sure your friends would like it."
She smiled.
"They'll go crazy."
He smirked.
"Good."
"Oh—and I paid for the coffee," she added.
"Since I'm leaving first."
His eyes softened.
"You didn't have to…"
Then nodded.
"…But thank you."
She smiled and left.
He watched her go.
A faint smile on his lips.
"…Little fool."