The 6 AM mist clung to the river like a shroud. I saw Hao Ran before I saw Li Yan. He was standing by the university gates, his karate gi bag over his shoulder, his eyes red-rimmed.
"You're not going to the dojo, are you?" he asked, his voice flat.
"Hao Ran, we need to talk," I said, stepping toward him.
"Don't," he held up a hand. "I saw the way you looked at the chessboard last night. I've never seen you look at a sparring match—or me—with that much intensity. You didn't just play a game, did you?"
"I loved him for six years, Hao Ran. I tried to delete him, but he's part of my source code."
Hao Ran let out a bitter laugh. "I'm a gold medalist in the real world, Xiao Xing. But I can't compete with a ghost. Go to him. But don't expect me to be the 'nice guy' when he breaks your heart again."
He walked away, his shadow long and lonely on the pavement. I felt a tear slip—the cost of honesty was high.
I turned and ran toward the bridge. Li Yan was there, leaning against the railing, watching the sunrise. He wasn't looking at a weather sensor this time. He was just looking for me.
When he saw me, he didn't say "You're late." He just opened his coat, inviting me into the warmth.
"Is the system clear?" he asked, his voice low.
"Decommissioned," I whispered, burying my face in his chest. "But it hurt."
"I know," he murmured, his hand stroking my hair. "But from now on, we don't code alone."