24

"Qiao Lu, this is you."

Lin Shen guides my hand to his collarbone.

Through his clothes, I feel the outline of "QL."

My heart races.

The fog in my mind clears.

He moves my hand to his heart.

"There are antlers here, too. Also you."

"Qiao Lu, I love you," he says, voice shaking.

"Since high school."

The mountain wind howls.

"You were slow to speak, a bit clumsy, tripping when you walked, loving sweets—like a little animal just learning to be human.

"I didn't dare get close. You seemed to avoid me. I was afraid of annoying you. I only saw you at school or when I visited, though you mostly stayed in your room.

"At first, I was just curious about you. Seeing you made me happy. Then I saw a boy confess to you, and I was jealous all night, praying you wouldn't say yes.

"Thank God you didn't date early.

"I wanted your eyes on me longer, so I joined school activities, standing out, hoping you'd notice.

"Only on stage could I watch you without anyone noticing.

"I was a coward, only daring to tattoo you in my heart. I feared breaking that barrier would make you avoid me more." He laughs bitterly.

"I studied finance. You went abroad for design. Our paths seemed destined to never cross.

"On your graduation, I snuck to your school. You were surrounded by friends, smiling so happily. I thought, ‘This is enough. As long as you're doing well.'

"Then a high school video of me singing went viral. Companies wanted to sign me. I agreed, letting them mold me into a star. More people saw me.

"I was finally in your world. I thought, one day, I'd wear your clothes on stage, singing my songs for you.

"That convenience store wasn't a coincidence. I drove by your studio, saw you dozing off inside, and followed you in.

"It was raining, and you had no umbrella, so I went in.

"At the counter, the clerk held up a wallet, asking if it was mine.

"I knew it was yours.

"I walked to you, nervous.

"I tell my fans, if you want to see someone, go to them after the show. Don't be a coward like me.

"Qiao Lu, I don't need an answer now. Take your time. If what you say might break my heart, let me keep some dignity."

He jokes to hide his nerves.

I hold back tears, smiling, and pull out my wallet.

I show him the photo I've carried since high school—him, in his uniform, shining on stage.

"Lin Shen, I've kept this with me since then.

"I never dared confess because I thought you loved my sister. I thought QL was Qiao Lan."

He stares at the photo, stunned.

"QL is Qiao Lu. How could it be Qiao Lan?"

I sniffle. "My sister's better than me. Everyone loves her."

He cups my face, serious. "Qiao Lu, you're amazing. You're incredible."

"Let's not miss each other anymore, okay?"