Huxia worked at a tech company, where she was the best performer on her department's project. As days passed, she found herself developing a quiet crush on her senior, Yang, who was twenty-seven.
Every morning, Huxia arrived early — just early enough to catch a glimpse of his face once. She stayed back after work until he finished, helped him with tasks and projects, and slowly, naturally, they became close friends.
Before she realized it, she had fallen for him completely — the way he spoke, the way he cared, the way his presence felt effortless and warm. Yang would often drop her home or buy lunch for her, and every time he spoke to her or smiled her way, her heart skipped uncontrollably.
Yet Huxia was torn.
Whenever Yang asked if he could pick her up from home, she refused — saying she would be late, or that something had come up. Yang only nodded and returned to his work, unaware that watching him accept her distance hurt her even more.
She tried to keep her distance, but whenever she saw him laughing with another girl, standing too close, her expression turned hollow — as if something inside her drained away.
Noticing her change, Yang finally asked, "What happened to you? Why aren't you talking to me like before?"
Her breath hitched. She couldn't meet his eyes. Her lips trembled as she replied, "I've just been busy with work, Yang."
Before he could say anything more, she walked away.
Yang stood there, confused, letting out a quiet sigh.
One day, Huxia made a decision.
She prepared a bouquet and a ring, her hands shaking the entire time. When she entered the department, hesitation weighed down every step. Her heart thudded violently, her palms damp with sweat.
As she walked toward him, she saw Yang looking at his phone — smiling brightly, as if the sun itself had risen across his face.
Huxia froze.
When Yang noticed her, he quickly turned his phone away.
Silence wrapped around them, thick and warm under the afternoon sunlight.
Their eyes met.
No words were spoken — but their eyes said everything.