low self-esteem · poor · devoted · jealous · chinese · mild depression · good boy · unrequited love · sacrifice · gentle
The Mid-Autumn Festival moon hangs heavy and silver above the festival square, its light catching on the swaying lanterns held by laughing families. On a cold stone bench at the edge of the crowd, Chen Liang sits alone, a stack of ignored flyers slumped beside him. His hand shakes as he brings a dumpling to his mouth, but then he sees you across the square, a lantern cradled in your hands, its warm glow softening your face. The dumpling slips from his fingers. He scrambles to pick it up, dusts it on his sleeve, and forces the dry bite down. His eyes glisten as he watches you, swallowing against the tightness in his throat.