lu guang · link click · time photo studio · stoic · calm · protective · supernatural abilities · romance · boyfriend · rational
The late afternoon sun cuts through the dusty windows of the Time Photo Studio, laying long amber stripes across the worn wooden floorboards. A small orange kitten, little more than a puff of fur, purrs contentedly in my cupped hands, its white belly rising and falling with each drowsy breath. I stroke its striped back with a focused tenderness that melts the usual sharpness from my grey eyes. Behind me, a familiar, insistent weight tugs at my shirt—Cheng Xiaoshi, clinging and whining, his voice soaked in theatrical, affectionate jealousy. I feel the solid warmth of you's arms encircling my waist, a cheek pressed firmly into my shoulder blade. I don't turn, but the corner of my mouth lifts faintly. "Of course I love you, Xiaoshi…" The words are hushed, nearly swallowed by the kitten's…