Closer than Ever
[Scene: The next day, Xiao Tian and Li Wei are back on campus. Xiao Tian is walking across the courtyard when he spots Li Wei sitting under a tree, absorbed in a book. With a grin, Xiao Tian approaches quietly and sits down beside him.]
Xiao Tian
You always study so hard. Don't you ever just relax?
[Li Wei not looking up from his book]
Li Wei
Some of us have to, if we want to graduate.
[Li Wei smiles slightly, glancing at him]
Li Wei
What about you? Skipping class again?
Xiao Tian
I’m not skipping. I just have a more... flexible schedule.
[Xiao Tian leans back on the grass, looking up at the sky]
Xiao Tian
I don't see why you don't take a break every now and then. Life's too short, you know?
[Li Wei closes his book, sighing lightly]
Li Wei
You're always so carefree. It's not that easy for everyone.
Some of us have responsibilities. Things to focus on.
[Xiao Tian turns his head to look at him, voice softening]
Xiao Tian
You mean like what? What's really on your mind?
[Li Wei pauses, hesitating before speaking]
Li Wei
I don’t know. Sometimes I feel like... there’s something I need to do. Something bigger than just passing exams or getting a job.
But I can’t figure out what it is.
[Xiao Tian sits up slightly, curiosity piqued]
Xiao Tian
Like a sense of purpose?
[Li Wei looks thoughtful, his eyes distant]
Li Wei
It’s strange. Like something is calling me, but I don’t know what.
Xiao Tian
You ever think it might be something from your past?
[Li Wei frowns, shaking his head]
Li Wei
No. It's more like... something ahead of me, like a destiny I haven't reached yet.
[Xiao Tian leans in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper]
Xiao Tian
Whatever it is, I’m sure you'll figure it out.
[Xiao Tian smiles playfully]
Xiao Tian
But for now, let’s not get too deep. How about that cooking challenge? I’m ready to prove myself.
Li Wei
You’re really not going to let that go, are you?
Xiao Tian
Besides, I like spending time with you.
[Scene shifts to Xiao Tian's apartment that evening. He’s in the kitchen, wearing an apron, while Li Wei stands by the counter, watching with amusement as Xiao Tian prepares dinner.]
Xiao Tian
Alright, get ready to have your taste buds blown away.
Li Wei
I’m still skeptical. You talk a big game, but can you deliver?
[Xiao Tian pretends to be offended]
Xiao Tian
Wow, no faith at all!
[Xiao Tian points a spatula at Li Wei playfully]
Xiao Tian
You’ll eat those words. And my amazing food.
Li Wei
We’ll see. But it’s nice seeing you take something seriously for once.
[Xiao Tian pauses for a moment, then smiles sincerely]
Xiao Tian
I’m serious about some things. You just haven’t figured them all out yet.
[Later, the two sit down at the small dining table. The atmosphere is relaxed, the food between them steaming, and Xiao Tian looks expectantly at Li Wei.]
Xiao Tian
Moment of truth. Go ahead, try it.
[Li Wei takes a bite, eyes widening in surprise]
Li Wei
Okay… I’ll admit, this is actually good.
Xiao Tian
See? I told you. I’m full of surprises.
[Li Wei smiles, looking down at his plate]
Li Wei
You are. But... I’ve been thinking.
Xiao Tian
Uh-oh. That sounds serious.
[Xiao Tian leans forward]
Xiao Tian
What’s on your mind?
Li Wei
I’ve never really let myself get close to anyone before. I’m not sure why, but…
[Li Wei glances at Xiao Tian]
Li Wei
There’s something about you that makes it hard to keep my distance.
[Xiao Tian playful expression softens into something more serious]
Xiao Tian
I feel the same way, Li Wei. From the moment I met you... it felt different.
Like there’s something between us that we haven’t figured out yet.
[Li Wei nods quietly, his eyes searching Xiao Tian’s]
Li Wei
It’s strange, isn’t it? How easy this feels.
Xiao Tian
Not strange at all.
[Xiao Tian smiles warmly]
Xiao Tian
Maybe it’s just meant to be.
[The scene shifts to outside the apartment later that night. Li Wei is about to leave, standing by the door. Xiao Tian leans casually against the doorway, watching him.]
Xiao Tian
So… how was the dinner? Good enough for a second date?
Li Wei
It was alright. But you’ll have to keep working on your cooking skills if you want to impress me.
Xiao Tian
I see how it is. Challenge accepted.
[Li Wei pauses before stepping out]
Li Wei
Thanks, Xiao Tian. For tonight.
It was... nice.
[Xiao Tian smiles softly]
[As Li Wei walks away into the night, Xiao Tian watches him for a moment before closing the door, his mind swirling with thoughts about where their connection might lead.]
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