The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, touching everything with a golden glow as I sat at the dining table, sipping on a cup of lemon tea, eating steamed vegetable buns.
Devon was still snoring away upstairs, missing all the action as usual, while Grandpa sat in his favorite armchair, eyes fixed on the morning news. The low hum of the television punctuated the stillness, though every now and then Grandpa let out a small chuckle at something the anchor said.
In the kitchen, Grandma and Jia were busy preparing food. The clatter of pans and the sound of chopping filled the air as they talked in hushed tones.
My thoughts were still on the moments after the race. The memory felt so fresh, as if it had happened just minutes ago.
As I stood on the podium that day, basking in the glow of triumph. Some people were throwing compliments and pats on the back my way. I hadn't expected this level of support; I wasn't someone who usually stood at the center of attention. I noticed that Baihe and Yike shared knowing glances, as if they had some inside joke I wasn't in on. I brushed it off, choosing to soak in the positive energy instead.
Back in the present, I realized their words had left a mark. Their encouragement felt different—like they weren't just congratulating me for the win but also cheering for the person I was becoming. It was both comforting and slightly unnerving, given how unusual it was for me to attract this much attention.
Grandma peeked her head out of the kitchen, her smile warm as ever. "Taryn, sweetheart, did you eat enough? There's more if you're still hungry."
I shook my head with a small smile. "I'm good, Grandma. Thanks."
Jia stepped into the doorway, holding a plate of freshly cut fruits and baked steamed buns. "You've got energy to spare this morning," she teased. "What's the secret? You dreaming about that regional gold already?"
"Maybe," I said , though my thoughts were more jumbled than that.
Grandpa muted the news and glanced over.
"Can someone give me a steam bun?"
"Here you go, Grandpa. A little fuel for all that wisdom you're about to share," she said, earning a chuckle from him.
"Much appreciated, Jia. But don't let your sister ride off without eating something more substantial," Grandpa replied, gesturing toward me.
I waved him off, already preparing to head out. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I've got a long day ahead. Plenty of fuel from the tea and buns needed."
I grabbed my bike from the side of the house, the early morning sunlight bouncing off its frame. Riding to school was one of the few moments of calm I had lately. The wind brushing past, the rhythm of the pedals—it helped clear my head before diving into the chaos of the day.
But just as I was about to hop on, Jia's voice called out from behind me. "You're not seriously biking to school, are you?"
I turned to see her standing at the door, keys to the car dangling from her fingers. "Why not? It's good exercise," I said, tightening my helmet strap.
"It's also ridiculously hot already, and you have regionals to think about. No way am I letting you tire yourself out before practice," she said, crossing her arms.
"It's just a bike ride, Jia. Relax," I replied, but her expression didn't soften.
"Get in the car," she insisted. "You can exercise on the track later. Let me take care of you for once, okay?"
With a resigned sigh, I climbed into the passenger seat of her car. As much as I hated giving up my quiet ride, Jia's determination wasn't something I felt like arguing with today. We drove in comfortable silence, the hum of the engine filling the space. It was strange—her insistence felt less like her usual bossy self and more like genuine concern.
"Thanks, I guess," I mumbled as we pulled up to the school gates.
"Anytime," she said with a grin. "Just focus on crushing it at regionals, okay? You've got this."
I nodded, stepping out of the car and adjusting my bag over my shoulder. As I walked toward the school entrance, I couldn't help but feel a small pang of gratitude. For all her teasing, Jia always found a way to show she cared—something I was starting to appreciate more and more lately.
Maybe, just maybe, she was on my side after all.
Then a familiar voice called out.
"Taryn! Over here!" Baihe's cheerful wave caught my attention from a few meters away. She was standing by the gate, her bright smile as welcoming as ever.
"Hey, Baihe," I said as I approached her.
Her eyes darted toward the parking lot where Jia's car was just turning out of the school driveway. "Wait, was that your sister? Did she drop you off? I don't think I've ever seen that happen before."
I rolled my eyes, already sensing where this was going. "Yeah, she insisted. Something about not letting me tire myself out before regionals."
Baihe tilted her head, her brow slightly furrowed. "Huh. That's… sweet, I guess? But also kind of odd. Jia isn't usually the doting older sister type, is she?"
I shrugged, pretending it didn't feel a little strange to me too.
"She's been acting a bit more supportive lately, but I'm not complaining. I think the whole district win has everyone feeling different."
Baihe gave me a playful nudge.
"Maybe she's just proud of you! But, okay, I'll admit, something feels off. Like, unusually perfect-family vibes. Weird, right?"
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to share. "Yeah, it's been… different at home. But I'm trying not to overthink it. The race is all I'm focusing on right now."
Baihe studied me for a moment, her usual enthusiasm dimming slightly.
Then, just as quickly, her expression brightened again, and she grinned.
"You know what? Let's talk about something less mysterious and way more confusing—history class."