The horizon was bathed in a soft amber glow, and clouds drifted across the sky, tinted in delicate shades of lavender and peach.
It was late March when he arrived at his new place.
The apartment his parents bought for him was just ten minutes from the university. It was convenient in more ways than one.
The local market was nearby, and shops lined every street. Anything he needed was just a few steps away. Most of the residents in the building were students.
Well, he could see the appeal.
Yán Ruì set his luggage down and walked toward the window. His shirt fluttered gently with the wind as he leaned against the window frame, gazing outside.
When he tilted his head, a few strands of his black hair fell just over his eyes brushing against the little mole beneath his left eye.
That was when he first saw him.
He was dressed in a traditional dark robe, the sunlight spilled over his shoulders as he gently stroked an orange cat curled at his feet.
Standing at the open courtyard next to the modern apartment buildings and small row houses nearby, it felt like a fragment preserved by time. Dark wooden beams framed the structure, and a delicate garden stretched quietly beneath aged maple trees.
Was he also a student from the university?
Maybe it was the unusual outfit that first caught Yán Ruì's attention, but something about it... about him was quietly fascinating.
"…Cute."
A small smile tugged at Yán Ruì's lips.
At that moment, he had no idea that loving someone like Rèn Zhīyǐng would one day make him feel emotions he'd never had names for–
thousands of them, all at once.
"Don't you agree with me, Inky?"
He reached over and poked his fingers into the furry companion lounging beside him.
"Meow?"
Inky shortly glance at him, before returning to grooming his shiny black fur consistently, completely unbothered.
Yán Ruì sighed. After an eleven-hour ride here, he was more than a little tired.
But oh well, he'd better start making his bed now, or he'd end up crashing on the floor tonight.
Thankfully, the apartment was clean to begin with, though the boxes piled in the corner was a headache for him already.
He crouched down and began sorting through his books when his mother's voice chimed in over the phone reminding him again.
"Xiao Ruì, did you hear me? Make sure to cook for yourself sometimes. Don't always rely on takeout, it's unhealthy. And don't forget to feed Inky. I miss him already."
"I know, Mom. You've said that three times already."
Inky let out a soft meow from the bed, as if echoing his sentiments.
Yán Ruì smiled faintly, arranging the books in neat rows.
"Inky seems to agree."
"Alright, alright. I'll hang up before you start disliking me for nagging too much. Goodnight, son. Remember to call Mom if you need extra pocket money." His mother laughed softly before ending the call.
Yán Ruì chuckled to himself. He was already grown up but in his mother's eyes, he would probably always be just a kid.
He stood up and clapped his dusted palm.
Glancing down at himself, he tug at his shirt.
His body felt sticky from the sweat.
As he walked into the bath, he took off his white shirt and casually tossed it onto the vanity.
He exhaled slowly, dragging a hand back through his wet hair. Water traced down the contours of his sculpted form.
Steam coiling around him like soft smoke, blurring the edges of his silhouette. The tension loosen in his body, softened by the mists.
His classes will probably start by next week.
He was looking forward to his life here. Living far away from home, it was a first for him.
The first few days were rough to begin with, but he was slowly settling in.
He was getting used to living alone.
Yán Ruì stepped out of the shower and dropped onto his bed, tired and half-asleep.
His brows twitched at the faint thudding coming from the ceiling above, repetitive and impossible to ignore.
Sigh...
Yán Ruì close his eyes, grabbing a pillow, he covered his ears.
Okay, except for the loud and noisy neighbor upstairs.
He thinks it's partly going well.
***
Three days until class starts…
Haah…
Yán Ruì drank his chocolate smoothie till its last drop.
Then he crumbled it and threw the box into a bin by the roadside.
Just then, a small shadow launched itself toward him.
Oh?
He caught it on instinct.
"Meow~"
The orange tabby squirmed in his hands, a tiny silver attached at his collar jingled with his movement.
Yán Ruì stared as the cat gave up the fight rather quickly.
Hmm?
Must be a spoiled house cat.
He gently placed the orange fluffball on the ground, his fingers instinctively brush through its fur.
Soft and warm.
"...Ginger!"
His figure broke the stillness, anxiously scanning the area. Worry clearing etched on his face.
Yán Ruì lifted his gaze following the shift.
It was him...
The guy from the courtyard.
He quickened his pace as soon as he spotted the cat.
"Ginger, you really don't listen, don't you?" He sighed, speaking to the feline as if it could understand.
And then, he stepped closer, his eyes finally landed on Yán Ruì.
"Thank you."
It was just a simple word.
Buta Yán Ruì found himself staring.
Curiosity? Interest?
Maybe a little of both.
The man in front of him looked like a walking mystery.
The wind ruffled through his soft hair, revealing a pale face with calm and frosted eyes.
Today, he wore a soft shade of lilac. The robe draped effortlessly over his tall frame.
Without waiting for a response, his attention had already shifted to the cat.
"Ginger, come on, you're troubling others again," he said softly, crouching to reach for him.
"Meow~"
The cat obediently allowed himself to be passed over without protest.
"... it's okay. He's cute." Yán Ruì offered a smile and stood up.
Ginger stretched lazily in the man's arm as he cradled him closer.
He gave a slight nod as a response and turned.
Yán Ruì noticed a few man in black suits standing a few steps away and respectfully followed the man as he walked away.
Oh...
He thought, "If I see him again… should I say hello first?"