Yang Mo and Lingy Luo sat quietly on the bus, the gentle sway of the vehicle rocking them in a peaceful rhythm. The day had been exhausting yet fulfilling, and fatigue had begun to weigh on Lingy Luo's eyelids. Before she realized it, she had drifted off into a deep sleep, her head unconsciously leaning against Yang Mo's shoulder.
Yang Mo noticed but did not move. Instead, he gazed out of the window, allowing her to rest. He could feel her soft, rhythmic breathing against his arm, a delicate contrast to the bustling world outside. He didn't have the heart to wake her up until they approached her stop.
"Lingy Luo," he called softly, nudging her gently.
She stirred, blinking in confusion, only to realize the warmth supporting her head was Yang Mo's shoulder. A rush of heat surged up her cheeks, her fingers brushing against her face, confirming her worst fear—she was blushing. Her heart pounded erratically, like a startled deer caught in headlights.
"Ah! I fell asleep?" she stammered, sitting up straight in a panic.
Yang Mo chuckled lightly. "Yeah, you seemed comfortable, so I didn't wake you. But this is your stop."
Lingy Luo's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh! Right! I need to get off!" In her flustered state, she nearly tripped over her own feet as she hurried off the bus. Just before the doors closed, she turned back, giving a small, hurried wave. Yang Mo returned it with a smile before the bus rumbled away.
Outside, Lingy Luo placed her hands on her warm cheeks, trying to cool herself down. That was so embarrassing! What if he thinks I'm weird? Yet, strangely enough, the idea of falling asleep on Yang Mo's shoulder didn't make her as uncomfortable as it should have.
Just as she was lost in her own thoughts, a deep, steady voice rang beside her.
"Luo, why are you standing there, all red-faced?"
She snapped her head up to see her father, Ling Song, standing at the intersection, his arms crossed with an amused expression.
"Dad?! What are you doing here?" she asked, startled.
"I just got back from the company and saw you get off the bus," Ling Song said, his sharp gaze studying her face. "You looked pretty distracted. Not paying attention to the road could be dangerous."
"I-I was just thinking about something," she muttered, hoping to brush it off.
Ling Song's eyes gleamed knowingly. "That male student just now… is he your boyfriend?"
"Dad! Don't be ridiculous!" Lingy Luo nearly choked on her words, her already flushed face growing hotter.
Still, Ling Song smirked. "Come on, you can tell me. You went out to play today, and you got back on the bus with a boy? Sounds suspicious to me."
"He's just a classmate! And I didn't even know he'd be there at first," Lingy Luo defended herself.
Her father nodded thoughtfully. "He's the same boy who took you to the hospital last time, right?"
Lingy Luo hesitated before nodding. "Yes, that was him."
Ling Song sighed, rubbing his chin. "He seems like a good kid. Smart, responsible, and kind. If you ever do decide to date, make sure it's someone like him."
"Dad! I'm not thinking about that at all," she said, her voice softening. Then, after a brief pause, she whispered, "Besides, I wouldn't want to hurt anyone…"
Ling Song's expression shifted, the playful air vanishing. He knew what she meant. The weight of her illness always lingered in the background, a silent shadow over her future. He let out a quiet sigh.
"Luo, don't think about such things right now. Just be happy."
She nodded, forcing a small smile. "How's the company doing?" she asked, changing the subject.
Ling Song's face stiffened slightly, but he quickly masked it. "We're managing. The situation is stable for now, so don't worry about it."
Lingy Luo wasn't convinced. She had overheard enough conversations to know that the company was struggling, barely staying afloat. But her father never wanted to burden the family with his worries.
Sensing the tension, Ling Song suddenly clapped his hands together. "Anyway! Your mother made your favorite braised pork ribs tonight. Let's go home before they get cold."
Lingy Luo's mood lifted slightly at the mention of food. "Okay, let's go."
Meanwhile, as Yang Mo stepped off the bus near his home, his phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, a familiar smirk played on his lips as he answered.
"What's up, Star Moon?"
"Brother Yang Mo! My dad has finally mastered that barbecue recipe you gave him, and he's setting up a food stall today! Come by! I'll treat you to chicken wings this time, how about it?"
Hearing Star Moon's excited voice made Yang Mo chuckle. "Alright, I haven't had dinner yet anyway. Where are you guys?"
"Just behind the residential building, on Dantou Street. You'll see us!"
"Got it. Be there soon."
As he hung up, Yang Mo glanced up at the night sky, a small, contented smile on his lips. Today had been a long day, but it had been a good one.