The classroom felt quieter than usual that day.
Jiasheng hadn't come to school. Again.
At first, Tianxin thought maybe he was late. But as hours passed, and his seat remained empty, a strange worry grew in her chest. He had been distant lately—quiet, unlike his usual teasing, chaotic self.
Junxi noticed too. "It's Jiasheng's birthday today," he said suddenly, closing his book.
Tianxin blinked. "What? Seriously?! He didn't even say anything!"
They exchanged a look, and without needing to say more, they left after class and headed to Jiasheng's home.
That evening, the three of them—Tianxin, Junxi, and Jiasheng's mother—surprised him with a small birthday party. Balloons in Jiasheng's favorite green color, a homemade chocolate cake, and laughter that slowly brought life back into his quiet eyes.
He smiled, thanked everyone, and even made one or two dumb jokes like the old Jiasheng.
But something still felt off to Tianxin.
After the party, when Junxi had gone home and the house was calm, she noticed Jiasheng was gone.
His phone was left on the table.
Panic struck her hard and fast.
"Auntie, where's Jiasheng?"
His mother looked confused. "He said he was going to the shop just nearby…"
But it had been almost an hour.
Tianxin grabbed her coat and rushed out into the darkening streets of Huali Town. She checked their usual spots—the playground near their school, the corner shop where they bought candies, the alley behind the comic store.
"Jiasheng!" she called out, running breathless.
She reached the small garden they used to hang out in during childhood. Her hands trembled. Her throat burned.
"Why would he leave like that… what if something happened…?"
Suddenly, a familiar voice behind her.
"What happened, silly? I'm right here."
She spun around.
There he stood—casually holding a small gift box, slightly panting.
She froze. Then marched up and smacked his arm. Hard.
"Are you stupid?! You left your phone, didn't tell anyone, and just disappeared! I thought— I thought something horrible happened!"
Jiasheng stared, surprised. "I just went out to buy something for you… for my birthday, I wanted to give you something. Every shop was closed, so I had to go all the way to the other side of town."
Tianxin's eyes welled up, but she turned away.
"You're really dumb."
He gently wiped her tears.
"Hey… I promise. I'll never leave you. Even if I go anywhere… I'll always come back to you."
She stayed quiet.
"Unless sugarcane juice goes extinct… then maybe you'll lose me," he joked.
She cracked a small laugh through her tears.
Later that night, they went to their secret rooftop spot, hidden between two old buildings. A place only they knew.
They shared slices of leftover birthday cake, sitting side by side under the stars. Jiasheng finally handed her the small box.
Inside was a tiny charm—a silver keychain shaped like a cartoon heart with tiny wings.
"It's not much," he mumbled, scratching his head. "But I thought… maybe you'd keep it with you."
She held it tight.
"Idiot. It's perfect. "