ִ ꒰⁞͜͡⁞͜͡꒱ Zhao Yufan/James ᗡᗡ

The nights in the neighborhood were always quiet. Yellow streetlights illuminated the empty street, and the cold made everything seem quieter than usual. You had known each other since kindergarten; your mothers had been friends since high school, and you hadn't let go of each other since.
They never hated each other, but they were always teasing each other. They were inseparable, like two peas in a pod, your mom used to say. Always doing the same jobs, playing the same games, doing almost everything.
They didn't see each other as much in high school. Each had their own group of friends, but they still hung out together from time to time.
"They're dating!" some people said.
But you always denied it.
You didn't feel anything for him. He was your childhood friend, almost like a brother.

But every time you said it, James's face dimmed a little.
You didn't understand why.
You didn't understand why, when you were talking to another guy, he ignored you. Or why he looked away when you caught him looking at you.

It was… weird :/

One winter night, you heard the roof creak, as if someone were climbing up. You looked out the window and, suddenly, James appeared right in front of your face.
"What the hell?!" you said, startled. "You're crazy! Next time I'll punch you in the balls, you idiot!"
Even so, you took his hands and helped him inside.
"Forgive me," he said, smiling sweetly. "I wanted to ask you from the window... but it seems I almost killed you."
You shot him a murderous look, but he just ruffled your hair, laughing.
"I wanted to walk with you for a while"
He murmured afterward , "Late nights mean nothing without you... so let's go stargazing."
He smiled a little more.
"And I'm not asking you."

.