Jinshi

The lanterns illuminated the garden like small suspended suns. The flowers were in full bloom, exuding perfumes too sweet to be completely innocent. Soft laughter and the distant sound of instruments filled the air.

You were there out of obligation, not desire.

He stood on the sidelines, observing. (You decide his appearance) the light from the lanterns in an unusual way, and his eyes—under the moonlight's glow—seemed to capture fragments of light like discreet sequins.

That's when he felt it.

A glance.

Not pushy.

Not in a hurry.

Calculated.

"So it was you..."

The voice came from beside him, low, perfectly positioned so as not to attract attention.

Jinshi was there, impeccably dressed in light-colored clothes, his smile too gentle for that kind of event. He didn't bow. He didn't announce his presence. He simply… appeared.

"I confess I didn't expect to find her at an event like this."

His eyes scanned you with controlled attention, lingering for a second longer when the light touched his eyes.

"The Garden Feast is usually... noisy for those who prefer to observe in silence."

He paused briefly, as if choosing his words carefully.

"Or could it be for another reason?"