Saturday arrived too quickly.
Preparation
Shui Mingyun woke up earlier than usual.
Not from discomfort this time.
From necessity.
She stood in front of her wardrobe longer than she ever had before.
Loose.
Structured.
Layered.
Nothing that clung.
Nothing that revealed.
Her hand paused over one outfit—then moved to another.
More neutral.
More forgiving.
"…This will do."
Her movements were slower, more deliberate.
Every step measured.
Every detail accounted for.
Because today—
Mistakes weren't allowed.
Arrival
"They should be here in ten minutes."
Her phone screen reflected her calm expression.
Too calm.
She stood at the campus entrance, posture straight, hands relaxed at her sides.
Students passed by.
Laughter. Conversations. Movement.
Then—
A familiar car pulled up.
Her mother stepped out first.
Then her father.
"Mingyun."
For a moment—
Something softened in her eyes.
"…You're here."
Her mother walked up quickly, taking her hands. "Let me look at you."
A pause.
A careful, searching gaze.
"You've gotten thinner."
"I've been busy."
Her father looked her over, quieter, more reserved—but just as observant.
"…Are you eating properly?"
"I am."
Same answers.
Same tone.
But this time—
They lingered longer under scrutiny.
Unplanned Variable
"Let's walk," her mother said. "Show us your campus."
"…Alright."
Shui Mingyun turned smoothly, leading the way.
Controlled.
Steady.
But not far away—
Another figure was approaching.
Gu Yi.
He hadn't planned anything.
Wasn't looking for her.
But the moment he saw her—
He stopped.
Not alone.
Two older figures beside her.
Family.
He recognized it instantly.
And something about that—
Made him pause longer than necessary.
Closer Than Expected
"Mingyun?"
Her mother's voice carried a hint of curiosity.
Shui Mingyun's steps slowed by half a fraction.
Too late.
Their paths crossed.
Gu Yi and Shui Mingyun stood within a few steps of each other.
Closer than ever before.
"…You know him?" her mother asked gently.
A pause.
The air tightened.
"…We've met," Shui Mingyun said.
Neutral.
Simple.
Gu Yi didn't look away this time.
"…Same department," he added.
Not a lie.
Not the truth.
Her father gave a small nod. "Classmate?"
"…Something like that."
Another pause.
Shui Mingyun could feel it—
The shift.
Too many variables.
Too many eyes.
Her mother smiled politely. "It's good to know Mingyun isn't completely isolated."
Gu Yi gave a small nod.
Respectful.
Calm.
But his gaze flickered—just briefly.
To her.
Noticing.
The difference.
The way she stood—
Slightly more rigid.
More careful.
The way her hand rested—
Too naturally.
Too intentionally.
And then—
She shifted.
Just a small movement.
But enough.
Her mother noticed it too.
"…Are you tired?" she asked.
"I'm fine."
Too quick.
Again.
"Maybe we should sit," her father suggested.
"I'm okay."
But her steps had already slowed.
Just slightly.
Gu Yi saw it.
Clearly this time.
Without thinking—
He spoke.
"There's a bench just ahead."
Silence.
Shui Mingyun's eyes flicked toward him.
A warning.
Don't interfere.
But her mother had already nodded. "That's good. Let's rest a bit."
Control—slipping.
Sitting Together
They sat.
Shui Mingyun kept her posture straight.
Her breathing controlled.
Her expression neutral.
But now—
There was nowhere to go.
Her mother watched her quietly.
Her father said nothing—but noticed everything.
And Gu Yi—
Stood nearby.
Not leaving.
Not intruding.
Just… there.
A Dangerous Line
"…Mingyun," her mother said softly, "are you sure you're alright?"
A pause.
Longer this time.
"…I am."
But her hand—
Rested again.
Unconsciously.
And this time—
Gu Yi saw it clearly.
Not coincidence.
Not habit.
Something else.
The Shift
His expression didn't change.
But something in his eyes did.
Because now—
It wasn't just suspicion.
It was realization.
Not complete.
Not confirmed.
But enough—
To know this wasn't something small.
The moment passed.
Conversation resumed.
Carefully.
Cautiously.
But the balance had changed.
Her parents had started to notice.
And Gu Yi—
Had just stepped into something he could no longer ignore.