The Unspoken Promise

The fluorescent lights of the corridor hummed, a dull backdrop to the sharp, unwelcome news. I was just stepping out of the restroom when I heard his voice, a nervous, slightly guilty tremor in the familiar tone I’d known for two decades.

“Xiao Wan, when Ruoruo asks if you have a boyfriend later, don’t deny it, okay?” Song Leyang, my childhood sweetheart and the secret object of my affection, stood before me. He couldn’t meet my eyes, a clear sign of his current discomfort. “She’s sensitive about our close relationship. I don’t want her to misunderstand or feel jealous, so… I told her your boyfriend is Shi Yuebai.”

My hand, paused mid-wipe, froze. I looked at the boy who had been my entire world for twenty years and asked softly, “Did you wait here just to tell me this?” A bitter ache spread through my chest, a wordless sorrow difficult to articulate.

“Yuebai is my best brother, the person who understands me best. I trust him completely. Plus, you two know each other too. Xiao Wan, please, help me out this once?” Leyang clasped his hands together, giving me a puppy-dog plea that he knew I could never refuse. A mix of annoyance and a deeper, familiar softness washed over me. He always knew my weak spot. Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile. “Fine,” I said. “I will.” The stage was set, a painful lie woven from an unrequited love and a clumsy attempt at preserving a friendship that was already changing.

Later that evening, in the low-lit, throbbing atmosphere of a nightclub, Xu Ruoruo—Leyang’s newly acquainted girlfriend, a woman with a voluptuous figure and a beautiful face—leaned over his lap and turned her gaze on me.

“Is it true, what Leyang said? Your boyfriend is Shi Yuebai?” she asked, her tone laced with challenging curiosity.

It was the first time I had ever lied so openly, and the tension made me clutch the edge of my clothes. A soft chuckle drifted from the corner of the booth. I glanced up. Shi Yuebai, with his silver-grey hair and an earring that flashed metal under the lights, sat at ease. “Oh? Is that so?” he drawled, a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes carrying a hint of wild, captivating abandon.

Blushing fiercely, I lowered my head and managed a near-silent “Mmm.”

Ruoruo scoffed, undisguised contempt in her voice. “I didn’t think you had it in you. You look so innocent, yet you managed to snag the campus god of studies. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Your methods must be quite something.” Her malice was palpable. Tears welled up in my eyes, caught off guard and unable to defend myself.

What I didn’t expect was Yuebai’s lazy intervention. “She’s right, actually,” he said coolly. “I was the one who pursued her relentlessly. Wanwan only agreed because she took pity on me. But you are also correct—my methods are quite advanced. How else could I embrace such a beauty?” His voice was deep, magnetic, and effortlessly charming, especially when he lingered over my name, “Wanwan,” as if we were truly the most intimate of lovers.

“That’s enough! Sitting on a man’s lap and spewing nonsense—don’t you have any shame? Yuebai, you’re going too far!” Leyang frowned, gently comforting the sobbing Ruoruo.

Yuebai simply shrugged, then stood up, towering over me. “It’s nearly 1:30 AM. Come on, girlfriend, I’ll take you home.” He reached for me, tousled my hair in front of everyone, and intertwined his fingers with mine, palm to palm. “Lost in thought? Let’s go.”

He produced two helmets seemingly out of nowhere, donning the black one himself. Then, with a serious, focused expression, he leaned down and gently placed the pink one on my head. Dazed from the club lights and the sudden drama, my body followed his lead onto the powerful motorcycle. Once I was settled, I tugged his jacket. “I don’t want to go home yet,” I murmured.

“A drive then?” he offered. I nodded. “Hold me tight,” he commanded, placing my hands firmly around his waist. “Don’t fall off.” The chill of the night wind was a stark contrast to the surprising heat of his body, which transferred through my clothes to my palms, a strange, electric warmth.

He stopped the bike by a peaceful riverside. We stood side by side, admiring the beautiful river view.

“You like Song Leyang,” he stated, his voice calm, flat.

I flinched. How did he know? How could a secret I buried so deep be so easily seen through? The river breeze lifted Yuebai’s silver-grey hair, luminous under the moonlight. He turned his head, looking at me, his hand resting over his heart. After a long silence, I spoke, “Could you… not tell him?”

Yuebai chuckled, gazing at the wide, tranquil river. “I’m not an idiot. Why would I tell him?”

We stood in silence, watching the distant city lights shimmer across the water. A tear traced a path down my cheek, the wind instantly making my eyes sting. A stark white handkerchief, patterned with cartoon puppies, appeared before me.

“Don’t cry. He’s not worth it.” His voice was stiff, as if comforting me was a foreign concept. I took the handkerchief, our fingertips brushing, a jolt of heat making me withdraw my hand quickly. “Thank you,” I whispered.

Yuebai and I were not close; I only knew him as Leyang’s best friend and a prominent figure on campus. My initial impression of him—with his dyed hair, earrings, and arrogant demeanor—had been poor. We were two non-intersecting lines, yet one lie from Leyang had created a point of convergence.

That night, beside the river, he stayed with me. We talked like old friends, a comfort and spiritual freedom in his presence that melted my initial prejudice. Beneath the superficial, rebellious exterior, I found a gentle, thoughtful heart. I felt ashamed for having judged him so quickly.

Before dropping me off, he carefully adjusted my helmet. “Shi Yuebai,” I said, looking at the man before me, “It’s a pleasure to finally know you.”

He curved his lips, leaning down to meet my eyes. “The pleasure is all mine, Xie Tingwan.”

As he rode away, I turned to walk home only to find Song Leyang standing in the shadows, his face etched with anger. He rushed forward and grabbed my hand. “Where were you two? Why are you so late?”

His grip was tight, hurting me. I sighed, and he finally noticed the redness on my wrist. “Xiao Wan, I’m sorry. I was just so worried about you.” His grip loosened, replaced by self-reproach.

I pulled away, looking down. He sounded distressed. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you still angry that I dragged Yuebai into this?”

“No, I’m not. You’re overthinking it. I just asked him to take me for a ride to clear my head, that’s all,” I insisted, but my heart was cold.

Leyang’s eyes reddened with an aggrieved look. “You’re lying! I know you’re upset. Don’t be mad, okay, Xiao Wan? I had to do it. I don’t want to lose our friendship. Once Ruoruo calms down, you won’t have to pretend anymore. You can treat Yuebai like a normal friend. He’s my best brother, and you’re the person I treasure most. I only trust him to look after you.”

I gently removed my hand from his. A chilling question escaped my lips, “Aren’t you afraid we might actually fall in love?”

He burst into dismissive laughter. “How could that happen? I know you don’t like him. Besides, he doesn’t like you either. He’s had someone he likes for a long time.” His words, and the slow realization that his smile was fading, twisted something inside me.

I stared at him for a long time before finally saying, “If that’s what you want, then so be it.”

“Tired?” Yuebai appeared by my side, offering me a freshly wiped apple. I took a bite. The sweetness burst on my tongue. He watched me until he couldn’t resist, poking my cheek. “What are you doing?” I swatted his hand away. He laughed. “You look like a little squirrel.”

He had invited me on a hike, claiming we needed to “improve our couple’s relationship.” I was hesitant—we were only pretending. But then he whined, “Don’t you feel bad leaving your boyfriend to hike alone?” His gorgeous face looked so forlorn, like a neglected puppy. I agreed.

He matched my pace perfectly, slowly taking in the scenery with me. But then, the December sky opened up, a cold, fine rain. He quickly slipped off his jacket and held it over my head, grabbing my hand to sprint towards a nearby pavilion.

“Looks like we won’t make it to the top. What a shame we missed the view,” I sighed, looking at the misty peak.

“Not a total loss,” he countered. “I’ve already seen the most beautiful sight in the world.”

I turned, confused. “Where? I didn’t see anything.”

He blinked, leaned in slightly, and his long, pale finger traced my lips. “Right here, in my eyes.” My heart skipped a violent beat.

Soon after, a friend called, gushing about her new love. “You know, when you like someone, they’re the only thing on your mind. Your heart pounds whenever you hear their name. You know that feeling?”

I froze. Like? The image that flashed into my mind, the name that made my chest constrict and beat frantically, was Shi Yuebai. I placed a hand over my racing heart. This overwhelming, unfamiliar sensation—it was terrifying yet mesmerizing. Was this love?

I realized with a shock that I had confused the comfort of my bond with Leyang for love. My heart had never pounded like this for Leyang. The urge to see Yuebai was overwhelming. I texted him: “I want to see you.”

Ten minutes later, his reply came: “Come down. I’m waiting.”

I practically flew down the stairs. He stood there, his silver hair shimmering under the lamplight. Seeing me in thin clothes, he frowned, immediately pulling off his scarf and winding it around my neck. “Why the rush? I’m not going anywhere. Don’t make me worry.” He then draped his jacket over my shoulders, his hands gentle, treating me like a precious, fragile thing.

My heart still throbbed in my chest. Snowflakes began to fall. I looked into his eyes, and the warmth radiating from them melted the last of my restraint. I couldn’t stop the question, “Do you… like me?”

“Yes, I do.” He answered without a pause, then gently lifted my face and pressed a light, restrained kiss to my forehead. The touch of his thin lips sent a tremor through me.

“Wanwan, I’ve liked you for a long time.” His eyes were intense, burning with undisguised emotion. “I became friends with Leyang in high school to get closer to you. I intentionally went to the same university just so you’d notice me. I dyed my hair to stand out. I created countless ‘chance’ encounters. But you never paid me any mind, always focusing on your studies and Song Leyang.” He sighed, but a faint smile touched his lips. “Thankfully, fate was on my side. I finally managed to make you see me.”

Tears blurred my vision. I never knew he had done so much. “I… I like you too, Shi Yuebai.”

He beamed, his eyes filled with starlight, a beautiful, victorious grin. “I know. My heart told me.” He pulled me into a tight embrace. “Wanwan, be my girlfriend, properly.”

Time seemed to stop. The world was quiet, save for the fierce beating of our two hearts. In the falling snow, I wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my face in his chest. “Okay.”

The following months were filled with the sweet reality of our love. We stole moments in class, hands secretly laced under the table. We walked campus paths at night, hand in hand. When I casually mentioned wanting to learn to ride a motorcycle, he took me out that weekend, teaching me every step.

“Lean forward a little, press close to the bike, like this.” He was behind me, his hot body pressed against my back, his lips brushing my ear. I could feel his breath. My body went limp. “That’s it, Wanwan, you’re doing great.”

Even this simple lesson was enough to set me on fire. He truly was a mesmerizing man. He turned me to face him, his eyes dark and intense, his Adam’s apple bobbing. He covered my eyes, and his hot, fierce kiss descended upon my lips. Our tongues tangled. I was breathless, my body weak in his arms. He pulled away slightly, breathing hard, then hugged me tight. “Wanwan, don’t look at me like that. I can’t take it.”

“Xiao Wan, I brought you some fruit. Do you like it?” Song Leyang’s cheerful voice broke the peace. He held out a plush teddy bear, eyes full of hopeful expectation.

“Thank you,” I said politely, placing it on the table.

Leyang, who had been away for half a month accompanying Ruoruo on a trip to Japan, was oblivious to our new reality. He didn’t miss my distraction, though. “Has anything happened while I was gone?” he asked, his expression clouding.

I shook my head, avoiding his repetitive travel anecdotes and constantly checking my phone. The winter break was coming, and Yuebai would be going abroad with his family. Our time was limited.

He’s here. Waiting by the school gate. Yuebai’s text made me beam. I quickly gathered my things, forgetting the lonely teddy bear, and rushed out, leaving Leyang staring after me, his face turning darker and darker.

The next time I saw Leyang, he cornered me by the stairs. “When did you two get so close?” His face was blank, but his eyes were humorless.

I almost fell. He had appeared from the shadows, his face expressionless. “I didn’t know you two were that close.” He took two steps, gripping my shoulders tight. He clearly sensed a loss of control. “Xiao Wan, I don’t mind you being friends with him, but he can’t be more important than me! I have to be the most important person in your heart. Ruoruo isn’t paying attention to you anymore. You don’t need to pretend to be his girlfriend. Don’t go out with him alone again, okay?”

I pulled away, uncomfortable. “Your behavior is a little inappropriate. Who I’m with and what I do is not your concern. We both have partners now.”

He was stunned, then his face relaxed into a strained smile. “What nonsense are you talking about? You don’t have a boyfriend. We were just pretending, it doesn’t count! I told you, he has someone he likes. Xiao Wan, you can’t like him!”

I was irritated by his possessiveness. Why was he so certain that Yuebai and I couldn’t be together? A sudden mischievous anticipation filled me. I was curious to see his reaction when he knew the truth.

Yuebai was leaving soon. We held each other tightly at the airport. “Wanwan, I wish I could put you in my pocket and take you with me,” he sighed, showering my face with soft kisses.

I stood on my toes and kissed him back, gripping his jacket. “Miss me a lot, and be good while I’m gone.” He stroked my hair, then walked toward the gate, turning back to look at me three times. A sudden emptiness hit me.

On the way home, I was so preoccupied that I didn’t notice Leyang waiting by my door. “Xiao Wan!” He greeted me enthusiastically, moving to put his arm around my shoulders as he used to. I instinctively sidestepped him. His arm froze. His expression darkened.

“Such actions aren’t appropriate between friends, especially since we both have partners.”

He stared at me, disbelief etched on his face. “What rubbish are you talking about? You don’t have a partner! I would know!” Then, remembering something, his tense face softened. “You must be taking the role too seriously. You and Yuebai are only pretending. It doesn’t count. I already told you he has someone he likes. Xiao Wan, you can’t like him.”

I was frustrated. Where did he get the certainty that Shi Yuebai and I could never be? If he knew we were actually dating, he’d be stunned. I was almost excited to see his reaction.

“Happy New Year!” In the bustling living room, relatives clinked glasses. Outside, firecrackers burst, mixing with the noisy chatter of children. Watching the New Year’s Gala was a family tradition. As the countdown began—5, 4, 3, 2, 1—I stood by the window, watching the fireworks explode. I excitedly shouted into the phone, “Happy New Year, Shi Yuebai!”

“Happy New Year, Xiao Wan,” his deep, magnetic voice replied.

I didn’t want to hang up, so we continued chatting aimlessly. I snuck into my quiet bedroom, pressed my hand to the window, and fogged the glass with my breath. I drew a heart, writing “SYB” inside, as tiny, translucent snowflakes drifted down outside. I opened the window, reaching out to catch the cold flakes that melted instantly in my palm.

“Yuebai, it’s snowing here. It’s been days since I’ve seen you. I miss you so much!”

His voice came through, low and sweet, sending shivers down my spine. “Xiao Wan, I miss you.” My face burned. I whispered back, “I miss you too. So much.”

“I know,” he said softly. “My heart feels it.”

The next evening, I was exhausted from visiting relatives all day. I had talked to Yuebai so late the night before that my phone had died. I finally got home, collapsed onto the bed, and checked my phone. Empty notification box. No message from Yuebai. I decided to shower first.

As I stepped out, my phone rang—Shi Yuebai. “What are you doing?” he asked in a low voice. I could hear his deep breaths.

“Missing you, of course!” I giggled, rolling on the bed.

He chuckled softly. “Then, look out the window.”

I bolted upright and rushed to the window. A tall figure stood below. He looked up, sensing my gaze. Yuebai, in a long black coat, his shoulders dusted with snow. “Get dressed warmly and come down. No rush.”

No rush? Meeting the man I missed day and night? I threw on a fuzzy bunny-eared bathrobe and ran downstairs. He smiled, that irresistible, beautiful smile. I ran and jumped straight into his arms. He held me tight.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, overjoyed, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Missing you, so I came.” The longing turned into a series of hot kisses. We were wrapped up in each other until…

“What are you two doing?” Song Leyang’s furious voice cut through the night.

Yuebai gently set me down. I was still leaning against his broad chest, catching my breath. My face was burning. He pulled me fully into his coat, shielding me from Leyang’s gaze.

“Xiao Wan, come here!” Leyang’s voice was sharp with rage. I didn’t move. He looked insane, rushing toward me, but Yuebai blocked him.

“You said you were pretending to date! Who gave you permission to touch her?” Leyang demanded, his eyes red.

Yuebai gave a cold smirk. “I never agreed to pretend. And since when did dating need your permission?”

Leyang froze, his eyes widening. “So, she’s the one you’ve liked all this time?” The realization hit him.

“Exactly,” Yuebai confirmed coolly, then added mockingly, “I should thank you, actually. If you hadn’t created this opportunity, how could I have achieved my goal?” He patted Leyang’s shoulder, a light but possessive gesture. “Don’t worry, old Song. At my and Xiao Wan’s wedding, you, the great matchmaker, will have the seat of honor.”

He leaned down and kissed my cheek, his eyes full of satisfaction. “Well, old Song, are you going to keep watching us kiss?”

I peeked out of Yuebai’s coat, but he immediately pulled me back. “Don’t look at him, I’ll get jealous.”

The semester quickly resumed. Three weeks later, Leyang texted me: “Xiao Wan, can we meet? We need to talk.”

I knew he was angry and blamed me, but I didn’t refuse. I told Yuebai, and he was instantly wary. “Should I go with you? I don’t trust that guy.” He wrapped his arms around my waist, nuzzling my neck, then gently nipped my earlobe.

I kissed his mouth. “Darling, I haven’t loved him for a long time. Don’t worry.” I kissed him again. “Now, lean down. I have a reward for you.”

He smiled, satisfied, but his demand for more kisses left me weak-kneed. Being loved by a clingy, affectionate boyfriend was a sweet kind of trouble.

“Ruoruo and I broke up,” Leyang said as soon as we sat down.

“Is that why you asked to meet?” I asked.

He looked down, taking a sip of coffee, his eyes distant. “Ruoruo said I like you. My first reaction was, ‘How could that be?’ I’ve always considered you my closest friend, my little sister. But then I realized, every moment I was with her, I was thinking of you. Every time I imagined you and Yuebai together, I felt crazy jealous. I thought it was just a best friend’s possessiveness, but… maybe not.” He looked at me, pain in his eyes, on the verge of tears. “Xiao Wan, is it too late for me to say I like you now?”

Before I could answer, a warm weight settled beside me. I looked up. “Yuebai! Why are you here?”

He smiled, intertwining his fingers with mine, then gently kissed the back of my hand. “Missing you, of course.”

His public display made the mood impossible. I looked at Leyang. “Let the past be the past. We are still friends, and that won’t change.”

Yuebai shot Leyang a cold look, then turned to me, his sharp gaze softening instantly. “Old Song, take your time drinking your coffee. I’ll cover the bill. I have to take my girlfriend home now.”

That night, back in my dorm, Leyang called. “Xiao Wan, I feel terrible. Can you come see me?” His voice was slurred. “You’ll come, right?”

I didn’t answer. I hung up, intending to shower, but my phone rang again. Shi Yuebai.

“Wife, Wanwan. I miss you so much. I’m so dizzy, I feel awful.”

“Yuebai, what’s wrong? Where are you?” I rushed to the address he slurred out.

“Wanwan, you came!” He beamed, swaying towards me. I caught him, then he rested his head on my lap, purring like a cat. I helped him up, ready to take him to his apartment.

“Xiao Wan!” Leyang’s voice, hurt and lonely, sounded from beside us. I stopped, realizing they had apparently arranged to meet.

I turned to him. “Leyang, please don’t say anything more. You are a very good person. We don’t need to torment ourselves over the past. I am very happy now. My heart and the person I love beat together. I believe you will also find someone special. Goodbye.”

As I left, I saw Leyang clutching his head, sobbing uncontrollably.

Once we reached Yuebai’s apartment, I pushed him onto the sofa. “Stop pretending!” I swatted his arm, then pinched his tight abs.

“Ouch! Gently, are you trying to murder your husband?” In a flash, he flipped me over, pinning me beneath him, his eyes blazing with a fierce, possessive desire.

“Let me hug you for a minute.” He pulled me up and held me tight. “You’re so warm, Wanwan. Can you kiss me?”

“Stop acting cute, and stop lying to me! What happened tonight, tell me the truth,” I said, letting him hold me.

“I’m happy you chose me over him, but… I was also afraid of losing you.”

So that was it. It explained the strange coincidence of both of them calling me, both allegedly drunk. I sighed, gently stroking his short, soft silver hair. He rested his head on my shoulder. I lifted his handsome face and kissed him with all my heart. “I won’t leave you. How could I give you up?”

He was stunned for a moment, then took control, pulling me onto his lap, facing him, deepening the kiss. My eyes opened, and I saw the raw hunger in his eyes, a desire that wanted to consume me. My face went scarlet.

“C-can you calm down?” I stammered.

He kissed my hair, burying his face in my neck, taking a deep breath. “I can’t. You don’t think I just want to hold and kiss you, do you?” His arms tightened, his voice deep and seductive. “Wanwan, I’m a man with normal needs.”

We didn’t go all the way. After showering together, I curled up in his arms, admiring his perfect body—chiseled chest, flat, eight-pack abs. I secretly ran my hand over them, marveling at the mesmerizing firmness. He truly was a treasure.

He gently stroked my back. As sleep pulled me under, I heard him whisper, “Wanwan, let’s get married after graduation.”

After meeting Shi Yuebai’s parents, it was his turn to meet mine. He had dyed his silver hair back to black, looking more mature and steady, though I still preferred his former rebellious look. I asked him why he changed it. He pinched my cheek, smiling. “I need to reassure my parents-in-law before they agree to give me their daughter, right?”

My parents greeted him warmly, especially my mother, who instantly approved, calling him “Good son-in-law” with utmost naturalness. “Your boyfriend is really wonderful. So handsome and he knows how to charm parents,” she whispered to me.

After dinner, as we took the trash out, we ran into Song Leyang. He saw our tightly clasped hands, then looked up at my apartment. The realization hit him, and his face instantly turned ash-white.

Yuebai pulled me toward his car, grinding his teeth. “He’s persistent, like a leech! No, I have to call my parents right now and propose! I need to lock down my wife before she gets stolen!”

I gently stroked his chin, soothing him like a cat. After agreeing to a string of embarrassing requests, he finally cheered up.

At our graduation ceremony, Shi Yuebai proposed to me in front of the entire school faculty and student body. The next day, after our families met, he couldn’t wait any longer and dragged me to register our marriage. He insisted on keeping the marriage certificate himself, tucked away safely. He stared at our photo on the red paper, a foolish grin on his face. “Wife, you finally belong to me,” he mumbled, his eyes slightly red. He lifted me in his arms. “From now on, you have to love me even more, okay?”

On our wedding day, Shi Yuebai deliberately seated Song Leyang in the front row. “You look beautiful today, Xiao Wan,” Leyang said, raising his glass. He drank it down in one gulp and quickly left.

Exhausted from the day, Yuebai carried me into our suite, gently setting me on the bed. “Wife, pinch me. I feel like it’s all a dream.” His eyes were misty, his voice choked with emotion.

I kissed his chin, then trailed my lips down to his Adam’s apple. His eyes instantly glazed over with a seductive, misty layer. “Don’t tease me,” he whispered hoarsely.

He gently, reverently, peeled off my pure white wedding dress, his hot kisses trailing down my body. His ragged breathing mingled with my own quickened heartbeats as the lights flickered and dimmed.