brief warning;

as this book is not labeled as mature, I feel the need to mention in this chapter there's a brief reference of drugs and drugs overdose.

The early morning air hung heavy with a biting chill, sweeping across the quiet suburban landscape like a ghostly specter. Flurries of frost danced upon the rooftops and clung stubbornly to the skeletal branches of trees. Pale sunlight struggled to pierce through the increasingly overcast sky; the foreboding atmosphere seemed to foretell the tragedy that slowly unfolded in the confines of one seemingly ordinary home.

Inside, however, the tranquility was shattered by an argument, voices raised in heated discussion, reverberating through the narrow hallway. Lily, a fragile figure of a girl, hunched against the cold wall, dread pooling in her stomach as the angry words clawed at her mind. Her heart raced, thumping painfully in her chest as the familiar feeling of despair washed over her. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the terror mounting within.

"I can't take this anymore," she thought, tears streaming down her cheeks. The heated tones of the voices only amplified her isolation.

Suddenly, she sprang to action, scrambling to her feet and bolting toward the bathroom. She locked the door behind her, the sound echoing deafeningly in the small space. She pressed her back against the chilly wood, the thumping of fists against it reminding her of a relentless storm.

"Lily! Open up! I'm sorry!" The voice was tinged with desperation, laced with concern.

But it fell on deaf ears as the girl sunk to the floor, cradling her head in her hands, rocked by sobs that erupted from deep within her. "Just end it all," she willed herself, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't chase away.

Through trembling fingers, she rummaged through the drawer of the bathroom vanity, her heart hammering as she pulled out a small phial that seemed to glimmer with unspoken promises. Her body shivered as she scrutinized it—resting so innocently in her palm, the weight of consideration pressing on her heart.

The pounding on the door had ceased, replaced by a soft sobbing mixed with murmurs of regret. Yet, the noise only linguistically echoed her own entrapment. Slowly, she raised the phial to her lips, her reflection in the mirror morphing into a stranger whose pain she could no longer recognize.

In the silence, the world outside faded from existence. The phial glowed like a beacon, whispering insidious thoughts of solace. With shaky hands, she opened it and poured the pill contents into her mouth, swallowing them one by one. "No regrets," she mused as darkness began to creep around the edges of her vision.

Amidst the commotion of sirens and emergency calls, Liana Xiu Ying sat in the driver seat of an ambulance, her breath shaky from the cold wind filtering in through the open window. Daylight was creeping in slowly, the horizon a muted gray that seemed to weigh against her shoulders, yet it didn't dull her spirits.

Beside her, Wei Chen, her lively and witty paramedic partner, was bent over a medical chart, oblivious to the biting chill. He looked up, glancing sideways with a teasing smirk. "So, how was your weekend? Were you reconsidering your life choices, or did you spend the whole night planning your wedding with your non-existent groom?"

"Ugh, you're obsessed with that idea!" Liana replied. The friendly bickering between them was as familiar as the roar of the ambulance.

Wei chuckled, the sound lightening the heavy atmosphere. "You say that, but you spend most of your free time sending me Instagram reels where people create soundtrack mashups. Do you remember that mix between *Kamado Tanjirou no Uta and *Romantic Flight?"

"Oh, yes! It was totally sick!" Liana Xiu Ying replied, briefly looking his way. "You know me, Wei. I'm just a hopeless romantic."

"Hopeless indeed!" he exclaimed exaggeratedly, rolling his eyes in a playful manner to which Liana just chuckled.

"Shut up," she laughed, nudging his shoulder.

As they continued to banter, the radio crackled with life, instantly shifting their focus. "Unit 7, responding to a 911 call: possible overdose. Nearest address..." The voice of the dispatcher was impersonal and grave, slicing through the joviality that had wrapped around them moments before.

Liana Xiu Ying and Wei Chen exchanged looks, the lightness vanishing as professionalism took hold. "Let's get to work," she declared, adrenaline surging through her veins as Chen flicked on the sirens.

They navigated through narrow streets of the small neighborhood, surprised by the mix of startled faces and scowls that emerged from neighbors at the sight of the ambulance. Some watched in trepidation, while others gawked with unmasked disdain.

Arriving at the house, they were greeted by a frantic young man, his face marred with exhaustion and worry. "You have to hurry!" he urged, ushering them inside. "My sister... she—she was smoking again, and we had a huge fight. She locked herself in the bathroom, and suddenly, I heard choking, and then a loud thud!"

Liana felt her heart race in anticipation but adopted a calm demeanor. "What's your name?" she asked gently as they raced down the hallway, seeking the source of the urgency.

"Tao. Tao Miya," he replied, frowning deeply, pain emblazoned on his features.

"Tao, I need you to trust us. We're going to help your sister, but I need you to stay calm, all right?" Liana reassured him, her voice firm but soothing, feeling the wave of anxiety washing over him.

He nodded, glancing back toward the bathroom door. "She... she's taken pills before. We've had issues."

Liana exchanged a serious glance with Wei before they reached the bathroom door, where she could hear ragged breaths coming from within in addition to what sounded like muffled cries. She called out to the person inside the bathroom, but there was no answer. They waited for what felt like five minutes, and they were yet to respond. Liana Xiu Ying exchanged a glance with Wei Chen in understanding.

"Stand back," Wei instructed, the pressure of the situation mounting. He kicked the door open, and it swung wide with a clatter.

Inside the small, dimly lit space, the sight before them crammed Liana's heart with sorrow. The girl lay crumpled on the cold bathroom floor, foam tinged with ominous colors spilling from her mouth. Fear twisted around Liana like a vice, but she stepped forward with determination.

"Tao, wait outside!" she ordered without looking back, kneeling beside the girl. Briefly, Liana noticed the empty phial rolling quietly by her side.

"Alright." Wei said calmly, springing into action. "We're going to administer *naloxone first. Liana, get in position."

"Okay, let's keep her on her side," Liana directed, her voice steady as she focused on the girl's wrist, feeling for a pulse. She counted with the watch strapped to her wrist, but her stomach twisted when she couldn't find one.

"No pulse," she confirmed, determination suffusing her resolve. "I'm starting *CPR."

She sank into her work, feeling the weight of the girl's aura slipping away like sand through fingers. "Don't leave me," she whispered desperately, pressing hands down rhythmically against the girl's chest. "C'mon. Fight!

With each thrust, the girl's aura faded, and Liana clung to it with every ounce of strength, desperately hoping to bring her back. Two minutes felt like an eternity as she pushed against the softness of the bathroom floor—her thoughts solely centered on the pulse that never came.

And then, finally, a gasp.

The girl arched sharply, a breath breaking through as life flooded back into her body. Xiu Ying exhaled, relieved as Wei helped maneuver the girl onto her side, tears mingling with the foam on her lips.

"Let's get her into the ambulance," Wei said, exhaling heavily in relief as they lifted the girl. "Come on, we've got to hurry."

As they secured her inside, Tao scrambled to join them. "Is she okay? Please tell me she's okay!" he pleaded anxiously.

Liana turned back, meeting his frantic gaze. "She's alive, and we're going to do everything we can to help her, I promise."

With that, Liana slipped into the driver's seat, needing a moment to collect her thoughts as Wei nestled in the back with the siblings. "Don't leave me," echoed inside her head, overshadowing the aftermath of the encounter. There once a time when another had begged her, they wanted so painfully bad to keep on breathing, and yet she couldn't do anything–just observe how life slowly faded away, how their aura vanished into non-existence.

She shook her head; hesitant breaths escaped her as she turned on the ambulance ignition. As she moved toward the hospital, she still felt the echoes of that girl slipping away, the loss reverberating in her very core.

Just then, her phone rang—an irritant in the morning haze. Confusion knitted her brows. It flashed an unknown number that she let ring for a moment.

But then it rang again, and she couldn't hold back a low chuckle of annoyance. "Seriously?" she muttered, answering as she prepared to extract her frustrations. "Now, listen here you douchebag...!"

"Is this Liana Xiu Ying?" a familiar voice chimed on the other end, and her annoyance partly melted away.

"Cheng? Is it too early to talk? What do you want?"

"Hey, chill! I'm a poor soul who doesn't deserve this early morning hate," he lamented theatrically.

"Ah yes, your early morning drama," she teased, feeling lighter despite the gravity of the day.

"Lu Guang is here too," Cheng chimed back, and Liana could almost envision Lu Guang rolling his eyes in the background.

"Sorry for calling at such an ungodly hour, Xiu Ying," Lu Guang interjected, his tone apologetic. "We really needed to speak with you."

"Who gave you my number?" she asked, half curious and half cautious.

"Qiao Ling did," Cheng replied.

Liana scoffed affectionately. "Of course she did. Look, I'm busy with work, you know."

"Work? What do you even do? You never mentioned it last time we hung out!" Cheng burst out, curiosity dripping from every word.

"Because we were too busy discovering our special gifts?" Liana fired back, chuckling lightly.

"You're dodging the question!" Cheng accused playfully.

"Fine, I am a paramedic practitioner. I'll receive my license pretty soon." she said with a sigh. "Look, can we meet at the studio by noon? It's been a hectic morning."

There was some muffling on the other line and Liana thought the call might have disconnected, but then Lu Guang's stern voice chimed in, "Absolutely, I apologize for Xiaoshi's unproper behavior."

"It's okay. Get some sleep, guys," she said, her voice firm yet warm.

"Just do some research on nice restaurants!" Cheng Xiaoshi's voice quickly yelled before Lu Guang could scold him.

"Okay, okay," she relented, a bit confused but willing to comply. "See you guys later."

As she hung up, a puzzled expression crossed Liana's features. What just happened?

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the neighborhood. A gentle breeze danced through the trees, rustling leaves that glittered with morning dew. Liana Xiu Ying stepped onto the sidewalk, the weather fresh and inviting, a stark contrast to the heavy thoughts from earlier. As she strolled, her senses tingled with a tranquil energy that wrapped around her like a warm embrace. The vibrant petals of blooming flowers waved cheerily, and a faint hum of laughter wafted from nearby houses, contributing to the idyllic atmosphere.

Having changed out of her paramedic uniform, she now wore a loose pale-yellow dress patterned with tiny stars that shimmered in the sunlight, complemented by a delicate white haori that fluttered gently with her movements. But even in this picturesque moment, her mind drifted back to the earlier incident—the harrowing experience of feeling a life slip away had etched a chill into her bones. It had been some time since she'd sensed a fading aura, each memory haunted by the weight of loss, making her skin grow cold.

Suddenly, a soft touch against her calf broke her reverie. She looked down, her heart lifting as she spotted Kuai, her corgi, affectionately rubbing against her. "Oh, goodness, I nearly forgot I had you with me!" she exclaimed, scooping the little dog into her arms. Kuai's tail wagged excitedly, her small, warm body seeking closeness. Liana pressed a gentle kiss to her furry head, feeling an instant comfort wash over her.

"See, Kuai," she spoke softly, glancing into the corgi's dark, expressive eyes. "You always know what I need, don't you? I think you knew I needed a cuddle today, especially after everything this morning." Kuai yipped in agreement, her tiny body squirming with delight. "Maybe later, we can unwind with a movie—how about *'Lotus Lantern'? I could use a little fantasy in my life," Liana mused aloud. "I just hope the boys don't mind me bringing you along."

Gently petting her corgi, Liana continued her walk down the sunny sidewalk until the familiar glass-fronted photo studio came into view. Pushing the door open, a robotic feminine voice greeted her, "Thank you for visiting!"

Glancing to her left, she was met with the sight of Lu Guang, intently cleaning a DSL camera, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Hey there! What's the photowork?" she called out cheerfully, her warm smile illuminating the studio.

Startled, Lu Guang nearly dropped the camera in his hands, turning to her with wide eyes before realizing it was only Liana Xiu Ying. "Oh. You scared me." He murmured, relieved.

"I'm sorry, I thought you guys were expecting me." She moved toward the counter where he was working, cradling Kuai in her arms. The corgi barked loudly, as if asserting her presence. Lu Guang raised an eyebrow, bemused. "And who is this little one? You're bringing your dog into the studio now?"

Liana shrugged sheepishly. "I was hoping to sneak her in without you noticing. This, "She beamed. "Is Kuai! My adorable corgi. Where's Xiaoshi and Qiao Ling?"

"Oh, Xiaoshi was just rummaging around for snacks. Probably for him, though," Lu Guang replied, rolling his eyes. "And Qiao is likely chasing down new cases. You know how she gets."

"True," Liana nodded. Then she noticed Lu Guang's demeanor a bit anxious and how he would stare at Kuai as he worked on his cameras. Mhm, I wonder... "You're not a dog person, are you? You seem more like a cat person," she remarked, noticing Lu Guang's slight grimace at Kuai's bark.

"Can't say I am," he admitted, crossing his arms. "I mean, cats are just so much cuter. They're free-spirited, you know?"

"Sure, most cats are cute, but they can be a bit too aloof for my liking," Liana replied, laughing softly. "I guess I enjoy the company—Kuai keeps me grounded. Though sometimes, I think she might be a coward, running away from the room when she spots a cockroach." She pouted slightly, casting a sideways glance at Kuai, whose tail wagged as she tilted her head.

"Anyone would run from those little devils, Xiu Ying." Lu Guang snickered, shaking his head.

"See? I believe Kuai and you would get along quite well," she teased, grinning brightly.

Just then, Liana murmured under her breath, "You know, you seem more carefree lately."

Lu Guang blinked, a look of confusion crossing his features. "What was that?"

"Oh, just thinking how you used to be more stoic back in college. You still are!" She waved a dismissive hand, a playful smile on her lips. "But it's not a bad thing! Just makes it harder for me to read your aura; I've noticed—I mean, your aura feels different. And I like it." She glanced down at Kuai, brushing the tip of her nose against her corgi's fur as if to strengthen the bond between them all in that moment.

As the words slipped out, Lu Guang felt a rush of warmth bloom across his cheeks and ears. He cleared his throat, trying to focus on cleaning the camera as he felt himself somewhat dazed by her sudden candor. The silence that followed was comfortable, punctuated only by the soft sounds of Kuai's paws padding against Liana's arms.

For just a few minutes, time stretched, and Lu Guang found himself captivated by Liana. He noticed the slight asymmetry in her smile as the left corner tugged higher than the right; how the golden sunlight outlined her chocolate curls that framed her face; how her eyes sparkled with a life of their own, especially when Kuai barked happily; and how the warmth of her honey-brown skin seemed to glow more vibrantly in the sun's embrace. He mentally shook himself.

What is happening?

He should not be thinking like this. They hardly knew one another beyond their college years. Sure, she was fetching, but there were more pressing matters at hand. He had to find out where the hell Xiaoshi was, for example.

Just as he prepared to nudge Liana to ask for Xiaoshi, the bell above the door jingled, signaling someone's entrance.

"Speaking of the devil," Lu Guang muttered as Cheng Xiaoshi burst through the door, a wide grin brightening his face.

"Cry for me no more!" he exclaimed, striding over Liana and engulfing her in a hearty hug. "For I have arrived."

Liana laughed, returning the embrace, "It's good to see you, Xiaoshi." She put some distance between both and hit him on the back of his head.

"Ouch! Hey, what was that for?" He whined rubbing the spot where he was hit.

"For calling me at four fucking am today!

He rapidly pointed a finger towards Lu Guang who had his arms crossed and stared blankly. "B-but Lu Guang was on the line too!

Xiu scoffed and grabbed him by his ear, "Yes. And I am sure as hell you woke him up too!

As Liana Xiu Ying and Cheng Xiaoshi bickered back and forth, Kuai scurried away towards Lu Guang who, amused by the action, glanced down at her raising an eyebrow as if to dare her to come any closer, but Kuai didn't seem to acknowledge his apathy and simply nuzzled herself further into Lu Guang's pants. The white-haired boy exhaled deeply and decided to pick her up, he was slightly surprised at how soft her fur was–almost like silk. Kuai barked happily when she started receiving attention and caressed Lu Guang's neck with her nose. He chuckled softly, "Alright, no need to show off, Kuai."

As Lu Guang watched Liana and Xiaoshi's childish banter continue, he held Kuai closer to his chest and ran a hand through his face in mock frustration as he muttered, "This was going to be a long night."

The afternoon sun filtered through the studio's windows, casting warm golden light that danced along the walls and filled the room with a soft glow. Liana Xiu Ying sat cross-legged on a single couch; her brow furrowed in concentration as she analyzed a photograph held delicately in her right hand. The picture's surface glimmered with moments captured in time, each color infused with fragile memories. With her left hand, she absentmindedly petted her corgi, Kuai, who lay sleeping contentedly in her lap. The rhythmic motion was soothing, a comfort against the weight of the task at hand.

Across the room, Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi occupied the biggest couch, their appearances markedly contrasting in demeanor. Lu Guang sat upright, holding a picture in each hand, his fingers brushing over the worn edges. His eyes glowed a bright blue, attuned to the waves of emotions emitted from the images, searching through fleeting moments that carried hidden truths. Cheng Xiaoshi, meanwhile, seemed much more casual; he munched on a bag of gummy bears, their vibrant colors mirroring the playful energy he injected into the otherwise serious atmosphere.

Liana's gaze danced between the photographs, her mind swirling with a mix of determination and frustration. They had spent nearly two hours trying to unpack the complex emotions binding Bo and Hui—she felt lost in a labyrinth of feelings. Exhaling sharply, she let herself fall back onto the couch, dramatically slashing her limbs across the cushions in an exaggerated display of exasperation.

"This is ridiculous!" she said, her voice cutting through the casual sounds of chewing and paper rustling. Both boys turned their attention toward her, eyebrows raised in curiosity. "We have no idea what we're looking for," she continued, her eyes darting back to the images in her hand. "I wasn't even in the picture for that long! You guys are the ones who've been diving in, and I just feel... I mean, they looked like a happy couple, at least at some point. And their old apartment smelled like wistfulness and yearning."

Cheng nodded; his expression serious as he mulled over her words. "I felt it too," he finally chimed in, discarding a gummy bear onto the table. "I sensed Hui's emotions, and she was very fond of Bo—head over heels, no doubt."

Lu Guang, his expression contemplative, added, "In the photo we entered, they seemed so at ease—cooking dinner together, laughing. I wish we could have captured that moment."

Liana tilted her head to the side, a teasing smirk creeping on her lips. "Oh! So that's why you boys asked me to look for restaurants earlier today? You think appointing them to dinner would solve everything?"

Both boys exchanged a quizzical glance—a silent communication of uncertainty before shrugging their shoulders in unison, as if to say, 'Do you have a better idea?'

Rolling her eyes in a dramatic fashion, Liana carefully placed Kuai back onto the couch before standing up. She began to pace back and forth through the living room, her eyes scanning their chaotic setup—the pictures sprawled across the coffee table, the dim glow of the afternoon sunlight streaming in, illuminating her thoughts. Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi watched her move, intrigued yet slightly bewildered.

As she wandered, Liana murmured under her breath about the clueless nature of boys and how they sometimes seemed lost when it came to treating a girl with care. That's why Wei keeps teasing me, I'm too picky. Cheng rose from his seat, determination flaring in his eyes as he walked towards her. "Alright, *Sherlock," he said, a teasing glimmer in his gaze. "So, what do you propose then?"

Liana paused mid-pace, glancing back at them over her shoulder. She paced around the coffee table and sat down beside Lu Guang, where Cheng had previously occupied. Their shoulders brushed, and Liana felt a gentle warmth as she settled beside him, her heart racing slightly at the familiarity. She could feel his eyes on her—a mixture of curiosity and something deeper.

"I really can sense they're still in love," she said, her voice steady and firm. "When Bo first contacted me, he was desperate. Something crummy must have happened to drive them apart." Her focus sharpened; she was losing herself in the urgency of the situation, her fierce desire to help shining through.

Lu Guang hummed in agreement, leaning in slightly. "We went into another photograph, and the only consistent activity Bo and Hui seemed to do was knead dough for noodles and cuddling. It's enchanting, but whatever has caused the rift keeps pulling them apart."

"Oh, for heaven's sake," Cheng whined, rolling back and forth on the carpet in a frenzy. "I'm not cut out for all this emotional complexity! Give me an easier case any day!"

Ignoring him, Liana and Lu Guang continued to exchange ideas, their minds synchronized in a dance of thought that filled the air with intensity. Liana's eyes darted across the coffee table cluttered with photographs, each image a puzzle piece to a greater picture. As she searched, something caught her attention—a glimpse of a hidden picture partially obscured by others. Slowly, she extended her hand toward it, fingertips brushing softly against the edge. Just as she was about to grasp it, her fingers unexpectedly grazed against someone else's.

Startled, Liana quickly pulled back, her cheeks flushing as she glanced at Lu Guang, who blinked at her in surprise. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath—a surprising connection forged between them, that sent a jolt through the air.

"I'm sorry!" Lu Guang said quickly, his voice a mixture of embarrassment and chagrin as he instinctively apologized, warmth spreading in his face.

"It's fine, really." Liana waved him off with a small, shy smile, refusing to dwell on the brief touch. She avoided his gaze, focusing instead on retrieving the picture she had aimed for. The moment passed, but the gentle flutter in her chest lingered.

Holding the photograph in her hands, Liana scrutinized it intently. Lu Guang moved closer, subtly leaning in, careful not to crowd her space but unable to resist the magnetic pull of her energy. Together, they analyzed the image: it showcased Bo and Hui's apartment—their living room was framed by cozy lighting that whispered of warmth and familiarity. In the center was a larger couch than in the previous image, alive with personality.

On the right end of the couch sat a blonde girl with brown eyes wearing a bright red dress, casually sitting cross-legged and smirking, exuding a playful confidence. In the middle, Bo beamed with an infectious smile, clearly dressed to impress in a loose beige suit with a slightly askew tie. But on the left end sat Hui, clad in a light blue kimono. Her mouth formed an awkward smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. Those sad eyes pierced through the cheerful facade of the picture—she looked distant, lost amidst the camaraderie of the moment.

"This is it!" Liana exclaimed, turning her intensity toward Lu Guang with an invigorated spark. "This is the photograph we've been looking for! We need to dive in further to understand what disrupted their relationship."

Taking the photograph, Lu Guang prepared to delve deeper, his gaze mirroring her fervor, his blue eyes spinning with rhythmic waves of energy. Yet, just as his fingers brushed the edges, a gentle yet firm grip on his wrist halted him. Startled, he turned to find Liana looking at him with a mix of determination and hesitance.

"Let me dive in with you," she said, her voice a beacon of resolve.

The shock washed over Lu Guang, momentarily freezing him in astonishment. He remembered her as a carefree girl from their college days—one who rarely fretted over grades and tended to find herself in amusing predicaments. Seeing her now, so resolute and earnest, sparked something deep within him. There was an undeniable layer of strength to Liana that he hadn't observed before. He felt compelled to discover those hidden angles of her character—like pieces of art yet to be unveiled.

Staring deeply into her leaf-green eyes, which reminded him of the lush trees welcoming the spring, he found himself enchanted. The sincerity with which she spoke pierced through the background noise of the studio, sharpening their shared purpose.

Yet, seconds passed, and he feared he had lingered too long in silence, that she might start to doubt his agreement. Finally, he nodded, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile of affirmation. "Alright then," he replied softly, his voice steady but laced with a hint of anticipation. "Let's do it together."

With a shared understanding, they found themselves leaning closer, both physically and emotionally, as they surrendered to the depths of their connection.

Liana stole a glance at Cheng Xiaoshi, who had remained quiet throughout their moment of shared resolve. He stood on the fringes, his previous frenzy replaced by a contemplative demeanor. "So, how does this work?" he sighed, crossing his arms as he took in their readiness.

"It starts with immersion," Lu Guang said, adjusting the photograph between them. "When we enter, we'll be in their living room, reliving that moment captured in time." His glowing eyes shifted back to Liana, confidence blooming. "Stay focused on the emotions—sensations will guide you. If we pay attention, we might even catch glimpses of whatever went wrong."

Cheng rolled his eyes but moved closer to them, curiosity now piqued. "Alright, count me in. I can't be out of the loop on this one."

"Wait!" Liana called out, catching the boys' attention. "It doesn't work like that with me, remember? I don't actually go into someone's body in the past."

Cheng Xiaoshi looked at Lu Guang confused but was met with a shrug of shoulders. He turned his gaze towards Liana Xiu Ying. "Hold on. Then, how are you supposed to go into the frame with us?"

"I won't because I can't." She replied. The boys just blinked confused, and Xiu Ying exhaled. "Look, I can perceive people's auras on a daily basis but when it comes to entering a frame, it's not like I'm really there. I can't take control over someone's body or consciousness as you guys do. I simply astral project myself into the memory of the past, but people can't see or hear me unless I thoroughly manipulate the vibrations of the scene to make myself known. Like that time, you couldn't see me, Xiaoshi, but you felt something was there... D-does that make sense?

The dark-haired boy exchanged a glance with the white-haired boy, and both replied:

"No! What the hell, Xiu Ying?"

"Somewhat bewildering, but we'll manage."

The green-eyed girl rubbed her temples a bit worried. "One more thing." She started but Xiaoshi cut her off.

"There's more?!" He raised his voice, shocked, but Lu Guang nudged him on the ribs and signaled Xiu Ying to continue.

"I do not just clap my hands to fully access my power." She crossed her arms over her chest and diverted her gaze. "I need to level my emotions to the person's we are connecting with – I'll be able to perceive anything and anyone else's but I need an anchor. Besides, I need a more significant touch to stay longer within the photograph."

"A more significant touch? What?" Xiaoshi murmured.

"I've never tried this with anyone because I didn't know it was possible. And this will be our first time so it might be trial and error. Are you okay with that," She looked to her left, hesitant. "Lu Guang?

Said person seemed startled at first, but quickly composed himself and nodded towards the girl.

"Eh, hello? Am I missing something?" Cheng Xiaoshi chimed in, feeling awkward at being left behind in the conversation. "Do you guys know something I don't?"

At his friends' lack of response, the dark-haired boy just exhaled heavily. Why do I feel like I'm the third wheel here?

"Alright, gang." Lu Guang's serene voice spoke up. "Let's dive back in time."

The trio sat on the biggest couch of the living room: Lu Guang in the middle with Cheng Xiaoshi and Liana Xiu Ying by his sides. Raising her hand slowly, the green-eyed girl let her fingertips brush against his, the electricity of the contact an unexpected warmth that flooded her cheeks. Lu Guang looked down; his brow furrowed in concentration as he contemplated the tingle of his own fingertips. Keep it professional.

"First, you only get twelve hours." The white-haired boy said. "Secondly, follow my lead and change nothing."

Cheng Xiaoshi whined at such a statement but knew better than to complain about it.

"Thirdly, past or future... just let them be."

With their collective energies harmonized, they sealed their resolve. Holding the photograph tightly, Lu Guang initiated a connection, feeling the currents entwining them all as he opened a portal into their past.

The dark-haired boy stretched his arms a bit and then looked at Lu Guang and Liana Xiu Ying, grinning widely. "Let's dive in!" He exclaimed while raising his hand and high-fiving Lu Guang, disappearing into thing air and traveling to the past.

On the other hand, the honey-brown skin girl closed her eyes and took a deep breath, she murmured to Lu Guang with a soothing voice. "Just relax..."

Their fingers hovered uncertainly in the space between them, hesitant to close the distance. Their hearts racing as they felt the weight of the moment settle around them. Initially, their hands seemed awkwardly mismatched, fingers stiff and unsure. She marveled at the feel of his gentle palm as it enveloped her smaller hand. The moment stretched, each second feeling like an eternity as they wrestled with the vulnerability of the connection.

Liana Xiu Ying opened her eyes, now a vibrant blue, and announced with lop-sided smirk, "I'm in".

*The pills that Lily, the character at the beginning, swallowed are known as opioid. These are drugs used to relieve pain and produce an euphoria feeling in the body and brain. They could also be used to treat: modere to severe pain, diarrhea... DO NOT TAKE THESE PILLS.

*Naloxone is a medicine used to treat opioid overdose.

*Kamado Tanjirou no Uta is an original soundtrack sang by Go Shiina from the Japanese anime "Kitmesu no Yaiba", while Romantic Flight is an original soundtrack composed by John Powell from the DreamWorks Animation movie "How To Train Your Dragon".

*Lotus Lantern is a Chinese animated movie from the late 90's, and it's based on the Chinese fairy tale, "The Magic Lotus Lantern".

*Sherlock, better known as Sherlock Holmes, is a fictional character created by the Scottish writer Arthur Conan Doyle. This character is mostly known due to his sharpened skills of observation.

author's note;

hello, there. I hope you guys are enjoying this story. I would love to read your comments and your thoughts! I feel like this Bo and Hui's case is taking longer that I initially intended, but I just want to further detail Liana's personality and explore her interactions with other characters as well as throw small glimpses of her past here and there. I promise we are almost done with this couple and then we'll start right on the first chapter of the donghua.

btw, I really hope I am not writing anyone out of character, lol.

anyways, enjoy your lecture!