月亮代表我的心

"yuè liàng dài biǎo wǒ de xīn" - Chen Fen-Ian

The world around them faded into the luminous glow of the photograph, the edges peeling away like petals unveiling a flower. They vanished from the comfortable familiarity of the studio into an unfamiliar yet exquisite tapestry of memories.

A sharp click echoed in the ambient silence, followed by a blinding flash that momentarily swallowed Liana Xiu Ying in brilliant light. It was as if she had been yanked from one reality and thrust into another—a memory clung onto like gossamer threads. Her essence untethered from the ordinary surrounding of the photographic studio, where her physical self rested peacefully on the couch besides Lu Guang. In the ethereal realm of her astral projection, Liana found herself standing behind the couch where Bo, Hui and a striking blonde woman in a red dress were seated.

Cheng Xiaoshi, now inhabiting the body of a man named Ruo Xuan, stood behind a camera, an exuberant smile illuminating his face. His eyes flickered subtly, transitioning from dark blue to a glimmering gold, as if the distant sun had caught a glint in his gaze. Liana's presence lingered in a wispy form, a curtain of emotions weaving through her as she approached the couch. The atmosphere resonated with intricate feelings, and every flicker of energy reached out for her to grasp.

"Great picture!" Xiaoshi exclaimed, his voice (or Ruo Xuan's) bright and buoyant. A giddy delight poured from him as he turned the camera towards the trio on the couch, capturing this moment in time.

Liana focused on their expressions, each one holding secrets and stories within them. Bo sat comfortably in a loose beige suit, exuding an aura of easy confidence. "I feel so blessed, surrounded by such beauties," he said lightly, placing a hand on the shoulder of the blonde woman, Eu-Meh, while leaning in to kiss Hui's cheek. But Hui's reaction was unexpected; she turned just enough for Bo to graze her jaw, a slight shiver in the air punctuating the moment. Liana observed Hui's subtle shift, caught between awkwardness and something else.

Confusion flickered across Bo's face before he diverted his attention to Eu-Meh, flashing his trademark smile. "Thank you for making it for dinner, Eu-Meh," he said, genuine warmth in his voice.

The blonde woman crossed her legs, her body pivoting entirely to face Bo with an inviting smirk that sent ripples of tension through Liana. "Oh, it was my pleasure! How lucky you are, Bo... Such a comfy home you and Hui have. I wish I had someone as dedicated as you." Her words dripped with an underlying challenge, her eyes discreetly glinting with envy as she sliced her gaze toward Hui for just the briefest moment.

Liana felt an almost imperceptible change in Hui's demeanor; a cold shadow had cast over her warm surroundings. There was a flicker of jealousy that permeated the air, chilling the ambiance. Hui's tightly pressed lips twitched slightly as she offered a restrained smile, the subtle invocation of sadness swirling around her. Meanwhile, Liana could sense a dark crimson flicker emerging as Eu-Meh cast a fleeting glance of irritation at Hui, a dynamics' shift Liana alone detected. Or so she thought.

"Did you catch that?" Cheng Xiaoshi's voice echoed in her mind. "Is this an affair? A jealousy misunderstanding?"

"The atmosphere is charged," Liana Xiu Ying replied, her mind flowing into theirs like a quiet stream of reason.

"Let's avoid jumping to conclusions. We need more hints from this memory." Lu Guang firmly stated.

Bo stood up abruptly, guiding Ruo Xuan toward a small terrace adorned with twinkling fairy lights that danced like stars. "Let's set the tablewhile the ladies bring the food," he remarked, brimming with enthusiasm.

Cheng, still unsure of what to do, thought aloud to Lu Guang, "Should I keep an eye on Hui? I'm not sure how I feel about leaving her with Eu-Meh..."

Before Lu Guang could respond, Liana interjected. "I'll stay with the girls. You follow Bo and concentrate on what happens next."

Cheng Xiaoshi blinked, startled. He was accustomed to Lu Guang's guidance; yet, Liana's confidence broke through, and he found himself agreeing. Liana stood rooted before the couch as they drifted from her realm, a constant observer of the unfolding tapestry woven through time.

Back in the livingroom of the present, a whirlwind of emotions fluttered around Lu Guang. Heglanced at his and Liana's intertwined hands, feeling an odd mix of warmth anddiscomfort. They were so close that he could feel the warmth radiating from her side. His gaze traced the gentle curve of her cheek, noticing faint freckles dotting her sun-kissed skin. He rarely experiencedanother's emotions within the expanse of his mind, and Liana's assertiveguidance only seemed to amplify that odd feeling. He sighed quietly, knowingthis would be an unusual journey. "Trial and error", he reflected, echoingLiana's words from the earlier that day. He sighed. "This is going to be something," he thought wryly.

In the past, Liana followed Hui and Eu-Meh to the kitchen as the conversation waved awkwardly. The hum of tension buzzed loudly, and the air thickened with unsaid words. It looked like Hui had prepared biang biang noodles, a dish that simmered with memories and warmth—the essence of home.

"Wow, these noodles look delicious," Eu-Meh praised, admiration weaving through her tone, even as her eyes roamed Hui's form, examining her with a critical gaze.

"Thank you," Hui murmured, an awkward smile tugging on her lips, clearly caught off-guard by the praise.

"What a lucky man Bo is," Eu-Meh continued, deliberately emphasizing her words, "to have a dedicated wife like you. It must be exhausting to maintain such a snuggly home."

The words stung, and Hui's smile faltered, the compliment layered with unspoken judgment. "I do my best," she said softly, glancing down and smoothing the fabric of her clothes, contemplating whether her attire was indeed suitable.

"Those bags under your eyes!" Eu-Meh chirped, her voice delightfully taunting as she extended a hand to point at Hui's face. "Tsk. You should really dress a bit more elegantly. After all, you're representing Bo—soon to be the vice president of the company, I hear."

Hui flinched at the revelation. Liana felt the temperature in the room drop abruptly as Eu-Meh's envy seeped into the atmosphere, tangling itself with Hui's quiet insecurity. She could perceive the color of their energies: Eu-Meh glowed in a tempest of reds and pinks, while Hui's energy danced with a faint purple tinged with unease.

Wary of the shift in conversation, Hui replied softly, "Bo and I... we fell in love with the simplicity of our lives. I don't want to pretend to be something I'm not."

A chuckle escaped Eu-Meh, low and laced with disdain. "Oh, sweet Hui," she whispered conspiratorially, leaning in closer, "you're so innocent. Men are quite simple, really. They are attracted to a pretty face and defined figure." The dark crimson of her aura pulsed dangerously as the words pierced through the air.

Holding her breath, Hui felt her confidence crack. "You should be careful, then," Eu-Meh warned, her voice smooth and threatening. "Bo is making a name for himself in the industry, and many eyes are on him."

A chill cascaded down Hui's spine, her shoulders tightening as she processed the threat beneath that seemingly casual remark. Liana, overwhelmed by the emotion radiating from the two women, couldn't help but clutch her own form, feeling the pulsating rhythm of envy and fear echo throughout the room.

"Did you feel that?" she thought to Lu Guang, longing for affirmation.

"I did," he replied, his voice a quiet anchor amidst the storm of emotions. "Your gift is truly fascinating."

"Yeah, and disturbing," she scoffed mentally, brushing frustrations aside. "How is Xiaoshi doing?"

Simultaneously, in the terrace, Cheng, animated in Ruo Xuan's body, shared a lively conversation with Bo, who obliviously continued to bask in his unwavering satisfaction. Ruo animatedly spoke of their company's success, mentioning how sales had surged by 47% that year, almost as though it was commonplace.

"Bo!" he exclaimed. "I suspect Eu-Meh is going to offer you that vice president position tonight!"

Bo waved his hand dismissively, laughter dancing on his lips. "I was about time, though. I plan to take the next step with Hui. We're married, but I want to settle down and start a family."

Cheng's (Ruo's, actually) brows furrowed, curiosity overwhelming his excitement. He thought to Lu Guang, "Is he talking about having kids with Hui?"

"Could be," Lu Guang replied, intrigued by the implications of their discussion.

"Maybe he has more in mind than just promotion," Cheng pondered, a playful grin on his face as he nudged Bo.

As Bo glanced toward the terrace entrance, where Hui and Eu-Meh were approaching with food, he smiled warmly. "Not even a million yuan could convince me to change my mind about the family I want to build," he declared.

Curiosity flashed across Cheng's face. "Lu Guang, how much is a million yuan in USD currency?"

"Roughly 140K," Lu Guang replied succinctly.

"That's... really sweet," Liana interjected, weaving back into their conversation as the energy flowed through her. "He's been smitten with her all this time..."

"Wow, she really is the girl, huh?" Cheng marveled, following Bo's gaze admiringly as Hui stepped close with the food in hand.

Time slipped by like grains of sand, the sun settling low in the sky, casting a warm, romantic glow upon the table where the four of them had gathered. Liana observed, ever the silent spectator, both absorbed and uneasy.

Back in the memory, Cheng was indulging in the biang biang noodles crafted lovingly by Hui, her proud smile emerging despite the tension in the air. Conversing cheerfully with Bo and Eu-Meh, Cheng caught snippets of their dialogue.

Eu-Meh giggled playfully, complimenting Bo. "You were so witty to convince that cosmetic product manufacturer for collaboration!" She placed her hand teasingly over his, her smile dangerously flirtatious.

In that moment, Liana felt the vibrations in the room spike uncomfortably. It was as if a wave of electricity crackled through the air. Cheng panicked mentally. "Uh, what do I do? What do I do?"

Both Liana and Lu Guang, synchronously acting as guides, murmured in his mind, "Keep it cool."

"Feel like a kid getting scolded here," Cheng sighed in response, whimsically in protest.

Hui, not missing a beat, maintained her composure as they navigated the multitude of complex emotions swirling around them. But Liana's keen senses detected Hui's aura shifting; the faint purple echoes surrounding her began to darken, almost choking with insecurity.

Bo, sensing the tension, withdrew his hand from Eu-Meh's grasp with an air of discomfort while thanking her sincerely for the opportunity. "I appreciate all your support; it means so much, really."

"Keep up the hardening work," she urged, still blatantly flirting. "You'll get that promotion for sure."

A confused frown emerged on Hui's face as she observed the playful banter. What she perceived only added fuel to the fire. As she smiled, distant yet strained, Liana could feel the fracture lines deepening in Hui's heart.

As dinner concluded and the atmosphere thickened with uncertainty, Lu Guang pointed out that it was time for them to return to the present. "Ruo won't be in the picture much longer; we won't see Bo and Hui's interactions."

Liana felt a surge of urgency, cutting Lu Guang off. "Wait! I can stay longer. I'm not in anyone's body, and I can explore freely." She was wild with a determination she couldn't quite place.

Unsure, Lu Guang hesitated, his sense of responsibility weighing heavily, but Cheng nodded fervently. "We're running out of time! We should see!"

"Hurry up, then." Lu Guang commanded, curious yet cautious.

As Cheng Xiaoshi (Ruo Xuan) prepared to leave, he expressed his gratitude, thanking Bo and Hui for the lovely dinner. Eu-Meh followed suit, stepping forward to hug Bo before shocking everyone by kissing him softly on the cheek, dangerously close to the corner of his lips.

"Whoa..." Bo uttered, momentarily stunned into silence, and beside him, Hui stiffened, eyes wide with disbelief as the affection unfolded before her.

Automatically, they glanced at each other as Ruo and Eu-Meh stepped out, leaving Bo and Hui in a stillness that thrummed with tension.

Cheng had already transitioned back to the present, the echoes of their interactions slowly dissipating into the past, but Liana stayed behind. 

In the quaint yet tender space of their apartment, the air grew heavy with tension. Bo and Hui remained frozen, absorbing the aftermath of Eu-Meh's bewildering gesture—as if the world had tilted slightly on its axis.

Finally, Hui broke the silence, her voice laced with incredulity. "What was that?" she demanded, her heart racing. "Bo. Why did your boss almost kiss you in front of me? Your wife?"

"What? It-It's really not a—" Bo stammered, every word slipping through his grasp as he searched for the right response.

"Not a big deal?" Hui interjected sharply, her eyes aflame with hurt. "I feel utterly uncomfortable! You didn't say anything to those gestures she kept throwing at you!"

Her emotions erupted like a storm, a whirlwind of jealousy and disappointment swirling around them. "Is that how you got promoted? By cozying up to your boss? That's the reason for these last few weeks of cuddling and cooking, isn't it? You didn't even want to touch me!"

"No, that's not how it is!" Bo pleaded frantically, trying to catch up with her torrent of words, desperate to explain, to soothe the pain that had seeped between them. "Hui, please, listen to me."

But she wouldn't relent. Every layer of her vulnerability began to pull back, revealing insecurities buried under layers of pride. "What were you talking about with Ruo Xuan? Do you think you'll win her heart?"

Finally, Bo's composure shattered, his voice loud with frustration. "I'm not doing anything wrong! I have only eyes for you! I want to build a family with you!" He knew he wanted nothing more than to hold her close, to comfort her and shield her from the encroaching doubts threatening to drown her.

But Hui's expression was clouded by fear, and the shadows attached to her heart darkened. "If that's true," she murmured, her voice taking on a fragile tone, "then why is Eu-Meh making snarky remarks about me? About my appearance? Our marriage?"

The weight of his remorse suffocated the air between them. Hui's fury slowly ebbed, and when she finally sank onto the couch, resting her elbows on her knees and cradling her head in her hands, a quiet despair seeped into the room.

Liana, feeling the profound sadness resonate from her position, sensed Hui's pain keenly. Was Hui pretty enough? Flamboyant enough for someone like Bo? Would the life they built leave her adrift in shadows of doubt?

"Am I enough?" Hui whispered to herself, a question devoid of hope. "Am I enough for you?"

Bo crouched beside her, desperately reaching for her, wanting to assure her everything was fine, wanting to draw her out of the darkness threatening to hold her captive. "You are enough, Hui. Please, let me explain," he began, but his words felt empty.

Yet Hui paid him no mind, lost in her internal struggles. "I am not sure if you're satisfied with our life."

The tension morphed into a sorrowful entrapment, both trapped in an emotional labyrinth from which they couldn't easily escape.

Finally, Hui lifted her head, the tears glistening in her eyes betraying her pain. "I need time," she said, her voice quivering.

Slowly, she stood up and moved toward the bedroom, leaving Bo behind, sitting on the floor with a mix of frustration and shock clouding his expression. He remained frozen in uncertainty, the once cozy warmth of their home now morphing into a cold isolation.

Loneliness settled like a heavy blanket over Bo, and Liana stood in the middle of the room, tears threatening to fall from her eyes as she absorbed the weight of their conversation. The charged emotions enveloped her like a dark miasma, saturating her very being.

"How did it come to this?" she thought, feeling the sting of sorrow pressing upon her heart as she witnessed the unraveling of love that once bloomed brightly.

"Liana," Lu Guang's voice resonated in her mind, steady and commanding through the haze of emotion. "Come back."

Nodding silently, Liana composed herself, pushing herself away from the burdens of the past even as tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill over. And in that moment, with the energy of Bo and Hui's disheartening exchange still ebbing like turbulent waves around them, she surrendered to the connection that pulled her back home.

As Liana returned to the present, the room came alive once more—a refuge from the chaos she'd just emerged from. She blinked, her surroundings coming into focus. Lu Guang sat beside her, both concerned and curious, his gaze probing through her expressions.

"Are you okay?" he asked softly, the warmth of his hand reassuring as it enveloped hers.

"Yeah," Liana sighed, her voice a whisper, weighed down by the knowledge she now carried. "I just... I could feel everything—the envy, the jealousy, the fears."

The flicker of emotions still danced around the room as Liana Xiu Ying disentangled her hand from Lu Guang's reassuring grasp. She stood up, her movements almost instinctive, and made her way to the single couch where Kuai, her loyal corgi, remained blissfully asleep. As she lifted the small dog into her arms, pressing him close against her chest, a wave of exhaustion swept over her, weighing heavily upon her thoughts.

"It's okay, Kuai," she muttered softly, feeling the soft fur against her tired skin, a small comfort amidst the whirlpool of emotions she was struggling to balance. The intensity of Bo and Hui's past engulfed her, leaving her drained yet determined not to reveal her burden. 

Behind her, Lu Guang leaned back against the couch, resting his chin on one hand, mirroring the contemplative silence that hung thick in the air. Beside him, Cheng Xiaoshi sat, still recovering from the emotional gravitational pull they'd just experienced, both startled and pensive.

"How confusing..." Cheng began, breaking the silence that had settled after Liana had returned, searching for clarity. "Their relationship at that point was filled with so much weariness. It's like they were drowning in misunderstandings."

"Lack of communication, for sure," Lu Guang replied, his eyes distant as he recalled the snapshots they had just witnessed in the memory. "Bo seemed completely besotted by Hui. He had plans, aspirations. He talked about her like she was the Sun orbitating his Earth, and yet..."

"He fell apart so easily when faced with an external factor," Cheng continued, a furrow deepening on his brow. "Eu-Meh's mere presence destabilized Hui, and it made both vulnerable. It was... frustrating to watch."

Liana slightly shifted Kuai in her arms, focusing entirely on her companions. In her heart, she felt a desire to connect the dots, to bridge their understanding of Bo and Hui's tumultuous journey. "I could sense the relief in Bo when he talked about Hui. It's as if he was trying so hard to convince himself that everything was okay. But Hui... she was far from convinced. She felt insecure about everything, even their happiness."

"Exactly," Lu Guang affirmed, his tone thoughtful. "That insecurity left her susceptible to Eu-Meh's taunts. It's like watching a tragedy unfold. They both fell deeply for each other, yet that misunderstanding casts a shadow over their love."

"And there we have it," Cheng chimed in, rolling his eyes. "It just looks like a classic case of miscommunication. There is hope yet—they can clear the air and bring it back to what it should be."

Liana found herself buoyed by their agreement, her mind racing with ideas. "We could arrange something to bring them back together," she suggested excitedly. "How about a romantic dinner at their first apartment? Or even a trip to the town where they met?"

At this, Lu Guang suddenly interjected, a frown creasing his brow. "Hold on there. Remember the third rule? Let the past and future be?"

"But..." Liana began, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

"We're here to gather information, not to manipulate outcomes," Lu Guang clarified firmly, but not unkindly. "Xiaoshi and I will only observe and deliver information to our clients—what they do with it is their choice."

"Wait a second," Liana countered, crossing her arms while furrowing her brows, "Wasn't it you two who called me early this morning? Asking for restaurant recommendations to set up a dinner for Bo and Hui?"

"Yes, but that was just information for our clients," Lu Guang shot back defensively, though the sparkle of embarrassment danced in his voice, "We're not supposed to intervene in their personal lives."

Cheng Xiaoshi, who had been silently listening, sneaked a sideways grin. "Let's be real; it's better this way. We don't want to tangle with people's lives or wills!" He shrugged lightly, adding a mischievous glint to his tone, "Besides, you know how Lu Guang operates: 'el patron' speaks, and we comply"

A quiet chuckle escaped Liana's lips at Cheng Xiaoshi's jest, but uncertainty lingered in her eyes. With her gift, she forged intimate links with her clients, to the extent she would share financial or romantic advise with no additional cost—that had cost her life a couple of times, perhaps, that's why she was known to be a witch to some, but she just could not help it. She felt too much and wanted to give even more than she received. Guess if I want to partner with these dudes, I might have to learn a thing or two.

"I guess that's true," she said after some reflection, her expression softening. "I've been guiding myself for so long I'm not used to just sitting back and letting things unfold. Maybe that's part of what's been exhausting me—getting so emotionally invested in every case."

Lu Guang's eyes softened at her truth. "It takes time to manage both your abilities and your feelings. But I know you're capable of balancing them well."

With a sigh, Liana nodded, her gaze sweeping over the space they occupied together. "I'll try my best to follow your lead," she confessed, looking from Lu Guang to Cheng Xiaoshi. "I can't guarantee it'll be easy for me, given all I've been used to, but for now... I'll make this new partnership work."

"That's what teamwork is for," Cheng Xiaoshi replied, a warm smile illuminating his face. "We've got your back, you know?"

With a newfound sense of determination and affinity floating in the air, Liana felt a weight lift just a little, her resolve cemented.

The day pressed on, and as nightfall cloaked the world outside, it was finally time for Liana to return home. Cheng and Lu Guang accompanied her to the entrance of the studio, and as they walked, Kuai had woken up, now dancing enthusiastically around Liana's feet, barking happily and bringing a smile to her face.

"Just look at how happy she is," Liana laughed softly, cradling Kuai in her arms once more. "I think she missed her mama."

"She's great at brightening the mood," Cheng remarked, a playful twinkle in his eyes. "But we'll need to figure out our next steps regarding Bo and Hui. Reporting back on what we've uncovered will be crucial."

"Agreed," Lu Guang said, his expression serious. "We need to contact them individually, explain what we've gathered from those photographs—how both of them were carrying unnecessary burdens because of each other's misinterpretations.".

"Definitely," Cheng Xiaoshi replied, his tone cheerful yet earnest. "We should let them know there's hope. Communication is vital."

"And they might appreciate the encouragement," Liana added, gazing at the gentle shadows cast by the streetlights.

"We could maybe even invite them both here for a casual dinner to help them ease into that conversation." Xiaoshi commented casually, side-eyeing Lu Guang.

"That sounds..." Liana started, but Lu Guang cut her off. "Idiotic. You are idiots, didn't you just hear what I said?"

"By the way, we've got a basketball match next weekend," Cheng Xiaoshi stated, excitement bubbling in his words as he leaned casuallyagainst the doorframe. "Liana, how about you join us?"

Liana blinked in surprise, feeling a flicker of anxiety thrumming in her chest. "I...  I have a night shift at the hospital the night before that, but I'll try to make it..."

"Now, now." Cheng waved her concern away, a teasing grin plastered across his face and placing a hand on her right shoulder. "We'll just tell everyone that night shifts build character! Besides, what's a little lack of sleep in the face of fun? Eye bags are the new trend."

Lu Guang remained silent beside her, but Liana could feel his quiet strength anchoring her, just as the day had unfolded around their exploration of past memories.

"Hey," Liana turned to Lu Guang, a sincere smile breaking through her guarded demeanor, "thank you for being my anchor this afternoon. It really helped me navigate all that."

For just a heartbeat, Lu Guang's expression softened, his intense demeanor barely masking his appreciation.

But Liana felt inspired, stepping forward to lean into spontaneity. She wrapped her arms around both of their necks in a sudden, unexpected bear hug, surprising them both. "Thank you for trusting in me! I won't let you down!"

Frozen in shock, Cheng Xiaoshi blinked incredulously while Lu Guang's body went tense momentarily against the warmth of her embrace.

"Okay—uh, this is—" Cheng Xiaoshi chuckled, but then relaxed into the moment, unable to hold back his laughter.

"Liana, let go now—" Lu Guang mused, his voice betraying both surprise and a subtle amusement.

"I'll always be here for you," Liana whispered, pulling back, meeting their gazes with a sincerity that shifted something in her soul.

With Kuai now comfortably settled in her arms once more, she took a step backward, her heart feeling a little fuller, a bit lighter. "Alright, I'll see you both soon. Time to head home."

Once she walked away, Cheng Xiaoshi blinked rapidly, absorbing the warmth Liana had left behind. "I can't believe she actually hugged us!" he said, still amazed by the unexpected display of affection, an endearing smile pulling at his lips.

But Cheng Xiaoshi soon turned to Lu Guang, curious. He observed his friend's demeanor—it was a soft combination of embarrassment and contemplation. "No way," he muttered. "What's with you?"

Lu Guang merely furrowed his brow, trying to maintain his usual composure, but Cheng Xiaoshi could see the faint crimson adorning the back of his neck and cheeks.

"Lu Guang, are you blushing?" Cheng Xiaoshi teased, a playful glint sparking in his eyes.

Lu Guang's gaze darted away, quickly composing himself but failing to completely erase the hue dusting his cheeks. "Shut up," he mumbled, barely meeting Cheng's teasing gaze.

Cheng Xiaoshi laughed loudly, doubling over slightly. "This is hilarious! Poor Lu Guang finally has a crush!"

Lu Guang's embarrassment deepened, his features tightening defensively. "That's ridiculous," he retorted, but the protest was too weak—it only further provoked Cheng's amusement.

Relishing the playful banter, Cheng laughed heartily, his spirits unburdened by the emotional weight of the past. "Come on! Out with it—just admit it."

"Let's just move on, okay?" Lu Guang declared, his tone sharper as he attempted to dismiss Cheng's jests.

Cheng, unable to contain himself, teased as they made their way home, "I mean, it's just adorable! The great Lu Guang—stoic, calculative, and with a little crush! This is going to be fun!"

As the two walked towards their dorms, the sound of Cheng Xiaoshi's laughter painted the night air with warmth, the friendship between them pulsing effortlessly in the cool evening. Though two confused souls had touched the depths of turmoil just hours before, for the moment at least, laughter and lightness veiled the weight of responsibility lurking beneath.

author's note;

oh. my. gosh.

finally, Bo and Hui's case is over! well, kind of... I might write a sneak peek to how they ended up if you guys would be interested in reading it, as for now, I am okay leaving it like that.

see, this chapter was kind of a hassle as I needed to write indirect interactions between characters. I swear, every time they dive into the past, I'm a mess. This is due to the "butterfly effect" that is mentioned in the anime, like whatever you say or do could heavily impact the future, which is our character's present. Now we haven't got to that part yet, but in this story I want to explore a different approach to time traveling, there are many movies, books and TV shows with diverse concepts for time traveling and I may not focus on the "butterfly effect" concept that much. You'll read it.

on the other hand, I would love to read your comments and thoughts on the story. I hope you have noticed the ever so tiny peeks I've thrown here and there about Liana's past, especially when describing her emotions.

ps: didn't write it in the last chapter, so here it comes:

*CPR, according to the American Red Cross website, "stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It can help save a life during , when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs."