Tàiyáng POV

When we reached Měi's cafe, we were greeted by Songbird.

"Oh hello." She blushed while greeting us.

"Do you work here, now?" I asked in surprise.

"Yes. I'm so happy because of it. Měi is teaching me how to cook."she said.
She looked so pretty with her hair tied up....

After ordering, we both found an empty seats to sit in. "Looks like someone will be coming here more often." Jùn winked at me. I punched his arm. "Stop it. Besides, it's not like she feels the same way."

"I could tell you differently."

I paused a minute. How would Jùn know something I wouldn't about Songbird?

"Tell me."

"On one condition." Jùn held up one finger.

I hesitated. Jùn has been known for his unreasonable conditions, should I dare? "I don't know....."

Jùn shrugged his shoulders. "If you wish." Darn it. That makes me more curious.....

"Is it worth your condition?" I asked.

"Of course."

"Tell me the condition first. Then I'll wager if the information you have is worth your condition." I leaned back in my chair and watched in amusement as Jùn contemplated telling me or not.

"Fine, I'll tell you. I found a stray dog wondering the streets last week and took him in. But my parents weren't as sympathetic towards him as I was. I can't abandon him with good conscience... so I need a good home for him. Could you take care of him? You and Sēnlín are the only one's living in your house, right?"

"......it depends on Sēnlín. He was appointed the head of the house since my parents are rarely home. I'll text you his reply, but other than that, I'm fine with it."

Jùn sighed in relief. "I'm glad, that's been worrying me for awhile."

"Why didn't you ask Měi? She loves puppies."

"I did already, but her parents won't allow it."

"Okay, now give me the info."

Jùn looked unsure, but then shrugged his shoulders. "Yesterday, I stumbled upon more information about Míngqín's village in the college library."

"Really?! Tell me!"

"The book, Project Fènghuáng, is a compilation of birth records from everyone who was born in that village. I even managed to find Míngqín's birthday." Jùn paused and looked at me expectantly.

"Okay....does knowing her birthday have a meaning for the moment?

"Geez, you watch all these anime shows and you still have zero ounce of romance in you.

"Nor do you."

"Point taken. Anyway, you can confess to her on her birthday."

"What if...she says no?" I asked

"That is what love is. Love wouldn't be half as fun if it was predictable."

I laughed. "Okay, I'm listening. Tell me more of your grand ideas."

We both leaned in as we began to plan for me to confess to Songbird. While we were planning, Měi came skipping towards us. "Whatcha guys planning? " she asked as she leaned next to us in curiosity.

I shot a warning look. "Tàiyáng is going to confess to Míngqín." He spilled. I'm going to kill him.

"What?! Finally! Can I help?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Having help would be nice....but I feel like I need to do this by myself."

The two of them nodded in agreement. When Jùn and I left the cafe, I was filled with excitement. What will Songbird think of what I have planned? Will she say yes?

****

"Tàiyáng." A sweet voice penetrates my dreams as I struggle to open my eyes. Oh, I'm still in class. Sitting straight up, I look around me. "You slept through the entire class!" Songbird smirked at me. "I guess this must be another flaw."

"In your dreams," I smiled up at her. "What did I miss?"

"For our end of year project, we were assigned to compose and perform a song for our seniors graduation ceremony. Thankfully, we were chosen to be partners."

I slightly frowned. It's been awhile since I've composed a song. I wonder how rusty I am.....

I took my book bag and slung it over my shoulders. "Can I walk you to work?"

"Sure." She said with a hint of a smile. I'm glad she has been smiling more.....

Later that day, I received a call from my parents while I was studying in my room. I frowned as I listened to them telling me the many different medical schools I could transfer to in America. When I asked if I could stay in China, they told me on one condition.

Telling them that I would think about it, I politely hung up. Taking my coat and a sheet of music so I could write down anything that came to mind, I decided to take a little walk to clear my head.

Walking through the well lit town, I slightly zone out. The city lights illuminate my pathway as my feet lead me into an unknown direction. Spotting a small store that was still open, I pause in front of the lighted window to gaze at what they were offering. Something immediantly caught my eye.

That would make the perfect birthday present for Songbird!

Entering into the store, I purchased the item. The lady behind the counter smiled up at me as she carefully placed my purchase into a black box.

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

I look up at her in surprise and notice that she looked pretty young. Smiling at her, I nodded my head as I received the package from her. "The prettiest girl in the world."

"She must be very lucky to have you as a boyfrind." She sighed.

I blushed when I noticed that she was trying to flirt with me.

"I'm the lucky one." I corrected her before I quickly left the establishment.
I shudder as creepy chill spread through my body.

I was wondering why she removed her ring when she saw me enter...... Women like her are scary.

That's the last time I'm going to shop at night.

While walking home, I notice a suspicious presence following me. Turning left on every instersection, I finally concluded that this guy was following me. Taking my phone out, I quickly dial Sēnlín. Unfortunately, I was greeted by the sound of his answering machine. Sēnlín! Why do you not answer your phone when I need you?

I inwardly groaned as I kept peaking behind my back to make sure if the guy was still following me. When I glanced behind me again, I failed to find him. Panic crept up upon me, as I searched frantically for the dark figure.

Suddenly, I'm pushed onto the ground. The shadowy figure pulled out a blade while mumbling something unintelligent since his whole face was covered with a dark material. The glint of his blade made the atmosphere more dangerous as we started struggling for control over the knife.

I grabbed his neck and squeezed but the shadowy figure punches me in the gut, causing me to release my hold on him. Holding the knife to my neck, he threatens to kill me unless I give him my wallet and my package.

I slowly handed him my wallet, but hesitate with the package. Getting impatient, the man stabs me in my upper left leg and twists. I scream in pain as the man takes the package from my hands and quickly escapes the scene of the crime.

Darn it! He left the knife in my leg. How am I going to remove it?

Anger and adrenaline fills my body as I attempt to sit up. Shock from the extreme throbbing pain from the stab wound numbs my whole body. Holding my breath, I grasp the handle of the knife and prepare myself.....

My voice echoed through the quiet town as I flung the blade onto the pavement. Tears flowed down my face as I bit my tongue to keep from crying out again. Ripping a piece of my shirt off, I wrap the cloth around my wound and tried to stand up.

That's it! I limp in the direction of where the shadowy figure ran to.

I have to get her present back!

But....how am I going to attack him with an injured leg?

**********

What do you think? I tried to make it more interesting.....so I hope it worked <3