Chapter One: A New Beginning
In June, the summer sun blazed with its full strength at Qingli Academy, casting its relentless heat over the campus. It was the kind of day when the air shimmered with warmth, and most students sought refuge in the cool comfort of their dormitories, relishing a peaceful midday nap.
The early summer sunlight filtered through the dense layers of foliage, casting intricate, shimmering patterns on the ground. In the southeast corner of the school, the music classroom was a haven of tranquility, its faint melodies drifting gently through the open windows. White blossoms beneath the summer trees exuded a delicate fragrance, mingling with the sweet scent of roses that floated lightly on the breeze. A brown, curly-haired puppy lay sprawled comfortably in a corner, its soft snores adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the afternoon.
The sunlight streamed through the transparent, spotless floor-to-ceiling windows of the music classroom, casting a warm, golden hue over the wooden floor. The light created intricate patterns that shifted and danced with the movement of the day, adding a touch of elegance and serenity to the room. Scattered about were a dozen or so chairs, each bathed in beams of sunlight that highlighted their simple, clean lines. The light cast long shadows that moved gently with the passage of time, enhancing the sense of calm that permeated the space.
Under the soft, filtered sunlight, the boy's face was a study in defined beauty. His sharp features were accentuated by the warm glow, and his jet-black hair gleamed with a glossy sheen. His long, thick eyelashes curled upwards in a natural arc, and his lips, slightly curved upwards, formed a serene, subtle smile. His fingers moved gracefully over the piano keys, each note resonating with clarity and precision. Occasionally, he would turn the pages of the sheet music on the stand, his movements smooth and deliberate, a testament to his skill and dedication.
The sky outside was a brilliant blue, dotted with large, fluffy clouds that drifted lazily across the expanse. Along the roadside, trees were adorned with clusters of pure white flowers, their delicate petals catching the sunlight and creating a stunning visual display. Whether they were hibiscus or gardenias, their presence was enhanced by the sweet, intoxicating fragrance of roses that filled the air. The scent mingled with the warmth of the day, creating an atmosphere of serene beauty that was both comforting and invigorating.
On the windowsill sat a small green cactus, its spiky form a stark contrast to the softness of the scene inside. The cactus, with its hardy, resilient nature, seemed to stand as a silent witness to the tranquil moments unfolding within the classroom.
At some point, a girl appeared by the window, her face pressed against the glass as she peered into the music classroom. She wore a light green dress that fluttered gently in the breeze, and her smile was soft, tinged with a wistful longing. Her eyes were fixed on the boy at the piano, captivated by the sight of him. Despite her fascination, she made no move to open the tightly shut glass door, content to observe from her vantage point.
From the moment she had first seen him, he had held her gaze, his brilliance so overwhelming that she found it impossible to look away. Each visit to the music classroom had become a cherished ritual, allowing her to immerse herself in the memories of their time together. She reveled in the fleeting moments they shared, savoring the beauty of their interactions, even if they were but brief flashes of a cherished dream.
After a while, she lifted her gaze to the sky, her thoughts drifting with the clouds that floated overhead. She began to capture photos of the clear blue expanse, the drifting clouds, the play of light, and the music classroom itself. Each shot was taken with meticulous care, her heart warmed by the simple yet profound beauty of the scene. The photos would serve as mementos of this serene afternoon, a way to hold on to the fleeting moments of beauty that had touched her soul.
With a sigh, she picked up her suitcase and took a few steps toward the door, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she had to leave. She paused, turning back to cast one last lingering, affectionate look at the boy at the piano. He seemed like a prince from a fairytale, his presence both enchanting and distant. With a soft, wistful smile, she whispered to herself, "One day… I'll stand by your side."
One day… I'll stand by your side. This early summer, each moment had been captured in vivid, vibrant frames, retaining the golden warmth of the sun's fading rays. Each image was a testament to the fleeting beauty of time, a reminder of dreams and desires that lingered in the heart. The memories of this day would remain etched in her mind, a gentle reminder of the beauty that had touched her soul and the promise of a future where dreams might one day come true.