An Yeran felt his trembling.
The boy held her tightly.
As if enveloped by endless fear.
"Don't...Don't say these words..." He didn't dare to look into An Yeran's eyes.
His hoarse voice was like a long-dried river, carrying an unbearable bitterness.
"I'm sorry," An Yeran lowered her gaze and whispered, "Xiaoxiu, I can't stay."
A lengthy silence followed these words.
*
Not until more leave fell from the big tree outside the Courtyard did An Yeran hear the boy's voice again.
"Must you leave, no matter what?"
An Yeran paused for a moment, then nodded slightly, "Yes."
"Where to?" The boy's breath fell on her neck.
"Where I came from," An Yeran replied, her voice deep.
The boy slowly raised his head, his coffee-colored eyes looking at her with a faded light. His words were calm, yet filled with despair. "No matter how much I beg you, you won't stay, will you?"
An Yeran was about to answer, when she felt the boy's plump red lips on her ear.