"Who cares."

"It's been five years, and I had no idea you could be into Stella."

Not wanting to see any more messages, I turned off my phone and walked Stella home, chatting along the way.

When we reached her apartment building, I said goodbye and was about to leave.

"Cole," Stella suddenly called out to me.

I turned back and saw her in the darkness, anxiously wringing her hands, hesitating for a long time before speaking softly.

"Next time we meet, can I… hold your hand?"

I smiled and nodded. "You can."

As if struck by lightning, Stella looked up, took two steps forward, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed me.

It was a kiss that matched her personality, slightly shy.

Then, wanting to look at me but not daring to, she said nervously, "Get some rest. See you tomorrow."

My heart felt like something had plucked a string, and the feeling left me a bit dazed.

Stella, her face beet red, ran off.

The next day was the weekend, and I slept in comfortably.

Before, on weekends, I would wake up on time, go to the market to get the freshest ingredients, and then go to the east side of town to wait in line for a bowl of her favorite tofu pudding.

I was as diligent as a doting father.

Now, without that worry, I felt much more relaxed.

But my biological clock kicked in, and I woke up after not much extra sleep.

As soon as I picked up my phone, a message from Zoe suddenly appeared.

"I want Kung Pao chicken and braised eggplant today."

Just as I saw it, she retracted it.

She must have meant to send it to Jayce but sent it to me by mistake.

She wouldn't even let Jayce know we had dated. She couldn't possibly still be trying to order me around, could she?

I ignored it and got up to wash.

A little while later, Stella also sent a message, asking me to go to the pedestrian street.

She was so insistent that I finally agreed.

I met her on the pedestrian street that evening.

It was a street in Aeston's old district, mostly one-story buildings with lots of small shops.

At night, the rows of lights, combined with its proximity to the river, attracted many locals for a stroll to cool off.

When we met, Stella was clutching a cup tightly.

I walked over, and she smiled mysteriously.

"I specially brewed this green tea from home. I've been keeping it warm. It's not cold yet. Quick, have a drink."

It was the first time someone had treated me like this, and a wave of warmth spread through my heart.

I took the cup from Stella, unscrewed the lid, and took a sip.

The fresh scent of green tea filled my mouth.

It was very sweet.

Stella asked expectantly, "Is it brewed okay?"

I nodded seriously. "It's delicious."

She let out a sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted, and pulled me along for a walk by the river.

Stella wasn't very outgoing and didn't talk much, but for me, it was just the right amount.

We walked side-by-side along the river, not needing to say much, and the atmosphere was very relaxed.

The way she wracked her brain for topics was a bit dorky, but even when there was a lull in conversation, there was no suffocating pressure.

I couldn't help but think back to my time with Zoe, how I had to be so careful with my words, even my actions, always watching her expression, afraid of offending her.

Thinking back, I had confined myself to her side for five years, a thankless companion. It was truly a waste of my youth.

Suddenly, a "bang!"

The night sky abruptly lit up, colorful and brilliant!

Fireworks were being set off on the other side of the river, attracting the attention of people on our side. Stella and I had the best viewing spot.

I looked up at the fireworks, and a sense of gratitude slowly spread through me…

When the fireworks ended, Stella couldn't help but take credit.

"Actually, I saw on the official website that there would be a fireworks show tonight, so I asked you out."

"In my hometown, there's a legend that two people who watch fireworks bloom together are blessed by the gods and will be together forever."

I had once said the same thing to Zoe.

At the time, she had replied with a disgusted "Boring."

I looked at Stella, her dark eyes shining in the night, her smile sincere and captivating.

She looked back at me, her eyes filled with anticipation and joy.

I smiled. "Stella, thank you."

She suddenly became nervous again, spinning in place and running her hands through her hair.

"Cole, are we considered a couple now?"

Before I could answer, she said again, anxiously and tentatively, "Don't worry, I'll only ever like you, and I'll always be by your side."

She had practically bared her soul, presenting herself to me on a platter.

Her sincerity was brighter than pure gold.

My eyes welled up.

Meeting Zoe was my misfortune.

But meeting Stella was my good fortune!

I smiled and pulled her into my arms.

"Stella…" I asked her curiously, "Why do you like me?"