Does This Count as an Indirect Kiss

They put on their life jackets and climbed into the small boat, positioning their feet on the pedals. Long Aotian took the driver's seat to steer.

As they pedaled, the boat slowly glided across the lake. Seeing Hu Yuying waving enthusiastically from the shore, Long Aotian waved back at her. Li Qingxue also called out to Hu Yuying in the distance, though it was unclear whether her voice carried.

Hu Yuying flexed her ankle slightly, feeling a faint discomfort, then looked at Long Aotian, who was still waving at her. A bittersweet feeling suddenly flickered in her heart.

Watching Hu Yuying’s cheerful, wholehearted waving, Long Aotian inexplicably felt a pang of tenderness. The way this silly girl acted so considerate made his heart ache.

As the boat drifted farther away, Hu Yuying’s smile faded. Her gaze remained fixed on the receding figures, even after they disappeared from sight—she just couldn’t bring herself to look away.

"You’ve known my brother for a long time, right?" Lin Wanning asked softly, also watching the distant boat.

"Yeah, I met Long Aotian in the second half of our senior year. It’s been half a year now," Hu Yuying replied. Compared to Li Qingxue and Lin Wanning, she had known him the longest.

"He cares about you a lot," Lin Wanning said with a smile.

At those words, Hu Yuying paused.

Yes, Long Aotian cared about her—truly, deeply. Meeting him was the happiest thing that had ever happened to her, without a doubt.

She nodded. "Long Aotian is the best person in the world."

Lin Wanning didn’t say anything more. Everyone had their own perspective, and perhaps because she was newer to the group, she could see certain things more clearly.

But that was all. After all, people’s thoughts were different.

Just as exceptional people could recognize others’ excellence without feeling lesser themselves.

Hu Yuying hadn’t given it much thought before, but now she blinked and glanced at Lin Wanning. Following her gaze, Hu Yuying’s eyes flickered thoughtfully.

......

At first, Li Qingxue was exhilarated by the boat ride, eagerly looking around. Her laughter was radiant, as if it held all the beauty in the world.

Amidst that brightness, the faint melancholy in Long Aotian’s heart gradually eased.

Come to think of it, they still had four years in Kyoto ahead of them. There would be plenty of time—he could always bring Hu Yuying here another day.

"Long Aotian, why does it feel like the boat is spinning? Did we get lost?" Li Qingxue asked, staring at the shimmering lake. After a while, the water’s reflections made her dizzy.

Long Aotian glanced at their steady course and replied, "No, we’re fine."

Li Qingxue suddenly took a deep breath and turned to him. "I feel a little lightheaded… and my stomach’s queasy."

Her usually lively face had paled, her energy drained. Long Aotian straightened up. "Are you seasick?"

"I don’t know," she mumbled weakly.

Then he remembered what she’d once told him: My mom always warned me never to go near water—it’s dangerous.

The only exception had been that one time when she’d tried to cheer him up by the riverbank—and he’d nearly fallen in.

"Stop staring at the water," Long Aotian said, realizing why she felt dizzy. He couldn’t help but chuckle.

"I’m not looking anymore, but I still feel dizzy," Li Qingxue whined, turning her head away from the lake.

"It’s like motion sickness. Close your eyes and rest for a bit."

"Okay… I’m really uncomfortable. Can I lean on your shoulder?"

Seeing her usually bright face now so pale, Long Aotian couldn’t refuse. He shifted closer. "Go ahead."

Li Qingxue sniffled, her voice thick with emotion. "You’re so nice."

A breeze brushed a few strands of hair across her cheeks. Paired with her pitiful, slightly teary eyes, she looked both adorable and heartbreaking.

Resting against Long Aotian’s shoulder, the discomfort faded quickly—but she didn’t move.

Instead, she stayed where she was and murmured, "Long Aotian… why are you always so good to people?"

"Because you’re all my friends. Haven’t you heard the saying? At home, you rely on family; outside, you rely on friends."

Li Qingxue made a small, dissatisfied noise at his answer.

"You’re not about to throw up, are you? If you are, step away—I don’t want to walk around covered in vomit."

"You’re the worst!" The nausea had been creeping up, but his teasing instantly killed it.

"Ow—" Long Aotian flinched as she pinched his side. "Since when did you get so good at pinching?"

"Because you keep teasing me!" She sniffled again. "Long Aotian, I’m thirsty."

With one hand on the rudder and both feet still pedaling, Long Aotian reached into his back pocket and pulled out a half-crushed water bottle, handing it to her. He was way too busy.

"You’ve squished the bottle."

"We’re drinking the same brand. If I didn’t crush mine, I might accidentally grab yours. How awkward would that be?"

He glanced at her. "That’s all I’ve got. Want it or not? If not, I’ll drink it."

Li Qingxue immediately clutched the bottle. "I never said I didn’t want it," she muttered.

She unscrewed the cap, her lips parting slightly. The elegant curve of her neck caught the light distractingly.

After finishing the last drop, she fidgeted, biting her lip to suppress a smile. "Thanks."

Then, with quiet delight, she pocketed the bottle cap.

Maybe it was just her imagination, but the water tasted so sweet—sweet enough to make her heart flutter.

She stole a glance at Long Aotian. He’s not bad-looking… and he takes such good care of people. Now we’ve even shared the same bottle—does that count as an indirect kiss?

Hmph. Since we’ve technically kissed now… maybe I can give him a chance.

Her heartbeat quickened at the thought.

"Wow, is the sun rising from the west today? Did I just hear a thank you?"

Long Aotian’s teasing instantly deflated her giddy mood. She rolled her eyes. "You’re such a jerk."

"You lean on my shoulder, drink my water, and now I’m the jerk?" He couldn’t help it—the more he teased her, the more fun he had. And the more fun he had, the more he wanted to keep teasing her.

Li Qingxue bit her lip. All he ever does is tease me, she thought... though, truth be told, it did make her happy. But her tsundere pride wouldn’t let her be too forward.

With a light huff, she muttered, "Fine, I’ll use your arm as a pillow, and I’ll drink from your water..."

[Being a little cocky sometimes isn’t so bad after all.]