Ao Bing revealed a rare smile, his eyes sparkling with the joy of success. He looked up at the kites dancing in the sky, a long-lost sense of ease washing over him.
"Thank you, Nezha," Ao Bing said softly, "I’m really happy today."
Nezha paused for a moment, then broke into a wide grin. "You’re welcome! We can do more fun things together in the future!"
Ao Bing nodded, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. "Sounds good."
The two spent quite a while flying kites on the lawn until the sun began to set and the sky darkened, reluctantly packing up their kites to head back to school.
On the bus ride home, they had to stand close together due to the crowd. The jolting of the bus caused their bodies to brush against each other from time to time, each contact sending a small jolt of electricity through them, creating ripples in their hearts.
Nezha stole a glance at Ao Bing beside him and noticed his ears were slightly flushed, as if he too felt the strange atmosphere. This realization filled Nezha with an inexplicable joy, mingled with a hint of confusion—what exactly was this feeling?
By the time they returned to the dormitory, it was already past seven in the evening. A day full of outdoor activities left them both somewhat tired, yet their spirits were high.
"Today was really fulfilling," Nezha said as he lay on his bed, letting out a satisfied sigh. "I didn’t expect playing with you could be so much fun."
Ao Bing’s lips curled into a slight smile. "I didn’t think your plans would suit me so well either."
"Oh, right!" Nezha suddenly remembered something and sat up. "What should we do together next week? According to our agreement, we have to do something together every week."
Ao Bing thought for a moment. "Next week it’s my turn to plan."
"Where are you taking me?" Nezha asked curiously. "Don't say it's the library; I can't stand a whole day of silence."
Ao Bing smiled slightly. "It's not the library; it's a place you might enjoy. But I won't tell you now; you'll find out next week."
Nezha's eyes lit up. "Wow, even 'Ice Block Face' can keep a secret? Interesting!"
Ao Bing didn't refute the nickname, merely shaking his head gently with a hint of amusement in his eyes.
That evening, Ao Bing finished his evening routine early as usual and sat at the table to review his studies. Nezha, on the other hand, lazily played with his phone, occasionally bursting into laughter.
"What are you watching that's so funny?" Ao Bing asked curiously.
Nezha held up his phone. "Look at this photo I took at the museum today! Just look at your expression—it's hilarious!"
Ao Bing walked over and saw the photo on the screen: he was standing in front of a Dragon Shape exhibit, looking serious as he studied it, while Nezha made a funny face behind him.
"When did you take this?" Ao Bing asked, somewhat surprised. "I didn't even notice."
"You were too focused at that moment," Nezha laughed. "Like a real scholar."
Ao Bing smiled faintly. "You took quite a few pictures." He noticed that Nezha's album was filled with many photos from today.
"Of course!" Nezha said proudly. "Today was our first outing together according to the Agreement; we have to commemorate it!"
Ao Bing nodded slightly, suddenly noticing a photograph: he was sitting by the river, enjoying an ice cream, with sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on his face, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. The photo was captured so naturally, without any signs of being posed.
"This one..." Ao Bing said softly, "is quite well taken."
Nezha paused for a moment, then smiled and replied, "Right? This is my favorite one! You look really good when you smile, not as cold as you usually do."
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