That Nameless Summer Chapter 7

The Library

The library on the weekend was so quiet that the rustle of pen nibs gliding across paper could be heard. Sunlight filtered through the tall glass windows, casting grid-like patches of light on the floor, while dust motes drifted slowly through the shifting light and shadows.

Song Li spun his pen listlessly. The math workbook spread before him was brand new, with hardly a word written in it. In contrast, his scratch paper was covered in messy little doodles, every single one of them sporting the same cold expression as Ling Qingye.

“For this problem, the auxiliary line should be drawn like this.”

A cool voice sounded in his ear. Song Li looked up and found himself staring into Ling Qingye’s downcast eyelashes. At some point, the other boy had leaned over, his elbow propped on the table. His fingertip rested on a geometric diagram in the workbook, pointing to an inconspicuous intersection with his well-defined fingers.

Song Li’s heart skipped a beat. He instinctively shrank back, but the tip of his nose still brushed against the faint scent of soap on the other’s sleeve. He cleared his throat and looked away, feigning composure. “I get it, I get it. A slacker like me can’t keep up with a top student’s logic.”

Ling Qingye didn’t call out the fluster in his eyes. He simply handed him the pen and said in a flat tone, “Try it.”

Song Li took the pen and drew an auxiliary line as instructed. His previously tangled thoughts suddenly cleared. He scribbled a few steps and couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Not bad, Ling Qingye. You’ve got some skills.”

Seeing his smug expression, the corners of Ling Qingye’s mouth curved slightly. He didn’t say anything, but reached out to trace the outline of a crooked little figure on the scratch paper.

Song Li’s face instantly flushed hot, and he quickly flipped the scratch paper over.

Not far away by the bookshelves, Xu Jiangyou was standing on her tiptoes looking for a romance novel. She was perched high on the tips of her sneakers, her skirt swaying with her movements. Qin Jiangwen stood behind her and easily reached the book on the top shelf. As he handed it over, his fingertips accidentally brushed the back of her hand.

“Thank you.” Xu Jiangyou’s face turned bright red. She took the book and tried to step away, but her foot slipped, and she nearly crashed into the bookshelf.

Qin Jiangwen quickly caught her by the waist, his voice uncharacteristically panicked. “Careful.”

Xu Jiangyou’s ears were red enough to bleed. She pulled away from his hand and looked down at her book, her voice as quiet as a mosquito. “I… I just wanted to borrow a book.”

Qin Jiangwen looked at her reddened earlobes. His Adam’s apple bobbed, but he said nothing. He simply turned to the adjacent shelf and picked out a book for himself.

Suddenly, the librarian cleared her throat. The two of them immediately fell silent, obediently lowering their heads to pretend they were reading.

Time flowed slowly like warm water. After finishing two problems, Song Li grew drowsy. His head began to nod, nearly hitting the workbook. Ling Qingye reacted quickly, sliding his hand underneath to cushion Song Li’s forehead.

The cool palm against his warm skin jolted Song Li mostly awake. He froze, not daring to move. He could clearly hear the other’s steady breathing and his own heart beating like a drum.

“If you’re tired, sleep for a bit,” Ling Qingye whispered, his voice carrying a hint of imperceptible tenderness. “I’ll keep an eye out for the librarian for you.”

Song Li hesitated for two seconds, but his exhaustion eventually won out. He nodded gently, nuzzling his head into the palm of Ling’s hand to find a comfortable position before closing his eyes.

Sunlight fell across his face, his long eyelashes casting small shadows. The corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, like a cat that had successfully stolen a treat.

Ling Qingye watched him sleep, his gaze tracing every inch of his features—from the full forehead to the straight bridge of his nose, down to the slightly flushed lips. His fingers curled slightly, afraid of disturbing the person beside him.

Outside the window, the wind blew, making the leaves rustle. It felt as if time had stood still in that moment.

After an unknown amount of time, Song Li woke up in a daze. He realized he was still resting on Ling Qingye’s palm. The other boy’s hand had gone stiff and pale, yet he remained motionless, supporting Song Li’s head.

It felt as if something had gently bumped against his heart, leaving it soft and melting.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” Song Li’s voice was a bit raspy, carrying the nasal tone of someone who had just woken up.

“You looked like you were sleeping soundly.” Ling Qingye withdrew his hand and rubbed his numb wrist, his tone as natural as if nothing had happened.

Song Li watched his reddened wrist, and his heart felt even warmer. He fished an orange-flavored candy out of his pocket, peeled the wrapper, and handed it over. “Here, a thank-you gift.”

Ling Qingye stared at the orange candy for a moment before taking it and popping it into his mouth. A sweet flavor spread across his tongue, sweeter than any he had ever tasted before.

“Is it good?” Song Li looked at him, his eyes bright.

Ling Qingye nodded. His gaze fell on Song Li’s lips, his voice as light as a feather. “Yes. Very sweet.”

Not far away, Xu Jiangyou was holding her romance novel and discussing the plot with Qin Jiangwen, her voice soft and full of excitement. Qin Jiangwen listened intently, nodding in agreement occasionally, the smile in his eyes impossible to hide.

Song Li watched them, then turned back to Ling Qingye beside him. A sudden, inexplicable sense of satisfaction welled up in his heart.

The sun was just right, the years were peaceful, the person he liked was by his side, and he had a sweet candy in his hand.

It felt as if time like this could go on forever, without any end.