The classroom was buzzing with noise, but Yun Fei's mind was elsewhere—entangled in metaphors and memories. Ever since joining the Dream Writers Club, his evenings were filled with the scratch of pens and the clink of teacups in the old literary room on the third floor.
Lin Xiya had been different during their meetings—more relaxed, even amused at times. He noticed how her fingers always hesitated before she turned a page, how she lingered on the last line of every poem. She never said much, but her silences said everything.
And today was their first club presentation.
Yun Fei stood beside her in front of the small gathering—five students in total, including the club president, a sleepy-eyed girl who mostly mumbled approvals from behind a copy of Leaves of Grass.
Lin Xiya handed Yun Fei a slip of paper.
"You're up first."
He read the poem in his hand. It was his. Last night's confession—disguised in metaphor.
He cleared his throat.
> "A quiet boy, born of shadows,
Hid his hopes beneath a sigh.
Watched a girl who danced in starlight,
But let her pass, and said goodbye.
Now the stars seem close, yet distant,
Like regrets we never speak.
So here I stand, no longer silent—
May this time, you truly see me."
There was a pause.
Lin Xiya stared at him. The club president gave a half-snore. Another girl clapped awkwardly.
Then Xiya said, "That was… unexpectedly honest."
"I thought poetry was supposed to be."
She looked at him, and this time, her voice was quiet, almost unsure.
"You wrote this… recently?"
"Last night," he admitted. "And maybe the night before that. Or… ten years ago, in a dream I just remembered."
Her lips curved. "That last line is dramatic."
"I'm a dramatic guy now."
She folded the paper carefully, not handing it back. "I'm keeping this."
---
Later That Day – On the Library Roof
It had become their quiet escape. Lin Xiya didn't ask how he got the keys, and Yun Fei didn't tell her about his past life memories involving the janitor's grandson.
They sat on a blanket, feet dangling over the school roof, watching clouds drift lazily across a cotton sky.
She pulled out her own notebook, hesitated, then handed it to him.
"Read page 12."
He turned to it. A single poem.
> "I waited beneath cherry skies,
A letter folded in my hand.
But courage has its cruel disguise—
Silence that none understand.
I gave the stars one final glance,
Then let them fall like sand.
And though I smiled, I lost my chance—
Alone, I learned to stand."
Yun Fei froze.
This was the poem.
Written after the day he never showed.
She'd already penned the regret he carried.
"I'm sorry," he said, voice breaking.
She looked at him, puzzled.
"For what?"
"For not being brave enough to answer you. For letting silence speak louder than my heart."
She frowned slightly, then said, "Yun Fei… you're saying strange things again. As if you've lived all this before."
He looked her in the eyes. "What if I have?"
She didn't laugh.
She didn't scoff.
Instead, she whispered, "Then maybe… this time, don't miss your moment."
---
Regret Index Notification
> Regret Shard #005 – Missed Love Confession
Final Stage Triggered
Affinity Score: 59% → 73%
Confession Opportunity Approaching: June 17th, 4:00 PM under the Sycamore Tree.
Probability of Success: 67%
Optional Bonus Path Available – "Unburden the Heart: Family Pressure"
---
Unlocking Her World
That night, Yun Fei remembered something.
In his past life, someone once whispered that Lin Xiya didn't just leave because of him. Her parents were transferring her abroad—forcefully.
She had no say.
No choice.
And no one to stand up for her.
If he had confessed back then, would she have stayed?
Would her parents have let her?
He didn't know.
But now… he had time.
---
The Visit – Lin Xiya's Home
Saturday evening, Yun Fei stood outside the Xiya residence, a modest two-story villa near the edge of town. His excuse was thin—a poetry club project requiring a visit. Her parents welcomed him with polite but distant smiles.
Inside, tension lingered beneath the glossy surfaces.
Her mother was kind but dismissive, constantly reminding Lin Xiya about upcoming scholarship tests.
Her father was firmer—business-minded, calculating. He talked about "future stability" and "global exposure."
Yun Fei listened.
Then he spoke.
"Uncle, Auntie," he said, respectfully. "I've been friends with Lin Xiya for some time now. I know you're making decisions to protect her future. But I hope… you'll also consider what makes her truly happy."
The room grew still.
Her father narrowed his eyes. "Are you implying she's not happy here?"
"I'm implying she shouldn't be forced to leave the place—and people—she cares about. Let her choose."
Lin Xiya looked at him, wide-eyed. Her mother murmured, "He's bold."
Her father said nothing. Just nodded slowly.
---
Regret Index Update
> Bonus Path "Unburden the Heart: Family Pressure" Completed
Affinity Score: 73% → 84%
New Trait Unlocked: Courageous Presence – Your words carry more weight when spoken for others.
---
The Day Approaches
The sycamore leaves had begun to fall.
Yun Fei stood in his room, shirt neatly ironed, hair combed, heart thundering.
It was June 17th.
Three forty-five.
In fifteen minutes… history would either repeat itself—
—or be rewritten forever.
But this time, he wouldn't run.
This time, he would show up.
And speak.