Chapter 3
1248 Words
Sunlight streamed over the leaves and grass, filling the air with the scent of earth.
The more beautiful the world appeared, the more desolate Archer's heart became.
Fearful of being seen in his disheveled state, he quickly left the corridor, went downstairs, and ran toward the playground.
With every step he took, tears streamed down his face.
In the northwest corner of the basketball court, the trees grew thick and lush.
Several tall ginkgo trees, their tree vibrant green in the sunlight, created a vivid of vigorous life.
In this secluded corner, Archer expressed his sorrow.
Large tears seeped into the soil beneath his feet.
His throat was hoarse from crying.
He could not understand why fate had been so unfair to him, as he had never done anything wrong.
He had always believed that death was something distant.
However when it arrives suddenly, it can instantly crush a person's will.
As he wept, Archer heard a melody—faint and elusive, like a fragile thread.
Initially, he thought he was hallucinating.
Gradually, the melody grew clearer, its tune uniquely intricate and full of twists and turns.
Archer was sure he had never heard it before.
The ethereal music flowed through his heart like a stream.
The profound sorrow gradually eased.
He opened his blurry, tear-filled eyes and gazed upon world that was both real and illusory.
"Hey, aren't you embarrassed to be crying like that, big guy?" A clear voice rang out above him.
Archer was taken by surprise and startled.
He looked up and saw a girl sitting on a branch of the ginkgo tree.
His cheeks instantly flushed a bright red.
She must have seen him in that embarrassing state just now.
The girl was very beautiful, with an oval face, almond-shaped eyes, and an asymmetrical braid resting over her left shoulder.
She wore a crisp white shirt paired with a deep blue pleated skirt that fell to her calves. One foot was shod in a pristine white canvas shoe, while the other remained bare.
Most striking was the blooming peach blossom nestled behind her ear.
Archer had always considered Phoebe to be very beautiful.
Compared to the girl in front of him, Phoebe appeared slightly less so.
"Why are you not in class?" Archer inquired.
"Shh, keep your voice down," the girl said, pressing her index finger to her lips.
Her fingers were beautiful, slender, and long, resembling carved white jade.
Her lips were small and rosy, resembling freshly picked strawberries.
"Hello, my name is Archer, and I am from Class 9," he introduced himself softly.
"Jocelyn, from Class 23, you can call me Little Butterfly," the girl responded.
Her voice was lovely, like pearls falling on a jade plate or raindrops pattering on a banana leaf.
It was like a gentle breeze rising from the depths of a wheat field, softly stirring the wind chimes on the eaves.
Archer knew that their grade was the only one in the entire school and that there were only 22 classes in total.
The other person mention of Class 23 was likely a sign of caution toward him, unwilling to disclose their true class.
Jocelyn wiggled her little feet and said, "Archer, can you pick up my shoe for me?" Archer followed her gaze and saw a white canvas shoe at the base of the tree.
It was most likely accidentally knocked off while she was playfully climbing the tree.
"How could a girl like you rise so high?" Archer picked up the shoe and quietly tiptoed over to hand it to her.
His gaze involuntarily fell on her calves, shaped like lotus root.
Her skin was delicate, and her features were graceful.
What a flawless masterpiece.
At that moment, a sinister thought suddenly crossed Archer's mind.
The girl standing above him was wearing a skirt.
Simply by slightly adjusting the angle of his gaze…
Of course, this was merely a thought; he did not do anything inappropriate.
Among all evils, l**t is the most severe. Judge people by their actions, not their intentions; after all, no one in the world has perfect intentions.
Jocelyn sat sideways on a tree branch, shifting to adjust her position several times but still unable to put on her shoes.
Archer stared intently at her, slightly nervous and, afraid she might lose her balance.
"Help me put on my shoes," Jocelyn suddenly said, letting her small foot dangle.
Simultaneously, she tossed the snow-white canvas shoe back to Archer.
It was their first meeting, and the request seemed somewhat presumptuous.
However, given her current predicament, it was understandable.
Archer hesitated briefly, swallowed hard, and at last reached out to grasp her soft, delicate ankle.
It was the first time he had helped a girl put on her shoes; his heart pounded and his breathing grew heavy.
She struggled to put on her canvas shoes and tie a rather unattractive bow.
"Clumsy," Jocelyn teased, laugh.
"You are the clumsy one! Climbing so high for no reason, and wearing a skirt too," Archer muttered, unconvinced.
After putting on her shoes, Jocelyn looked down at the ground and said, "It's so high! I am somewhat apprehensive. Catch me if you can."
Archer nodded and extending his arms, signaling for the girl to jump down.
Jocelyn hesitated for a moment before finally summoning her courage and leaping down.
Archer caught her in a princess carry and landing safely.
The soft body in his arms gave off a gentle, sweet fragrance.
This scene resembled something straight out of an idol drama.
Jocelyn looked up into Archer's eyes, her face flushing slightly. "Please put me down quickly."
Archer swiftly helped her to her feet.
Their eyes met, and they smiled at each other.
Jocelyn's bright, clear smile was like warm sunshine, dispelling the gloom and coldness in Archer's heart.
This girl, who seemed to have fallen from the sky, possessed mysterious magic.
"Why are you suddenly hiding here and crying?" Jocelyn asked with curiosity.
"I experienced some unfortunate events and wanted to vent," Archer said, attempting to sound nonchalant.
“Don’t be shy; I've also experienced some sad moment, but I haven't cried!” Jocelyn frowned.
Archer shook his head and smiled wryly, offering no rebuttal.
Considering that Jocelyn is about the same as him and has a cheerful demeanor, how could she possibly understand his sadness?
She was as young as the rising sun, just beginning to shine.
He was like the setting sun, about to crash against the mountaintop, leaving a trail of blood before being swiftly swallowed by the night.
The world became dark and cold.
He did not know where his soul would drift.
The pleasant school bell rang, its sound echoing across the empty playground.
The lifeless school building seemed to come alive with renewed energy.
It was the fourth period of the morning, lunchtime had arrived pleasantly, and classrooms on every floor buzzed with activity.
Jocelyn blinked and said, "If you're unhappy, I'll take you out to play and eat something delicious. Do not cry without my permission." Upon hearing these somewhat commanding words, Archer nodded in agreement as if entranced.
The warmth that had left his body seemed to be restored by the bright sunshine.
Even if he had only three months left to live, every remaining day was worth cherishing.
Life may be short, but it can still be lived fully.
The girl before him was like a radiant angel, sent specifically to guide him and save his soul.
- Writer
