《Starlight in the Cracks》

Chapter 10

The mint plant on the windowsill had withered and curled, and beneath the pot lay a watering record from weeks ago: "4.12 Alex promised to take care of it." Luna crouched down, her fingers brushing over the cracked soil, and suddenly realized that the plant was the one she had given him when they first met in the hospital ward.

That night, Alex had canceled their date due to an emergency meeting at the family business. He had said he would come over later to explain, but she had waited until late into the night without a call or message.

"Maybe I don't really understand him," Luna sighed softly, turning to pick up a paintbrush from the table, trying to vent her emotions on a blank canvas. But the brush paused in her hand, and she felt an unprecedented sense of confusion.

Meanwhile, in the family business office, Alex stared intently at his computer screen, his brow furrowed. The meeting had ended late, but he still needed to finish a report on an art project proposal.

"Sorry, I might have to stay here a bit longer," he picked up his phone, about to send a message to Luna, when he saw a notification from the gallery: "Luna, can you help adjust the gallery lights tonight?"

Alex's fingers hesitated on the screen. He knew Luna had been feeling down all week, especially after hitting a creative block. But he simply couldn't find the time to go back and be with her.

"Sorry, darling," he murmured, then returned to his work.

A few days later, Luna sat alone in a corner of the gallery, an art magazine spread open in front of her. Her eyes wandered over the black-and-white photographs, searching for inspiration but unable to focus.

A friend passing by noticed her haggard expression and stopped, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Luna forced a smile, "Just tired lately."

"You look troubled," the friend said with concern, "If you need to talk, I'm here."

Luna shook her head, but her heart was churning with unspoken emotions. She was afraid of becoming a burden to Alex's career, and even more afraid that the distance between them would grow.

Late one night, Alex finally returned to the gallery from the company. He pushed open the glass door and found Luna asleep on the couch. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a serene glow on her face.

"Luna?" he called softly, reaching out to touch her shoulder.

She woke with a start, sitting up in a panic, "You... why are you so late?"

Alex looked exhausted, "Sorry, something came up at the company."

"It's fine," Luna looked down, "I was just worried you might disappear again like last time."

Alex was silent for a moment, then said, "I know I've been busy lately, but I really cherish the time we have together."

Luna looked up, her eyes glistening, "But do you really understand how I feel right now? I don't ask for much, just for you to spend more time with me."

Alex sat down beside her, "I know. I want to balance work and you, but the family business is putting a lot of pressure on me."

"I understand," Luna said softly, "I'm just afraid we're growing apart."

They sat facing each other, a heavy silence hanging in the air. Both of them knew that the distance between their hearts was no longer as close as it once was.

In the city's night, moonlight spilled onto the gallery windows, reflecting two lonely figures, as if an invisible force was pulling them further and further apart.

The city night was quiet and cold. Luna sat alone in the gallery, the same art magazine still open in front of her, but her gaze wandered aimlessly over the blank canvas. A light blue ribbon was tied to the corner of the canvas, and she sighed softly, her fingers unconsciously stroking the paintbrush, as if hesitating over which colors to use to fill the void in her heart.

Suddenly, the lock clicked, and a familiar figure pushed open the gallery door. Luna looked up and saw Alex standing at the entrance, his silhouette framed by the dark blue night outside. He looked tired but determined.

"Alex?" Luna was momentarily stunned, "What are you doing here?"

Alex walked into the gallery, gently hanging his coat on the rack. Moonlight, like silver powder from Luna's palette, splashed onto his shoulders. He looked at her with an apologetic and tender gaze, "I'm sorry for making you wait so long."

Luna lowered her head, her voice soft, "I wasn't waiting for you."

"I know," Alex sat down beside her, his fingers unconsciously brushing the back of her hand, "I just wanted to tell you something I've been meaning to say. Luna, my busy schedule lately has made me neglect many things, especially your feelings."

Luna looked up, her eyes slightly red, "I don't ask for much, I just hope we can communicate more, not like this..."

"I know," Alex interrupted her, his voice low but firm. His fingers traced the stars on Luna's canvas: "You always say art is redemption, but do you know? The way you paint stars makes me believe there really is light in the darkness."

Luna was stunned. She had never heard such sincere words from Alex before. His eyes were so tender it broke her heart, as if pouring all his apologies and love into that moment.

"I've been thinking, what would happen if I weren't by your side?" Alex continued, "I would lose you, and that's something I can't imagine." He paused, then added, "So, please forgive my neglect, and give me a chance to prove how much I cherish you."

Luna looked at Alex, his expression so earnest, his gaze so sincere. Suddenly, she felt a warmth rise in her heart, and all the feelings of being ignored and lonely seemed to vanish in that moment.

"I..." Luna whispered, her voice choked with emotion, "I've been thinking about you too."

"I know," Alex held her hand tightly, "Let's start over, like we did at the beginning."