Until The Wind Finds Us

Morning sunlight peeked through the bedroom window, slowly waking Lin Yu Wei from her sleep. Still drowsy, she caught the familiar aroma of breakfast and the soft sounds of cooking coming from the kitchen. A smile spread across her lips. That familiar scent told her exactly who was in the kitchen. It had become part of her daily routine, yet somehow she never grew tired of it. She climbed out of bed, stepped out of the bedroom, and leaned against the doorframe for a moment before walking over to the man who was cooking. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him from behind. To everyone else, Gu Yu Chen always seemed cold and difficult to approach. But whenever Wei Wei hugged him like this, the corners of his lips would lift unconsciously. "Good morning." "You're awake? Still sleepy?" "Yaaawn..." Wei Wei let out a small yawn. "I'm still sleepy. Especially when I'm hugging you like this... it makes me want to go back to bed." A soft chuckle escaped Yu Chen's lips. Every morning was his favorite part of the day, especially when he got to prepare breakfast for the woman he loved. Wei Wei picked up the cup of coffee he had already made for her. The rich aroma filling the apartment instantly lifted her spirits. Holding the warm cup, she wandered onto the balcony, rested one hand on the railing, and closed her eyes. A gentle breeze brushed against her face while the comforting scent of coffee lingered in the air. "Ah... so refreshing." From the kitchen, Yu Chen quietly watched her. Several strands of her wavy hair danced in the wind while the morning sunlight shimmered across them. Mesmerized by the sight, he silently set the breakfast plates on the table, took out his phone, and captured the moment. Click. The sound of the camera shutter broke the peaceful silence. Wei Wei turned around with a mischievous smile. "Were you taking pictures of me?" "Ah... N-No. I mean... yes..." Yu Chen admitted, his face instantly flushing red as he turned away, hoping to hide his embarrassment. "Are you blushing?" Wei Wei teased. "Hm..." He didn't answer, but she already knew. "I actually love the photos you take of me..." She stepped closer with a playful grin. "But I think I love your shy face even more." Yu Chen knew perfectly well that she was teasing him, yet he still couldn't stop his cheeks from turning even redder. "Keep teasing me... and I'll..." He tried to sound threatening, but they both knew he could never bring himself to do anything to the woman he loved. Wei Wei stepped even closer until only a few inches separated them. "Or you'll what?" Yu Chen fell silent. His eyes remained fixed on the mischievous smile playing across her lips. She looked dangerously adorable. "Having fun teasing me?" This time, he looked straight into her eyes. "Hahaha... You're so cute." Wei Wei gently cupped his face and kissed him. Yu Chen returned the kiss softly, one hand sliding to the back of her neck as if hoping the moment would never end. Riiing... Riiing... The alarm abruptly interrupted them. "Ah... It's time for work." Wei Wei quickly finished the breakfast Yu Chen had prepared, while he remained frozen for a few more seconds, still savoring the warmth of their kiss. "You're not going out today?" Wei Wei asked. "No. I'll be staying home. I don't have any photography shoots that require me to go out." "Alright then." Yu Chen watched her disappear toward the bathroom. He unconsciously touched his lips. "You're so cruel..." he muttered with a helpless smile. "Leaving right when I was enjoying that." Warm water flowed over Wei Wei's body as she showered. Remembering the kiss from moments ago made her smile to herself. Meanwhile, Yu Chen leaned against the kitchen counter, absentmindedly waiting for her to come out. His heartbeat quickened with anticipation. I wonder what she'll wear today... When she finally stepped out, she was dressed in cream wide-leg trousers paired with a light blue shirt neatly tucked into them. Her makeup was light and natural, making her already bright features look even more radiant. "Beautiful..." Yu Chen whispered almost inaudibly. "Hm? Did you say something?" Wei Wei asked while slipping on her shoes near the entrance. "N-Nothing..." His face immediately turned red again. "W-What time will you be home?" "Probably around five. Want to pick me up?" Wei Wei asked with a teasing smile. Yu Chen's eyes widened. It felt as though he had just been handed the greatest gift imaginable. "Really? I'd love to! I'll be there on time." "Alright then. I'm off. Bye, baby." She kissed his cheek before leaving. Wei Wei walked past the luxurious apartment buildings lining the complex. Near the entrance was a small park where children played every afternoon. It was also the place she used to visit whenever she felt lonely. After leaving the complex, she waited for the bus while typing a message. Wait for me, okay? Let's stop by the supermarket afterward to buy some groceries and household supplies. Completely absorbed in washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen, Yu Chen didn't notice her message until much later. The moment he did, he hurriedly replied. I can't wait to pick you up. Wei Wei smiled at the screen. Even after three years together, something this simple still made her fall in love with him all over again. At home, Yu Chen folded the laundry while repeatedly glancing at the wall clock. He couldn't wait for four o'clock to arrive. The moment the clock struck four, he left the apartment so he could arrive exactly at five. He would always rather be the one waiting than let Wei Wei wait for him. I'm on my way. The message appeared on her phone with a soft ping. Wei Wei smiled. Ten minutes later, she packed up her belongings and headed downstairs. As the lobby doors slid open, a strong gust of wind swept across her face, sending her wavy hair over her eyes. She brushed it aside and immediately spotted him waiting in the distance. Ash-gray hair. A white T-shirt layered beneath an unbuttoned blue overshirt. Cream-colored jeans. His outfit matched hers almost perfectly. She noticed several women stealing glances at him, whispering among themselves with shy smiles. A quiet sense of pride bloomed in her heart. The man they were all admiring... ...was waiting for her. "Honey!" She waved excitedly before throwing herself into his arms, making everyone nearby realize that the handsome man already belonged to someone. Yu Chen blushed but hugged her back anyway. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Wei Wei stuck out her tongue. "There were too many female wolves staring at you." "Female wolves?" Yu Chen laughed. "Exactly. They looked at you like you were prey." "I know... I've been nervous standing here. Everyone kept looking at me." "So why didn't you wait in the car?" "Because I missed you. I couldn't stay in the car that long. Besides... I wanted to see your smile." He hugged her tighter, resting his cheek against her soft hair. Wei Wei smiled. Being loved this deeply by him made her incredibly happy. "Come on. I think we've become everyone's gossip topic already." Yu Chen reluctantly let go, then intertwined his fingers with hers as they walked toward the parking lot. He opened the passenger door, fastened her seatbelt for her, then got into the driver's seat. As they drove, he switched on Wei Wei's favorite radio station. Whenever a familiar song came on, she softly hummed along. Every now and then, Yu Chen couldn't help stealing another glance at her. "Eyes on the road, Chen. I know you're looking at me." Startled, he immediately blushed. "I... I like your profile. B-But not just your profile... I love everything about you." At a red light, he gently cupped her face. Their eyes met in complete silence. Honk! The impatient car behind them interrupted the moment. Embarrassed, Yu Chen quickly focused back on the road. "Do you remember the first time we met?" Wei Wei asked. "I do. You walked into the café while I was working on an assignment. The wind messed up your hair completely." "Oh? I thought it was when I accidentally tripped over your camera bag during the marathon." They laughed together. Without realizing it, memories from three years ago quietly resurfaced. It was spring. The wind had been unusually strong that day. Wei Wei was walking toward a café near campus with Shen Mei Lin and Qiao An Ran, laughing together. Yu Chen happened to glance toward the entrance just as the door opened. A gust of wind rushed inside. Wei Wei's hair became completely messy. He couldn't help laughing quietly. The moment he realized she had noticed him, he quickly lowered his head and pretended to continue working. What he didn't realize... ...was that his eyes kept following her. ... While searching through her bag as she walked, Wei Wei accidentally tripped over someone's camera bag. She nearly fell. Before she hit the floor, Yu Chen caught her by the arm. Her eyes immediately landed on his ash-gray hair. "Sorry." His voice brought her back to reality. "No... I should be apologizing." The warmth of his hand around her arm made her heart skip a beat. "Thank you." She walked away after thanking him. Without realizing it... ...he had already quietly entered her heart. ... Remembering those moments filled both of them with warmth. The car pulled into the supermarket parking lot. Yu Chen parked, got out first, opened her door, and offered her his hand. "Ready?" Wei Wei smiled and took it. "Did you make a shopping list?" When it came to planning and organizing, Wei Wei was much better than him. Yu Chen was the type who excelled at bringing plans to life. "Of course." They wandered through the supermarket together, laughing over little jokes as Yu Chen pushed the cart while Wei Wei crossed items off her shopping list one by one. After shopping, he held the restaurant door open for her. "A table for two, please." "The usual? Pesto pasta and tuna pizza?" "Exactly." Wei Wei smiled proudly. "You still remember my favorites." "Why are you smiling like that?" "I'm just happy. We rarely eat out together anymore, but you still remember." Yu Chen smiled gently as his thumb absentmindedly stroked the back of her hand across the table. By the time they returned home, Wei Wei immediately collapsed onto the sofa. Yu Chen closed the apartment door and placed the grocery bags on the kitchen island. "Baby..." The moment she saw him approaching, she stretched both arms toward him. He immediately understood. She wanted a hug. Without hesitation, he wrapped her tightly in his embrace. "Long day?" "Mm-hm... I'm exhausted. I don't think this job suits me anymore. It feels like something's missing." Wei Wei worked as an accountant. It wasn't that the job was bad—she simply couldn't find any passion in it. "Then quit if you want to. If you'd rather find another job, I'll support you." His fingers gently combed through her hair, easing the uncertainty in her heart. "Do you think... I'd make a good personal assistant? Or maybe a secretary?" Yu Chen blinked in surprise. Objectively, she would be perfect. She was organized, dependable, and excellent at managing people. But emotionally... The thought of another man spending every day with her made his chest tighten. "I honestly think you'd be amazing at it. If that's what you want... then you should go for it." He hesitated before continuing. "But... if possible... I hope your boss is a woman." Wei Wei looked at him and smiled knowingly. "You're jealous because my boss might be a man, aren't you?" Yu Chen blushed before gently kissing her forehead. "You already know I'm the jealous type." Wei Wei laughed softly and hugged him again. "I'm going to take a shower." "Alright..." He reluctantly let her go. A while later, Wei Wei finished drying her hair. Yu Chen was sitting on the sofa, quietly looking at his phone. She had no intention of peeking. But as she walked past him, her eyes caught a glimpse of a small red heart icon on the screen. The name beneath it made her stop in her tracks. Tang Ruo Xi. The towel in her hand slowly loosened. The smile that had stayed on her face since morning... ...quietly disappeared.