December 24th 2017 at Zhengzhou East Railway Station 8:30pm

The cold weather made Ava's nail turned purple pale, as she goes back and forth looking for Zhang Yi, the first man she ever had feelings with. Zhang Yi is a 24 year old senior college student and a current swimming athlete. While she's only 19 and still in her freshman year. Zhang Yi is kind, smart, handsome and a very humble person. Traits that Ava fell in love with, despite his popularity among females he only has the eye for one woman. The very reason that made Ava so desperate to meet him this Christmas eve to confess her feelings, doesn't matter who the woman in his heart is, all she wanted is to tell him about her feelings  and let fate decide on its track after.

"It's so cold.. But I must see him. This is the only chance left for me. I heard he's about to confess his feelings for that rumored woman he's in love with.. That's right. It must be true, Christmas eve is the best timing for confession, since I'm about to do the same."

Uneasiness filled Ava's thoughts, feet started feeling numb, but her perseverance is one that could Win someone's affection. As she continuesly waited outside the station for Zhang Yi. A gush of wind and striking bright light approaches her sight. Off the road a car running fast, coming forward beating the red light. Across the street, a man dashed without second thought and grabbed Ava's arms pulling her closer to his chest. It was so sudden that the only thing she's left to hear is  a heart beating abruptly next to her ears. For a moment everything else's stopped till a familiar voice made her senses back.

"Goodness! Ava, Ava! Are you okay?" a warm hand caress her both cheeks followed by a worried voice calling out her name, she then looked up and saw the man's restless face.

"Zha-zhang Yi?" she was unsure until he met her eyes. "Ava! Speak." this time she was certain. It's the man she longs to see every day, the person whose voice echoes in her mind every time, and the same man who owns the brightest smile. "Zhang Yi..." overwhelmed by the sudden event, Ava can't help but cry, she was silent and yet cries like a grown-up kid who won't make a noise but still would drop a tear. All she could do in response is to lightly shake her head not sure of what to feel. Faced darkened, Zhang Yi then lift her up carrying her toward a bench and made her sit still, "Stay here, I'll be back." he left her sight and approached the crowd gathering around the car that hit a post. A few steps away from where she's seated, a noise coming from the crowd got her attention. She Tried looking for him, but he can't be found. Ava stood up and walk by the crowd, there she found Zhang Yi indignantly grabbing a drunk man's collar. Before a punch land on the man's face, she then came in between, setting them apart. "Don't! Senior Zhang Yi.. please let go of him."

"This bast*rd almost hit you!"

"I'm okay, I'm fine. Let go of him please..." her begging made Zhang Yi gave up, leaving the man unscathed. He pulled her off the crowd and checked every part of her to see if she's not hurt, and held his breath until he made sure. "What were you thinking?! Do you plan to die on Christmas eve?" it was the first time she's witnessing a different side of him. The gentle look in his eyes is now covered with fears. He's clearly angry, But his eyes tells it different. "I-I'm sorry.. I had something in mind, that's why I didn't notice the car.." Then again he was restless. Eyes tightly Shut, he helplessly sat down the bench next to him, hand on his forehead. "Senior.. What's wrong?" Ava kneeled down in front of him trying to meet his eyes. "Look at me.." just one word and it made him look up and see her face. "See? I'm not hurt." she smiled at him like nothing had happened, like a sunshine melting an Ice, he softened. "Why are you here? I heard from your friends that your about to audition in Beijing. clearly this place is nothing like Beijing. so what are you doing here?"

He was looking at her straight in the eyes, asking questions she did not expect for him to asked.

"I'm waiting for someone... I was told that he'll be here by 10 pm to celebrate Christmas eve with his.. - " she couldn't finish her explanation, afraid that Zhang Yi would find out the real reason why she ended up waiting in Zhengzhou Station instead of auditioning in Beijing, is just a random decision done out of jealousy. "how long have you been waiting?" Then again he asked before she could come up with an excuse. "It's not that long.. "Zhang Yi knew that she's lying, her eyes avoid his, her lips is almost purple pink and her face was cold when he held her earlier. "Stop making excuses. I said, how long?" Ava knew she can't fool him but still tried to; "It's been.. Six hours now." upon hearing, Zhang Yi secretly clench his fist containing his emotions. Taking chances, he asked.

"By any chance.. Are you.. Waiting for me?" Ava was shooked, not sure how to respond. The only thing she could think of is, if she answered him yes, then there's no turning back. If she lied about it, she'll loose the last chance he fought hard to have. Tongue-tied, she suddenly ran out of words, all she could do is nod and say the word "Yes.." with all sincerity. Zhang Yi couldn't control himself anymore, he's been helding back for so-long, and now that the woman who owns his heart since the first try is indirectly confessing her feelings in front of him now. His heart was overjoyed. that he kissed her passionately, just in time when the snow started to fall.

TO BE CONTINUED..

It was pure bliss they both felt, he was helding her tight after sharing a passionate kiss. An hour had past, but Ava still couldn't believe that she's now walking hand in hand with the man she's inlove with. "Why are you quiet?" Zhang Yi asked, breaking the silence. "huh? Uhmm.. It's just that I still couldn't believe that all these are true" he chuckled and held her hand even tighter, enough to make her blush. "In which part of this you couldn't believe?" she looked at him, and all the street lights seemed to compliment the scene on her dreams. "If.. I'm actually dreaming right now.. It's okay If I don't wake up anymore." Zhang Yi chuckled, placing his finger on her forehead and lightly flicked it "Your not dreaming, silly." she felt shy and turned her head the other way. He never fails to bring her butterflies, whether he's playing basketball, reading a book or doing warm ups before swimming competitions. She was always watching him lovingly from a corner. A cheerleader who hides in the crowd and silently supports him all the time. Now that the distance between them vanished, she still got questions left in mind. "Zhang Yi.." she muttered.

"Ask me whatever you're curios about, I know you have so many things you wanted to have clearance with, since you've been murmuring for an hour now." He said, teasing her. Ava covered her lips and in distinctively argued with her inner self about being so obvious. "If it's okay then.. I'd Iike to asked you a feeeew questions. " Ava's silliness almost put him in trouble, as Zhang Yi is just keeping his hand still. If only he's not helding her hand he would have already pinched her cheeks and hid her in his pocket all for himself.

While thinking of the first question she wanted to ask. An hour of walk brought them to a place where the trees are full of lights and covered by a snow. It was Christmas on some parts of the city as China only has 1% of Christian population. It was an outstanding view. The gigantic ferries wheel and various type of entertainments are everywhere. While the carols are gathered in one place celebrating the special holiday.

Zhang Yi noticed that Ava is greatly astonished. He knew he brought her on a right place. "Now, you may ask me." said Zhang Yi. "My-my first question is.. Uhm.. How'd you know my name? (Gosh! why did I ask him that?) " this time his chuckles turned to laughing. But Instead of feeling embarrassed she felt proud, because she knew It was genuine laughter. Never in a year of liking him did she saw him laugh this way. The feeling is like falling for him all over again. "Come, let us ride the ferris wheel, before we make a full turn, I'll answer all the silly questions you got" his invitation made her forget about her fear of heights. The next thing she knew the ferrie is already moving and she can no longer get off. Zhang Yi noticed her, feeling nervous and sat beside her, instead of sitting the opposite side. He held her in assurance of safety. "Ava.. Open your eyes, it'll be a shame. If You don't see such a beautiful view." she did opened her eyes it was indeed splendin'. "It's.. Beautiful." said Ava. He was satisfied now that she's feeling a little better. "Now let me start answering your first question." she gigled remembering the silly question she first asked.

"How I know you.. Is given. You might not notice, but I personally know some in my class who admires you." she heard him say it, and was happy to hear it. but is not confident about it. "What about.. the woman you had feelings with?" Zhang Yi was ready for this. All the while he was trying to make it obvious that he's already in love with a woman whose name remained unknown for nearly a year. "That woman was you." he answered. "What? H-How come it's me?" she asked in total surprised.

"It's nearly a year now since I knew you.. We never had a close interaction but I always notice you, I thought I mistakenly saw a woman right at the corner holding a banner with my name on it. That time, it was the most difficult battle for me as I was about to give up being a swimmer after consecutive defeats. I lost the trust of everyone in my team including my parents and coach, and those who supports me no longer cheers me up. On a vast of crowd, that woman who faintly shout my name helding a banner wearing an Olympic shirt, shine the most. It was you.. Just in time when I'm giving up, you strengthen me. For an unknown woman who continuesly cheers for me so-hard despite of my shameful defeats, it gained me confidence. I swore to myself I'm gonna win it and promise not to disappoint the only person who chose to remain. Surprisingly, I did won. And soon after that, you're always the first person I hope to see everytime." he explained. Ava couldn't help but cry, all along she thought all her efforts were unnoticed and now her hard work is being paid off. Zhang Yi thought he said something inappropriate that made her cry. Ava gently embraced him and cried even more.

"I thought, I won't stand a chance and just promised to stay loyal to you as a fan.. But as time goes by my feelings grew. When I heard you'll be confessing your love to a woman, I was jealous, and rushed over to a place where I'm hoping to meet you, and finally express myself no matter what the consequence will be." Zhang Yi, undeniably felt overflowing happiness. He placed her closer to his chest brushing her hair and whispered. "Believe it or not. I'm in love with you."

TO BE CONTINUED..

A long night is soon to be over, It's time for her to go home, after having a deep conversation in making their relationship clear, by answering all the questions she wanted to ask him. They rode a cab and made a drop off in front of Ava's house. Just like a scene from a drama, the smile won't leave their faces. Their eyes shines like no other lights of tonight. hence, they had to let go of each other's hand and sleep the night. "I'll see you in the campus then." said Zhang Yi. "Alright, see you there." they finally bid their Goodnights leaving her a kiss on her forehead.

Ava's been rolling on her bed for over 2 hours now, after all the explanations she heard from him. She's still afraid to sleep and find all these tomorrow just a beautiful dream.

" Gosh, I don't feel like sleeping.." she thought. Just like that, her eyes soon felt a little heavier while staring at her room ceiling and eventually fell asleep.

Just like Ava. Zhang Yi couldn't believe he finally had the courage to tell her about his feelings. It was not planned, everything ended up this way because of their juniors. Earlier today when they were having a dinner gathering with some students on different levels who were dating with his Teammates, he heard them talk about her audition in Beijing that's why she was not with them at the moment. Then one of his teammate says. "Beijing? I saw her earlier, she looked liked in a hurry just this afternoon. right! I remember she was looking for Zhang Yi. Have you met?" he looked at him. Zhang Yi was surprised, that was the first time she'd look for him personally. "Why are you just telling me this now?" said Zhang Yi. "I'm sorry, I just. Remembered." he explained. "do you know where she is?" he asked. "that.. I called Jojo to inquire about you as for her request, he said you mentioned about going to Zhengzhou Station and was not sure if you could attend tonight's dinner with the team.. - hey, Yiyi! Where are you going?" his teammate was not yet done explaining when he hurriedly ran out the exit. *dang it! "it's already 7 pm now. Who the heck told them about me going to Zhengzhou?" he ran at the parking lot as quickly as possible, but he forgot his car key. He didn't want to go back and waste time so he rode a cab instead. He was restless the entire hour of ride and endure the road congestion. When he finally reach the station. He desperately look for her everywhere and even mistakenly called several woman Ava. After the longest 30 mins time looking for her. Just across the street he finally saw the familiar figure he's been wanting to see, walking back and forth. He was not sure how to approach her, and hesitantly making a step forward. Then a loud honking from a distant got his attention, the car seemed out of control and is heading off the road going to where Ava is located. It was the time that he's body reacted without him thinking of it, and ran towards Ava who was then about to get hit.

He couldn't imagine how nervous he was for Ava, that he thought of beating the drunk driver to a pulp who almost get her killed. If he was late for even a second, he would have lost her. He could've been in regrets and might be blaming himself by now if anything bad had happened to her. Just the thought of loosing the person he cherished the most is like an aching deep cut. He thought of her face that sincerely declares her love for him, and that's enough to give him a goodnight sleep.

1 week later

At Huanghe science and technology College.

Everyone is excited to resume class after a short holiday, specially to Zhang Yi and Ava. They both chose their best clothes for today and head to school from their own homes. Ava just arrived in the campus riding a bus. While walking towards the campus entrance, he noticed Zhang Yi from a far making her smile from ear to ear, as he was waiting patiently. Ava came running, but controlled herself before a few more steps reaching out to him. Zhang Yi noticed Ava running and immediately stopped midway when he turned to her, he thought. "I better get used to seeing this cuteness more often now.. " he muttered releasing a deep sigh. "Good.. Morning." she greeted shyly. "Good morning." he replied giving her a smile.

While walking. "Did you wait long?" asked Ava. He thought of teasing her and replied "It's been six hours from now." she put on a break oh her excited feet upon hearing it. "What?! Six hours?" he was not expecting her to react so-loud that it gather some attention from the other students passing by. "How come you.." he walked closer to her, making Ava stopped from asking follow up questions. "Silly, I was just teasing you because you waited 6 long hours on a place your not even sure if I was really there. Don't worry, I just arrived 20 minutes earlier than you" Zhang Yi can't help but smile when explaining to her. He grabbed her hand holding it tight and walked together.

Other students stare at them like some sort of paparazzi. who wouldn't? A mere freshman is obviously dating the popular Senior, on top on that an excellent athlete who's currently taking Science engineering.

Ava couldn't deny her feeling a bit shy for dating a Senior, as a mere freshman it is really unusual. As the rumor says those seniors dating a freshman before broke up with their partners, after graduating from the University. Zhang Yi noticed her expression. "Do you feel uncomfortable, me holding your hand?" he asked. "-Of course not. I was in fact.. So happy that I finally get to held hands with you, Its been my dream. How come I'll feel uncomfortable?" she answered truthfully. They have reached her classroom door and saw everyone preparing for their class. "Go on in, I'll fetch you after school okay?" he bend a little lower and left him a kiss on her cheek, which most of the class had witnessed. Ava was left astounded and full of happy thoughts, that starting from now on she's now officially the girlfriend of the hottest male in campus. Then Ava got pulled in by her female friends for interrogation.

TO BE CONTINUED..