Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Hu Tao woke up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the blinds, her body still warm from sleep. The warmth of last night’s closeness remained—Yanfei’s presence still faintly noticeable beside her. But reality settled in as she turned, finding the bed half-empty. Yanfei had already gotten up.

Stretching, Hu Tao rubbed her eyes and sat up, the events of the previous night playing in the back of her mind. Things had felt... lighter. Less complicated. It was nice.

The faint clatter of dishes in the kitchen pulled her from her thoughts. With a deep breath, she got up and made her way out of the bedroom, her steps slow and unhurried.

Yanfei stood by the stove, flipping an egg with practiced ease. The smell of toast and coffee filled the apartment, warm and familiar. She glanced over her shoulder as Hu Tao approached, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Morning, lazybones."

Hu Tao snorted, leaning against the counter. "Didn’t expect breakfast service."

Yanfei shrugged, plating the eggs. "Figured you’d need it. You have an important email waiting."

Hu Tao blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

Yanfei nodded toward Hu Tao’s laptop, left open on the couch. "Ningguang’s office."

Heart suddenly hammering, Hu Tao rushed over, her fingers fumbling over the trackpad as she pulled up her inbox. And there it was.

The subject line read: Jade Corporation Law Firm

Hu Tao stared at it, her stomach twisting. She could feel Yanfei’s gaze on her, waiting.

"You gonna open it?" Yanfei prompted.

Swallowing, Hu Tao clicked.

-

The email was short and professional, detailing the formal job offer, salary expectations, and a request to confirm her decision by the end of the week. It should’ve felt like a victory. Instead, her chest tightened as she read through the details, the weight of it pressing down on her.

She hadn’t expected to get this far. Sending her resume had been a moment of desperation, a fleeting attempt to convince herself she was moving forward. But now? This was real. A job. A responsibility. A return to the world she had walked away from.

Yanfei moved closer, leaning against the back of the couch. "Well?"

Hu Tao exhaled, running a hand through her hair. "I don’t know."

Yanfei frowned. "What do you mean, you don’t know? Tao, this is good news."

"I know it is," Hu Tao muttered. "But… I don’t know if I’m ready."

Yanfei was quiet for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. "You’re scared."

Hu Tao hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah."

She felt Yanfei settle beside her on the couch, the warmth of her presence grounding. "Look, I get it. It’s been a rough year for you. But this? This is a fresh start. A chance to do something you’re good at, somewhere you’ll actually be valued."

"What if I screw it up?" Hu Tao asked, her voice smaller than she wanted it to be.

Yanfei nudged her shoulder. "Then you try again."

Hu Tao let out a dry laugh. "You make it sound so simple."

"Because it is," Yanfei said firmly. "You’re smart. You’re capable. And you’re not alone."

Hu Tao turned her head, meeting Yanfei’s gaze. There was no pity there, no judgment—just certainty. A belief in her that Hu Tao wasn’t sure she deserved.

For a long moment, she said nothing. Then, slowly, she exhaled. "Alright. I’ll take the interview."

Yanfei grinned, nudging her again. "That’s my girl."

Hu Tao rolled her eyes but couldn’t fight the small smile tugging at her lips. The anxiety still sat heavy in her chest, but with Yanfei beside her, it didn’t feel quite so unbearable.

Hu Tao sat cross-legged on the couch, her laptop balanced on her thighs, the job offer email still open. The words blurred slightly as she reread them for the third time, hoping that, somehow, the weight pressing on her chest would ease. It didn’t. If anything, the more she read it, the more overwhelming it felt.

Yanfei, sitting across from her with a cup of coffee in hand, tapped her fingers against the ceramic. "Alright, first things first—what exactly is stopping you?" Her tone was firm, her eyes sharp with expectation. "You got the offer. What’s the problem?"

Hu Tao sighed, shutting the laptop with a soft click. "I don’t know. Everything?" She rubbed the back of her neck, frowning. "What if I can’t keep up? What if I’m not good enough? What if I get there and realize I hate it?"

Yanfei arched an eyebrow. "And what if you get there and realize you’re great at it? What if you actually enjoy it? What if this is exactly the step you need to take?"

Hu Tao snorted. "You sound like a corporate training seminar. Next, you’ll tell me to ‘unlock my full potential.’"

Yanfei folded her arms but her voice softened just a fraction. "I know you're nervous, Tao. That’s normal. But I also know you—you’re not someone who backs down when things get tough. You applied for this because you wanted a chance. Don’t let your doubts talk you out of it."

Hu Tao exhaled, rubbing her temples. The silence stretched between them for a few moments, broken only by the distant hum of the city outside. She could feel Yanfei’s gaze on her—unwavering, expectant. The thing about Yanfei was that she didn’t believe in unnecessary hand-holding. She believed in action.

Then, finally, Hu Tao let out a breath. "Alright. Let’s practice."

Yanfei smirked. "Now we’re talking."

She reached for her own laptop, already pulling up a document filled with interview questions. "Okay, let’s start with the basics—‘Tell me about yourself.’"

Hu Tao groaned, flopping onto the couch with all the grace of a ragdoll. "Ugh, I hate that question. It’s such a trap. Like, what do they even want? A full autobiography? A list of hobbies?"

Yanfei rolled her eyes. "They want to know if you’re confident and if you understand your strengths. So sit up and try again."

Hu Tao sat up straighter, crossing her arms. "Alright, fine. How about this—'I am a former marketing professional with a degree in communications. I have a passion for creative storytelling and public relations, and I am dedicated to bringing innovative solutions to corporate outreach.'" She wiggled her fingers dramatically. "Boom. Professional."

Yanfei didn’t even blink. "That sounded like you copy-pasted it from a LinkedIn template. Again."

Hu Tao groaned. "Being myself is what got me fired in the first place."

Yanfei didn’t hesitate. "No, a bad work environment got you fired. That’s not on you. Don’t start acting like it was."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Hu Tao’s face, but she quickly brushed it off with a shrug. "Yeah, yeah. Still. Okay, one more time." She cleared her throat and tried again. "I'm Hu Tao. I have a background in marketing and communications, but more than that, I love connecting with people. I enjoy finding ways to tell a story that matters, making things resonate. I might have had a rough time in my last position, but I’ve learned a lot from it, and I’m ready to bring that experience into something new."

Yanfei leaned back, satisfied. "Better. That sounds like you."

Hu Tao sighed in relief. "Good. Because I was running out of fancy business words."

Yanfei smirked. "Alright, next question—‘Why do you want to work here?’"

Hu Tao made a face. "Because I need money."

Yanfei’s expression didn’t change. "Try again. And if you joke your way through this interview, I swear, Tao, I will personally make you rewrite your answers fifty times until they sound right."

Hu Tao sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Uh... ‘I respect what Jade Corporations Law Firm does, and I believe I can contribute by strengthening its public outreach. My experience with marketing gives me an edge in presenting the firm’s work in a way that is engaging and accessible.’ How was that?"

Yanfei nodded approvingly. "Much better. See? You’re getting the hang of this."

Hu Tao rubbed her hands over her face, half-laughing, half-groaning. "Gods, I forgot how exhausting this stuff is."

Yanfei didn’t give her time to wallow. "Good. Because we’re not done. I’m going to throw rapid-fire questions at you until you can answer them in your sleep. No hesitations. No overthinking."

Hu Tao’s head fell back against the couch with a dramatic sigh. "You’re ruthless."

Yanfei smirked, but there was an unmistakable warmth in her eyes. "You’ll thank me later. And don't act so surprised—I’ve always taken important things seriously. Just be glad I’m not making you take notes."

Hu Tao groaned loudly, throwing her hands in the air. "I swear, I forgot how strict you get when something actually matters. I half expect you to pull out a ruler and start whacking my knuckles when I mess up." Yanfei chuckled, shaking her head. "Not yet, but don’t tempt me." Despite her complaints, Hu Tao sat up, shaking her head with a small, reluctant smile. Maybe, just maybe, she could do this after all.

-

The days leading up to the interview passed in a blur of preparation, coffee, and occasional chaos. Every day felt like a new challenge, and by the time the interview was just around the corner, Hu Tao had gone through more mock answers, caffeine-fueled study sessions, and wardrobe debates than she thought humanly possible.

Day One: The Drills Begin

"Alright, let’s run it again," Yanfei said, adjusting her glasses as she scrolled through her notes.

Hu Tao groaned, flopping onto the couch dramatically. "This is starting to feel like boot camp. Should I drop and give you twenty push-ups next?"

Yanfei smirked. "If you still can’t answer ‘What are your strengths?’ properly, I just might make you. Now, sit up."

With exaggerated reluctance, Hu Tao straightened. "Fine, fine. Ask away, coach."

They went through questions rapid-fire, Yanfei not letting a single hesitant pause slide. Every time Hu Tao faltered, Yanfei made her restart until her answers were crisp and confident. By the time they finished, Hu Tao flopped backward, covering her face with a pillow. "This is torture. You missed your true calling as an interrogator."

Yanfei chuckled. "Tough love, Tao. Now, take a break before we do another round."

Day Two: Late-Night Study Sessions

The apartment was dimly lit, only the warm glow of a desk lamp and the flickering city lights illuminating the room. Hu Tao sat cross-legged on the floor, half-buried in interview notes and scribbled responses. Yanfei leaned against the couch, coffee in hand, eyes sharp as she reviewed Hu Tao’s latest answers.

"You keep hesitating on the ‘biggest weakness’ question," Yanfei pointed out. "If you don’t sound confident, they’ll eat you alive."

Hu Tao sighed, rubbing her temples. "Because every answer sounds like a trap! If I say I work too hard, I sound fake. If I say I procrastinate, I sound lazy. What’s the right balance?"

Yanfei took a sip of her coffee, considering. "You want something honest but with a positive spin. Try this—‘I used to struggle with taking on too much at once, but I’ve learned how to manage my workload effectively.’"

Hu Tao blinked. "That actually sounds pretty good. You sure you don’t want to do the interview for me?"

Yanfei chuckled. "Not a chance. Now, say it back to me."

Hours passed, the two of them refining answers, adjusting phrasing, and breaking only for more coffee. At one point, Hu Tao dramatically draped herself over the coffee table. "I have lost the ability to form coherent sentences."

Yanfei nudged her with her foot. "Then we’ll practice in your sleep. I’ll start whispering questions at you until you answer instinctively."

Hu Tao groaned. "You’re terrifying."

Day Three: The Great Wardrobe Debate

"No."

Hu Tao pouted, dramatically spreading her arms. "Why not?!"

Yanfei pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling sharply. "Because you cannot—absolutely cannot—show up to a corporate law firm wearing a floral button-up and ripped jeans."

"But it gives me personality!" Hu Tao argued, adjusting the oversized sleeves. "Law firms are so stiff. Maybe they need a little fun!"

Yanfei crossed her arms. "They need you to look professional. Go try on the suit."

With exaggerated grumbling, Hu Tao retreated to the bedroom, emerging a few minutes later in a fitted navy suit. She tugged at the collar awkwardly. "I feel like I’m suffocating."

Yanfei looked her over with a satisfied nod. "You look great. Clean, polished, and like someone who actually wants this job."

Hu Tao huffed, fidgeting with the cuffs. "I guess. But if I survive this interview, I’m wearing pajamas for a week."

Yanfei smirked. "Deal."

To test her comfort level, Yanfei made her practice answering questions while pacing in the suit. Hu Tao dramatically loosened the tie. "Corporate chains, tightening around my neck!"

Yanfei threw a pillow at her. "Dramatic. Keep going."

Day Four: The Energy Crash

By the fourth day, Hu Tao had fully collapsed onto the couch, groaning. "Yanfei, I am a husk of a person."

Yanfei, flipping through her notes, barely looked up. "You’ll live."

"At what cost?" Hu Tao groaned, face buried in the cushions.

Yanfei rolled her eyes but passed her a snack. "Eat something. You need your brain to function."

Hu Tao sat up, reluctantly taking the food. "You know, for all your terrifying lawyer energy, you take pretty good care of me."

Yanfei smirked. "Of course. Someone has to make sure you don’t self-destruct."

Final Night: Pre-Interview Nerves

Hu Tao paced the living room, fingers drumming against her arms. "What if I blank? What if I say something dumb? What if they ask me a question I have no idea how to answer?"

Yanfei, lounging on the couch, stretched lazily. "Then you take a breath, keep your composure, and answer the best you can."

Hu Tao sighed, flopping down beside her. "Easy for you to say. You’re always good under pressure."

Yanfei nudged her shoulder. "You will be too. You’ve prepared for this. Just trust yourself."

For a moment, Hu Tao was quiet. Then, she let out a deep breath, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Yanfei. Really."

Yanfei smiled back. "Anytime, Tao. Now, get some rest. Tomorrow’s a big day."

As Hu Tao curled up on the couch, eyes drifting shut, she felt—despite everything—a little more ready.

Yanfei glanced over at her, watching as her breathing evened out. With a small shake of her head, she stood up, stretching. "Come on, you’ll sleep better in bed."

Hu Tao mumbled something incoherent but let Yanfei pull her up. Half-asleep, she trudged into the bedroom, flopping face-first onto the mattress. Yanfei sighed but climbed in beside her, pulling the blanket over both of them.

"You’re gonna do great tomorrow," Yanfei murmured, voice softer now, exhaustion creeping in.

Hu Tao, already half gone into sleep, smiled against the pillow. "Only because my scary lawyer coach made sure of it."

Yanfei chuckled, shaking her head. "Go to sleep, Tao."

And with that, the room fell into quiet, the steady rhythm of their breathing filling the space as sleep finally took them both.

Maybe, just maybe, she could do this.

-

Hu Tao had imagined this morning playing out differently.

She started the day slow, dragging herself out of bed despite the nerves churning in her stomach. The morning air was crisp as she stood by the wardrobe, debating over what to wear. Yanfei had insisted she dress sharply, and for once, Hu Tao didn’t argue. She pulled out a crisp white blouse, tucking it neatly into a fitted, above-the-knee pencil skirt. It hugged her frame just right—professional, but not restrictive. Next came the heels. Not too tall, just enough to add a bit of confidence to her stride without making her regret her life choices halfway through the day.

She buttoned up her blazer, adjusting the lapels in front of the mirror. The outfit felt foreign, almost like she was stepping into a different version of herself. A version that belonged in this world of polished offices and high expectations. Would they see through her? Would Ningguang take one look and know she wasn’t meant to be here?

She swallowed hard. No. No overthinking. Just breathe.

Her reflection didn’t inspire confidence—her usually bright eyes looked dull with nerves, and she could already feel a thin layer of sweat forming at the back of her neck.

"You’re going to do great," Yanfei said from the doorway, arms crossed as she leaned against the frame. Her voice was firm but carried a gentleness, like she could sense just how close Hu Tao was to spiraling.

Hu Tao exhaled, rolling her shoulders. "I know. But also, I don’t know."

Yanfei smirked. "That sentence made no sense."

"Neither do I at this point!" Hu Tao groaned, dragging a hand down her face. "This suit feels weird. What if I sweat too much? What if I say something dumb? What if my brain just stops working halfway through? What if—"

Yanfei stepped forward, placing a steadying hand on Hu Tao’s shoulder. "Then you take a breath, keep your cool, and push through it. You’ve prepared for this. You’re ready."

Hu Tao looked at her, uncertainty flickering behind her eyes. "And if I bomb it?"

Yanfei squeezed her shoulder. "Then you try again. But you won’t bomb it."

Despite her nerves, Hu Tao managed a small, grateful smile. "Alright. Let’s get this over with."

-

The Jade Corporations Law Firm building was massive—glass panels reflecting the city skyline, polished floors stretching into a vast, modern lobby. The sheer size of it made Hu Tao’s heart pound a little harder. She tried not to feel intimidated as she approached the receptionist, introducing herself with what she hoped was a steady voice.

"You can wait here," the receptionist said, gesturing to a row of sleek chairs. "Ms. Ningguang will see you shortly."

Ms. Ningguang.

Hearing her name made everything feel even more real.

Hu Tao sat down, smoothing her hands over her knees, her foot tapping restlessly against the floor. Around her, employees in pristine suits moved with effortless confidence, engaged in rapid conversations over coffee. She suddenly felt small—like she didn’t belong in this world anymore. What if she wasn’t good enough? What if she made a fool of herself? What if—

She clenched her fists. Stop it. You can do this.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours before the receptionist finally called her name. "Ms. Tao, you can head in now."

Hu Tao stood, took a deep breath, and walked into the office.

-

Ningguang was exactly as Hu Tao had imagined—composed, elegant, her presence commanding even as she sat behind a polished mahogany desk. Her sharp gaze flicked up as Hu Tao entered, and for a moment, Hu Tao swore she could feel the weight of the woman’s expectations pressing down on her.

"Ms. Tao. Please, have a seat."

Hu Tao nodded, sitting as gracefully as she could manage while ignoring the sudden dryness in her throat.

"Let’s begin," Ningguang said, folding her hands together. "Tell me about yourself."

Hu Tao had rehearsed this question dozens of times. She knew her answer. But suddenly, her brain blanked.

"Uh—right. So, I’m Hu Tao. I… have a background in marketing. Communications, specifically. I worked in public relations, did a lot of… outreach and—uh, writing?" She forced a quick laugh, shifting in her seat. "Words and me? Best friends."

Shut up, shut up, shut up.

Ningguang’s expression remained unreadable. "I see. And what made you interested in this position?"

Another simple question. Another moment where her mind spiraled.

"Well, I think—uh, your firm has a great reputation," Hu Tao started, her voice tightening. "I admire your—um, presence in the industry. And I think I could… bring value to your team? I mean, obviously. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here, right?"

Archons, what am I even saying?

Hu Tao could feel herself losing control, stumbling over words she had practiced endlessly. Her palms were sweating. Was her voice shaking? Was Ningguang noticing? Was she failing?

She swallowed, trying to force herself back on track. Breathe. You can salvage this.

"I, uh—I have experience handling press relations, crisis communication, and brand strategy," she continued quickly, trying to regain momentum. "I think my skills would help refine how your firm connects with the public. I know law firms tend to be more reserved in their approach, but I could help bridge that gap—make legal services feel more accessible to people."

A pause.

Hu Tao forced herself to meet Ningguang’s gaze. The older woman studied her, unreadable as ever, before finally speaking.

"That’s a strong point. Let’s move on."

Hu Tao barely stopped herself from sagging in relief. Okay. Not dead yet.

-

The rest of the interview wasn’t a disaster, but it wasn’t smooth either. Some answers she managed to deliver with confidence, others felt clumsy—like she was second-guessing herself even as she spoke. She caught herself rambling once or twice, and Ningguang had to redirect her back to the question. By the end, she wasn’t sure if she had left a good impression or just looked unprepared.

By the time it was over, Hu Tao felt drained. Her hands trembled slightly as she stepped out of the office, the weight of the conversation still pressing on her chest. Did I do enough?

She tried to replay Ningguang’s reactions in her mind—had she nodded approvingly at any point? Had her expression softened even slightly? Or had she just tolerated the entire thing? I should’ve said this differently. I shouldn’t have rambled. Archons, what if she already decided against me?

The moment she was outside, the fresh air hit her like a wave, but it didn’t clear her head. The spiral was already starting.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

Yanfei: "How’d it go?"

Hu Tao stared at the message, still standing in front of the building. What was she supposed to say? That she fumbled her words? That she panicked? That she wasn’t sure she even had a shot anymore?

Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, then typed:

Hu Tao: "Still alive."

A reply came almost instantly.

Yanfei: "Proud of you. Come home, I’ll have food waiting."

Hu Tao let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. The stress still sat heavy in her chest, but at least she wasn’t alone.

Maybe, just maybe, she hadn’t completely ruined her chances.

She could only hope.

-

The apartment smelled warm and familiar when Hu Tao stepped inside, the scent of garlic and ginger filling the air. The rich aroma of Golden Shrimp Balls and steaming Bamboo Shoot Soup made her stomach growl despite her nerves. Yanfei had kept her word—dinner was already on the table, the sight alone made Hu Tao’s chest loosen just a little.

"You’re back just in time," Yanfei called from the kitchen, carrying two glasses of water to the table. "Thought I’d have to eat all this by myself."

Hu Tao chuckled weakly, setting her bag down. "Wouldn’t want you to suffer through that."

Yanfei shot her a knowing look. "Sit. Eat. No spiraling until after dinner."

Hu Tao rolled her eyes but obeyed, picking up her chopsticks. The first bite was heaven—savory, rich, comforting. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until now.

They ate in comfortable silence for a while, Yanfei occasionally passing her an extra dumpling or refilling her glass before she could even ask. It was the kind of quiet that Hu Tao didn’t often get—the kind that wasn’t suffocating, but safe. The food grounded her, the familiar flavors soothing the knots in her stomach. For a moment, it almost felt like any other night.

Then, Yanfei spoke. "You did good today. No matter what happens, I’m proud of you."

Hu Tao froze mid-bite.

It was a simple statement, one she should’ve taken at face value, but instead, her mind latched onto it, twisting it into something else entirely.

No matter what happens.

Did Yanfei think she wouldn’t get the job? Was she saying this as a preemptive comfort because she already knew Hu Tao had failed? Was it obvious to everyone but her?

Her stomach twisted. The food that had just been comforting now felt heavy.

Yanfei must have noticed the shift because she sighed, setting down her chopsticks. "Tao."

Hu Tao swallowed hard, looking away. "I—I'm fine."

"No, you’re spiraling. Again." Yanfei’s voice was firm but gentle. She reached across the table, nudging Hu Tao’s hand with her fingers. "Come back."

Hu Tao exhaled shakily, gripping her chopsticks a little too tightly. "I just—what if I messed up too much? What if she already decided against me the moment I walked out that door?"

Yanfei held her gaze, unwavering. "And what if she didn’t? What if she saw your potential, saw how much you care, and that’s what stuck with her?"

Hu Tao bit her lip. "I don’t know."

Yanfei gave her hand a quick squeeze. "That’s because you don’t have an answer yet. So stop torturing yourself over something you can’t control right now."

Hu Tao let out a small, breathy laugh. "You make it sound so easy."

Yanfei smirked. "That’s because I don’t overthink everything like a certain someone."

Hu Tao sighed but finally took another bite, her appetite slowly returning. Yanfei didn’t say anything more about it, just let the moment settle, making sure Hu Tao finished her meal without drifting back into another spiral. Instead, she pushed a Moon Pie onto Hu Tao’s plate, the flaky golden crust encasing a rich, sweet filling that shimmered slightly under the kitchen lights. "Eat that too. You’ll feel better."

Hu Tao huffed but took a bite. "You act like I’m a child."

"You act like one sometimes," Yanfei teased, sipping her tea. "So I treat you accordingly."

Hu Tao scowled, but the corners of her lips twitched upward.

-

After dinner, they cleaned up together. Hu Tao washed the dishes while Yanfei dried, their movements easy, practiced. The faint scent of Bamboo Shoot Soup still hung in the air, a reminder of the warm meal they had just shared. It was domestic in a way Hu Tao rarely let herself acknowledge.

"Go freshen up," Yanfei told her as they finished. "You’ll feel better."

Hu Tao nodded, padding toward the bathroom. The warm water did help—washing away the tension in her shoulders, the remnants of the day clinging to her skin. By the time she stepped out, wrapped in a soft towel, she felt a little more like herself again. She changed into her pajamas—an oversized deep-red t-shirt with faded lettering and a pair of soft black shorts, comfortable but casual. It wasn’t fancy, but it was hers, and right now, she just needed something familiar.

When she entered the bedroom, Yanfei was already sitting on the bed, scrolling through her phone. She glanced up, patting the space beside her. "Come here."

Hu Tao didn’t hesitate this time. She climbed into bed, settling against the pillows. The moment she did, Yanfei shifted closer, looping an arm around her waist.

"You still thinking about it?" Yanfei murmured.

Hu Tao sighed, pressing her face into Yanfei’s shoulder. "A little."

Yanfei hummed, her fingers tracing lazy patterns against Hu Tao’s back. "Then let me do the thinking for both of us. You did great. You’re going to be okay. And no matter what, I’ve got you."

Hu Tao didn’t say anything for a long time, just let the words sink in. Yanfei must have noticed something in the way Hu Tao stiffened, even if only slightly, because she hesitated too. Her hand, which had been resting lightly on Hu Tao’s back, loosened its hold.

"I can let go if you want," Yanfei murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just say the word."

Hu Tao felt her throat tighten, caught between the automatic instinct to brush it off and the gnawing vulnerability that had settled deep in her chest. She swallowed, her fingers clenching briefly around the fabric of Yanfei’s shirt.

"No," she said, quieter than she meant to. Then, clearing her throat, she added, "It’s okay."

She didn’t look up to see Yanfei’s expression, but she felt the way the tension in the air shifted, the way Yanfei’s arm tightened slightly around her waist again, reassuring but never overbearing.

Then, finally, she melted into the embrace, hesitating for just a moment before fully leaning into Yanfei. Just this once, she decided. Just this one time, she would let herself be held, let herself sink into the warmth without fighting it. Even if her mind still buzzed faintly with overthinking—replaying every stumble she made today, every awkward moment of the interview—There was something deeper lurking beneath it. It wasn’t just the uncertainty of her job prospects making her hesitant; it was the past. Their past.

Hu Tao had let Yanfei in before, had trusted her warmth, only to end up hurt when things fell apart between them. And now, lying here again, feeling that same warmth, she hated how easy it was to sink into it.

She had spent so long convincing herself that moving forward meant leaving the past behind, yet here she was, wrapped up in Yanfei’s arms like nothing had changed. But things had changed. They had broken up. They had drifted apart. And yet, Yanfei was still here, speaking to her so softly, holding her like she was something fragile.

And that scared Hu Tao more than anything.

Because if she let herself accept it—if she acknowledged that she still craved this closeness, that she still loved Yanfei in some way—then what? Would she be setting herself up for heartbreak all over again? Was she just fooling herself into thinking things could be different this time?

A bitter voice in her head told her it was unfair—to Yanfei, to herself—to keep closing off her heart when it wasn’t Yanfei’s fault that things had ended the way they did. She knew that. She had known that for a long time. But knowing didn’t make it easier.

She exhaled shakily, her grip tightening slightly. Just this once, she told herself. Just this one time, she would let herself be held. She would let herself sink into the warmth without questioning it. Even if doubt still sat in the corner of her mind, even if fear still whispered about things she didn’t want to admit, she would allow herself this moment—just for tonight.

Yanfei rested her chin on top of Hu Tao’s head, her voice softer now. "You don’t have to carry everything alone, you know."

Hu Tao let out a breath, her grip tightening around Yanfei’s shirt. "Yeah. I know."

For the first time all day, she truly relaxed.

And as she drifted off, tucked safely in Yanfei’s arms, the weight in her chest didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

-