# The Backseat Perspective

## Chapter 1: His POV

I was never someone who could express feelings. At least not before XiaMo appeared.

She stood on the playground, holding a pink letter, face as red as a ripe apple.

I stood at the corridor corner. She walked toward the school crush.

'XiaMo!' I shouted. 'The homeroom teacher calls you!'

I made up a reason. A lame one. Her expression went from anticipation to disappointment.

I told myself: 'This is for her own good.'

I said this for three years. Countless times. Each time like a placebo.

But maybe, if you say a placebo enough, it becomes truth.

## Chapter 2: Protection

Every guy she met - ChenKun, the car dealer, the senior student council member - each had problems.

I intercepted them all. Not because I was jealous. Because I cared.

## Chapter 3: Blind Date

Years later, at a blind date. Two people arranged by families.

'You actually came too,' she said.

'I wanted to see you,' I said. Which was the truth, though not the whole truth.

'XiaMo,' I said, 'your pear blossom curl looks nice.'

She paused. Then smiled - a smile I waited seven years for.

This time, I would not wait anymore.

--- Author note: Dual-perspective variant of “怎么了，做噩梦？”邓跃去厨房倒了杯水过来。 from ShengQiShen's POV.

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