Work Text:
Jié lì had run away from the orphanage in tears, trying to find a secluded spot to hide in peace, away from the rest of the world for a while... until they saw a tree, and someone just slightly older than them leaning on it while drawing something in their sketchbook. Before Jié lì could make their getaway to find another place they stopped in their tracks when they were addressed, already going tense as they slowly turned their head back to the individual in question, their stance already preparing for battle.
The other only blinked in turn before tilting his head, staring for a moment before silently shuffling back and patting the spot next to him.
"... do you want to sit with me for a while..? if not, I can leave."
Jié lì was now the one blinking, their body unstiffening slightly just from the surprise of his comment alone. He was.. asking them to sit with him? No, rather.. he was offering his company, unprying of their condition. And yet, they felt his words would stay true in that he had no problem with leaving, either.
They were silent for a beat, two, even as they started to move, and they somehow found their body sat down next to him.. at a distance, still somewhat wary. He only smiled to them in turn, looking at them just a moment longer before he resumed his drawing.
They couldn't help but watch, switching between it and the scenery from time to time, until it begun to get dark.
"I should head back now.. but it was lovely meeting you."
He closed his sketchbook before smiling at them, that same smile from before... it took them a moment to process what he said and simply hummed in response. As little words as it was, his smile somehow didn't dim one bit even when he stood up, waving to them as he walked off.
Jié lì only got up themselves once he was completely out of sight, deciding to head back for now. Somehow... they felt much lighter than before.
And just a little less lonelier. All because of a nameless stranger...
They stopped in their tracks, their eyes in the stars above them.
Even his name was something they hadn't thought to ask for... would they ever see him again?
... they supposed it didn't matter.
(Until they returned the next day, at the same time, and there he was once more.)
(Until suddenly, it did.)