Mistakenly Yours

Sunlight turned Qingfeng High into a playground of color. Banners twirled, flags with a mischievous snap as if eager to join the fray below. The sea of red lanterns swayed in the warm breeze, a silent giggle over the organized chaos unfolding in the courtyard.

 

Shouts from kids spiraled upward, not urgent, but the thrilled chase of some new spectacle. Each food stall sang its own siren song - sizzling skewers, the pop of sugary confections - creating a chorus of delicious temptations. 

 

Even the usually serious student musicians seemed infected, the staccato of practice replaced by a joyful discord as they warmed up. 

 

The courtyard thrummed with color and life. Under the vibrant banners of Li Miao's class workshop, large tables overflowed with lantern-making materials a kaleidoscope of paper and silk. 

 

Graceful actors twirled in flowing Hanfu costumes, demonstrating the delicate folds and painted artistry for eager guests. In the center, a stage promised student performances, ready to breathe life into ancient tales.

 

Li Miao, resplendent in her chosen pink Hanfu, moved through the crowd like a joyful spirit. Her smile outshone even the lanterns, spreading warmth and welcome.

 

“Pretty sister! Will you help me with my lantern?” A little boy's voice cut through the hum of conversation. Li Miao glided gracefully towards him, her dress whispering against the stone floor.

 

Xu Yue stood across the busy courtyard, observing with a serene expression. Her blue Hanfu flowed gracefully around her, projecting a calm elegance. 

 

Unlike Li Miao, who had a friendly and approachable aura, Xu Yue's beauty commanded a hushed admiration. People blushed as she walked past, and whispers followed in her wake.

 

Eventually, a group of girls mustered the courage to seek her assistance. “Um… excuse us, miss… could you help us with our lanterns?” they asked tentatively.

 

Xu Yue joined them, her steps unhurried. Unlike Li Miao's exuberant warmth, her clear guidance was matched by a serene expression.

 

When she caught this interaction out of the corner of her eye, Li Miao felt a sharp pang of unexpected loneliness pierce her heart. 

 

Of course, the cool female protagonist would be popular with other girls… W-wait, why am I so upset at that? 

 

As soon as Tang Jia walked into the workshop, the atmosphere changed. She was no longer wearing her regular athletic clothes. Instead, she was dressed in silks and brocades that enveloped her body. The luxurious fabrics and jeweled crown she wore, signaled that she was an empress. The sudden transformation was so striking that people turned their heads and did a double-take.

 

Spotting Xu Yue, her face split into a mischievous grin. "Hey! Xu Yue!" Tang Jia's wave rippled across the room, the empress's sleeves fluttering like startled birds. Xu Yue responded with a subtle sigh.

 

Tang Jia circled Xu Yue, inspecting her outfit with exaggerated drama. "Well, well, looking good!"

 

"Shouldn't you be working?" Xu Yue asked.

 

"What? I grace you with my presence, and this is the thanks I get?" Tang Jia feigned a swoon but stopped short under Xu Yue's glare. 

 

"Alright, alright… They stuck me on advertising duty," Tang Jia admitted, grimacing at her elaborate attire. "Honestly, I told them a simple servant role would suit me fine…"

 

Her classmates: “We can spot a hidden gem when we see it.” 

 

Spotting Li Miao, Tang Jia nudged Xu Yue with a smirk. "Wow, your little girlfriend sure is in demand, huh?"

 

Li Miao didn't just walk; she seemed to flutter. Her smile wasn't just pleasant; it held a warmth that drew people in. Each question was answered with gentle patience, and no request seemed too much. No wonder a small crowd seemed to follow in her wake.

 

Xu Yue observed, a soft smile playing on her lips. Her little cat was a treasure indeed.

 

Tang Jia sighed dramatically, disappointed that her teasing hadn't sparked the intended reaction. "You really need to figure this out before it's too late."

 

Xu Yue blinked, confusion washing over her face. "I still don't get what you mean."

 

Tang Jia threw her hands up, exasperation lacing her voice. "That you like her! Like, like-like her!"

 

Xu Yue's brow furrowed. "How could two girls..." She trailed off, the thought unfinished.

 

"Duh, by being in love?" Tang Jia scoffed. The concept seemed obvious to her.

 

Xu Yue had never indeed considered that possibility. Her past friendships were few and far between; this vibrant connection with Li Miao felt normal, not strange.

 

"Is that so?" Xu Yue murmured, her gaze thoughtful. "I don't know."

 

"Trust me, you'll figure it out. Now, back to the salt mines!" Tang Jia executed a sharp turn, the empress's sleeves nearly swiping her in the face. "Ugh, this costume takes some getting used to!"

 

Xu Yue watched Li Miao, her heart tangled with newly stirred emotions. On the surface, she remained composed, but a storm was brewing within.