I’ll Hold Your Hand And Promise You A Lifetime - Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Being Approached By You

Yue Xi sat quietly at the back of the classroom, hands clenched tightly, revealing just how uneasy she truly was.

It was just a glance, a simple look from her—and it had left her heart in turmoil. She couldn’t help but mock herself: When did I start wearing my emotions so openly?

It had only been a harmless joke among classmates, teasing her about whether she had feelings for the class president. After all, she was the transfer student who suddenly avoided eye contact and didn’t even greet the president. She tried to convince herself not to care—but what lingered in her mind was Yi Luo’s gaze. So clear and serene, like it could see through everything… including the feelings she’d buried deep inside.

How long have I liked her? She didn’t even know if she could keep this secret. All she hoped was that, someday, they could still be friends.

She didn’t dare confess—not because of rejection, not even because of ridicule, but because she was terrified they would become strangers.

After transferring, she was ranked near the bottom of the class. When the last-place student dropped out, she fell even lower. Meanwhile, Yi Luo was top of the class—smart, admired, and with a bright future ahead.

Yue Xi had height, and her looks were passable. She had fair skin and a slim figure, which made her one of the most beautiful girls in CH High School—maybe even the most. But she was quiet, not good with words, and had very few friends. Yi Luo, in contrast, was popular, confident, and dazzling to everyone around her.

No one knew that she and Yi Luo had been childhood friends and neighbors. She didn’t want anyone to know either—because if they did, her feelings would be too obvious. And truthfully, she didn’t know how much Yi Luo had changed over the years.

Through the back door, she caught a glimpse of Yi Luo laughing heartily. There was so much youth and energy in her—she was the very embodiment of life. Maybe it was that pure, heartfelt laughter that made Yue Xi smile faintly too, even though her heart felt bittersweet.

“When are you going home?” A familiar voice pulled her back. She looked up to see a smiling face, so close now but once so distant. Yi Luo had grown—no longer the little girl with a ponytail who used to chase after her. She was even prettier now. Those same eyes that used to daze her were still there—long lashes, straighter nose, and the once-pouting lips now graceful and mature.

This was the grown-up Yi Luo. The radiant Yi Luo. The Yi Luo she never stopped thinking about.

Adjusting her oversized glasses, Yue Xi swallowed nervously and answered slowly, “I… um… have to finish some homework first. Then I’ll go.”

Yi Luo nodded. “I’m going to practice my speech for Monday’s flag-raising ceremony. Text me your number once I’m done, I’ll message you, and we’ll walk home together.”

So casual, so natural—like they’d always been best friends.

“Okay,” Yue Xi replied with forced calm, hiding everything she truly felt.

Yi Luo bounced back to her seat, prepping for the next class. Yue Xi just sat there, frozen, still replaying Yi Luo’s expression as she spoke.

This was the first time Yi Luo had invited her to walk home together since she transferred in.

That’s probably how it all began.
That’s the start of the story as Yue Xi remembers it.

Fate really is strange—just when you’re about to give up, it gives you hope. But when you think everything is finally going your way, it might crush you with despair.

Yue Xi’s phone buzzed in her pocket. Her hands trembled when she saw the message. She took a deep breath and quietly typed, “Okay,” then began packing her bag and made her way to the schoolyard to meet Yi Luo.

“Hi!” Yi Luo spotted her from afar and waved before turning to say goodbye to her friends.

Yue Xi was pushing her bike, walking against the sunlight. As Yi Luo approached, something stirred in her heart—maybe nervousness, maybe happiness. She didn’t even notice that she was smiling, her face glowing with quiet joy.

“Let’s go!” Yi Luo patted her bag playfully. “Your backpack’s so stiff, what do you have in there?”

“Uh… books,” Yue Xi scratched her head awkwardly, pushing her bike with one hand.

“…” Yi Luo looked like she wanted to say something but changed her mind.

They walked side by side in silence, with golden sunset light trailing behind them. The quiet moment stretched out like a painting, warm and gentle.

“Ha! I stepped on you!” Yi Luo suddenly burst into a childish grin.

Yue Xi blinked at her, dazed again by her smile.

“Hey,” Yi Luo waved a hand in front of her face. “What are you thinking about?”

“Ah.” Yue Xi snapped out of it. How do I even explain?

“You’ve been acting weird since you transferred. We’re neighbors, but you never say hi or talk to me. Even in class, you avoid me. When I ask you something, you barely respond,” Yi Luo complained, her cheeks flushed.

Yue Xi turned away in a panic. “No, it’s not like that… I just…”

“Haha, look at you—sweating already!” Yi Luo laughed. “You still didn’t answer me.”

“I… I mean, you’re the class president, and I…”

Her tone was soft, tinged with self-doubt.

“So what if I’m class president? Did you forget how we used to play in the courtyard together when we were little? We were best friends.”

“Yeah… best friends,” Yue Xi muttered.

“What, do you dislike me now? Just because I used to run slower than you back then?” Yi Luo pouted, making the exact same face she did as a child—slightly wronged, but never giving up.

“No.” It was a short but firm reply.

“Hmph, I knew you wouldn’t dare.” Yi Luo casually slipped her hand into Yue Xi’s, the one in her pocket. Her face was glowing with happiness—because she was with her best friend from childhood.

But Yue Xi’s heart skipped a beat. She wanted to pull her hand away, but didn’t want to ruin the moment. Only she knew how complicated this so-called friendship felt.

They said nothing more the rest of the way.

When they got to their apartment complex, Yi Luo finally let go. “I’ll come get you in the morning. Don’t oversleep again, okay?”

“Okay.” Yue Xi exhaled deeply.

“Am I scary or something? Why have you been so tense this whole time?” Yi Luo frowned.

“N-No, not at all. I just… I need to park my bike. See you tomorrow!” Yue Xi hurried away, flustered.

When she reached the garage, she patted her chest. Why is my heart beating so fast…

She opened the door, changed shoes, dropped her bag, shrugged off her jacket, and finally collapsed onto her bed face-down, screaming into the covers.

BANG BANG BANG. Someone knocked at the door.

“Breakup? Full moon werewolf transformation? It’s broad daylight, you know.” The door creaked open, revealing a pair of mischievous eyes.

A girl in pink and blue loungewear leaned against the frame—cool short hair, playful expression. This was Ning Ran, Yue Xi’s sister and only known family. She seemed unreliable, always joking around, but Yue Xi had been raised by her.

They were ten years apart—Yue Xi was fifteen, Ning Ran twenty-five. No one knew what Ning Ran did for a living. Yue Xi often suspected something shady, like drug dealing, but then again, there were no bodyguards or combat training involved…

Ning Ran stood tall at 169cm and had known since puberty that she liked girls. She had told Yue Xi early on and had never brought a girlfriend home—said it might affect Yue Xi’s upbringing. Yue Xi didn’t mind, even said she’d be fine with it if Ning Ran ever really fell for someone.

She was carefree, bold, cheerful, always ready to help (especially pretty girls), and incredibly responsible—at least, that’s how Ning Ran described herself.

“Get out,” Yue Xi muttered, chucking a pillow at the door without lifting her head.

“Ah! My beautiful face!” Ning Ran yelped dramatically. “How could you?! You heartless little brat!”

“Ning Ran! Go die!!” Yue Xi finally sat up and screamed.

“Wow, such cruelty! Who’s gonna take care of you if I die? Or are you ditching me for some new bestie?” Ning Ran wiped imaginary tears from her eyes. “They say people with thin lips are cold-hearted, you know~”

Yue Xi stared at her, fists clenched, bangs covering her eyes—eyes full of helplessness, lips pressed into a thin, elegant line.

“Hehe, okay, okay! I’ll stop teasing. You rest. Yell as much as you want. I’ll go make dinner.” Ning Ran grinned and gently closed the door.

Watching her goofy sister disappear, Yue Xi flopped back down, limbs spread across the bed. The heavy weight in her heart had lightened just a little.

She never asked why she had no parents. Her earliest memory was Ning Ran. She never questioned why they moved so often, or where the money came from, or if they were even bl00d-related—because, honestly, they didn’t really look alike.

But having someone who genuinely cared about her? That was more than enough. Yue Xi was grateful to have a sister like Ning Ran—loud and annoying, but full of love.