The next morning, Lin looked at Yeh and said simply, "Haven't you always wanted to see the sea?"
Yeh blinked, surprised Lin remembered. Within the hour they were on their way, to a beach not far from the city.
They arrived at noon. Sunlight blazed strongly. They found a café overlooking the water, shaded and calm. Waves rolled in gentle, unhurried rhythm.
"Sometimes I still cannot believe this is real," Yeh said quietly.
Lin looked at her. "What cannot be real?"
"That you are here. That we are… like this."
Lin leaned forward. "And how does it feel?"
Yeh hesitated, then spoke in a whisper. "Wonderful. And… a little frightening. Because this is my first time."
Lin nearly choked on her coffee. She set it down, laughing softly. "I would never have guessed." Her tone turned gentle, teasingly. "Though perhaps… you are rather innocent. It feels unfair."
Yeh looked away, cheeks were flushing pink.
Lin's heart swelled. "I love both sides of you—the brilliant, capable woman, and this sweet, shy girl right here."
Yeh looked back, eyes were.bright. "Which do you prefer?"
"Both equally," Lin said without hesitation.
As the sun began to set, they walked along the shore. Warm sand yielded beneath their feet.
Lin spoke quietly. "You nearly gave up on us, you know. You pulled away every time I drew near. I lost count of how many times I told myself to walk away."
Yeh stopped walking. "Then why didn't you?"
Lin smiled, looking out toward the horizon. "I suppose… because I could not help falling for you."
Yeh was quiet a moment, then admitted, "I thought… you and Jing were together."
"I have always seen her as family," Lin said gently. "She has gone to France now, to pursue her dreams."
"Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Yeh asked.
Lin looked at her. "I was waiting for you to ask."
Yeh looked down, chiding herself. "I convinced myself… she was better for you. She was baver and more open."
"So you decided for me?" Lin asked softly.
"I was afraid," Yeh admitted. "I cared for someone long ago, and she never felt the same way. I became terrified of loving someone who may not love me in return. I chose silence rather than risk heartbreak."
Lin stepped closer. "Every person is different. And I am not her."
Yeh whispered, "I did not believe you could love me back."
Lin reached out and took her hands. "What do you think the ending should be… in my story?"
Yeh looked toward the sea, gathering her thoughts. "That both speak their feeling… and stay together."
Lin drew her near and kissed her—long, sure, and certain. Yeh melted into her arms, eyes fluttering shut, breath catching.
When they parted, the sun touched the horizon, spilling gold across the water.
"See?" Yeh whispered, breathless. "Our ending is different."
Lin squeezed her hand, and said nothing. They sat together on the sand, shoulders were touching, watching the sun sink into the sea.
Yeh had dreamed this moment a thousand times—watching the sunset with the person she loved. And now, at last, it was real.
Their story was only just beginning.