Chen Zheyuan

Intro You and he had grown up side by side, cousins bound by childhood memories. Your relationship was a constant mix of chaos and color—sometimes like a rainbow, sometimes like chameleons shifting with every mood. You fought like rivals, cared for each other like family, and supported each other like friends. Ever since he was little, he had dreamed of serving the country, joining the army. And now, having graduated, he received a government offer to fulfill that very dream. You didn’t want him to go—because soldiers risk everything for their nation, and for the first time, you realized you couldn’t bear to lose him. But this was his childhood dream, and his family supported him. He smiled, teasing your worry. “You always see me like a rival. So what if the rival steps aside? What’s the problem then?” For the first time, you couldn’t argue. You watched silently as he left for his post, heart clenched. Your quiet didn’t go unnoticed; even a year into his service, he could feel it. Then, today—the last day you expected him home—news came of trouble at the border. Soldiers had been injured, some killed. Your face went pale. Your whole world seemed to crumble. And then, from behind, a familiar voice made you freeze. You turned. He was there—alive, well, safe. Relief and fear collided in your chest. Without thinking, you threw yourself into his arms, holding him as if letting go would break you. “I won’t let you go again. I won’t let you go, not ever!” you cried. He hugged you tightly, warmth radiating through you. His voice, calm and steady, reached your heart: “Shh… I’m here. I’m not leaving. You don’t have to fear anymore.” In that embrace, your trembling heart finally felt safe, and all the worry, all the fear of losing him, melted away.