| In search of a subject for a nature documentary, I signed up for a plant study tour at the forest park. Bai Qi, who was supposed to accompany me, was absent due to a last-minute mission from the Special Task Force, so I embarked on the journey alone.
However, on the fourth day of the course, Bai Qi unexpectedly returned…
“I recognize this. The professor just introduced it a few days ago; it’s called… it’s called…”
The name was right on the tip of my tongue, but I just couldn’t remember it.
Bai Qi couldn’t help but laugh, taking over the conversation with perfect ease.
“It’s called an epiphytic orchid.”
“Its roots grip the bark to stabilize itself, and it lives on moisture from the air.”
“Yes, yes, that’s an epiphytic orchid! Have you seen it before?”
“It was described in the photos you sent the day before yesterday. I remembered it after seeing it.”
“Oh, I see. Hehe, how did it become you answering my questions?”
“Otherwise, how could I be the senior?”
He said it so naturally, his eyebrows and eyes lifting lively, the weariness from before vanishing without a trace.
I couldn’t help but find him adorable and wanted to tease him.
“So, senior, are you not sleepy now?”
In my bright smile, a barely perceptible hint of embarrassment flashed across his eyes.
But after glancing at the receding line ahead, he narrowed his eyes slightly and quickly stole a kiss on my lips.
[Gavin's birthday coincides with the award ceremony for two members of the Special Operations Team. I have long since prepared a series of birthday celebrations for him, hoping to convey the blessings of the entire world to him.]
[Part 1]
“O-o-one,
Everyone: “Congratulations, Sister Hang and Xiao Qiu...
As a series of small party poppers exploded in Gavin's office, fluttering streamers filled the air, mirroring the cheers of the crowd.
Some members of the special operations team kept setting off small celebratory cannons; off to the side of the crowd, Bai Qi smiled happily, looking completely at ease and letting them do as they pleased.
Finally, unable to withstand the shyness of being hemmed in by the crowd—and with her face blushing a deep, rare crimson—Sister Hang steeled herself, grabbed Bai Qi by the sleeve, and hauled him into the throng.
Hang jie: Thank you, everyone—thank you all—but we don't want to steal the spotlight from the birthday celebrant. The White Team is right here; you should celebrate with someone else.
Gavin: You shouldn't put it that way; today is the day you receive your award, too. It is also an honor, and well worth celebrating.
His tone was filled with an indescribable sense of pride, yet it was also clearly tinged with a playful, teasing quality.
The day of Gavin's birthday also marked the commendation ceremony for two members of the Special Operations Team.
They performed outstandingly in a major case and received the rewards they deserved, thanks to Gavin's efforts on their behalf.
Not wanting the celebration to be too ostentatious, Gavin gathered everyone in his office after the commendation ceremony.
He raised his eyebrows with a smile and gently pressed his hands onto the shoulders of the two, who were so flustered they wanted to flee, keeping them from moving even an inch.
Xiao Qiu: …………Captain Bai………………Last year, when they were teasing you about love, I didn't join in…………………They’re all Hang jie…………………who spoke on stage…………………
Gavin: What do you mean? Are you trying to say that I’m engaging in "retaliation" specifically targeting the operation against your KTV last year?
Hang jie: Team White! You really are petty!
Gavin: ...and even "verbally abused" the birthday celebrant.
He wore an expression of feigned innocence—though he seemed to be fighting back a smile—while his teammates beside him egged him on with even greater enthusiasm.
I couldn't help but laugh out loud, watching Gavin stand like a big boy among the people he liked, surrounded by those he loved.
Confetti cannons fired once again in celebration, filled with an indescribable sense of joy.
In the end, everyone tacitly crowded Gavin into the center, while shimmering sequins fluttered ceaselessly, like endless blessings.
Before long, a small medal case was handed to Gavin.
Xiao Qiu: Although Sister Hang and I were the ones who won the award for the mission's success, without Captain Gavin's command, we would have suffered heavy casualties—it certainly wouldn't have gone so smoothly...
Xiao Qiu: …………………Captain Bai, you have always striven to bring honor to the Special Operations Team, and we want to do something for you, too.
As she spoke, Sister Hang opened the medal case; a small, handmade badge gleamed faintly, embodying the loyalty and gratitude of countless people.
Hang jie: Thank you for all your hard work, Team White. Happy birthday!
Hang jie: Even though you have a terrible temper, we are all so glad that it’s you standing here.
Everyone: Dear Team White—
Everyone & Me: Happy Birthday!
At this moment, it was Gavin's turn to feel somewhat embarrassed.
He seemed not to have anticipated this scene; he stood frozen in place for a moment, then smiled the very next instant.
Gavin: I am also deeply grateful that you have come this far with me.
Gavin: And I will continue to move forward with all of you.
It was less an expression of gratitude and more like an unwavering vow.
Amidst the cheers of the crowd, I saw Gavin break into a smile, his gaze meeting mine once more across the sea of people.
He seemed enveloped in an aura of pure happiness, yet in his eyes...
Yet, I seemed to glimpse a hidden hue of silence.
Gavin: What are the plans for next?
Outside the special task force headquarters, Bai Qi, having changed into civilian clothes, grabbed me and ran out.
MC: What do you want to do?
Gavin: Me? So, this is the path things are taking this year.
The corners of his mouth curled up, and the cowlick atop his head swayed lightly in the breeze.
Gavin: I want to know about your surprise sooner.
Gavin:I just want to be with you, and I want to eat the birthday noodles you cooked yourself.
Gavin: I still want to hear you wish me happiness, kiss me, and see nothing but me in your eyes.
He poured out his words in a single breath—sounding greedy yet artless—and my heart melted completely.
But I still looked straight at him and gripped his hand tightly.
MC: Sure, I'll help you make them all come true. But is that really all there is to it?
The breeze gently stirred the locks of hair across his forehead, and the sunlight bathed him in a look of pure favoritism, reflecting a luminous amber glow in his eyes.
There is a certain silence congealed within it, yet it seems to be churning ceaselessly.
Gavin: Has this been discovered too?
MC: Because I have been watching you all along.
[Part 2]
He stopped laughing and stared at me intently, as if looking at himself through my eyes.
After a long silence, Bai Qi finally spoke, his tone full of sincerity.
Gavin: Okay, actually I'd also like to take a ride in the air with you.
The world continuously unfolds its vastness along the distant skyline, while the clouds seem like yet another illusory reflection of the city.
The towering skyscrapers transformed into tiny, densely packed black dots; the city, as if encased in a miniature model, appeared both distant and silent.
In the vast expanse of heaven and earth, everything recedes into the infinite distance, leaving behind only the hollow, desolate sound of the wind.
Gavin held my hand as we walked across the sky, his gaze involuntarily drifting to the strings of balloons behind me.
Vibrant colors shimmer between the white and the blue, like a dazzling kiss from the sky.
Gavin: This seems a bit different from the office decorations we just saw.
MC: Hehe, your powers of observation are a bit too sharp.
I smiled, holding his hand and shaking the bunch of balloons wrapped around it.
MC: I’ve long imagined "walking among the clouds" with you like this. Holding a string of balloons in the sky, doesn't it feel incredibly romantic and dreamy?
Clouds drifted by, appearing and disappearing, as if veiling the world from view.
We strolled hand in hand through the area.
The world was empty and desolate, as if Gavin and I were the only two beings.
But perhaps, we have already entered another private realm that belongs only to the two of us.
Gavin quietly observed everything before him. The wind lifted him up, allowing him to hold me and let out a long sigh of relief.
MC: What are you thinking about?
Hidden clouds filled his eyes, creating a silent and pure blank space.
He looked up and thought seriously for a long time, as if trying to find a precise definition of his feelings at that moment.
After a long while, I heard a soft voice.
Gavin: There's a feeling that's both real and unreal.
It was rare for Bai Qi to speak so vaguely, which made me blink and gaze at him intently.
MC: Have you ever felt this way before?
Gavin: Yes, but not many.
As he spoke, he guided the wind to lift our legs, pulling me to lie even more lazily among the clouds.
Gavin: Then I'll lie here like this, although... I don't even know what I'm thinking.
Light occasionally pierced through the clouds, scattering across his face and making his features appear both bright and dark.
Gavin noticed my gaze and turned his head away.
His breath was almost like another breeze brushing against me, and the amber-like color of his breath reflected in my eyes, as if it held too many unspeakable words.
I couldn't help but stroke his cheek, then leaned down and kissed his brow and eyes.
MC: It shouldn't just be lying down, right?
The sunlight falling into his eyes felt like another form of exposure.
I quietly met his gaze, slightly dazed, subconsciously pondering what his answer meant.
The solid heartbeats resounded through the embrace, sometimes sounding like a vague, empty cry.
But when his winds cease, the winds that were once stirred up also originated from him—
As he had done countless times before, he pulled himself along, gritting his teeth as he moved forward.
Looking at the person in front of me, my eyes couldn't help but well up with tears.
MC:Will this include now as well?
How could I not believe it?
"He looked into her eyes and felt his heart pounding wildly.
He knew that on such a day, he shouldn't say such inappropriate things, but he still wanted to tell her.
If the fall was merely a silent yet intense sensation for him, then from some point onward, as she gradually began to see him, he seemed to experience a more real heartbeat.
The person in front of him was so beautiful; all he wanted was to hold her hand and keep going upwards, to a more vast and beautiful place.
But she made him stop blowing.
Does she not know what will happen next? Or is she willing to accept whatever comes next?
He knew she was willing; she had proven it to him. But at this moment, he still felt a strange, inexplicable hesitation.
But her gaze was too patient and too gentle, like another breeze supporting him.
An indescribable sense of encouragement and impulse filled his heart, making him feel as if he were floating on air.
Perhaps, he is already in the wind that belongs to her.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but laugh. He felt that his heart no longer belonged to him, so he couldn't help but kiss her.
Gavin: I believe in you. I'm willing too.
So he took her hand—
The wind stopped its clamor, and light shone through the clouds onto her back, making her look as if she were glowing.
The expected fall did not occur; instead, he saw her nervously yet proudly clutching the bunch of balloons—
Seeing Gavin's stunned gaze, I couldn't help but smile even more proudly.
I pulled him back.
Although my right hand trembled with tension, and my fingertips were somewhat stiff when I released them.
But the balloons in my hands, just like in countless training sessions, scattered and surrounded us, lifting Gavin and me up.
Under his wide eyes, I hurriedly followed the plan, revealing the hidden celebratory balloons and scattering them into the air.
Although everyone had neatly strung the connecting ropes, several balloons were still blown apart by the high winds.
Colorful, vibrant, free, and even somewhat chaotic.
Between the vast sky and the city, it is incredibly small yet vibrant, just like the birth of life.
Those dazzling colors seemed to have been reflected in Gavin's eyes as well, making him look at me and smile foolishly.
MC: Although things didn't go quite as planned, I still want to send you my second blessing from the sky.
I smiled, took his hand, and leaned against him.
MC: Although I don't have the power to fly, I can find a way to get other capable people to help me form wings.
MC: You used to be the one who carried me, but I want to tell you that I can also be your strength.
The clear sky is filled with vibrant blessings, the world's freedom stretches endlessly, and I greedily wish he possessed it all.
MC: So don't worry about the wind stopping, because I will hold you back. I will hold you back along with many other people and the world. I will always be with you.
At that moment, it seemed as if countless unspoken words were churning violently deep within those beautiful eyes. Bai Qi's lips opened and closed, eventually turning into an endless kiss.
Then he lay down gently, as if he were more free to lean into the blue sky.
The balloons, supported by love and blessings, floated around us, like his other pair of wings.
Gavin: So that's how it works.
MC: Anything is fine.
So, out of curiosity and boldness, he led me across what seemed to be another world stretching between heaven and earth.
We seem to be lying in the embrace of the world, or perhaps walking in a new world opened up by countless loves.
Gavin:Will you bring me down with you?
MC: Of course.
I kissed his cheek, followed the training route, and held his hand as we ran towards the depths of the sky.
[Part 3]
Buoyancy balloons surrounded us, bracing against the wind, allowing me to smoothly bring Gavin down slowly onto the hillside.
Giant lilac trees bloom above the beautiful flower field, their petals fluttering in the breeze, mingling with the soft pink hues that paint the sky.
Gavin looked down at the ground beneath his feet. The wind ruffled his hair, drawing his gaze around before finally settling on me.
Gavin: You are very skilled; you must have practiced many times.
I raised the corners of my mouth and shook my head with satisfaction.
MC: I want to give you something you'll like, and I want to be a little closer to your world.
MC: It seems that the more I understand you, the more you like the gifts I give you.
MC: So before training, I'd like to know more about you... or rather, what it feels like to stand high in the air.
Gavin: What does it feel like?
MC: Freedom, but also fear.
I turned my head and looked at him with sincerity and heartache.
In this vast world, I can go anywhere.
But all the places were high and far away, as if no place truly belonged to me.
But if I lose the power I rely on, I will fall and be shattered into pieces in another way.
Yet, I can also clearly hear my heartbeat, the wind, and the sound of the universe.
Hearing that I am alive.
MC: At that moment, I suddenly understood why you couldn't stop the wind.
MC: Because you carry not only yourself on your back, but also many, many people and many, many things.
MC: You always live a very hard and difficult life; you are always doing something that leaves no room for error.
The world rustled, petals fluttered, making the person before me appear so hazy and beautiful.
Gavin: ……………………I was very happy when the mission was successful.
It seemed that too many emotions were choking him, making his voice sound somewhat hoarse at this moment.
Gavin: I'm happy that everyone received medals.
Gavin: Everyone is alive, and so am I. Everyone is celebrating my birthday, and you're by my side… It's all so joyful.
MC: But it's not just about being happy, right?
Gavin: Every mission...many times, looking at so many faces, I can't help but think...
Gavin: "This time, there was no failure eigher."
It's not about "success," but about "no failure."
Happiness is heavy, and sometimes it is even full of uncertainty, making people struggle like fools about whether to honestly accept this happiness.
The clumsy child always seemed unsure how to face happiness with peace of mind, so he was at a loss yet calm, and could only digest all his doubts alone.
He has carried the weight of so many people on his shoulders, and has walked alone under pressure for too long. Even peace of mind seems to have an expiration date.
Gavin: To be honest, I didn't dare to admit it before, always feeling that it was actually very cowardly.
Gavin: Perhaps, when I stopped being in the wind, I was just trying not to face this version of myself.
Gavin: I don't want to admit my cowardice and fear.
Gavin: He didn't want to admit that after the mission ended, besides being happy, he felt mostly relieved.
My life is no longer just my life, and sometimes I don't even know whether to celebrate it or feel fortunate.
He gave a particularly candid wry smile, but still raised his head with a flourish and looked straight at me.
My heart aches; I can't tell whether I feel more heartache or pride.
The sky and falling blossoms blended into a gentle hue, and as the wind swept across the land once more, I heard Gavin's voice become even more resolute.
Gavin: But even so, I have successfully made it here today, completed what I was supposed to do, and protected the people I love.
Gavin: And I...and that's why I became the person I wanted to be. So I don't regret it.
But he paused for a moment.
Gavin: Will this put you in a difficult position?
MC: How could that be? I'm so glad that you were born into this world and came into my life.
I cupped his face in my hands, completely willing.
MC: I know you always feel that all of this is a given.
MC: I just want to tell you that all of this was really difficult and remarkable.
MC: It is because of you that my world is so bright and beautiful.
MC: Don't worry.
MC: Because sometimes, I'll take you along the way.
[Part 4]
The tranquil lake rested gently at the foot of the hillside. When I jumped onto the prepared raft and turned to look at Gavin, he smiled again amidst his momentary stunned silence.
The boat wasn't very big, and even with my carefully designed decorations, it still felt a bit cramped.
So when Gavin jumped up to meet my palm, it even swayed slightly.
The shimmering light spots fell on his face, so vivid and lifelike that I couldn't help but squint.
Gavin: You look like you're laughing at me.
MC: No, I just think you're cute.
I smiled and pulled his hand over, making him squeeze in next to me.
MC: Let's go then~
As I spoke, I lifted the wooden oar and slowly rowed the raft to the center of the lake.
In the distance, soft pink and blue hues blended together, staining the night sky and floating clouds like a beautiful oil painting.
The soft light on Gavin's face made his usually cold and stern features appear incredibly gentle.
The moon shines brightly, the full moon hangs among the stars, like another blessing of perfection.
We leaned against each other quietly, stretching the world outwards and outwards.
Everything was peaceful, with only the occasional gentle breeze. Between the lake and the full moon, it seemed as if only our small boat remained, like the only point of contact in the entire universe.
Gavin: I long to... stay with you like this forever.
MC: You can always be like this.
I smiled and placed a small cake on the table, then hung a birthday hat on his head.
The gentle candlelight fell into those amber eyes, as if illuminating everything contained within them.
MC: Happy birthday, my absolute favorite Gavin!
MC: Although I know you are always very brave and strong
MC: But sometimes I wonder, when the wind stops, are you actually not standing on the ground?
MC: Sometimes it might be the surface of water, and sometimes it might be a swamp or other muddy pool.
MC: Do you often find yourself swaying and unsure of how deep the ground is beneath your feet?
The pupils reflected in his eyes contracted almost imperceptibly, but Gavin didn't look away, simply gazing at me silently, as if seeking some kind of answer.
Gavin:……If so, what should I do?
MC: Came back to my side.
MC: No matter what happened, try your best to come back to me.
In his slightly widened gaze, I looked back at him with unwavering determination.
MC: I will try my best to create a safe haven for you in this world.
MC: Before... I always wanted you to be "Gavin", but I forgot that you are more than just "Gavin".
MC: You are still Captain White, Commander White, the ideal and hope of countless people.
I gently cupped his hands in mine and pressed my forehead against his.
MC: Although I can't truly solve your stress, I also want you to feel safe even when there's no wind.
His eyes were very close to mine, completely enveloping me, as if this was the original form of the world.
Gavin: You shouldn't have said that.
MC: Why?
Gavin: Because...that way I can no longer work hard alone.
Gavin: I can't live without you anymore.
MC: This is exactly what I wanted.
MC: So don't "waste" your wishes on things like this, because I'll always be by your side.
MC: Please learn to take care of yourself, okay?
Gavin didn't speak, but smiled softly. Then, he obediently closed his eyes.
At this moment, the moonlight was bright and the wind was still, as if the whole universe was listening to his heart.
Bathed in the gentle candlelight, I couldn't help but close my eyes and pray for my boy in my heart.
May the world love him as much as he loved me, and may I always be filled with luck and courage to accompany him year after year.
I made many wishes, more than ever before.
Gavin: After a long while, Gavin gently opened his eyes.
MC: That's so wonderful! After all, so many wishes will come true soon.
Gavin: Will all of these come true?
MC: It will definitely happen.
As he blew out the candle, it seemed like the beginning of another journey.
But I believe it is also the beginning of another great happiness.
MC: Alright~ Now it's time to give gifts.
As I spoke, I brought out the guitar that I had been hiding in the corner and handed it to him with a delighted expression.
MC: You said in the summer that there wasn't a good piano, so I asked a lot of friends and finally found this one.
MC: Remember to play more songs for me in the future.
He thought Gavin would be surprised, but Gavin just narrowed his eyes slightly, as if he was cautiously touching upon some kind of understanding.
MC: ………Hmm? Why aren't you surprised at all?
He smiled, his fingers gently plucking the strings, producing a few melodious notes in the moonlight.
Gavin: Do you know? Actually, when I first met you,I never thought you would belong to me one day.
Gavin: I never imagined you would prepare all this for me, say those things to me, and stay by my side like this...
Gavin: He would say "Happy Birthday" to me.
He didn't reply, but what he said made me pause.
Gavin: But I'm different now.
Gavin: Just like this guitar. I feel... countless beautiful things, and things that bring happiness, will slowly come my way.
Gavin: You will bring them to me. Because you want me to be happy.
The interplay of light and shadow filled him, making Gavin appear so serene and happy at that moment.
MC:Yes, I want you to be happy forever.
As I spoke, I took out the last gift.
The silver sign necklace shimmered in the light, its reflection falling into his amber eyes, making him hold his breath.
MC: Hehe, you're probably familiar with this, but it's specially made for me.
I held the two silver medals in my palm and looked at him with a smile.
MC: This is the main card, it has your name on it, and this side card has my name on it.
MC: Although this is a gift for you, after you accept it, a part of you will belong to me.
I felt my voice tremble slightly, which was unusual for me, but I still gazed at him intently.
MC: Would you like to accept this gift?
The world seemed to stand still at this moment, casting its witness and gaze upon us.
Gavin stared at me intently, his mouth opening and closing, but he couldn't utter a single word.
Finally, it turned into a frowning smile, and he lowered his head slightly.
Gavin: I hope...you can help me put it on.
My heart was pounding, and I gently lifted the necklace and hung it around his neck.
Gavin gripped the silver medal tightly to his chest, as if it were another heart that accompanied his vow.
MC: Gavin, you will definitely become everything you love.
All the endless words turned into a devout kiss, and into an even tighter embrace.
Gavin: That must be because... I have your love.
________________&_______________
[Call phone]
MC: No rush, no rush, Officer Bai, please speak.
Gavin: It's me. Are you busy right now? I need to ask you something.
Gavin: Gu Zheng and Tang Chao insisted on giving me something, and in the end, they simply invited me to have dinner together that night.
MC: Okay, go eat and have fun!
Gavin: Don't rush me, I haven't finished speaking yet.
Gavin : Lao Gao and the others called in the afternoon as well.
Gavin: But they were too late; they could only invite me to dinner tomorrow night…
MC: Haha, why did you suddenly laugh while you were talking?
Gavin: Because it wasn't just them, other friends also called one after another.
Gavin: After calculating, it turns out that from tonight until the weekend, all the time has been perfectly arranged by these people.
MC: Haha, did all these gifts from your friends mean they were just invitations to dinner?
Gavin: No, that's not it. I received a few bottles of wine, two game discs, some hand wraps, a massage gun, etc., these past few days.
MC: That's quite a lot! Looks like I'll have to keep innovating next year; I can't lose to them.
Gavin: No, no, blessings and gifts can't be compared, we're all doing just as well~
MC: I'll give you the best and my favorites~
Gavin: What if I want everything?
Gavin: Okay, you said so. Let's get ready to go downstairs.
Gavin: From tonight until the weekend, we will eat together at every meal.
MC: This...this isn't quite right! They're treating you to dinner, and of course, it's most fun and relaxed when the guys are having fun together.
Gavin: No matter what, I'm the birthday person. I'm in charge.My greed needs your protection.
