5☆ Date with Evan - Galactical Dream (星河入梦) | Light and Night 光与夜之恋

Note: Before anyone asks where to obtain this card, it is attainable by spending RMB 2,500 in game.

After working overtime until midnight, I massaged my sore back, and stood up to give myself a good stretch.

Upon working continuously, my body has became slow, just like a protest against the tireless brain.

I tidied my desk, shut the lights, and was prepared to leave. Looking out from the pitch black indoors, the LED advertisement boards outside the windows are exceptionally eye-catching.

The clusters of stars hanging in the screen are so dazzling, while a spaceship is approaching Mars. "Manned spaceship "Dance" is now entering its final tests".

I suddenly remembered myself dreaming about flying in the night skies when I was a child.

In my dreams, I've pluck the stars down to turn them into buttons, and my entirety has been sparkling brightly by the starlight...

I raised my head up as I looked into the night skies, but there aren't anything else besides the bluish purple neon lights.

You: I have really not been seeing stars for so long.

Ding dong-- A crisp sound could be heard. It's a message notification from the phone. 

I opened it to check the notification, it's an email, with the title written as "Space Agency x Designer: Collaborative Watch Designing Competition Registration Form".

You: !!

If I signed my name, it means I'll be confirming on my participation. The final winner can allow their work to board on Spaceship Dance to travel to space.

The opportunity came too perfectly in time, as if the heavens have heard my sighs in this starless night.

But, can I seize this opportunity? I frowned as I looked at the watch design requirements.

The creation must be a mechanical watch... It's an area that I have never been in contact with, and the theme is "Humans and Starry Skies"--

After taking a deep breath, I carefully signed my name.

No matter what, I should always give it a try. I read the design theme repetitively, and my chest is filled with joyful heartbeats.

On a Saturday afternoon, I arrived a private clockwork collection workshop. The building is located within the woods, and it's comprised of a villa with a clocktower. 

The clocktower is sky-high, and behind its gigantic hands, I can faintly see the cogs turning. It's only a pity that it has probably been locked away for a very long time, as the tall walls are already covered with moss. 

Not only there are many limited edition mechanical watches that are no longer being manufactured that are displayed here, but there are also impromptu sharing sessions from veteran watch hobbyists and clockmakers.

You: It'd be great if I can encounter one.

As soon as I walked into the building, the bustling crowd appears right before my eyes. But the odd thing is, they are not lingering by the display cabinets, but instead sitting or standing in a circle.

??: ... Although these self-manufactured movements* are not as thin and delicate as ETA's movements...

*T/N: Movement: The inner mechanism of a watch that keeps time and powers the watch’s functions.

It's a sharing session! I quickly find a slit among the crowd, tiptoeing as I wanted to have a clearer view of the speaker and the watch on display.

But, why is this voice so familiar, it's just like--

You: Evan?!

In distant, Evan is sitting by the wooden table, with a familiar blazer of his being placed aside, with full of tiny little parts being placed across the table. He's casually disassembling them, plucking and twisting with his slender fingers in skillful movements.

The metals reflected the sunlight that were poured into the room, with bits of bright spots shining and dancing on Evan's hair, adding a bit of liveliness onto his solemnly focused expressions.

After a series of operation, he raised his head as he explains to the crowd, as if there's telepathy, his gaze stopped at the slit, right onto my face.

You: Ah...

As our gazes met, Evan was stunned at first, but his eyes smiled into understanding crescents. 

After tiptoeing for a while, my legs started to feel sore, and I almost can't stand well that I was so close to bumping into the person beside me.

Evan is preparing to open the caseback* of another watch. I really wish to have a closer look in detail, but my trembling tiptoes didn't allow me to do so. As soon as I lose strength and stood right back to the grounds, the dense wall of humans have blocked my vision.

*T/N: The underside of a watch that lies against the skin. Some casebacks are made of crystal allowing you to view the watch movement.

You: Maybe I should look for another spot... Um... So cramped... I can't walk out.

I'm a little disappointed. Right then, a voice sounded.

Evan: This caseback is very tight, there's no hinge, so it's impossible to manually pry it open. Can I trouble that lady in champagne-colored sweater to come forth and hold the case opener for me?

Eh? Champagne-colored sweater?

I looked at myself, then looked around me, it looks like I'm the only one wearing a sweater of this color. Is Evan calling me?

After a tiny commotion and looking around, the crowd seemed to have reacted to the situation, and a narrow path has automatically opened before me.

Visitor A: Hurry up and go, you're the one mentioned.

Voices of discussion could be heart along the way--

Visitor B: Is she an expert in mechanical watches too? Why have I not seen her here before?

Visitor C: I wanted to have a close look of Mr. Lu disassembling a watch too, it's so artistic.

Mr. Lu... Looks like the people here know Evan, does he come here often?

As I think about nonsense, I have unknowingly arrived the front of the crowd, only separated by a long table from Evan.

Evan raises his head, the eyes behind the glasses are clear and gentle.

Evan: Allow me to trouble you, you can just hold right here.

In order to not block off the spectator's views, I tried my best  lower my body, but the table isn't very tall, and the watch parts are too small. Just when I was uncertain of what to do--

Evan: It's alright, you can come to my side.

You: Okay, sure...

I walked to his side, and pressed onto the case opener from the side, carefully adjusting my elbow's positioning in order to not affect Evan's movements.

Evan let out a chuckle just then.

Evan: You don't have to put yourself in a tough situation, you won't disrupt me, so just relax a little.

The deep voice rang by my ears, with light sounds of breathing by my neck, making my heart to start itching.

Evan adjusted the caseback properly, slowly turning the handle, allowing the blade to aim the hinge above it, and used some force to pry it open.

Our arms lightly leaned against each other, and as they are in contact from time to time, the heat spreads bit by bit. I can feel my face is steaming uncomfortably, but my heart seems to be very satisfied with a distance like this, and I did not want to move away at all.

Sddenly, the silver caseback flipped to my hand in a clanging sound, and it's just about to roll down from the table. I quickly took it back, and coincidentally noticed the unusual hinge at its edge.

You: There's a hinge on this watch...

Then why did Evan-- I look towards the side.

Evan's focusing on his hand movements, but throwing a glance towards me from the corner of his eyes. It's a sly look that I have never seen before. It feels like I can see him straightening his index finger, placing it by his lips, and saying "Shh".

He took the caseback that slipped off, and placed it aside.

Evan: Thank you. But please wait for a moment, who knows I might still need your help later.

So I took the opportunity to stand by his side, looking at him displaying the watch's inner structures from a close distance that brings jealousy among the others. Everyone are focused at looking at the gaps of the watch in his hand, and he tilted his head sideways.

Evan: Can you see it clearly now?

You: Yeah.. Very clear, thank you.

Evan did not say a word, only a gentle smile surfaced from his lips.

After a while, the sharing session ends, and the crowd started dispersing. Evan reassembled the watch back, and sorting the extra parts in their respective categories, then started strolling in the venue with me.

You: Evan, the watch earlier, seems to be quite special, isn't it?

I've been cramming on watch knowledge for the past few days, and I have understood most of the inner structure of mechanical watches that are commonly seen. But that piece earlier is completely different from any type that I've ever encountered.

Evan: That's right, that is a treasured collection by a veteran collector, it's rare that he is willing to let me disassemble it today for everyone to view.

You: So it's such a rare opportunity! 

Evan: Why did you suddenly smile so happily?

You: Evan, it's all thanks to you! I didn't miss such a special watch. No wonder you insisted for me to go up to the podium.

Evan: Actually... That's not all of the reason. I just happen to see you tiptoeing and trying all your might to have a look, so I feel that I should fulfill your wishes.

You: !!

Evan: Speaking of it, what brings you here? Interested in clockworks? 

You: Yeah, actually I'm preparing to participate the collaborative watch designing contest, so I thought of coming here to look for inspiration...

Just when I was speaking, I suddenly recalled that I forgot to ask the most important question because I was too excited.

You: Evan, how about you? Have you learnt watchmaking before? 

Otherwise he shouldn't be capable to organize such a sharing session, nor it'd be possible for him to disassemble the watch parts in such smooth movements.

Evan: It's a pity, I did not learn it through professional means, I'm merely a hobbyist.

You: That's still very impressive... It'd be great if I can borrow your brains and hands for a single day--

Evan let out a laughter, raising an arm to gently ruffle my hair.

Evan: Although there's no way for me to lend them to you, but I'd love to help you if it's to search for inspiration. Tell me if there's something that I can do for you.

[Choice: Where should we begin in order to search for inspiration...?]

Intimacy: Look at the collections

Listening: Look at the internal structure again

Heartthrob: Look for inspiration related to the theme

[Choice: Do Nothing]

I pondered for a moment, but I still can't think of what I need Evan's help for. It's true too, I can't even sort my thoughts well for myself, how can I possibly ask for help from others?

Evan: If you keep looking at mechanical watches, perhaps there might be aesthetic fatigue instead that causes your thoughts to be limited. How about we take a stroll outside, and look for other forms of inspiration?

He snapped me back to reality with only a single phrase.

Ever since I've registered for the competition, I have been burying myself within the mechanical parts without minding anything else. No observations about life, and hence my spring of inspiration have also dried up.

You: Okay.

Evan brought me out of the collection workshop, and we strolled among the flowers and trees.

Along the way, he gently explains about the plants, sounding so familiar as if it's his second home here. Hence, the question that has been circling around my heart has slipped out from my lips.

You: Evan, are you always here in the workshop?

Evan: This workshop is run by Uncle Pan*, I've always been playing around here when I was a child. This place makes me feel peaceful. Why is that? Is it very surprising for me to come to the workshop very often?

*T/N: Uncle Pan is a close acquaintance of Evan, you can see his appearance in his Encounter Ch. 1.

I shook my head, then nodded.

You: It was a little from the beginning, but soon after it wasn't anymore, the way you disassembled the watch--

I tried to recall in my mind.

You: It suits you well. But, compared to what you usually do...

Evan: What kind of things that I usually do?

You: Probably things like signing off documents, attending business meetings, with each and every sentence you sprout are related to the capital chains and hundreds and thousands of people's jobs. Anyway they are all great things, so for things that are so trivial and tiny like assembling a watch--

Before I can finish my sentence, Evan has already let out a laugh. I rarely seen him smiling so heartily, that his eyes have now turned into a curved line.

You: Don't laugh at me alright, I indeed have no idea what a CEO actually does! 

Evan: No, you aren't wrong. But those things aren't really great. They are just like disassembling watches, accumulating from each and every tiny actions. What's different is that, it doesn't guarantee invincibility after doing it for many times.

He slowly stopped his smile, retaining his usual gentleness in his expressions, yet I can read some form of exhaustion from him.

Evan: So, in comparison, sometimes I would prefer to be in a watch's company. As long as the parts are placed correctly, it will never disappoint.

The Evan I knew have always been retaining his calm composure. but it's also perhaps this part is particularly unique to him, so it has made him willing to express such a fragile emotion.

I'm incapable of consoling him. Just like the competition this time, despite having many drafts drawn, writing down numerous ideas, but if I lost the competition, it means I've lost. Nobody will be paying the bill by merely seeing the sweat and tears shed throughout the process.

After that, I'll definitely throw words like "the process is the most important thing", "your hard work will never go in vain" to the back of my mind, only wanting to cry my heart out.

However, there will be one day where I will recall this evening where I strolled in the woods with Evan.

Until then, the pains of failure will definitely pass, yet the joy of the two of us spending time together will resurface.

You: Evan, let's wait.

Evan: ...?

You: No matter what you face, I will be staying by your side, and try my best to help you. If you've failed, I will be your listener, and shoulder the pain with you. Then, when everything has passed, I hope that at least the company in the past will make you feel happy.

Evan's eyes widened slightly. I can't read the expressions from his face, but it doesn't seem to be joy. It made me feel a little regretful.

You: Am I being... too arrogant...? Though it doesn't really have to be happiness, haha, perhaps it might be trouble.

Evan: I'm thinking, should I say "I will not feel pain with your company" first, or should I say "thank you". What do you think?

How should I answer him? My heart is beating like a drum, so quickly that it has drowned all my words.

The shadows of the trees are whirling, layers of thin mist are surfacing, and the stars have climbed up before the last bit of sunlight disappears.

We held our breaths as we enjoyed the beautiful view. I think, I will be able to come up with a great design.

[Intimacy: Look at the collections]

I noticed a starry sky-colored mechanical watch at the displays, so Evan and I walked towards it to observe it.

Suddenly, a series of footsteps approached towards our direction. A group of black-suited men rushed towards us in a hurry while carrying a safety box in their hands.

They are probably here to escort the new collection item, but there's limited space here, so very quickly we are completely surrounded by people. 

The crowd are bustling, and I'm just like a fish that has gotten dizzy from the rapids in a tank, swaying left and right, and I can't even stand properly.

Just then, a slender hand with distinct features held me by my shoulder.

My cheeks are stuck onto a warm chest, and the noise from the outside world have completely dispersed, as if there's a barrier opening around me, and I no longer feel cramped.

Evan: Are you alright? Did you bump into anything?

You: Yeah, thank you...

The crowd have dispersed, so I pulled a little distance from Evan. By the time I saw his white shirt, my head felt numbed.

There's a very obvious lipstick mark stamped on it!

You: Goodness... I'm so sorry, let me wipe it for you. If I wipe right now it'll probably--

Evan originally smiled without minding it, but after hearing what I said, he have leaned down instead.

Evan: Alright, then allow me to trouble you. Do you need me to take it off?

You: No need, no need!

I dare not to even imagine how Evan would look when he take off this well-fitted shirt, only to quickly take out my makeup remover and cotton bud from the bag.

[Try to get rid of the lipstick mark on his chest]

[1: Tap anywhere other than the lipstick mark]

[Tap on his abdomen] Thinking about dinner? Let's dine together after the visit.

[Tap on his chest] So your head is perfectly reaching my chest?

[Tap on his hair] Hmm? Is my hair messy too?

[Tap on his neck] I didn't bump into anything, don't worry.

Right at the moment I kept my hands back, the wet cotton bud have accidentally bumped into somewhere else, and I can only hear a soft croon from above.

You: I'm sorry, my hand trembled!

I hurriedly took out a paper towel, wanting to dry it for him, but after getting into trouble for a few times, I feel a little to embarrassed to do so.

You: How about, you do it yourself? Looks like I'm quite clumsy.

Evan: Sure.

He extends an arm as if he's about to take the paper towel, but changed his posture midway, and held my hand firmly in his palm, crossing them together, and lightly wiped the lipstick mark.

You: How does this count as you doing it yourself... You're too sly...

The sounds of my heartthrob is way too loud, I'm suspecting that even Evan could hear it. I lowered my head, pretending to only be worried about the stain, staring at the shirt on Evan's chest, and not to look at his expression.

But it feels like even his fingers can also pass emotions, his slightly cold fingers are staying closely to my skin, gentle yet affectionate.

Evan: It's done. Do you want to have a look on other collection items?

Unknowingly, the lipstick mark on his shirt has disappeared, and Evan has also let go of my hand.

I nodded, and walked forward with him, but unsure of the reason, my heart is still yearning for the lingering warmth.

[2: Tap on the lipstick mark]

[Tap on the lipstick mark on his chest] You look really adorable when you're serious.

I wet the cotton bud with the makeup remover, and wiped it on the lipstick mark bit by bit.

As the traces became lighter, the surrounding fabric have also gained a wet patch, sticking tightly onto Evan's skin.

The last bit of redness have seeped into the cloth's fabrics, it's really difficult to get rid of it. I didn't like how powerless the cotton buds are, so I have rubbed it lightly with my fingertip instead.

On the next second, Evan's Adam's apple have rolled a bit. Did I rub too hard...?

You: ... Almost done!

Evan: There's no rush, you can take care of it slowly.

His voice is a little hoarse, lowering his head, chin brushing over the top of my head. It's a little ticklish.

Evan: I forgot to tell you, I really liked this shirt.

His breath is just by my ears, it's hot, that even my ears have started to boil from it, that I don't even know what kind of nonsense I've told him.

You: Understood... I'll definitely clean it well for you.

Evan smiled even deeper, but no longer saying a word.

The time became very slow, as if every second felt like it has been stretched infinitely.

You: It's done, see, pretty good isn't it?

I raised my head, and it's just right for me to meet Evan's drooping gaze. Our gazes met.

Evan: Thank you, it's really clean.

After some time, I've finally returned to my senses, and covering my boiling hot cheeks.

You: Le- Let's go to that side! There are a few more collectibles that I'd like to have a look.

Evan: Sure.

[Listening: Look at the internal structure again]

You: I was thinking... If I might be able to see the internal structures of different kinds of mechanical watches.

Evan: That's quite easy.

As he speaks, he extends an arm, and took off a watch from his wrist. Dark-colored strap, with a deep red dial exuding a velvety light. It looks expensive from a single glance.

Seeing him sitting down by the table, and watching him about to pick up the tools to disassemble the watch, I quickly stopped him.

You: Evan, this is a watch that you're always using, no? Also, it looks so expensive, you don't have to--

Evan: Do you not believe that I can reassemble it perfectly?

His deep, rich voice wafted with a smile, as if he's really questioning me, but it also feels like a tease. 

Seeing his skills earlier, there's no way for me to refute him. Even collectors dared to hand their treasured watch to Evan's hands.

[A voice clip will be played here]

Come a little closer, are you ready to be enlightened by the beauty of mechanics?

Look, there can be up to a thousand parts under a dial.

It looks like a maze, but after understanding the theories of machinery, you can easily see through them.

*watch ticking noises*

This is a Tourbillon watch*.

*T/N: A tourbillon is a mechanical complication found in the movements of certain high-end mechanical watches. In a tourbillon, the entire escapement is housed in a rotating cage, and the whole assembly is constantly moving. In theory, that means no matter what position the watch is in, those timing variations are essentially canceled out.

During the era when pocket watches were still in trend, all of the parts are reliant on handicrafts. 

Each measurement must be precisely made, and only with that a Tourbillon watch can operate properly. 

I would also always hope to have more leisure hours to create a watch that belongs to only me.

Thank you for your encouragement.

Sure, I'll definitely request for your assistant when it happens.

The first watch I disassembled...? It's my grandfather's mechanical watch.

He told me, if I disassembled something that I shouldn't disassemble, then I have to learn how to reassemble it properly.

What he didn't expect was, after I learnt how to reassemble it, I will be disassemble it for another hundred times, and I was never caught for even once ever since.

That's right, this is the jewel bearing, it's manmade ruby.

The arrangement looks like a horoscope? It does seem so indeed.

Come and have a try too, then you can understand it more thoroughly.

Mm, you can disassemble any parts from the bridge*, and you can disassemble it as much as you'd like.

*T/N: Bridge: A plate or bar that is mounted to the mainplate, forming a frame that houses the inner workings of a mechanical watch.

I will be in charge of helping you to recover its original state.

It'll probably require... a quarter of an hour. Because I understand this watch very well. 

Sure, you can count the time.

*clock ticking sounds*

... The final step is to reset the time, what time is it now?

It's already 5 in the evening? It seems like I can always forget about time whenever I'm with you. 

[Voice Clip Ends]

Only then I've realized that the skies have unknowingly darkened. Though surrounded by the ticking clocks, but I was unable to feel the flow of the time.

You: Me too... I've completely forgotten about the time.

In order to demonstrate the usage of an ocular, he took off the pair of golden-rimmed glasses. Right now, his eyes that are no longer covered by the glasses seemed to have clusters of starlight, almost making me dizzy.

The affection and inspiration are quietly being nurtured together.

[Heartthrob: Look for inspiration related to the theme]

You: The theme of the design this time is "Humans and Starry Skies", my current ideas are not good enough--

Evan nodded understandably, turning his brows into a frown as he pondered for a little, and soothed them in a short moment.

Evan: Perhaps there might be a place that would suit you very well.

You: Really? Where is it?!

Different from my excitement, Evan's smile carries a sense of calmness and consolation.

Evan: Don't panic, I'll bring you there later. The scene there is the best only when it's night time. As for now, you should rest properly. With those dark circles, you won't be able to come up with a design full of vitality.

You: Is it that obvious...? I even purposely covered it with makeup.

I touched my undereye area, and feeling a quite embarrassed. Indeed, for this competition, I have not been sleeping on the bed for a couple of nights, and I've already started to feel a little tired.

There are a few lounges on the second floor of the workshop, with most of them filled with clockwork enthusiasts chattering as they sip tea. Only the tiniest room at the corner is still empty.

I can't hold back from stretching my legs after walking for the whole day as soon as I sat on the sofa, I could feel each and every muscle of mine squeaking. But since Evan is by my side, I dare not to move in impudicity. 

Seeing so, Evan can only shake his head helplessly, turning around to look at the scenery of rivers and bridges outside the windows.

Evan: You can stretch as much as you want, I won't look.

The sunset pours into the room as it passes through the window frames. Evan stood under the setting sun, and I can only see his side profile. The golden red dust are fluttering by his side, and he looks like he's shrouded by a dreamlike haze.

It's so familiar, yet it feels so unreal, just like the Evan that was disassembling a watch earlier.

You: Evan?

Hearing me calling out for him, Evan walked to the sofa and sat down, then raising his eyebrow slightly.

You: Why do you like mechanical watches so much?

Evan: Why, you asked...? Perhaps it's because I find the sounds it make very alluring.

You: Sounds?

Evan nodded, raising an arm to gently swing it a few times. The sleeve of his suit slide down a little, only to reveal a dark-colored watch under it. The dial is deep red-colored, exuding a velvety brilliance.

Evan: But, the current environment is noisier, you'll have to stay very close to hear it.

He extends his wrist by my ear, and right then, a hurried, rhythmic, brisk rhythm beats by my ear, and if listened closely, it also carries echoes of the second hand, it's very faint, as if it's a fine veil swaying in the air.

You: It's true, it's a very rich series of sounds!

I turned over to look towards him in excitement, and in a spark, my lips briefly brushed past the skin on his wrist.

Although it was only for a very brief instant, but the warm and dry touch, and the cold breath, everything seemed so clear.

You: I'm sorry! I wasn't doing that on purpose!

Evan stunned for a second, and calmly looked at my slightly panicked face. Very quickly, he drooped his head, and let out a soft chuckle.

Evan: It's fine even if you are doing it on purpose.

Sounds of tiny buzzing have filled my ears, it feels like there's a piece of candy that is half-melted, with syrup dripping drop by drop, sticking all of my reasonings into a single piece.

We both stopped talking, only to quietly sit on the sofa. The skies are gradually turning dark, and the visitors have probably lessened by a lot, even the bustling noises have all disappeared.

Unsure if it's a hallucination or if it's true, the sounds of turning cogs on Evan's wrist have became gradually clearer. It's so clear that--

You: I'm feeling a little sleepy...

Evan: Then sleep. There's still time until night, I will wake you up.

You: Okay. But, you have to wake me up, okay? No matter how deeply I've fallen asleep, you have to wake me up...

My voice turned lighter as my sentence came to an end, even I think I wasn't talking clearly. But Evan understood them, covering my eyes with his large hands, bringing a comfortable darkness to me.

Evan: Don't worry, I'll definitely wake you up.

The girl's sleeping look started out to look very regular, but afterwards she started to turn around from the discomfort from laying down as she crooned softly.

Finally as if she has treated the person by her side as a pillow, she leaned towards Evan's shoulder with no worries, and her breath returned to long, relaxed breaths. 

Evan sighed helplessly, and extended an arm to hold the girl tighter.

Suddenly, another hand of his is grasped. The slim fingers caresses the distinct joints, rubbing on it.

You: Movement... Balance Wheel... Escapement*...

*T/N: A device in a mechanical watch that controls the motion of the hands by controlling wheel rotation.

Evan: Are you treating my hand as a watch for assembling?

Evan raises his head, looking at the drooping tassel from the ceiling light.

To him, mechanical watches are not completely filled with his wonderful memories.

The joy after completion of assembling, the hoarse mechanical sounds when the watch moves smoothly, he has indeed fallen in love with these.

But when the world has turned quiet, and with only the ticking sounds remaining in the empty room, the endless sounds gradually turn fearsome. It's almost like--

Young Evan: When humans die, they would still keep walking like this...

You: Evan... I didn't expect you to like mechanical watches... It's great that I've came here today...

But now, there's another breath beside him.

In a blur, I heard someone calling for my name. I woke up in a blur, and my eyelids are still stuck together.

Evan: Y/N, wake up.

Opening my eyes, it's pure white before my eyes, and there's also a necktie...

Wait, necktie?

I woke up completely, and pulled off a distance. The moonlight pours down, and filled a river of moonlight between Evan and I.

An arm of his is still protectively encircling my waist. What enters my view is the chest that moves up and down along with this breath, and the focused, deep eyes behind the glasses.

You: Have I... been leaning against you?

Evan: Yeah. You looked like you had a comfortable sleep, it's my honor. 

There's nothing that I could say, or more like I don't wish to say anything, and I can only blush as I nod in the end.

You: Yeah, it's very comfortable...

Evan: Then now, we shall go to that place.

He held my hand, and walked towards the back door of the workshop. There are no longer anyone in it, with only a few staff focused on cleaning and checking the inventory. I followed in a blur, only to feel both confused and anticipated. 

I didn't expect that we'd come all the way before the clocktower. I saw the giant brass lock, and let out a sigh.

You: Looks like it has been locked for a long time...

Before I end my sentence, I can only see Evan taking out a key of the same a brass material from his pocket.

You: This-- It can't possibly be?

Evan: Yes.

Just when I was in awe, he inserted the key into the keyhole, lightly twisting it, and with a click, the lock is opened.

Evan: This clockwork collection workshop is opened by Uncle Pan, he is also an expert in clockwork collection.

As he speaks, he pushed the heavy wooden doors open. The slightly old creaking sounds wafted out, and disappeared into the night breezes very quickly.

On the both sides of the clocktower, there are two spiral ladders that intertwined as they spiral upwards.  Through the DNA-like structure, the movements of the cogs and the giant bell are visible from here.

Everything here carries a sense of daunting heaviness.

I glanced at the wooden staircase that has some holes on it, then glanced at the dim inner areas of the clocktower, and I can't help but to feel a little worried.

Yet when I turned to face Evan, I have saw a sliver of anticipation that I have rarely seen from his eyes. It was clear that he was coming here to help me to look for inspiration, so what could he have been anticipating for?

Evan: Are you willing to go up with me? Don't worry, I will find the foothold on each step, you'll only need to give me your hand. I guarantee that the scenery from above will not disappoint you.

Evan extended an arm to me, so gracefully as if he's inviting me for a dance, his gaze is just like the winter sunlight, warm and soothing.

So I can't help but to place my hand into his palm, allowing him to lead me as we go forward together.

You: Then, I'll leave myself to you.

We slowly walked up the stairs, and just as Evan said, he walked sideways, with half of his face facing me, as he checked every step in detail, just as reliable as how he has always been.

Yet the way he held my hand has been stronger than how he usually did, and the temperature coming from his skin is even higher.

As if there's some turbulent emotion that can't be told from his facial expression or words, so he can only let them flow out from every corner of his body.

You: Evan... Why do you seem to be a little different from usual?

Evan stayed silent for a moment, and the breeze from the woods brushed through the side windows of the clocktower, blowing his immaculate hair to his forehead.

Evan: You're right. Now, I'm very happy. Each step you stepped on right now, are those that I've ran past when I was a child.

You: Eh?! So it means, there's your childhood memory here?

Evan: My favorite thing to do in summer is to stargaze, listen to the clock on the top floor, not sleeping nor resting.

I raised my head, looking at him who is now within an arm's reach. Evan that is immersing himself into childhood memories is more gentle than usual, yet he seems to be wrapping a fire in him, leaving a scorching mark in my gaze.

It feels like we are now having a duet dance, only with a gradually harmonizing footsteps, and the light, vibrating sounds of the squeaking staircase.

Under his lead, he moonlit windows are moving back from us, one after another.

Evan: Just a minute more.

You: One minute to what? To our arrival?

Evan smiled as he glanced at me, and what lies under those wine red pupils are full of mystery.

I followed his gaze, and under our feet, we have reached the spiral staircase, with only a flight of matte glass staircase going straight up.

He held onto me tightly, and suddenly started to accelerate. Under his lead, I can't help but to start running on the staircases too.

With a glance from the corner of my eyes, I can't help but to hold my breath upon seeing the height that we are currently at right now.

You: Oh goodness, this is too high up.

My legs suddenly weakened, and I dared not to look back anymore, only to climb straight up to the top of the building, holding my kneecaps, and pant in an embarrassing manner, until Evan's voice sounded by my ear.

Evan: It's time. Y/N, welcome to my past.

The giant cogs stirred up the mottled moonlight, drawing a slender, silvery figure out of Evan.

He faced the cogs with his back, as the two giant parts fused together behind him. After a short silence, a clear sound of the clock bells have echoed throughout the entire clocktower.

The sound is too loud, too shocking, and almost seem to have froze into a physical form, that I can no longer differentiate if it's the winds, or if it's the sounds of the bell that have moved the hair before Evan's forehead.

In a trance, it feels like it's a young boy in high spirits that has sounds of clock bells and stars as his company is the one that is standing before my eyes right now.

By the time the final remaining sounds of the bell have disappeared, the moon is now high up in the skies, and have lit up the clock's dial.

The lights of the city in distant became vague, and it can only be an embellishment to the starry skies. I lifted my head to look at the galaxy above me, and I can't help but to exclaim.

You: The view here is too beautiful! Evan, thank you very much, really!

Evan: Now, I've instead feel that the staircase that we've walked together are even more beautiful.

Remembering the slightly decayed staircase, and how I looked when I was afraid of height at the last segment, I can't help but to let my guilty conscience kick in.

You: Wh- Why is that...?

Evan: Our movements are very much like Pluto and Charon.

You: Pluto and Charon?

I looked at Evan, feeling a little confused.

The night breeze is slightly cooling, he took off his blazer and draped it across my shoulders, pointing a finger towards the sky.

Evan: Charon is a moon by Pluto. It's very special, because its revolution period** around Pluto is the same as its rotation** period.

*T/N: A revolution or orbit is the time it takes for the earth to make one complete revolution around the sun. In this case, Charon orbits around Pluto.

**Rotation: A planet/ moon's movement on its own axis.

Evan: In other words, no matter how they rotate, Charon and Pluto will always "face"*** each other.

***T/N: This is actually something interesting, because Charon and Pluto is the only double planetary system in our solar system. This is because it's always the same surfaces of Charon and Pluto that are always facing each other, and it's a phenomenon called mutual tidal locking.

Recalling that we have always been facing each other as we spiral up the staircase, a bit of sweetness started to quietly fill my heart.

Evan: And Pluto has no fixed orbit, as it slowly travels in the universe, escaping, or going off orbits...

You: Charon will always stay by its side.

Evan: When I was a child, I've been thinking of how boring it must've been to have such an endless, restless company. But only until today that I've realized, when facing each other is a form of enjoyment, the time is no longer important.

The reflected moonlight from the clock dial is overly bright, allowing me to clearly see my slightly blushed face within his clear eyes.

I'm incapable of handling his gaze that is only gradually deepening, and I'm also incapable of controlling the redness on my cheeks, so I quickly turned my head to look towards the starry sky.

You: Yeah! Then where would Pluto be? Is it there?

Evan's slightly cold hand held my finger, and drew a large circle in the air. I gazed along with where he has traced, but he did not lead me to stay at any single spot.

Evan: Although it's very hard to see Pluto from earth... But at least we can imagine an orbit, telling ourselves, that it is definitely existing somewhere.

You: It's too fulfilling to me today. To be able to witness a limited edition mechanical watch, and also to listen to a romantic story from the universe. Evan, sometimes I feel like you can guess my thoughts, otherwise why would we be able to meet here?

Evan: It's not easy to guess your thoughts too, so, I find myself very lucky too.

We smiled together, and the inspiration is slowly brewing in our laughters.

[Common Ending]

After submitting my competition work, I felt completely relaxed, even the band-aid on my fingertips have became adorable.

I reached an arm into the bag, and touched a velvet box that isn't too big nor too small. I lightly held onto it, and took out my phone.

Just when I was about to dial the number, the owner of the phone number has appeared in the corridor, seeing me, he nodded in gesture.

You: Evan!

Evan: Just submitted your work?

You: Yeah, I was just about to look for you for something, I was worried that you didn't have time.

Evan questioned me with a glance. I took out that velvet box, and placed it in his hand.

You: Here, it's for you.

His movements of opening the box have been slowed down in my eyes for numerous of times, and my heart is feeling increasingly nervous. Of course I knew what's inside-- The dial* is transparent, with two sapphires embellished between the circle of ruby bearing**. The curve movements from the balance wheel are clearly visible, and it places them into a trajectory just nicely.

*T/N: Dial: A plate, with a metal base and visible through a crystal, that carries certain indication, such as the hours, minutes and sometimes seconds. 

** Bearing: Watch jewels, sometimes known as jewel bearings, are tiny pieces of synthetic ruby or sapphire set into holes within a watch movement.

*** Balance wheel: A part of a mechanical watch that oscillates and divides time into equal portions.

The cobalt blue rays glimmers, just like a pair of eternally inseparable double planet.

The strap is made of polished metal, I have repetitively confirmed the reflections from each dent to ensure that they aren't too dazzling or too dim to the eyes, just like the bits of stars in the starry night -- It's a mechanical watch that I've made out of gratefulness, how touched I felt, and feelings that I'm unable to put them into words. I wanted to watch my favorite starry skies with him.

Evan was quiet for a moment, his thumb caressing the dial.

Evan: You can probably get a very good result if you submit this work to the competition. Are you really giving it to me?

You: When I made it, the only person I can think of is you. If I'm not giving it to you, I'll find it unsuitable instead. I don't know how to make parts, so I can only buy ready-made ones, so I was only assembling them, I was hoping that you won't dislike it instead.

Evan lifted an eyebrow up, his slender arm have immediately hooked out the arms that I have been hiding behind me.

He gently caressed the bunny-patterned band-aid, along with the red markings on the side of my finger that weren't covered.

You: Perhaps it's because... I had to polish the strap and sapphires myself...

The wound that was touch feels a little numb and tingling, and it's a little unbearable, but the touch from Evan's slightly cold fingertips makes me yearn for it, so I was feeling troubled, and could only choose to stand on the ground without moving.

You: About that, my workmanship isn't exceptionally good, so you'll probably need to make adjustments to it...

Evan: If it's no longer stable, can I ask for your help to repair it?

Why is he saying things like these? He's clearly an expert in mechanical watches, I was half-dubious as I muttered my dissatisfaction internally, but a sudden joy surfaced from my chest.

You: Yeah, who knows I might be able to change a self-made part for you!

Evan: I'm really looking forward to it.

In my view, Evan's smile turned his eyes into crescents again.

The warm afternoon suns completely poured into the empty corridors, and we are just standing under threads of the golden sunlight, enjoying the quiet serenity.

THE END

Thank you for reading and feel free to check out other translations of Light and Night here!