Missing Pieces

007 advanced back down the hallway, examining intently every corner that could possibly lay hold of what he has been searching for over the past half-hour. Scrutinizing both left and right, there was no sign of it. He moved on to the path where there was a higher probability of succeeding. Unfortunately, the dim lighting was working at its worst along narrow corridors. They served to cast long shadows and that only caused ever lesser optimum field of vision for him amidst struggles. He tighten his grip on the papers in his hand. Indeed, he has to get them to Tian Mo Xing within the least span of time possible but without the bluetooth headset he has got so used to wearing, he felt his sense of responsibility amiss. One more turn on the left and there was once again, the area lined on both sides with classic high-school metal lockers. He recalled the moment when Tian Mo Xing and him had ended up there earlier at the far opposite end. It seemed that things were not as rosy as they first appeared. News of Lu Ke Ying and her being the illegitimate children of the principal has spread like fire within days. The whole school or rather the neighbourhood, must have known everything, or parts of the story at least. Another brain-wrecking issue to face.

As he trotted on at faster speed, his attention was caught by something flashing on the floor. It was familiarly bluish and 007 recognised it instantly with relief. He ventured towards it and stooped down to pick it up. In the silence, another set of distinct footsteps loud and clear echoed through the halls as its owner gradually approached. 007 awaited at his current spot.

As expected, Tian Mo Xing appeared out of a corner, looking quite unsure, and holding a takeout box in her hand. After walking further, her gaze was glued to another headset shining luminously on the smooth greyish concrete floor. When she finally reached in front of 007, she too knelt down and fingered the gadget obliviously.

He knew, behind the expressionless face, there hid unmistakable self-disappointment. "Li Xiao Xing,..." he uttered softly, careful not to arouse her overwhelming feelings unnecessarily.

She set down the box, and held up the headset quietly, her eyes still fixed on it, saying, "007,...as a Pi Li MIT member, if I can't even keep this important tool with me during the times when I seriously should, can I say I'm bound to fail more?"

"Why should you? When I'm also doing the same thing..." he remarked.

She shook her head in refusal of his answer, "You did not...If you hadn't rushed up to me a while ago, you wouldn't have left your headset here! You have never been so careless in the past...It's all just because of me giving you distractions all the time..."

He moved closer to turn her to face him, "Even so, I'm willing to be distracted by you, 'cause that won't give me any guilt...I only feel more fortunate..."

She lifted her gaze but did not seem convinced. Tian Mo Xing wondered if she should take in his words. "What if I keep being forgetful?" her eyes now turning watery.

He held her hands firmly, "Trust me, I will find a way to end it for you..."

After some hesitance, 007 finally received an accepting nod from her. He dried her eyes and helped her up. Tian Mo Xing faced 007 doubtfully as he put on her headset for her, "007, do you think my condition will get anymore serious?"

"Just maintain an optimistic outlook," he assured. She took heed of his advice and they went on their way.

After walking some distance, Tian Mo Xing suddenly cried, "I forgot the cake in the box!" She quickly turned back and raced down the hallway, with 007 trailing behind.

"It's really there!" she exclaimed after spotting it on the floor. She rushed forward without delay, stepping on something in the process.

"Careful!" 007 shouted and took her arm. To shield her from the collapse of a dozen of hefty books and binders from the locker's top, he spun himself forward before her to push Tian Mo Xing some steps backwards. Caught without warning, she missed her balance and fell forward, landing on top of 007 as they both tumbled onto the floor.

Only the majority of a heap of books barely escaped 007, with some lighter ones splattered across his forehead.

"007! Are you okay?" Tian Mo Xing forced herself up as she shoved away those books.

He held his head now struck with some light pain and Tian Mo Xing quickly helped him up. "Sorry, it's all my fault, I shouldn't have left the cake behind...and now, you're hurt because of me..." Tian Mo Xing's voice started quivering.

"Don't blame yourself, " he managed to console while attempting to harbour his pain.

Tears began to well up, "You don't have to say that...007, just scold me! I'm always causing trouble! I'm only a....." Tian Mo Xing's voice faded off the next moment when 007 pulled her to himself and pressed his lips against hers...

It felt as though the outburst of sorrow came to a sudden stop. The world was only spinning for the both of them. 007's scent was all so strong and near. Likewise, the soft touch and fragrance of Tian Mo Xing's lips was as solely meant for him as it had been many times before.

When they pulled apart, 007 whispered as he touched her cheeks, "Should you ever shed those precious tears again, I'll kiss you 'till they stop flowing..."

Tian Mo Xing only wiped them dry and looked at him helplessly. He pulled her into a hug again and told, "Remember what I said today..."

Tian Mo Xing nodded as she lost herself in his embrace.

He then added, "The cake has been squashed by those books. I had better cook for you some instant noodles instead. Let's head to our dorm..."

Tian Mo Xing agreed.