Long Road Promise Date / 長路之約

---Intro---

Seeing the "OK" messages sent by Eli, Minor, Tang, and others in the group, I smiled contentedly.

The group created to celebrate Gavin's birthday has been bustling with activity these past few days, with everyone contributing their ideas.

Gavin: What are you so happy about?

A clear voice sounded from behind me. As soon as Gavin came out of the bathroom, he moved close to me, his chin naturally resting on my head.

I quickly covered the phone with the lid on the table, grabbed a towel, and roughly rubbed his hair.

Kasa: Nothing, nothing. Why do you walk so quietly?

Gavin: Feeling guilty?

The humid air enveloped them, and their bright amber eyes narrowed slightly.

Gavin: Group message? I also saw Eli's profile picture.

Gavin: What are you discussing?

Kasa: Don't ask, I won't tell you no matter what!

Seeing my "I'd rather die than submit" look, he laughed out loud in a good mood and moved even closer to me.

Gavin: OK, I don’t ask.

Kasa: By the way, Gavin, I might go out occasionally in the next few days.

Kasa: You need to take good care of the house.

Gavin: Can't I even ask what you're going to do?

Kasa: No, you can't~

He looked at me, as if pondering something, and then slowly blinked.

Gavin: So for the next few days, won't I just be able to watch you happily busy yourself around every day?

Gavin: But I know nothing and can't ask anything?

Gavin: Doesn't that sound a bit excessive?

Kasa: ...

I reached out and poked his face, which was clearly all smiles, and tilted my head to think for a moment.

Kasa: But sometimes, to receive the best gift, you need to wait patiently.

Gavin: I don't care.

Gavin: I only have little patience; there has to be some benefit for me to cooperate.

Kasa: You have no patience? Who are you kidding!

Even though I was protesting, I still tilted my head back and gently kissed the corner of his lips.

Those clear eyes shone even brighter, and he reached out to pull me into his arms.

Gavin: I'll play along for now.

My phone vibrated a few times, so I simply reached out and wrapped my arms around his neck, swiping the screen behind him.

A new message came from Tang in the group.

"I've found a similar model to the Captain Gavin's motorcycle for you. Now that you've got your license, you can just go straight to the training ground."

"Please let us know if there's anything else you need our cooperation with."

"But you absolutely must keep this a secret from Captain Gavin. With his petty nature, if he finds out we helped you with the bike ride behind his back, he'll tear us apart one by one."

I subtly raised the corners of my lips, couldn't resist ruffling the head of this "petty" commander, and pressed a "received" sticker with one hand.

The next second, a warm kiss landed on my ear, accompanied by his drawn-out voice.

Gavin: Are you done chatting? Can I see you now?

Kasa: Okay—

I casually put my phone aside, and a more determined kiss seemed to be his response, as he pressed his lips onto mine with satisfaction.

Even on the locked screen, notifications of new messages in the group still pop up from time to time.

I smiled, just like him, eagerly anticipating his birthday.

---Part 1---

Everyone: "Woo—the birthday star has arrived—!"

As I pushed Gavin open the door to the pre-arranged private room, enthusiastic cheers, along with small firecrackers and confetti, filled the air around him with a "bang."

His gaze swept over the noisy group of people in the room, and he couldn't help but chuckle.

Gavin: Why are there so many people?

Everyone: The battle was successful!

Several people made victory celebration gestures, and Eli proudly walked to Gavin's side.

Eli: Let me make it clear first, everyone signed up voluntarily; this is not an internal department activity.

??: That's right, Gavin, not everyone here is from your area!

Minor squeezed out of the crowd, carrying a small birthday hat, and put it on Gavin as he spoke.

Minor: But everyone else are different except me, and I felt really embarrassed, hahaha!

Minor: Gavin, you've come at the perfect time! I was just telling them about your high school record of taking on 50 opponents at once.

Eli: He's practically blowing you up to the heavens.

Minor: They haven't seen how handsome and dashing Gavin was in high school! You should show them!

Gavin: I can't see what's making you feel embarrassed.

The private room was instantly filled with laughter again, like bubbles warmed by the summer sun, bursting in the air.

As I was being led inside by everyone, Gavin naturally reached out and took my hand, leaning down to whisper in my ear.

Gavin: Another secret operation.

Kasa: I learned it all from Officer Gavin.

The strands of hair in front of his eyes swayed lightly with his blooming smile, but they could not hide the brilliant amber color.

After everyone had taken their seats, the host, Tang, stood on the stage with a microphone in his hand.

Tang: Distinguished guests, friends and family, today we have no emergency assembly, no mission code.

Tang: Today, we gather here with the most sincere and excited hearts to celebrate the birthday of the world's most handsome and great Commander Gavin.

Tang: Special thanks to the publicity team for their strong support.

Accompanied by enthusiastic opening remarks, a unique silhouette appeared on the screen.

Backlit, a tall, upright figure walked slowly and steadily. The camera then quickly switched to another scene.

Sprinting through rainy nights, stealthily navigating ruins, raising a gun at the shooting range—every sharp and swift movement was executed with utmost efficiency.

The next second, the screen showed Gavin staring blankly, sometimes yawning at the report, sometimes poking at the vegetables on his plate.

Finally, countless vivid images came together to form the two most beautiful words in the world—

"Gavin".

Tang: I hereby declare — Gavin's birthday celebration officially open!

Gavin looked like he wanted to laugh again, but his eyebrows furrowed in embarrassment, and finally he glared at me.

Gavin: You know this too?

I pouted and looked at the video looping again, feeling a little jealous.

Kasa: He has so many more materials than I do; I'm going to ask him for some later.

Gavin: ...

---Part 2---

The scene quickly became lively. At this moment, everyone had taken off their uniforms and were just friends joking around with Gavin.

STF Member: If we're going to have someone sing, we should let Gavin do it.

Xiao Zheng: Captain Gavin, please sing this song!

Gavin: Am I not the birthday person today?

Gavin: Ask Eli to sing.

Eli: Could you only think of me when something good happens to you?

Xiao Zheng: I'll do it; consider it a gift for the Captain Gavin.

The usually composed Xiao stood up, instantly silencing the clamor of the crowd, which made me hold my breath in curiosity.

As the accompaniment began, he steadily picked up the microphone and looked at Gavin with a resolute gaze.

Xiao Zheng: "Who is it that calls from afar?"

Everyone: ....

Everyone: Xiao Zheng, do you dare sing even a single note off-key?!

I leaned on Gavin's shoulder, feeling like I was about to laugh until tears streamed down my face. The people around me also seemed to be desperately trying to suppress their shaking and holding back their laughter.

With this very "generous" opening, everyone was eager to put together a song list and show off their singing talents.

A group of people were playing the "Hell" game nearby, while others continued to listen to Minor tell the story of Gavin.

Gavin sat lazily on the sofa, chatting casually with the person next to him.

I sat to the side, watching the noisy group of people in front of me, and Gavin, and felt an indescribable happiness in my heart.

Seemingly noticing my gaze, he turned his head away.

The dimly lit private room was filled with laughter and joy, making me feel that his eyes were full of smiles. I couldn't help but brush a strand of his hair.

Kasa: Are you happy?

Gavin: Yes.

Team member A: How could the flight attendant have lost?!

Team member B: Let's start over! Let's start over! — Ah! —!!

It seems the game over there has come to a conclusion. A capable-looking woman walked confidently to the front of the stage, picked up the microphone, and looked at Gavin.

Flight attendant: Captain Gavin, we just played a game where whoever lost had to give you a "heartfelt confession" on everyone's behalf.

Gavin: ...?

Team member: No ah ah ah!

The flight attendant looked resolute, pointing to a group of men huddled in the shadows, trembling with fear.

Flight attendant: Captain Gavin, those guys say they love you so much. They feel so safe with you around, and they all want to be like you.

Flight attendant: They said they can't do without you, the Special Task Force can't do without you, the whole planet can't do without you. Did you hear that?

Gavin: ....

It was hard to say whether the wails or the laughter were louder, and some even joined in the loud "confession."

Flight attendant: Captain Gavin, you haven't replied yet. Did you hear me?

Gavin: ...I heard it!

It was as if something heavy was embracing him naked at this moment, making him feel unusually embarrassed.

I couldn't help but feel like crying, yet I also burst out laughing. Amidst this overflowing laughter, it seemed that only he was attracting my attention.

Gavin's ears were already bright red. In the end, he could only cough lightly, trying to cover up his speechlessness, and pinch my cheek.

Gavin: You laugh too.

Kasa: Yeah, Captain Gavin. I can't do without you!

I seemed to be caught up in the atmosphere, and hugged him even more directly, which drew cheers.

Softly, I heard him laugh too.

He released his arm from mine, stood up and sat back on the coffee table, quietly looking at everyone present.

He watched intently, from the stage to the audience, from downstairs to upstairs, with a certain earnestness.

Finally, he raised the soda bottle in his hand high.

Gavin: That's all for now, thank you everyone.

Gavin: Cheers.

Me & everyone: Cheers--!

The clinking of the glasses produced a crisp yet gentle sound.

Like slogans, like names, and like figures of followers.

Until we reach our long journey's end, let us steadfastly uphold our ideals and remain steadfast in our commitment.

Eli: Why isn't there any music playing now?

A long and familiar melody gently begins to play, accompanying us through the faded days of yesterday, and together we will envision a bright tomorrow.

Eli: "Will there ever be a day when time can truly turn back, returning to those bygone years that you and I can never revisit...?"

More and more people joined in the melody, and I sang along, setting off small firecrackers with everyone as we clung to each other.

Eli put his arm around Gavin's shoulder, and the spotlight shone on Gavin's face, reflecting the boy's joy.

Countless bright and colorful ribbons, like the most beautiful blessings, showered down on him, like colorful snowflakes full of love.

Gavin shook his tambourine and sang loudly along with him.

When the relay came to its end, and all the blessings flowed towards him along with the melody, Tang handed the microphone to Gavin's lips.

Gavin: "Let's have another drink, another drink for eternity—"

Gavin: "Drink it and you'll live forever, year after year—"

Just then, Tang pushed the cake in at the perfect moment, and everyone raised their cups, all pointing them at the person standing in the center.

Me & everyone: Team Leader Gavin, Happy Birthday!

A cacophony of well-wishes, like colorful ribbons, rained down on him in a chaotic flurry.

For some reason, when Gavin closed his eyes to make a wish, the image of a young boy suddenly appeared before my eyes.

I wonder if he ever imagined such a scene back then.

But as you grow up, so many people will be by your side.

They are all afraid of the day they almost lose you, and they will protect you and love you.

The gentle candlelight reflected off his face, making his sharp features appear so soft.

When he opened his eyes, he looked straight at me, and smiled softly.

He said nothing, but I knew everything.

Minor: Gavin, let's sing a song too!

Amidst the jeers and cheers, he didn't refuse at all, and stood on the stage to think for a moment.

Soon, Gavin pressed down one character after another.

Another romantic and familiar melody began to play, and he smiled at me, picking up the microphone.

---Part 3---

Everyone: "No matter how beautiful or sweet a smile is, it's not special if it's not yours. No matter how bitter or salty the tears are, with your comfort, it's a sunny day again."

Tang: Hey, how come our Captain Gavin sings so well?

Eli: You don't understand, it's full of love~

Gavin: If you want to perform stand-up comedy, go home and hurry up!

---

It was only a little past four in the afternoon when the group dispersed. No one said anything, but I knew very well that they wanted to finish celebrating early and deliberately left time for Gavin and me.

The bustling world quickly quieted down. Gavin gazed silently at everyone's backs for a long time before turning to look at me.

Like the world's passionate and unique favoritism, the bright sun poured down on him without reservation, making the hem of his clothes and the strands of his hair shine.

Gavin: From then on, I continue to follow the instructions.

Kasa: You guessed that?

Gavin: No need to guess, it's definitely there.

He spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, full of certainty of being loved, which made my heart soften even more.

Just as Gavin was about to put on his helmet, I stopped him.

Under his surprised gaze, I confidently waved the driver's license I had tucked into my bag beforehand, put on my helmet, and straddled the motorbike first.

Kasa: Come on, handsome! I'm here to pick someone up today!

He blinked, and soon a smile, tinged with surprise and anticipation, appeared on his lips.

Gavin didn't say anything, obediently put on his helmet, and sat down behind me.

Gavin: So novel.

Kasa: ...This is the first time I've carried someone, so it's quite a novel experience.

Gavin: So you've been practicing this behind my back these past few days?

Kasa: So, are you feeling a little embarrassed sitting in the back?

Gavin: My girlfriend is so amazing, what's there to be embarrassed about?

He tightened his arm around me with perfect ease, looking even more proud and smug than I was.

The wind hadn't picked up, and the engine hadn't started running yet, but I could already hear my own heartbeat.

Kasa: Then we're off!

Feeling the warmth pressed against my back, my palms also started to warm slightly.

I took a deep breath and, just as I had practiced countless times, twisted the accelerator—

A sudden gust of wind arose, and the road unfolded beneath our feet, stretching into the distant, shimmering white light of the sky.

The world recedes rapidly in its free-roaming journey, leaving behind bright and vivid silhouettes.

Kasa: How are you? Are you nervous?

Gavin: This is a special feeling.

It's no longer about expressing emotions while driving, nor is it just about looking ahead at the long road.

At this moment, he seemed more relaxed as he looked at the city, carefully observing the passing scenery.

Gavin: But you seem more nervous; your muscles are very tense.

Kasa: Don't expose me!

The city's shadow slowly descended behind us, and we sped along a wide road, enjoying the romantic summer shade of the trees.

Kasa: So, what do you think of this place?

Gavin: Looks good. Is this a new road? I've never driven on it before.

I smiled and didn't say anything.

---

Soon, I parked Sparky on a hillside in the suburbs, where a huge Ferris wheel stood facing the sun, silently overlooking the entire city.

Seeing how skillfully I handled it, Gavin smiled knowingly.

Gavin: I heard that this is a landmark building that the municipal government has been building in the suburbs over the past two years.

Gavin: Could my girlfriend have been involved too?

I grinned at him, greeted the staff, and then pulled him into the carriage with a smile.

Kasa: It can only be regarded as a proposal~

As the train carriage ascended, the cityscape unfolded before us.

Kasa: The location here is perfect; you can see a large expanse of city scenery.

Kasa: I can't take you flying, but I want to show you around in other ways.

Gavin sat beside me, gazing intently into the distance.

He didn't speak for a moment, his fingers wedged between mine, unconsciously tightening until there was no gap left.

I don't know how much time passed, but I felt a weight on my head and realized he was leaning his head closer to me.

Gavin: I like this city very much.

Kasa: I know. So, you've worked very hard for it too.

Gavin. ...Hard?

I nodded, looked up at him, and patted his head.

Kasa: Yes, you've been working hard to become stronger, trying to navigate many complex situations, and learning all sorts of troublesome things.

Kasa: Even if you don't like it or it feels uncomfortable, you still try to move forward.

Kasa: Think about it carefully, and you'll realize that many of your efforts came at the cost of pain.

The more I talked, the more I thought about the long years he had spent on this journey. While feeling moved, I couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

But in the end, I just looked at him and gently traced his eyes and cheeks with my fingertips.

He seemed lost in thought for a moment, but soon his bright gaze returned to its usual radiance.

Gavin: You can't get stronger without training and getting tired. You can't produce a report without putting in the effort and learn techniques.

Gavin: If you don't get hurt, you won't be able to learn to protect yourself next time; if you don't experience those unpleasant things, you won't be able to completely eliminate them.

Gavin: We cannot move forward without overcoming those dark forces.

The world seems to be constantly subjecting him to lessons of pain.

One painful scar after another is exchanged for repeated transformations and growth.

Gavin: Does this count as hard work?

Kasa: Of course. Because you think it's worthwhile, you believe that everything should be this way.

Sunlight fell on his face, illuminating his determined and stubborn eyes.

Gavin: It's worth it.

Gavin: Because I want to move forward.

Kasa: I know.

At this point, the Ferris wheel stopped at its highest point, and I pressed the pause button.

Vast buildings stretch out beneath our feet, forming silhouettes of ordinary and mundane life.

Kasa: Sometimes I feel that Love Land City is actually just a very ordinary city.

Kasa: But I also feel that this is the city that my favorite person has protected with all their might.

Kasa: It is quiet, peaceful, and full of wonder.

Kasa: I feel very proud.

The city stretches into the distance, becoming a silhouette behind Gavin at this moment, blending him into it.

He looked at me quietly, as if he were looking at our city through me.

Gavin: Did I do a good enough job?

At that moment, he finally didn't say that it was all something he should do.

There wasn't much doubt or struggle, just a calm, as if it were a question being posed to the world.

Kasa: Excellent, it couldn't be better.

Gavin: Would it be too greedy of me to leave a wish here?

Kasa: How could it be?

Faced with his particularly soft question, I also closed my eyes reverently, just like him.

Summer is long, long enough to keep the whole city bright and beautiful.

Let my boy gently close his eyes, leaving behind his wishes and his kiss.

---Part 4---

The sun hung low, painting the entire horizon in a gentle hue.

Time seemed to slow down, stretching the road out long, as if drawing a thin thread from the twilight and spreading it into the depths of the evening breeze.

White fluff drifted gently in the breeze, swaying in the air and creating soft, golden threads.

Shiny and bright, like the world's light spots.

Luckily, there weren't many cars on the way back. I stopped on the new road and pointed towards the city with a smile.

Kasa: Gavin, this road leads to Love Land City.

Kasa: If you go in the opposite direction for about one kilometer, you will find a fork in the road. One fork leads to the highway interchange, while the other leads to the riverbank.

Kasa: This road leads to many places, and it's also great for a drive.

Kasa: I think more and more cars will pass through here in the future, heading to their destinations.

Gavin: I like this road, and I've already memorized how to get there.

Gavin: I will come here often in the future.

Seeing his beaming smile, I glanced at the time on my phone and finally couldn't contain my excitement. I ran a couple of steps away and stood in the middle of the road.

Under his questioning gaze, I raised my hands.

Kasa: 3--, 2--, 1--

As my countdown ended, the city lights up along with the streetlights.

Accompanied by the brilliant sunset, it is like a burning candlelight.

Kasa: Gavin—this road—is called "Qifu Road"—

Kasa: This is the gift I'm giving you!

Gavin stood not far from me, stunned.

Kasa: Ever since the landmark building design bidding two years ago, whenever I pass by here and look back at the city in the distance, I always think of you.

Thinking of the long road you've traveled, thinking of your end and your beginning.

Kasa: Later, I applied for its road naming, and it was approved.

Gavin stood in the shadow of the tree, the wind rustling and obscuring his eyes.

He seemed speechless, remaining silent for a long time.

At that moment, I roughly knew something had crossed his mind, but I just stood there quietly waiting for him and watching him.

Finally, the wind gently carried his question.

Gavin: Did I receive this gift because I did a good job?

Gavin: Or is it used to prove something?

He raised his eyes and gazed at me quietly.

This is probably not a questioning, or some kind of resistance. Perhaps, even he himself can't say for sure.

I gazed at him for a long time, thought for a moment, and finally smiled and shook my head at him.

Kasa: Actually, this is not a gift I wanted to give to the commander, nor is it for the Special Task Force member Gavin.

Kasa: If I had to say something... it would be something I wanted to give to Gavin, who is always on the road and working very hard.

Kasa: It wasn't because of any special status, nor because of anything remarkable. It wasn't an exchange, nor a reward.

Kasa: It's just a free start.

The wind lifted the hem of Gavin's clothes, and the road stretched out into the distance behind him, then spread out in front of him as a long path of light.

Kasa: Life is a long journey, full of ups and downs. I hope you will always have the courage to keep going.

Kasa: You can stop, you can turn back.

Kasa: You can go anywhere and meet all kinds of people.

Kasa: So nobody will know about this; everyone will only know its name, and I'm only telling you all of this.

Gavin: ...just me?

Kasa: That's right! Only you know that I named it~

The setting sun shone on Gavin, illuminating his bewilderment.

His eyebrows furrowed slightly, and his lips opened and closed, but he couldn't utter a single word, inexplicably resembling a wronged and clumsy little child.

Gavin: Why?

I heard him speak softly.

Kasa: Because I'm very selfish.

Kasa: We will eventually become yesterday, but I will always keep my blessings and love here.

Kasa: No matter how time changes, you will see it, and the world will see it.

Kasa: "Qi" is Gavin, and "Fu" is the "blessing". This is a path that belongs only to you; you can walk it however you like.

In the twilight, I saw Gavin walking towards me step by step.

He walked very slowly, as if he had passed through countless years, traversed all the unspoken and silent growth, and arrived in front of me.

Finally, he bent down and hugged me.

Kasa: If the world keeps pushing you to grow with pain, then I will give you love, the love of all of us, and grow up with you.

Kasa: I will tell you that love is a reward that you don't need to exchange for any pain.

Gavin heard her voice coming from beside his ear.

At that moment, he suddenly realized that many things had actually changed.

Every step he took toward her was never painful.

Those uncomfortable and contradictory moments, the layers she helped him shed, were simply ways for him to see himself more authentically.

She led him along a long road, and he always thought that the only destination he could reach was her.

But it turns out that there is also himself.

She was helping him become Gavin, to become himself.

Unlike that other person, this is the path she gave him—a path only he knows, a path that belongs only to him.

Although she had already given him this path long ago.

He couldn't help but hug her even tighter, as if he were embracing his own soul.

Kasa: Go forward, Gavin. You can go anywhere; nowhere can confine you.

As the motorcycle roared to life, Gavin had never felt like this when he was driving on the road.

The wind whistled behind him, the road stretched out beneath his feet into the depths of the sky, and he could reach any corner of the world.

---

Night had fallen earlier than I realized.

The summer night was brilliant, the night breeze was gentle, and the neon lights cast dappled shadows on the wet asphalt road.

Kasa: Gavin — Should we go home?

Gavin: I don't want to go home.

Kasa: Okay, where shall we go?

Gavin: I don’t know, what should I do?

At the intersection where we were waiting, Gavin took off his helmet, leaned against the motorcycle, and smiled brightly and cheerfully.

I couldn't help but laugh, and I took off my helmet too, letting the evening breeze tousle my hair.

Gavin: But you have to come with me wherever I go.

Kasa: Of course.

Gavin: Let's go sing.

Kasa: I can sing now~

I hugged him tightly, smiling as I raised my arms.

Kasa: Happy Birthday to You!

I hummed loudly in his ear, wanting all the blessings of the universe to be upon him.

He laughed, sang along with me, and twisted the accelerator.

Gavin: We set off.

The red light flashed, and reflected in his eyes, it transformed into a clear and bright green.

Like the palm of life welcoming you on your journey.