Promise of Tomorrow Date / 明天之約

---Intro---

In the pitch-black tunnel, the clanging sound of train tracks echoed incessantly.

I leaned back in my seat, gazing at my reflection in the window, slightly lost in thought.

Before his birthday this year, Shaw was taken by Professor Shen to a small fishing village for fieldwork.

I heard that the scenery there is beautiful and the people are kind and honest... but it's a little boring for Shaw.

"They don't sell my favorite drink here! I should have brought a whole case..."

"Does anyone believe this? I went to a pool hall, and they were short a ball, so the owner gave me his son's shot put instead..."

"I was so bored yesterday, I fell asleep at 10 pm... What are you doing now?"

As I reviewed each chat message, the more my fingertip slid down, the more pronounced the upward curve of my lips became.

He would be incredibly surprised if he knew I traveled all this way to see him, wouldn't he?

Just then, the darkness in front of me suddenly disappeared, and the sunlight instantly bathed the entire train carriage in a brilliant gold.

A magnificent landscape slowly unfolds outside the window, with terraced fields winding their way up the mountainside.

Gazing at the wisps of smoke rising from the chimneys in the distance, I couldn't help but feel a little...

It seems like about two weeks ago, Shaw sent me a similar landscape photo on his way to the destination.

The thought of myself walking through the scenery he had passed made me unable to resist clicking on "Location Information Sharing" in the chat room.

Within a minute, his profile picture popped up.

We were in opposite directions, one in the east and the other in the southwest. My little dot moved inch by inch closer to him, following the train's trajectory.

Suddenly, his video call popped up—

Shaw was wearing overalls, his face seemed a little tanned, but the corners of his lips were turned up in a smile.

Shaw: Why did someone suddenly show up here? Didn't we agree that I'd be back the day before my birthday?

Kasa: Because I thought it over and over and decided I couldn't trouble the birthday celebrant, so I came instead.

Kasa: I was planning to give you a big surprise, but I couldn't take it in with me....

Shaw: It doesn't matter. Given your style, you probably prepared more than just this one surprise.

Kasa: Hmph, of course.

I straightened my back slightly and proudly raised my chin.

Kasa: I've made ample preparations again this year, planning to make your birthday truly special.

Shaw: Oh? How so?

Kasa: It's basically about spending a super fun birthday in a boring little fishing village, one you'll never forget!

Shaw: That's quite an arrogant tone...

Just as he was about to say something, someone called out to him from afar.

Shaw: Old Man Shen asked me to come over, I'll hang up now.

Shaw: Don't worry, when you arrive, I'll come to pick you up with great fanfare.

After the call ended, I continued scrolling through the communication interface and opened the temporary group I had created with Isolated.

After confirming that the ticket information they sent was correct, I opened a chat window with the "Disco Ball" avatar.

Based on a series of investigations and research, this bar is the only entertainment venue in the small fishing village, making it a perfect location for a birthday celebration.

However... the style of the bar in the photo is too retro, it probably needs to be decorated properly.

Luckily I was prepared — I patted the huge nylon bag at my feet and couldn't help but laugh.

Shaw, just you wait~

This year, on your birthday, I also want you to be the most carefree and happiest person in the world.

---Part 1---

Buzz buzz

A slight vibration from under my pillow jolted me awake instantly, and I reached out to turn off the alarm clock.

By this time, the morning light had already illuminated the small staff dormitory. I was about to carefully lift the blanket when I was surprised to find that the other end of the bed was empty.

Where is he? I looked around blankly, and finally caught a glimpse of a crouching figure in the entrance hall.

Shaw was wearing pajamas, his back slightly hunched, forming a quiet and focused arc in the sunlight, as if he were staring intently at something enormous.

Kasa: ...!

A decorative bag I brought back from Love Land City!

Because logistics and freight are not well-developed here, I bought all kinds of decorations and ornaments in advance and carried them all the way here.

To maintain the sense of surprise, I made a three-point agreement with Shaw: we absolutely could not peek.

Kasa: Shaw...! You...you're trying to cheat, aren't you!

I jumped out of bed in a hurry, not even bothering to put on my slippers, and ran between him and the bag, spreading my arms to block it.

Shaw seemed startled by me; the strands of hair hanging at her temples stood up slightly as if touched by static electricity.

But he quickly regained his composure, glanced at me, and then at the nylon bag.

Shaw: Do you have a radar alarm installed on you?

Shaw: What's wrong? It started beeping as soon as someone got close to this bag?

Kasa: Hmph, don't try to change the subject. Were you trying to peek just now?

Shaw: That's right. After all, someone made a bold statement, saying they would give me a truly spectacular birthday celebration here.

Shaw: It’s hard for me not to be curious.

Seeing his composure, I was taken aback.

Kasa: You admit it like this?

Shaw: What else? It's 6:30 in the morning. Instead of making up some excuse about me sleepwalking, I might as well be honest.

Shaw: Anyway, right now it can only be considered an attempted peeping, don't you think?

Seeing this guy raise his eyebrows in an annoying way, I couldn't help but grit my teeth. But the next second, he expertly cupped my cheeks and rubbed them up and down and left and right.

Shaw: Okay, I won't peek into this bag, don't worry.

I squinted and frowned suspiciously.

Kasa: Really?

Shaw: Why would I lie to you?

Shaw: It's no fun just looking at what's in the bag, the person is the focus.

He walked to the wardrobe, changed into a short-sleeved shirt, and then took a jacket and draped it over his shoulders.

Shaw: You got up so early, are you preparing a surprise for me?

Kasa: Yes...

Shaw: Then I will follow.

Kasa: Huh? You want to come with me??

Seeing my astonishment, he approached me, and a pungent minty scent lingered at the tip of my nose.

Shaw: Yes, because it suddenly occurred to me...

Shaw: I don't think I've ever actually seen you decorate for my birthday.

Kasa: ...If you've already seen it, how can it be called a surprise?

Shaw: Why doesn't it count?

Shaw: Anything I've never seen before is a surprise.

---Part 2---

As dawn broke, smoke rose from the village chimneys, mingling with the morning mist and obscuring the white-walled farmhouses with their blue tiles.

Shaw followed behind me, carrying the nylon bag. His casual steps made the dirt road under his feet clatter.

Unexpectedly, this person actually followed me for the entire length of the village.

Shaw: Hey, why are you staring at me?

Kasa: Hmm... because it's a bit novel.

Kasa: This is the first time I've seen someone personally organize their birthday celebration... I might as well make a record of it?

When he saw me take out my phone, he shrugged indifferently.

Shaw: Okay, take more pictures.

Shaw: Ten yuan per photo, one hundred for ten seconds, one thousand for a designated action.

Kasa: Why are you always trying to trick me?

Shaw: Because I like it.

Kasa: You...!

After he finished speaking, he stopped at a fork in the road and raised an eyebrow at me.

Shaw: Okay, put away your ravenous bunny teeth.

Shaw: Should we go left or right now?

As we were talking, an old man carrying an empty bucket passed by us and headed toward the stone steps leading to the sea.

At the end of this road is a bar facing the sea, which is the most "flashy" place in this quaint village.

So long before I came, I had already chosen it and booked the entire venue for two days.

Kasa: Just so you know, it'll be there after you turn the corner. Are you sure you don't want to leave some suspense and a surprise?

He thought about my question for a second, then grinned and laughed.

That fiery jacket, at that moment, was like a burning youth, more dazzling and vibrant than the sun.

Shaw: Surprise can only last for a moment.

Shaw: For me, seeing your silly face makes me happy for longer.

Kasa: Oh? You like me more than surprises?

Seeing that I was trying to change the subject, Shaw laughed. He didn't retort, which was unusual, but instead flicked my forehead with his knuckles.

Shaw: You're the one who hosted my birthday party, so it is.

Pushing open the door, clusters of balloons came into view, and the light boxes on the wall were already shimmering with neon lights.

The 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the boundless blue sea.

Shaw looked around in surprise, his already cheerful expression becoming even more vivid under the light.

He put down the bag he was carrying and slightly curled the corners of his lips.

Shaw: Looks like I'm late. You've already set everything up?

Kasa: Of course! I've allowed several extra days to prepare.

Kasa: But you're not too late, because the real surprise is yet to come.

As I spoke, I opened the nylon bag and took out several pairs of inline skates of different sizes.

Kasa: Ta-da! What do you think? This year's theme is inline skating!

Shaw: Inline skates? I wanted to ask, how come your bag is as heavy as a block of iron?

Shaw: But that's alright, you're not stupid enough to bring a whole bunch of skateboards with you.

When he mentioned skateboarding, I couldn't help but blink.

Kasa: Ahem, I originally wanted to do a skateboarding themed event.

Kasa: But the space here isn't big enough, and I'm afraid I'll slip and fly out the window.

Shaw: ...You've thought this through very well.

Shaw: I thought you had another reason for choosing inline skates.

Kasa: Um?

Seeing that he seemed to be implying something, I was slow to react for a second before I realized what he meant. I smiled and moved closer to him, pretending to hold a microphone.

Kasa: Hahaha, that's right, that's exactly what you thought~

Kasa: —Deng deng deng—Deng—Deng—Deng deng

Seeing me humming a silly tune, Shaw silently flicked the tip of my nose.

Shaw: You said that yourself; I never thought that way.

Kasa: Really? I don't believe it!

Shaw: Believe it or not.

As he spoke, he squatted down, picked up the only pair of inline skates that were matching for couples, and put them on me.

Shaw: I was thinking about how I carried you the whole way last time you weren't wearing skates.

Shaw: But that's different now.

Kasa: What's the difference?

He pulled me up and shoved me forward, the sudden acceleration making my heart beat faster for no reason.

Shaw: Now we can go to farther places.

After changing to inline skates, Shaw took out a string of colorful ribbons from the nylon bag and turned to look at me.

Shaw: Where do I hang these?

I was taken aback and blinked.

Kasa: Besides coming with me, does the birthday person also needs to do the decorations themselves?

Shaw: Isn't it possible?

Kasa: Of course! Let's put it on the door; it'll make it look more lively!

After saying that, I took out a pop art-style decorative picture frame from my bag and hesitated in front of the wall.

Kasa: Hmm... should I hang it on the left or the right?

Shaw: The color scheme is better on the right.

Kasa: That makes sense, then let's go with the right side!

Shaw: Let's put the fireworks and firecrackers on the bar counter; that way they're easy to grab.

Kasa: Pfft, you're not going to set off fireworks to celebrate then, are you?

Shaw: Maybe, it depends on my mood.

And so, we rolled on, chatting as we went, through the small bar.

As the wheels scraped across the ground again and again, everything in my eyes gradually became colorful.

I never imagined that he would be involved from the very beginning on his birthday.

He could have been surrounded by overwhelming love and surprises during that brilliant moment.

But he quietly extended this brilliant yet fleeting moment, not missing a single second of today.

But how to say it?

Even if this is good, I still want to play an "unexpected" role in his life.

I'm glad I had a little extra thought and put the most important "surprise" in my bag beforehand.

While Shaw wasn't looking, I hid a thumb-sized object in a corner, and then excused myself to go to the restroom and left the bar.

---Part 3---

Around 10 PM, Isolated swaggered into the bar on inline skates.

Adam, leading the pack, did a side spin and came to a smooth stop in front of Shaw, grinning broadly.

Adam: Surprise! How about that? Aren't we brothers funny? We came all this way to celebrate your birthday.

Adam: If you don't shed a couple liters of tears today, we'll have wasted our trip.

Shaw: It's so late, why are you still daydreaming? Should I wake you up?

Shaw suddenly hooked his arm around Adam's neck, startling him so much that he yelled and frantically slapped Shaw's arm.

??: Hehehe, it's so lively here. All of Shaw's friends are here?

Just then, a familiar voice came from the doorway. We turned around and saw Professor Shen skating in.

My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly went to greet him.

Kasa: Professor Shen, you...

Shaw: Don't worry about him, he was the king of the skating rink when he was young.

Jensen: Professor Shen is clearly a master, and he's definitely still got it. Let me play some old songs for you to show off your skills!

Professor Shen nodded with a smile, then glanced around before turning his attention to me.

Professor Shen: This place has changed a lot since before. Kasa must have put a lot of effort into it, right?

Kasa: Well, Shaw deserves some of the credit too. A lot of the decorations are his handiwork~

Adam: Wow, you're such a clingy kid! You couldn't even wait for Kasa to prepare the surprise?

Shaw sneered as he listened, hooked his arm around Adam's neck again, and spoke through gritted teeth.

Shaw: Where's my gift? Did you come empty-handed?

The neon lights swayed to the beat of the drums, casting layers of dazzling colors on everyone's faces.

It gradually grew richer and more intense, finally bursting forth like fireworks—

Everyone & me: Happy birthday, Shaw!

As the clock struck twelve, colorful ribbons billowed in the air in flamboyant arcs.

Adam shook the beer can, popped the tab, and golden hops burst forth, bursting out like fireworks.

Shaw seemed to be enjoying the moment, casually making a "V" sign.

That smile shone brightly in the flashing lights, like a handful of summer sunshine.

Isolated: We are wishing you a carefree and unrestrained life, and that you carve out your own path to success!

Professor Shen: Shaw, may you shine even brighter as time goes by.

Shaw: Thanks.

After he raised his hand to clink glasses with everyone, his bright eyes fell clearly on me, as if asking, "Where is your blessing?"

I smiled and mouthed to him:

Kasa: "Don't rush, there's more."

I reached out and turned off the main light, and amidst the surprised looks from everyone, I pressed the remote control button in my hand.

With a click, the hidden device in the ceiling slowly started up, and an invisible conveyor belt extended from the end to the bar.

It arrived carrying cards of various colors, crowding and celebrating in the direction of the birthday celebrant.

Taking the lead, Adam skated over to the first card. He tilted his head as he glanced at it, then read it aloud with a smile.

Adam: "Although we are complete strangers, I can imagine you must be a cool and handsome guy."

Adam: My God, what is this?

Randal followed closely behind, moving closer to the note.

Randal: Hey, you haven't finished reading yet, there's more to come...

Randal: "Happy birthday! Keep pushing forward with your powerful music, and one day I'll recognize you on the top rock charts!"

At this moment, Jensen and Fitch also came to another card.

Jensen: "I wish to find a path through the flowers, straight into the depths of the white clouds, where my noble spirit will soar like a rainbow."

Jensen: "Seeing your cursive script immediately reminded me of this poem. Happy birthday, and I wish you great success."

Amidst a new round of well-wishes, Shaw jumped off his chair and slid along the note.

He read it with exceptional focus; each stroke of the text was like a gentle, silent rain, tenderly and sincerely nourishing him.

Adam, standing beside me, seemed to have guessed something and looked at the remote control in my hand.

Adam: Kasa, did you collect all of these?

Kasa: Yes, although they are all blessings from strangers... there's something a little different.

Seemingly hearing my voice, Shaw, who had already slid to the end of the bar, turned around and met my gaze from afar.

The lights were dim, but I still looked into those bright eyes.

Kasa: Before asking everyone to write down their blessings, I showed them some clips about you.

Kasa: Some people watched your performance; some touched your graffiti; and some admired your cursive calligraphy.

Kasa: So... they wrote these blessings after getting to know you briefly.

Kasa: I think this way, the blessings conveyed in the words will seem even more sincere.

Amidst cheerful cheers, Shaw approached me. He looked carefree and seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood.

Shaw: This can't be collected in ten days or half a month, right?

Kasa: Hehe, I did start planning this a long time ago. About a month or two in total, I guess?

Shaw: Oh, so the prelude to my birthday was this long.

Shaw: Now, shall we get to the point?

He paused, his gaze fixed on me.

Shaw: Where's your blessing?

Shaw: I've received blessings from all over the world, now I'm just missing yours.

I blinked.

Kasa: I really wanted to say something special, but...

Kasa: All I want to say to the person I like right now is the simplest thing—

Kasa: Happy birthday, Shaw.

---Part 4---

After the party ended, the bustling bar gradually quieted down.

Shaw and I sat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the waves surge under the moonlight.

I was a little distracted, glancing at the corner of the bar every now and then.

...What's going on? Hasn't he noticed yet?

Just as I was about to look away, I heard a soft laugh beside me.

Shaw: I don't know if some people are just too stupid or too patient.

Shaw: It's almost dawn, and they still haven't said a word.

Kasa: Huh? What?

Seeing that I was feigning ignorance, he seemed to surrender and took out a small wooden figurine, about the size of a thumb, from his pocket.

Bathed in the dim light, the little figure had blue-purple hair and wore a cool studded jacket.

Shaw: Is this your masterpiece?

I widened my eyes slightly and couldn't help but shake his hand excitedly.

Kasa: You finally found it! I thought you were going to miss out on it.

Shaw: ....

Shaw: Does that mean if I hadn't discovered it, you weren't planning to tell me?

Kasa: That's not it. We'll just have to activate Plan B so you can discover it then.

Shaw: So what is this? Me?

Kasa: Who else could it be but you? This little figure was specially made for you.

He held it high in front of his eyes, and as he moved his fingertips around, the round-headed little figure also turned.

Shaw: Tsk, since you made it yourself, why not make it bigger? I can't see the nose and eyes clearly at all.

Kasa: Because what you're holding now is a tiny, tiny, tiny Shaw, of course you can't see it clearly.

Shaw: ...How many small ones did you mention?

Kasa: ...Why are you focusing on this? Shouldn't you be curious about why there are so many small ones?

Shaw: Indeed, everyone is quite curious.

Seeing that he was unusually agreeing with me, I sat up straight and winked playfully.

Kasa: Because our Shaw grows up year by year!

Kasa: So, in front of you, the great Shaw, there will naturally be many little Shaws.

Shaw: ....

Shaw: There's more than one of these little creatures?

Shaw seemed to understand something; he casually tossed the little figure up and then caught it back in his palm.

Shaw: Where are the rest? Shouldn't you give me some hints?

Kasa: The clue is—"The path you led me along."

---

As dawn approached, in the quiet alley, our shadows intertwined on the cobblestone path, forming a long silhouette as we strolled side by side.

I still find it unbelievable that Shaw has produced a slightly chubby wooden figurine in his hand.

Kasa: How did you find one so quickly? I thought it would take you a while to figure out the trick.

Shaw: I'm not as stupid as you.

Shaw: You've only been here for two days, and you haven't been to many places besides the dormitory. How could you possibly have so many little Shaws to care for?

Shaw: Unless... you include your previous "wandering" as well.

As he spoke, he shook his phone, and the screen was filled with a collection of pictures from our recent chats.

Seeing that he spoke with perfect accuracy, I couldn't help but feel a sweet warmth in my heart.

Although we haven't seen each other for over two weeks, I've kept and looked at every single photo he sent, slowly sketching out his rich and colorful life.

He would send me selfies taken in grocery stores, telling me which store recognized him as an out-of-towner and cheated him out of money, and which store rounded down the price for him;

I even got to know all the cats and dogs in the village, because he took close-up photos of them so I could identify them;

Despite being a maverick lightning bolt, it was willing to slow down in front of me, allowing me to glimpse its full brilliance.

So when I actually set foot in this village, I didn't feel like a stranger at all.

Because he had already taken me through it once before.

Shaw: However, this much bigger little figure is quite interesting. Its appearance hasn't changed much, it's just...

His long, slender fingers rested on the tiny seam around the little man's belly.

Then, he pinched both ends of the little figure and gently pulled it apart, splitting it in two along the seam and revealing the hollow structure in the middle.

He raised an eyebrow and placed the original little figure into the hollow body, so that the two "Shaw" figures fit together perfectly.

Shaw: They really are Russian dolls. What kind of trick is this now?

Kasa: I won't tell you, you'll find out soon enough when you collect them all!

After saying that, I reached out and pushed his shoulder, then strode forward.

The sky gradually faded from its deep gloom, and a ray of dawn slowly emerged from the horizon.

With experience, Shaw became much faster, searching through different street corners to find one enlarged "Shaw" after another.

As the figure grows larger, the little man's expression becomes clearer, making his unrestrained demeanor even more vivid.

However, Shaw seemed to notice something, so he brought the little figure close to his eyes and observed it carefully.

Shaw: To be honest, your skills have improved; these little figures are practically identical to mine.

Shaw: But why do I always have that arrogant expression? Is that how you see me?

I shook my head and affectionately took his arm.

Kasa: Because... no matter what kind of Shaw he is, he is still Shaw.

Shaw: ....

Shaw: What kind of tongue twister is this?

Shaw: It seems you're going to go all out with the "tricks" of Russian dolls today.

Seeing that he was in a good mood while complaining, I nodded in agreement and pulled him toward the next wooden figurine.

Kasa: Such an important day should naturally be imbued with all sorts of wonderful meanings.

Kasa: You see... each of us comes into this world as a blank sheet of paper.

Kasa: Different experiences will add different textures to us, and different setbacks will mold us into different shapes.

Kasa: But whether it's Shaw as a child or Shaw now...

Kasa: He was always flamboyant and arrogant, with the audacity to overthrow everything.

Shaw: You think so highly of me?

Shaw: To be honest, there are some things I don't remember from before.

Shaw: But I'm sure I backed down a few times.

Kasa: Maybe so~ But the outcome won't change, otherwise you wouldn't always be yourself.

I paused, then couldn't help but poke the wooden figurine in his hand.

Kasa: Therefore, each of these little Shaws also symbolizes the future.

Kasa: No matter how many years pass, or how many difficulties are encountered... "Shaw" will gradually become stronger and stronger.

Kasa: But I know that fearless and flamboyant heart will not change.

As we spoke, we reached the edge of the shallows, where the last wooden figurine stood quietly behind a rock.

Next to the little figure were two bouquets of flowers, swaying gently in the sea breeze.

Shaw: Is this a celebration of my "level completion"?

The sound of the waves continued endlessly. I smiled, picked up two bouquets of flowers, and stuffed one of them into Shaw's arms.

Kasa: After all, some people like to add the finishing touches, so of course I have to prepare everything perfectly!

He raised his eyebrows, picked up the last wooden figurine, and merged it with the others.

Just then, the sky had completely cleared, and the golden sun hung high in the eastern sky.

The "Shaw" in his hand seemed to be clad in golden armor, majestic and carefree.

The next second, a wave suddenly crashed over us, gently washing over the tips of our shoes. I instinctively jumped back, but the person near me laughed.

Kasa: Why are you laughing?

Shaw put the wooden figurine into his pocket, revealing a carefree expression.

Shaw: I'm in good mood; thankfully it's summer now.

Shaw: So I can go crazy with you.

Shaw grabbed me tightly and ran towards the sea.

Without pausing, he seemed to break free from all constraints and rush towards the boundless blue sky.

The waves scattered the moment we entered, and countless crystal-clear water droplets sparkled in the sunlight.

The morning light slanted across our backs, making the moment I looked at him seem so hazy and dreamlike.

Amidst the clear sound of the waves, he raised my hand, laughing heartily and freely.

Shaw: Actually, you're wrong about one thing. I have changed over the years.

Shaw: I used to not think too far ahead.

Shaw: But since you came into my life, I sometimes imagine the future.

Kasa: ....!

I stared blankly at Shaw, but saw an entire world reflected in his eyes.

Shaw: But like you said, I'm still the same person, so I don't think too far ahead.

Shaw: At most... tomorrow.

Kasa: That's enough.

I couldn't help but squeeze his hand tighter.

Kasa: I will appear in every tomorrow you look forward to.

Kasa: Let's do anything we want to do together.

As dawn broke through the clouds, the sea was painted with a vibrant mix of orange and red, creating a dreamlike scene.

A new day begins, and all things come back to life.

Shaw was bathed in the morning light and laughed freely.

Shaw: Okay, but I don't like waiting for people.

Shaw: So I will come to see you "today".