In a corner of the city, in a small café, sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting its glow onto wooden tables, while the air was filled with the aroma of coffee beans. Li Yajing sat at her usual spot, flipping through an old book. Today, she had arranged to meet Chen Hao, their first meeting since graduating from university.
Li Yajing and Chen Hao had met during their college days, both students of literature. They often discussed literary works in the corners of the library, sharing dreams and plans for the future. Chen Hao's humor and talent deeply attracted Yajing, while her gentleness and wisdom captivated him. They quickly fell in love, becoming the envy of the campus.
However, after graduation, the pressures of reality gradually replaced their dreams. Chen Hao chose to stay in the city to pursue his career, while Yajing returned to her hometown to care for her sick mother. Frequent arguments ensued, and distance and time gradually drove them apart. Eventually, they made the painful decision to part ways.
Today's meeting was their first reunion since their breakup. Chen Hao entered through the door, his smile as bright as ever, as if time had not left a mark on his face. Yajing smiled faintly, feeling a surge of complex emotions inside.
"Long time no see, Yajing," Chen Hao said, sitting down with a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.
"Yeah, long time," Yajing replied, her voice slightly hoarse, her inner turmoil difficult to calm.
They reminisced about the past, recalling those beautiful moments. Suddenly, a butterfly fluttered outside the window, catching Yajing's attention. It was a pink butterfly, its wings adorned with beautiful patterns, as if arranged by fate.
"Do you remember that time we went on a picnic outside the city?" Yajing asked softly. "You said that butterfly looked just like my smile."
Chen Hao nodded, a touch of tenderness in his eyes. "Of course I do. That was one of our happiest times."
Yajing looked down at her wrist. It was a memory etched deep into her heart, one she knew she could never forget.
"Chen Hao, there's something I want to tell you," Yajing took a deep breath and pulled down her collar, revealing the tattoo on her chest. It was a pink butterfly with two roses blooming on either side.
Chen Hao froze, his eyes filled with shock and mixed emotions. "When did you get this?"
"Not long after we broke up. I wanted to commemorate our past," Yajing's voice trembled, tears glistening in her eyes. "The butterfly represents our once beautiful moments, and the roses are my love for you."
Chen Hao remained silent for a long time before whispering, "Yajing, I'm sorry."
Yajing shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "It's okay. The past is in the past. This tattoo is my tribute to our memories and my hope for the future."
They embraced for the last time before parting ways. Yajing knew this would be their final farewell. She gently touched the tattoo on her chest, feeling waves of bitterness and reluctance in her heart.
In that small café, sunlight still warmed the atmosphere, and the air still carried the scent of coffee beans. Yet in Li Yajing's heart, a memory was etched that could never be erased.