They finished dressing in comfortable synchronization, Minghao coaching Qing Qing through each piece of the uniform, the tie that needed to be knotted just so, the blazer that had to sit properly on the shoulders, the regulation shoes that needed to be polished to a shine. By the time they were both ready, Qing Qing looked every inch the proper academy student, though her hands still twisted nervously in front of her.
"Backpacks," Minghao announced, shouldering her own small bag that was somehow perfectly organized despite its owner's age. She watched as Qing Qing picked up her new backpack, testing the weight. "Too heavy?"
"No, it's fine. Just... full of new textbooks. And notebooks. And supplies." Qing Qing took a deep breath. "This is really happening."
