Flying to the Unknown You (1)

Prologue: Twilight Before Ignition The twilight painted the launchpad the color of honey. The white rocket stood silently between the supports, like a string about to be plucked. Ji Yiheng clicked the safety belt into the last slot and looked back. Xia Yucheng leaned against the window, holding an old astronomical telescope – their first anniversary gift from Earth. "Are you settled?" he asked softly. "Settled," Xia Yucheng smiled and pointed out the window. "Look, our engines have roasted the clouds into golden marshmallows." (To be continued)