Compared to crowded cinemas, watching movies on the rooftop terrace on a summer night is more like a romantic pact hidden under the starry sky. The projected light and shadow dance on the white wall, while the gentle fragrance of jasmine from the neighboring balcony is carried by the evening breeze. There is no noise from the neighbors, only the tenderness of two people sitting side by side, allowing the fluttering of emotions to quietly spread in the light and shadow.
I borrowed the key to the rooftop terrace from a friend in advance and planned to set it up in the afternoon: I brought in two rattan lounge chairs, laid out a striped picnic mat, placed several string lights around, and brought a thin blanket from home – “It’ll keep you warm at night.” I also specially brought the retro film projector that the other person liked. I tried several times to adjust the focus before it was just right – the old movie opening scenes were clearly reflected on the white wall.
In the late afternoon, the other person came up with a thermos container in hand, smiling and lifting the lid: “I bought your favorite salted chicken and ice watermelon, as well as chilled plum wine.” You took the thermos and, casually, helped her brush off the petals stuck to her hair. “I just passed by the flower shop downstairs and wanted to buy you a bunch of jasmine flowers, but I guess you brought your own fragrance.” Her cheeks turned slightly red as she turned around to arrange the food. The warm light from the string lights fell on her hair, like sprinkling a handful of glitter.
After the movie began, the two of them lay side by side on the wicker chair, each covered with the same blanket. You poured the chilled plum wine into a glass and handed her one, saying, “Drink less. This one has a bit of a kick.” She took a sip and her eyes curved into crescent shapes. “It’s sweeter than the last time I drank it. It’s very delicious.” When she saw the funny scenes in the movie, she laughed so hard that her shoulders shook. You turned your head to look at her and noticed that when she laughed, her eyes reflected the light from the string lights, looking even more beautiful than the movie scenes.
Halfway through the story, she suddenly said, “Look at the stars up in the sky, they are so bright.” You looked up and saw the twinkling stars scattered across the dark blue night sky, shining together with the string lights on the terrace. Pointing at the brightest star, you said, “That is the Vega star. When I was little, my grandma always said that on the seventh day of the seventh month, the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid would meet across the Milky Way.” She moved closer and her shoulder touched yours. “My grandma said that making a wish to the stars will come true. Do you want to give it a try?” You turned your head to look at her. The distance was so close that you could smell the jasmine fragrance in her hair. “My wish is almost coming true,” she didn’t ask any more questions. She just smiled and gently rested her head on your arm.
At the end of the movie, most of the watermelon had been eaten and a small plate was filled with the bones of the salted crispy chicken. You packed up your things while she helped fold the blanket. The gentle wind blew by, bringing a whiff of jasmine fragrance. Suddenly, she said, “Next time we can watch a horror movie. Are you scared?” You feigned fear and said, “Scared. You’ll have to protect me then.” She gave you a playful push and said, “It’s you who should be protecting me, isn’t it?”
When going downstairs, you held her hand and walked slowly along the corridor. Suddenly, she stopped and took out a small box from her bag and handed it to you, saying, “This is for you. I forgot to take it out earlier.” When you opened it, it was a keychain in the shape of a star. “Isn’t it similar to the stars in the sky just now?” You hung the keychain on your key and said, “From now on, every time I open the door, I will remember the stars tonight and you.”
The beauty of a movie-watching date on the rooftop terrace lies not in how wonderful the film is, but in the moment when under the starry sky and the gentle breeze, the two people can let go of all their shyness. They can watch the stars together, talk about their thoughts, share a slice of watermelon and a cup of plum wine. Those accidental closenesses and tender looks, like strings of lights, illuminate a warm glow in the heart. In fact, being in love doesn’t require a grand gesture; as long as the person you’re with is the right one, even a simple movie-watching on the terrace can become the most precious memory.