"Whoa, whoa, whoa—" Qiu Yi stumbled backward. "I was just buying a clay figurine from her! What’s your problem?"

"Really?"

"Seriously, yes."

"Tch. How boring."

The crowd dispersed with looks of disdain. Only Luo Liangjian persisted, badgering him: "Just a clay figurine? Where is it? Nothing else?"

"Honest. I paid her to make one. She’ll bring it tomorrow."

Luo Liangjian slunk back to his seat to cram homework.

Qiu Yi sat down. Ye Wen, still curious, slid a sticky note across his desk:

*Where’d you go?*

His heart fluttered. *She cares! Is she jealous?* Lost in fantasy, he snapped back only when Ye Wen poked his shoulder.

"Just... buying a clay figurine," he mumbled.

Ye Wen nodded. *Of course. Qiu Yi would never confess to a girl...*

It was an ordinary day—except for the sweet, love-charged air clinging to Feng Yulan and Jin Jiahui.

When the fourth-period bell rang, freshmen swarmed the cafeteria like bees. Seniors rarely joined; exam pressure kept teachers lecturing past the bell.

Wenlan Academy had two cafeterias: one for middle and elementary students, another for high schoolers. Both offered three lunch options. The food was decent—repetitive after a year, but Ye Wen never complained.

Cafeteria tables came in two sizes: long rectangles seating ten, and small squares for four. Ye Wen and Jin Jing claimed a small table. The empty seat stayed empty—no one dared intrude.

Jin Jing chatted with Lu Yu over lunch, occasionally glancing at Ye Wen for input. Ye Wen just nodded or shook her head.

Boys usually crowded around big tables. But today, Jin Jiahui and Feng Yulan snagged a window-side square table early. Sitting face-to-face, they looked like a couple in love.

*Clang.* Gu Fei dropped his tray beside Jin Jiahui. "Damn crowds. One minute late and you’re stuck in line. Then no seats left."

"Yeah... packed," Jin Jiahui muttered flatly.

They ate in silence, finished quickly, and left together.

"Acting like lovebirds," Gu Fei grumbled.

Back in class, Feng Yulan kept his promise. He pulled out textbooks. "Which subject first?"

"English..." Jin Jiahui groaned.

"English?"

"No—math! Start with math."

Feng Yulan tucked away the other books. "Okay." He began explaining patiently. "This problem looks complex but is simple. First, you..."

Jin Jiahui nodded along at first. Then his gaze drifted—to Feng Yulan’s single-lidded eyes, innocent and bright; his delicate nose; pearly teeth... and those soft, kissable lips.

Unconsciously, their faces drew closer. Close enough to feel each other’s breath.

"This concept is actually easy—" Feng Yulan turned, frowning. "Are you even listening?" Their lips collided.

"Mmph?!" Feng Yulan’s eyes flew wide. Three seconds of stunned silence. He jerked back, but Jin Jiahui yanked him close. Clumsy yet forceful, he pried open Feng Yulan’s mouth and thrust his tongue inside.

"Mmph!" Feng Yulan panicked, slapping Jin Jiahui’s shoulders.

His tongue was small, soft, tasting faintly sweet. Jin Jiahui almost didn’t let go. Tears welled in Feng Yulan’s eyes. In desperation, he bit down hard.

"Ah!" Jin Jiahui recoiled, clutching his mouth. Feng Yulan pressed against the wall, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

The classroom was nearly empty. The whole thing lasted ten seconds. No witnesses.

Feng Yulan stared at Jin Jiahui, tears spilling over.

"H-hey! Don’t cry..." Jin Jiahui whispered. "I’m sorry. Really sorry..."

*Plop.* A tear hit the floor.

"Please forgive me..."

"I... I think... we... it’s not right..." Feng Yulan choked out between sobs. "We’re both boys. Just... stop chasing me." The kiss felt like violation.

"No, I won’t do it again! I swear—"

"Enough." Feng Yulan turned away, wiping his eyes fiercely. He buried his face in his arms on the desk, ignoring Jin Jiahui.

Jin Jiahui reached out—hesitated—then pulled back. He pretended to read a novel, seeing nothing.

The inseparable pair from morning grew distant by afternoon. Feng Yulan didn’t speak to Jin Jiahui all day. Jin Jiahui drowned in guilt.

*Ding-ding-ding—* The dismissal bell rang. Jin Jiahui waited by the classroom door. Feng Yulan walked out, glanced at him, then exited through the opposite hallway.

"Ugh... ugh..." Jin Jiahui sighed heavily, exhaustion weighing his shoulders.

Feng Yulan’s heart churned. He *did* like Jin Jiahui. But morality chained him. Today’s kiss was just the spark.

*Haaah...* He stared at the azure sky, restless.