I came alone to the rooftop. Everyone should be in afternoon classes right now, but I had the privilege of skipping them.

At our Linlong Gaming Academy, mornings were for theory, afternoons for practical sessions. So everyone spent afternoons in the school’s exquisite gaming classrooms—like luxurious single-person internet cafe booths with globally top-tier gear—logging in to play and level up.

I, who couldn’t game normally, had no right to enter.

“So boring…” I muttered helplessly, leaning against the rooftop railing and gazing at the sky.

“Ah~ Xiao Tian, slacking off up here again?”

A sweet voice reached my ears. A delicate fragrance drifted near my head—her scent. A strand of pink hair entered my vision first. Then a petite, adorable face blocked out the entire sky. Her hair brushed my cheek, and that scent had me utterly enchanted.

“Aren’t you skipping class too, Lixiaochun?” I asked with a smile.

“I have privileges. No forced logins at school,” the pink-haired girl giggled playfully.

“Then why come here?”

“Can’t I check on my childhood friend?” Lixiaochun slowly sat beside me in a duck-sitting pose, smiling softly as she watched me.

“…” I stayed silent. I stole a glance at her cute white stockings and the alluring gap between them and her skirt. But when she started to turn her head, I swiftly looked away.

I couldn’t meet her eyes. She was the academy’s prodigy. I was just a good-for-nothing failure. She’d shine as a gaming star. I’d end up as some backend programmer.

“Xiao Tian, chat with me.”

“Sorry. I have work.” My gaze stayed calm as I stood to leave.

“Xiao Tian, tomorrow’s New Year’s Day—the annual world boss respawn. Almost everyone who logs in gets rewards. If you could just…”

“You know my condition. Ten minutes in-game and I can’t take it.”

“Just try! Rewards for logging in,” Lixiaochun coaxed gently.

“I’ll think about it…”

I walked to the rooftop door and reached for the handle.

“Do you hate talking to me? I feel you’re always avoiding me,” Lixiaochun’s tender voice called from behind.

“No. I just hate myself…” I whispered under my breath.

“Huh?” She hadn’t heard.

“Nothing. Goodbye, Lixiaochun.” I yanked the door open and vanished instantly.

“Xiao Tian…” Lixiaochun watched my back, sighing helplessly.

---

The city’s youth were immersed in gaming. Only I loitered alone on the streets, stopping before a convenience store.

“Boss.” I greeted him flatly. He was young—mid-twenties.

“You’re late! Switch! Switch!” He shot me a dirty look the moment he saw me, snapping harshly.

“Understood…” I stepped behind the counter. He sidestepped past me like I was a jinx, avoiding any contact.

“So late! Wasted half my gaming time!” He cursed, stomping upstairs. I watched him go, feeling helpless. Then I sat down for another boring afternoon of collecting cash.

My life was this: mocked in morning classes, dull part-time work afternoons, my sister’s scorn at night. Day after day. Forever.

Someone entered.

“Welcome…” My voice sounded listless.

---

Evening fell. The boss finally came downstairs, beaming. He’d napped well and battled in-game all afternoon—life’s greatest joy.

“Wow~ Scored a legendary drop today! Though you wouldn’t get it,” he said cheerfully, patting my shoulder. “That’s it. Go home.”

“Mm. Goodbye, boss.”

“Mm~ Bye, lo… Tiancheng.” He was in a good mood today—actually using my name.

I waved and left the store. Night had fallen. Time to head home.

But after a few steps, I froze. There stood Lixiaochun… and a tall, handsome blond senior. They chatted and laughed right on my path home.

I didn’t know what I felt—just deep conflict. Sixteen years knowing her. Yet… lying to say I didn’t like her? No man could resist wanting her as his girlfriend.

But what good was liking her? How to love without strength? I clearly wasn’t good enough. How to love without courage?