Under Sister Luo Xue’s patient guidance, my grades steadily improved to the middle of the class. I was overjoyed—no more scoldings from Grandpa.

Outside study hours, Luo Xue loved hearing my stories about the outside world, especially school life: classes, teachers, group activities. To me, they were dull, but she adored them. I forced myself to recount every detail.

Slowly, a question gnawed at me.

*Why does Luo Xue get to stay home and play every day, while I have to suffer through school?*

One ordinary afternoon, I blurted out:

"Xiao Xue, why don’t you go to school? I’m so jealous you get to play at home all day!"

"... "

She froze mid-laugh beside me. After a long silence, her silver brows lifted. Her voice turned icy.

"This isn’t something to envy."

"But... playing at home all day sounds fun!"

My confusion deepened.

"You wouldn’t understand."

Her tone sharpened. She shut down the question with stiff evasion.

*I guess it’s because she’s frail*, I thought. *If she eats well and rests, she’ll join us outside someday.*

I settled back into our quiet rhythm.

As I advanced grades, Luo Xue’s knowledge seemed to shrink. New lessons baffled her. When homework stumped her, her shoulders would slump. Head bowed, she’d puzzle over problems until finally puffing out her cheeks, frozen beside me.

"Lu Fan," she’d say quietly, staring at me, "I can’t keep up. You’re running too fast."

"It’s fine! I’ll ask the teacher and explain it to you. I’ll pull you along with me."

I’d always say that. Then I’d ask simpler questions—ones she could answer easily—just to see her smile.

Funny how things changed. I’d once been too shy to ask teachers *anything*, fearing ridicule for "stupid questions." But for Luo Xue’s smile? Anything.

Our study group flipped: I taught her lessons and kept her company. Our original deal—her knowledge for my time—was broken. She had nothing left to trade.

Yet I stayed. She noticed.

One day, the sensitive girl set down her pen. Her hands fidgeted; shoulders trembling slightly, fingers twisting together like tangled threads.

"Xiao Lu... if you don’t want to come anymore, just say so. I can’t teach you now. You don’t have to stay for my sake..." Her voice wavered.

"How can I not come? *I’m* teaching *you* now, and *you’re* keeping *me* company!" I refused firmly. Being with her had become habit. Stopping would feel like losing a limb.

"But... there are lively classmates outside. Go play with them. I just sit here listening to stories—I’m not really *playing* with you." Her voice dipped with defeat.

"They’re fine," I said, taking her hand. Her skin was porcelain-pale, beautiful, yet always icy cold. No amount of rubbing or warm breath could thaw it. "But I don’t want them. I want to stay with Xiao Xue. You’d be so lonely alone..."

"Really? Won’t you get bored?" Doubt clouded her eyes.

"Never." I clasped her bloodless fingers tightly. *My hands are warm. If I hold hers long enough, they’ll warm up too.*

Our study group ended abruptly when Mom moved us to the city for middle school. We called often. I’d try asking how she was, but she’d dodge it, pressing instead: "What did you learn today?"

"Study hard. Teach me everything when you’re back for break," she’d remind me, again and again.

"Everyone else just studies enough to pass! Why push so hard?" I’d grumble.

Her voice would tighten: "Others can coast. But you’re studying for *two* people—me included! How else will you teach me?"

"...Okay. I’ll try." I’d agree, just to hear her sigh happily.

Truth was, my new middle school was mediocre. Students mocked hard workers as "bookworms." They chased romance instead—clumsy, giggly "relationships" teachers ignored as long as classrooms stayed quiet. Looking back, it was all just a make-believe game.

That day, I was reading at my desk when a troublemaker called out:

"Lu Fan! Got a girlfriend?"

"Ha! This blockhead? Never!" Boys jeered.

Girls snickered behind hands:

"He’s so dull."

"No jokes. Zero charm."

"Only cares about textbooks, not love."

"...Who here actually *likes* Lu Fan? Hands up!" The boy jumped up, shouting.

Laughter erupted. No hands rose.

*Idiot. Even if someone liked me, who’d admit it like that?*

"I *do* have a girlfriend!" I snapped, standing up.

"Oh yeah? Where is she? Still in your mother-in-law’s belly?" Skeptical hoots followed.

I dialed Luo Xue immediately. She was a girl. My best friend. That counted.

"Xiao Lu?" Her voice sounded frail on the line.

"I—" My throat closed. *Do I confess now?*

"Give it here. You’re too slow." The boy snatched my phone.

"Are you Lu Fan’s girlfriend? How long have you known him?" he barked.

"... "

Silence stretched.

"No," Luo Xue’s voice came clear and cold. "We’re just friends. For over two years."

"LIAR!" The boy slammed my phone onto the desk. "Liar! Lu Fan’s a big fat liar!" The class chanted.

I ignored them. Stepping outside, I lifted the phone.

"Lu Fan? What happened?" Luo Xue’s voice was urgent now.

"Nothing. A classmate stole my phone. Just joking around."

"Lu Fan, I—"

I cut her off. *It’s just a game. We’re friends. Then why does this hurt?*

"...Class is starting. Gotta go."