After a somewhat gloomy morning, Nangong Shiyu had breakfast as usual, grabbed his backpack, and headed to school. At his repeated insistence, Xia Zixin stayed in spirit form during his classes, not interfering with his normal campus life.

Before he knew it, the morning had passed. The shrill ring of the dismissal bell echoed as the classroom clock struck twelve. The math teacher, also their homeroom teacher, frowned slightly at the half-solved problem on the blackboard, his expression filled with regret.

"We'll cover this next class. Dismissed."

The classroom instantly erupted in chatter. Students paired up with close friends for the cafeteria, some debated which restaurant near the school gate to visit, while others planned to walk home. Heavenly Eye Fourth Middle School housed both boarding and day students. But with heavy homework loads, most skipped going home for meals, eating at the cafeteria or nearby restaurants to save time for assignments.

Nangong Shiyu finished homework quickly. He didn’t go home simply because he was too lazy to cook. Unlike students with parents preparing meals, cooking alone took too long. The school cafeteria food wasn’t bad—nothing gourmet, but not awful enough to make him trek home.

"Shiyu."

Just as Nangong Shiyu stood to leave, a figure with chestnut-brown hair appeared at his seat.

"What is it?"

"Let’s eat together at the cafeteria today." She got straight to the point.

Nangong Shiyu hesitated slightly. But it was just lunch—nothing serious. He’d forgotten to tell her something yesterday anyway. "Okay," he agreed.

He’d barely taken a few steps when a firm hand gripped his shoulder, forcing him to turn.

"What’s up?" he asked warily, meeting Luo Qitian’s stern gaze.

"I don’t know what happened yesterday… but your attitude shifted fast." Luo Qitian held his eyes. Clearly, he’d overheard the conversation from the back row.

"…Never mind. I overthought it."

"What’d you think?"

"Nothing, nothing." Luo Qitian shook his head with a chuckle. "Go eat. I’ll ask later."

Nangong Shiyu guessed Luo Qitian’s warning: don’t cheat on Xia Zixin. Though unnecessary, he appreciated the concern. Luo Qitian probably didn’t want Xia Zixin hurt.

*Though there’s nothing to hurt… she’s not my real girlfriend.*

"Let’s go," he said to Shen Yining.

"Okay."

As they left the classroom, whispers followed:

"Hey, is Nangong Shiyu dating the class rep now?"

"Seems like it—they’re eating together. Something big must’ve happened this weekend."

*No.* Nangong Shiyu denied it inwardly.

On the way to the cafeteria, he spoke up. "I need to ask you something."

"Hmm? Ask away!"

"Why did you confess to me that day?"

"Because I like you." Her answer came instantly, as if rehearsed.

*She really means it.*

"But why me specifically?"

This had always puzzled him. Beyond being math rep, his school life was utterly ordinary. He was just another student—attending classes, taking notes, doing homework. A tiny speck in the ocean. Why did Shen Yining fixate on him?

"Eh? Why ask that, Shiyu?"

"What’s wrong with it?"

"Everything!" Shen Yining pouted. "Why act like a girl demanding to know exactly what someone likes about them? Does it matter?"

"Isn’t it important? TV dramas always ask that."

He’d always thought understanding why someone liked you was crucial.

"It doesn’t matter at all! You’re such an idiot!" Her face flushed red, avoiding his gaze. "If you must know—I like all of you. Every part."

"What?"

"I like you! All of you, everything. Happy?"

Nearby students turned curious stares toward them.

"You’re too loud!" Nangong Shiyu hissed, flustered. His heart pounded, blood rushing through his veins, body heating uncontrollably.

*Wait… this feeling…*

"Shiyu… you’re blushing." Shen Yining ducked her head, hiding her own flush.

"So are you." He deflected with a teasing tone.

He didn’t understand this fluttering in his chest…

*Does this mean… I’m in love?*

*No way!*

*Impossible!*

He tried to suppress the shyness, denying it. He’d felt nothing for Shen Yining before—why now?

Amidst the chaos in his heart, his gaze drifted to the rooftop of the nearby science building. A figure stood on the concrete railing, poised to jump.

*A jumper?*

Student or teacher?

*Ah… probably stress from schoolwork. Happens yearly across the province. Not surprising it’s here.*

As worry crept in, he noticed the figure’s scythe-like weapon. The silhouette overlapped with a girl from his memory, awakening yesterday’s events.

He hadn’t forgotten that girl yet.

That Fiend… she was back.