"So... can we be friends?" Ning Caiwei asked, fidgeting slightly.

She’d been captivated by Ouyang Qianxue’s heroic silhouette the moment she appeared during Ning’s crisis. Their conversation afterward only deepened her admiration for Qianxue’s unexpectedly mature soul beneath that cool exterior. To Ning, Qianxue radiated a unique charm—every gesture, every word pulled her in like starlight. She couldn’t wait to know her better.

Ning squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for rejection. They’d just met, after all, and she’d caused Qianxue so much trouble. But—

"Sure thing," Qianxue replied lightly. "Fighting’s just how we broke the ice, right?"

"Really? That’s amazing!" Ning threw her arms around Qianxue in pure joy.

"Whoa—too close!" Qianxue’s cheeks flushed crimson as two soft pressures pressed against her chest.

"Sorry! Got carried away." Ning pulled back instantly.

"Oh! I almost forgot," Ning added suddenly. "Our bet—you said I’d owe you a favor if I lost. Decided what you want yet?"

"Eh, don’t sweat it. I never cared about that bet."

"What? Are you looking down on me? I’m an idol! A promise made in public must be kept!"

"...Then help me deal with Bai Yuxuan."

"Bai Yuxuan? Isn’t he your boyfriend?" Ning tilted her head.

"*What?*" Qianxue’s eyes widened. "What on earth made you think we’re dating?"

"Well..." Ning recalled how fiercely Bai had glared at her earlier when she threatened Qianxue. (*So Bai Yuxuan’s been crushing on her all along...*)

"Well?" Qianxue pressed.

"Oh! Everyone in class gossips about how perfect you two look together as desk partners. I just wondered..." Ning hesitated, hiding the real reason.

"Don’t believe campus rumors. Bai Yuxuan’s secretly scheming—I’d never date someone like him. Besides," Qianxue added firmly, "I’ve got bigger things to focus on right now. Romance isn’t on my list."

"I see..."

"Anyway, I should head back. Curfew’s soon." Qianxue turned to leave.

"Thank you so much today, Ouyang Qianxue."

"No need for formalities—we’re friends now. Call me Qianxue."

"Really? Then call me Caiwei too. See you tomorrow, Qianxue."

"Tomorrow, Caiwei."

As Qianxue slipped into the dorm past midnight, a car idled outside the school gates. A woman watched her enter, then dialed a number. "Sir, she’s back safely. I kept watch the whole way."

"Good work, Xiao Liu." Bai Yuxuan sighed in relief and hung up.

Inside the dark dorm room, Qianxue tiptoed to her bed. "Phew. Qian Wang’s already asleep—"

"*Who’s* asleep?" A shadow loomed behind her.

"*Yikes!*" Qianxue jumped. Moonlight revealed Qian Wang’s stern face.

"You weren’t answering your phone for *hours*! As your temporary guardian, how could I sleep?"

"My phone died..." Qianxue checked her powerless device.

"I was worried sick! Was comforting Ning Caiwei *that* time-consuming?"

"We lost track of time at the café. It got late, so I walked her home."

"*Caiwei?*" Qian Wang’s glare sharpened. "Half a day and you’re already on nickname terms? You still call *me* by my full name!"

"But your name’s two characters! I didn’t know what to—"

"Excuses."

"Qian-Qian... I’m sorry. Don’t be mad?" Qianxue pleaded with a sugary smile.

"That nickname gave me goosebumps. Ugh." Qian Wang turned away, hiding a face flushed like a ripe persimmon. "Just... call me Wang. I forgive you. Bed. Now."

---

Meanwhile, in her own room, Ning Caiwei stared at the ceiling. Sleep refused to come. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Qianxue’s fists flying against thugs, her calm voice soothing her tears.

*Might as well read manga.* She opened an app—and froze at a yuri title. The plot mirrored her day: a girl rescued from bullies by a stranger, their friendship blossoming into love.

*Weird. I used to hate these... but this feels so real. What if Qianxue and I...* She buried her face in a pillow, rolling wildly. *No! We’re just friends!*

But then she remembered the boys swarming her idol persona—all wanting her fame, her face. *Dating shallow guys? Or...* Qianxue’s fierce protectiveness flashed in her mind. *Maybe... dating a girl might not be so bad.* She murmured the words into her pillow, heart pounding.