Chuyun scratched his head, watching the clearly still-insecure girl. After a pause, he said gently to Han Youwei, "You really are the cutest girl I've ever met. I'm not lying."

Cute? Han Youwei's sweet face lit up as if she'd tasted honey. So Mom hadn't lied after all. Guilt flickered in her chest—she'd snapped at her mom today.

She'd apologize after school. Without Mom's help styling her, she'd never have heard those warm, handsome words from her senior.

Seeing the girl's joyful expression, Chuyun finally relaxed. He glanced at the giant clock on the distant bell tower—past eight. "Hey, which junior high class are you in? I'll walk you. Don't want you late."

"Not junior high. I'm a senior high student..."

Chuyun stared, disbelief clear. "Huh... I thought you were my junior."

"Ugh... Do I really look like a junior high kid?" Han Youwei whimpered, crushed.

She sighed inwardly. She drank milk daily, yet stayed tiny. Meanwhile, her... other parts grew embarrassingly large. She'd shrunk them a bit today—otherwise, she'd never dare come to school. Still, it felt uncomfortably tight.

"Well," Chuyun said kindly, "you're just so petite and cute. About my middle-school sister's height. That's why I mistook you. But you seem so shy... Did someone bully you before?"

"... "

Han Youwei's head dipped. Her eyes dimmed slowly.

Before, she'd been messy and glasses-wearing—a bookish girl whose only standout trait was her figure. Classmates ignored her, thinking her clumsy.

Worse, her wealthy background sparked jealous whispers among girls. Shy and seemingly slow, she became their quiet target. They never went too far—just sneaky tricks—but she never told anyone. Teachers noticed nothing. Her busy mom was rarely home.

Han Youwei grew quieter, doubting herself. Why didn't anyone like her? Her mom later intervened, scolding the bullies, but the damage lingered.

Chuyun realized he'd triggered bad memories. "Sorry," he rushed to add. "You're so cute—you'll be popular here. If anyone bothers you, tell me. I'll protect you."

"It's... fine."

Today was special. First time called cute. First time called pretty. First promise of protection. Her new-school anxiety, her panic over getting lost—all melted under his gentle care.

What if they could be friends? Would he want a clumsy girl like her? She peeked up shyly—only to lock eyes with him instantly.

Caught, her face flushed crimson. She ducked her head fast, cheeks burning, heat spreading to her pearl-white ears.

This girl blushed so easily. Those dewy pink ears looked ready to drip. Better ask her classroom first.

"Which senior one class are you in? I'll take you," Chuyun said.

"Um... 443, I think..."

Her whisper was barely audible, but Chuyun's sharp ears caught it. 443? His class?

"Class 443?"

"Mm-hmm..."

"No way—that's my class too."

Chuyun blinked in shock. Then it clicked: she was the one he was meant to save. Fate?

"Eh? Really?!" Han Youwei lifted her head, searching his face for lies. Seconds later, realizing her boldness, she shyly glanced at the grass.

Hehe... same class! Her fear of new classmates vanished instantly.

Unconsciously, she began leaning on him. His warmth sparked a tiny light in her dark world.

"Seriously," Chuyun smiled. "Crazy coincidence. Meeting a classmate before even entering homeroom—and such a cute one."

"... "

Called cute again. Her heart raced. Her face burned hotter. This strange, fluttering feeling...

"Ask me for help anytime. I'm Chuyun. Nice to meet you." He offered his hand.

"I... I'm Han Youwei."

She turned away shyly, extending her small, pale hand. His warm grip felt like melting sunshine.

"Beautiful name. Suits you."

He squeezed lightly—her hand was so soft, boneless—he dared not press harder, afraid to bruise her delicate skin.

"Han Youwei, let's head to class."

"Mm-hmm..."

Chuyun was so gentle. Promising to help her. Her first day... wasn't bad at all. A honey-sweet smile curled on her lips.

This was their first meeting. The start of her fall.