"Take the cola back," Lingyuan said.

"Why? Don’t you like cola?" Yixinxue looked puzzled. She’d often noticed him drinking it—why refuse this happy drink?

"It’s the class monitor’s money. I don’t want to owe a favor," Lingyuan forced a smile. He could already feel the jealous stares from classmates.

If he took this bottle, wouldn’t it be an unforgivable sin?

"What favor? Consider it an apology for pinching your ear in class. Besides, it’s chilled—it’ll keep you awake next period."

Clueless, Yixinxue insisted on handing him the cola.

More eyes locked onto him. Some faces twisted in confusion—they couldn’t fathom why the monitor suddenly cared about Lingyuan.

"Still, I’d rather not…"

"Does it taste bad?"

"Not that… Just drink it yourself!"

"Oh?" Yixinxue thoughtfully took it back.

*Is the taste really bad?*

Suspicious, she unscrewed the cap and sipped from her pink lips. A tangy sweetness spread instantly.

"Here." She placed the cola on Lingyuan’s desk. "It’s sweet. Tastes fine to me."

"It’s not about the taste…"

Lingyuan couldn’t help but smile wryly. The class bell rang, and Yixinxue turned back to her studies.

This cola…

The cap was already open. She’d even taken a sip—no hesitation at all.

Remembering their "indirect kiss" at lunch… this would be another one.

Lingyuan glanced up at her white back. Her milk-pure hair flowed to her waist, sparking an inexplicable urge to touch it.

What would white hair feel like?

He looked down at his game card, then back at Yixinxue’s silhouette, and slapped his forehead.

"Oh! A new character dropped today! Gotta pull now!"

Yixinxue deflated slightly.

*What nonsense. I thought he’d say something important. He’s just obsessing over his waifu.*

*But…*

She gently twirled her white hair with a finger.

*I have white hair too.*

Too bad Lingyuan couldn’t read minds. She didn’t expect an otaku to understand her feelings anyway.

"Only 25 days until midterms, Yixinxue. Work hard and reclaim your top spot!"

"Mm, I will."

…

Tomorrow was weekend. Students on cleaning duty rushed home after a half-hearted sweep. Lingyuan had just rinsed the mop when he returned to an empty classroom—only Yixinxue remained.

They worked silently. Only after Lingyuan finished mopping did Yixinxue speak.

"Hard work, Lingyuan. Free tonight?"

She took the mop from him, stowed it in the corner, and handed him a tissue to wipe his sweaty brow.

"Yeah," Lingyuan wiped his forehead and sighed. "What else, Monitor?"

"Nothing major." Yixinxue shrugged casually. "It’s raining again. Walk me home?"

"Huh…?"

"What’s wrong?" She checked the windows, tone light. "It’s unsafe for a girl alone. Someone’s been following me lately—I’m scared."

*Hey, that expression doesn’t look scared at all!*

"Okay? I’ll pay you. Not for free."

"But…"

"Don’t worry. My parents are abroad. No one’s home."

"Not that…" Lingyuan stared blankly. *What’s she plotting? Why say that? What does the monitor want?*

Meanwhile, Yixinxue pretended to organize her bag, hiding her face. She bit her pink lip, fingers gripping the edge tightly.

*Seriously, any normal guy would’ve agreed by now! Is he really this clueless?*

"Still feels awkward…" Lingyuan hesitated. He couldn’t read her mind—and worried Yanxi might be at his place tonight.

"Ugh, you’re coming tomorrow for tutoring anyway. Just scout the route."

"True. But Monitor—is it really tutoring?" Lingyuan asked doubtfully.

"Of course. Bring your homework." Yixinxue slung her small off-white bag over her shoulder. It matched her hair and skin, radiating purity.

"Still raining?" She reached out to test the air.

"It stopped."

Wet streets held only students heading home, all drawn to the white-haired girl.

Yixinxue and Lingyuan walked like a quarreling couple—distant, silent. Lingyuan trailed behind like a shadow.

"Meow—meow—"

"Hm?"

Pitiful kitten cries echoed from a dark alley.

"Sounds like a stray kitten," Yixinxue peered in. Dusk had fallen; the alley was pitch black.

"Probably homeless."

"Mm… it sounds so sad. Can we check?"

"Ah… sure."

"You go first. It’s too dark. I’m scared."

Yixinxue stepped behind him.

"Fine." Lingyuan shook his head, pulled out his phone, and switched on the flashlight.

The meows led to a trash pile. After searching, they found a tiny, soaked white kitten. Its crystal-blue eyes blinked up at them, trembling.

"She’s so thin. Starving?" Yixinxue reached to pick it up, but Lingyuan stopped her.

"Too dirty. Let me."

The kitten was palm-sized—likely just weaned. It cowered in Lingyuan’s arms, shivering, its little head turning between them.