During afternoon class, Li Mo didn’t sit with Tang Zhe as usual. For the first time ever, she took a seat up front.

Truth was, the front rows were nearly empty anyway—her sitting there alone barely mattered.

The moment class ended, she vanished. Since the last two periods were back-to-back, she’d slip in at the very last second before the bell, then sneak back to her seat unnoticed.

Was she running a spy mission or what?

They’d always huddled together during class, gaming on their phones. Today’s distance left the other three groaning—how could they coordinate? And Li Mo, being terrible at games, was always the first one taken out.

“Luckily,” she’d quit ten minutes before dismissal, giving them just enough time for one proper round.

But when Tang Zhe looked up, Li Mo was already gone.

Probably used *that* classic trick: claim bathroom break minutes before class ends… and “use” it straight till the bell.

So sly.

Still, she wasn’t skipping on purpose.

Club meeting. First pre-event gathering was mandatory for “club spirit”—skip it, lose next month’s points.

Brutal. She’d never have gone otherwise. Huang Ziyin totally set her up. She’d walked straight into a den of thieves.

“Where are you?”

“Last class ran late! Skipped the final ten minutes—almost there.”

Other members? Bursting with enthusiasm. Meeting announced, they all rushed over, skipping whatever. Only a few absent—including Li Mo.

Huang Ziyin was already texting her to hurry.

Meeting held in a first-floor classroom. Li Mo crouched low, sneaking in through the back door—but pointless. Everyone seated. Only movement at the very back: a giant black rat. Anyone with eyes spotted her.

“Ahem,” the president cleared her throat. “For latecomers: big expo on National Day, October 1st. Our club’s setting up a booth. Members needed for setup, promo, cosplay division too. Participants earn four second classroom activity points. DM me to sign up.”

“Hey,” Li Mo whispered, “if we just coast two points a month… is that enough?”

Hearing “points,” she didn’t think of earning them—just turned to Huang Ziyin with a basic math check.

“Twelve a year including holidays. Junior year only counts first semester… total around 36. Minus breaks, maybe 30? Still less than half.”

Tsk.

Should’ve joined two clubs. Guaranteed 60 points. Rumor said class group sessions gave points too—enough to slack off for years.

Regret hit hard.

Ugh. Should’ve just slept that night and found a club properly the next day.

“Join? Let’s sign up together. Free comic con visit—so sweet!”

Li Mo hesitated. Huang Ziyin didn’t. Rare chance. Club only booths at mid-to-large local cons—maybe twice a year. Free entry? Who doesn’t love a free ride?

“But… I’m not really into comic cons.”

Last time she’d secretly followed Tang Zhe to a guild meetup left trauma: exhausting, packed, nearly trampled.

Ew…

Just thinking about it sent chills down her spine.

Nah. If points ran low, she’d snag activities from other clubs later.

“Don’t worry—it’s fun! Like shopping. You’ll love it.”

Huang Ziyin assumed Li Mo was just inexperienced. Ever optimistic: “Tons will sign up. Might not even get picked. I’ll register us both, okay?”

“Wait—no—”

…

Too late. Message sent.

Li Mo couldn’t snatch the phone to recall it.

“Ugh… Whatever. Probably won’t get selected anyway.”

“I’ll post the list tonight,” the president added. “Group chat for participants. Not chosen? Don’t worry—we’ve got many events. Come visit the booth anyway!”

President stepped down. Everyone scattered—go eat, go play, wait for the list. Li Mo arrived late; ten minutes for her, thirty for the meeting.

She didn’t want to go anyway. Others hoping to be picked… that vague “next time” felt like a cheap consolation. Li Mo almost winced for them.

Huh?

If *she* got picked… she could just give up her spot. Perfect!

“C’mon, Mo Mo. Dinner plans? Try that place I recommended—trust me, super tasty.”

Li Mo stood to leave. Huang Ziyin instantly linked arms, popping the dinner-and-queue-up invitation.

“…Fine.”

(Reluctantly accepted.)

Wait—did this girl have no other friends?

“No plans tonight? My friends always squeeze dinner with roommates.”

Curiosity slipped out. Li Mo instantly regretted it, bracing to apologize.

“Pfft. My three roommates and I just don’t vibe. Zero to talk about.”

Luckily, Huang Ziyin didn’t mind.

“Oh… sorry.”

“Sorry for what? Happens all the time. Can’t expect everyone to click like us. C’mon—barely ate lunch, starving!”

Yep. Dorm life was scary.

Surface calm, heart still uneasy.

Different personalities aside, Li Mo was clearly Huang Ziyin’s type—struggling to connect with those who didn’t share her wavelength.

Maybe out of “fellow misfit” sympathy… she was starting to accept this weird new friend.

(Except idiots. Obviously.)

“Linlin?”

“What are *you* doing here?”

Li Mo and Huang Ziyin exited back door heading forward; Chabei Zi left front door walking back. Paths crossed.

“I’m in Anime Club too—makes sense! Anyone playing *that* game’s basically an otaku, right?”

“What game?” Huang Ziyin blinked, utterly lost.

Didn’t Li Mo say she wasn’t into anime stuff?

“Get lost!” Li Mo snapped, reputation crumbling. “I’m just here for the character designs! Play ’cause avatars are cute. Screw your weeb shit—get lost!”

“You’re so harsh…”