By the time I finally caught my breath, school had long been out, and the sky had darkened.

Stepping out of the old building’s multimedia classroom, I headed toward my own classroom. My stomach still ached badly, so I hunched over like a shrimp, rubbing my belly as I walked.

“At this hour, the classroom won’t be locked already, will it? I haven’t even grabbed my homework yet.”

But when I reached it, the door was slightly ajar, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Pushing it open, I found the room completely empty.

Except for one person—alone at the back, dragging a mop across the floor.

I walked over and asked in surprise, “Class Rep, I don’t think it’s your turn to clean today, is it?”

The mop-wielder was indeed Tian Yao. Only after I spoke did she notice me. She tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled shyly. “Lin Mu wasn’t feeling well, so he asked me to cover for him.”

“But there should be others helping, right? I’ve seen you doing this alone so many times.”

“Everyone’s busy. Besides, I’m the class rep!”

She chuckled awkwardly, blushing deeply over such a simple remark.

“Oh, right—Zong Jun, why are you still here so late? You usually sneak home the moment club activities start.”

“…”

Faced with my silence, Tian Yao didn’t press further. She just nodded. “Is it something you can’t tell me? I see.”

Sorry, Class Rep. Those memories from the arts club? I’ve locked them away to rot with my corpse in the grave. I won’t say a word.

I changed the subject. “It’s late. Let me help you clean up.”

“Huh? No need—I’m almost done.”

“Well…” I swung my backpack in front of her. “Want to walk home together?”

“Is… is that okay?”

Tian Yao looked startled, then lowered her head shyly, speaking softly.

“If you don’t mind…”

Her words were innocent, but seeing her flustered face made me blush too. I turned away. “Don’t be silly. Hurry up and pack. It’s not safe for a girl to walk alone this late.”

“Okay.”

She returned the mop to the storage corner at the back, then gathered her things at her desk.

…

Tian Yao and I left school together. She kept trailing behind me, maintaining a careful, awkward distance.

“Hey…”

I turned back with a sigh. “You don’t have to stay that far away. It’s hard to talk like this.”

“Oh! Sorry—it’s my fault.”

She apologized hastily, then jogged two steps to walk beside me.

Why apologize for something so trivial?

I wanted to say it, but I knew she’d just panic and apologize again. So I stayed quiet.

After walking side by side for a while, Tian Yao asked curiously, “Zong Jun, is your stomach still bothering you? You’ve been hunched over this whole time.”

“…”

“Another thing you can’t tell me? I’m sorry for prying.”

Ugh, it’s not that I don’t want to share why my stomach hurts—but your concern really warms me. No need to apologize!

To keep her from blaming herself, I stammered an explanation. “Just a bit of diarrhea since club activities. My legs are still numb from it.”

“Oh dear—you should see a doctor.”

She looked ready to drag me straight to the hospital. I waved my hands frantically. “No, really—I’m fine now.”

“Don’t push yourself.”

“I’m not! See? Perfectly healthy.”

I stretched my arms dramatically, flexing muscles invisible to the naked eye to prove my strength.

Tian Yao giggled behind her hand, unable to stop laughing.

“But if it acts up again, promise you’ll see a doctor?”

“Class Rep, you remind me of my grandma back in the countryside.”

“Are you calling me kind? Hehe, no way.”

“No—just as naggy as her.”

“So I really am that naggy? I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t get down about it. I was joking!”

This girl really sinks into gloom over the smallest things.

As we chatted, we reached a crossroads. Tian Yao should’ve turned left for the bus home, while I needed to cross straight ahead.

Normally, she’d say goodbye here—but for some reason, she stood beside me waiting for the traffic light.

“Shall I walk you to the bus stop?”

She shook her head. “No thanks. Actually… I’m not heading home yet.”

“What’s up? Your family will worry if you’re out this late.”

“Nothing major… Just a classmate’s been absent a long time. The teacher asked me to check on her.”

“Huh? Someone’s been skipping class? I had no idea.”

“Yeah. Not since we split into new classes for sophomore year.”

“That’s almost a month! With absences like that, is she dropping out?”

“I don’t know. But I’ll try to convince her to come back.”

Watching her earnest face, I grumbled, “Why dump this on you, Class Rep? Shouldn’t the study committee handle absences?”

“Because I’m the class rep!”

She smiled at me—but to me, it looked forced.

I frowned. “You always say that. That’s why they pile everything on you. Aren’t you being taken advantage of?”

It wasn’t my business, but it left a sour taste in my mouth.

Tian Yao waved her hands anxiously. “No, no! They trust me with these tasks. And helping classmates is a rep’s duty, right?”

“You should learn to say no sometimes.”

She fell silent, giving no reply.

Just then, the crosswalk light turned green. I stepped off the curb onto the sidewalk, heading across. “Let’s go,” I said to Tian Yao beside me.

She nodded quietly, “Mm,” then hurried to match my pace, walking shoulder to shoulder.