In the end, Zhou Zhiyi still chose the second option. After finishing his drink, he pretended to be calm and said, "Let's go."

Qin Huan and Wu Feng lived along the same route, but unfortunately, Zhou Zhiyi headed in a different direction.

They’d probably say goodbye once they reached outside campus.

The small paths flanking the school were utterly quiet—no rustle of wind through leaves. Summer really was just stifling heat and silence.

He had to say something, right?

Zhou Zhiyi glanced at Qin Huan’s profile, his heart restless, yet words failed him.

He almost wished that blonde beauty would pop up with dialogue options to break this awkwardness.

"Uh, Qin Huan," Zhou Zhiyi finally blurted after a pause, feeling oddly relieved. "Why are you joining the sports meet?"

"For fun."

*Fun? How do I even respond to that?*

Zhou Zhiyi could chatter endlessly with anyone else, but with Qin Huan, he felt utterly helpless—like a mage facing someone immune to magic.

"What do you think of Wu Feng?"

*Wait, if you think I asked that, you’re dead wrong. I’d never make that mistake and let Qin Huan praise Wu Feng. Obviously, Qin Huan said it.*

"Eh, just some random extra."

*Yeah, right. If he’s an extra, I’m Extra Number Two.*

Zhou Zhiyi kept that thought to himself.

"Ordinary? Not really," Qin Huan replied. "He’s got plenty of good points."

*Of course you’d say that! Damn, is the protagonist’s aura really that irresistible?*

"Like what?"

"Gentle, considerate, can draw, loves anime..."

*Gentle and considerate...*

*Classic protagonist trait.*

*And loving anime counts as a plus? Isn’t that just standard otaku stuff?*

*Seriously, this main character glow-up is unreal.*

"Hold up—sounds like you’re describing a girl."

"Well, Wu Feng does act like one," Qin Huan chuckled. "You’re his best friend. Don’t you know that?"

"I guess so."

"What about his sports skills?"

"Terrible."

After Zhou Zhiyi said that, Qin Huan clearly froze for a moment, mouth opening as if to speak but staying silent.

"Sign-ups for the sports meet should start tomorrow or the day after," Qin Huan said, gazing at the pitch-black sky. "Anyway, I really hope you can convince Wu Feng to join."

"Why me? Can’t you do it yourself?"

Zhou Zhiyi snapped, oddly irritated.

"Hmph. What if he thinks I like him?"

*Isn’t that exactly it...*

*And relax—he’s the male lead. He’ll be too dense to notice!*

Seeing Qin Huan’s pretty face flush, Zhou Zhiyi sighed. "Why force him to join anyway?"

"He’s never joined any sports events. By senior year, it’ll be impossible. So it has to be now."

"That’s it?"

"That’s it!"

"Fine, fine! I’ll try, okay?"

Faced with Qin Huan’s stubborn expression, Zhou Zhiyi gave in.

But damn, he felt so annoyed...

*Why must the second male lead always help the male lead? I knew a sports meet arc wouldn’t let me shine! Of course the protagonist has to join!*

Before he realized it, they’d reached outside campus.

*So after the plot dialogue, it’s time to part ways?*

Qin Huan waved at Zhou Zhiyi. "Bye."

"Bye."

Zhou Zhiyi replied mechanically, then sighed.

What a thoroughly unsatisfying day...