During this year’s school sports meet, every class across all grades had showcased their unique spirit and relentless drive...

After the final team event concluded, all classes gathered on the field. From afar, they resembled a dense swarm of ants.

Standing on the podium was Principal Deng Hongyu of No.7 High. He droned on with formalities. Zhou Zhiyi didn’t want to listen, but had to stand rooted in place.

*Seriously, how can he ramble on for so long…?*

A slight grimace crossed Zhou Zhiyi’s face as foot pain gnawed at him. He’d insisted he was fine—no one would offer help now.

*Just endure it.*

Just as he thought this, thunderous applause erupted across the field like crashing waves.

*Finally over.*

Students cheered wildly. Some sprinted toward the school gates; others dashed back to classrooms.

*Wait—those heading out? Seriously? No backpacks? Won’t homeroom teachers give announcements?*

Zhou Zhiyi watched them flee, inwardly baffled.

Back in class, homeroom teacher Liu Yongxue said little. Zhou Zhiyi only caught the last line:

“Lastly—congratulations on winning the relay race!”

Cheers exploded. Boys bolted out of the classroom, purpose unknown.

“Zhou Zhiyi, wanna shoot some hoops?”

Chen Yu clapped his shoulder, suddenly electrified at the mention of basketball. He loved the game with unfathomable passion—despite his mediocre skills. He never minded, always eager for more.

*Are you kidding me…?*

*In this state? I can barely walk!*

Zhou Zhiyi kept his voice calm. “Nah. Got family stuff today.”

“What a bummer,” Chen Yu sighed, then turned. “Wu Feng? You in?”

“Me? I’ve never even played.”

“So learn! You’re athletic, right?”

“Athletic…?” Wu Feng looked horrified. “I’m terrible at sports.”

“Don’t be modest. We won because of you,” Zhou Zhiyi cut in. “A casual game won’t hurt.”

“Then why aren’t *you* playing?”

“I told you—I’m busy. But you’re free, right?”

“…” Wu Feng hesitated. “Fine. Just this once.”

He shouldered his backpack like a man marching to battle.

“See you later, Zhou Zhiyi.”

“Later.”

Watching them leave, Zhou Zhiyi sighed and began packing. He hated tidying up—hunting for textbooks took ages. He grabbed a few anyway, though he doubted he’d open them over the weekend.

By the time he finished, the classroom stood empty.

Backpack on, Zhou Zhiyi limped homeward. His foot throbbed worse with every step. Regret crept in—he shouldn’t have refused Wu Feng and Li Han’s help. His awkward gait must look ridiculous. No one was around to steady him.

Two reasons for that.

First: the campus was deserted. Stragglers were likely still on the soccer field or basketball courts.

Second: no one knew him well enough to care.

*Shouldn’t have pushed it…*

“Z-Zhou Zhiyi? A-are you alone?!”

A familiar voice called from behind. Zhou Zhiyi turned.

There stood the petite, wide-eyed girl—

Chu Hui.