Behind Zhou Zhiyi wasn’t just Chu Hui—beside her stood a bespectacled girl. Most likely her friend.

The girl had an utterly forgettable face, but a slender figure that wasn’t overly so.

"I prefer being a lone wolf in the wind."

"W-what are you even saying…"

Chu Hui stared at Zhou Zhiyi, a faint flush on her cheeks. Was it from fever?

"Need me to help you walk?" she asked gently, as if she already knew his condition.

Hardly surprising—Zhou Zhiyi’s wobbly steps were painfully obvious.

But letting *her*, a fellow patient, support him? Even more ridiculous.

Especially with her friend watching. Heat crept up Zhou Zhiyi’s neck.

"No thanks. I don’t need a sick girl propping me up."

"I’m not sick! I haven’t been to school all day—I’m perfectly fine!" Chu Hui insisted like a child. "Y-you can barely stand. Let me help you back."

"You sound just like a wife," the bespectacled girl beside Chu Hui blurted out, giggling.

Chu Hui’s face flushed crimson instantly. "W-wife?! D-don’t be silly, Du Hongyue!"

"I’m serious! You two look perfect together." Du Hongyue glanced at Zhou Zhiyi. "Your face is red too? Well, I’ll take my leave. Being a third wheel’s no fun."

"It’s n—"

Before Zhou Zhiyi could deny it, Du Hongyue dashed off.

*So lively…*

"D-don’t mind Du Hongyue," Chu Hui murmured, head lowered. Her burning ears betrayed her flushed state.

"Hey… you really gonna help me?" Zhou Zhiyi watched her draw closer.

"At this rate, you won’t make it ten steps."

"…" He had to admit she was right. "Fine. Thanks."

"Then your debt’s cleared!"

"Since when does that work?"

"Just kidding. I’ll pay you back later." She smiled.

Chu Hui was half a head shorter than Zhou Zhiyi. Their awkward, clinging walk drew stares.

If not for his throbbing ankle, he’d never have allowed this.

Their bodies nearly touched. Had her chest been any larger, it would’ve brushed against him.

The scent of gardenia filled his nose. Zhou Zhiyi felt lightheaded.

He’d never been thick-skinned—and this closeness was overwhelming.

*First time this close to a girl…*

His heart hammered wildly. *Can she hear it?*

"I watched the relay race," Chu Hui broke the silence. "You were amazing, Zhou Zhiyi."

"Nothing compared to Wu Feng…" The words slipped out before he could stop them.

"N-no! To me, you’re the strongest."

*How do I even respond to that?!*

His face burned as fiercely as hers, steam nearly rising from his skin.

"T-thanks. I’m not that great, really."

No false modesty—he owed it all to his Fate Mark of the Male Lead’s Rival. Without it, he’d be utterly ordinary.

"Ab—"

"We’re here." Zhou Zhiyi cut her off abruptly. "See you."

"Wait!"

Chu Hui’s voice shot up, desperate. Her face was flushed, her movements flustered.

"H-hold on, okay?"

She stepped back, releasing his arm like she’d made a decision. Then stood squarely before him.

*This feeling…*

*Is she…?*

Silence choked the air. Zhou Zhiyi’s breath hitched. Words stuck in his throat.

Something was about to happen.

"C-can you… lower your head?"

"O-of course. But why?"

His guess felt terrifyingly close. He bent down slowly, mind blank as a frozen screen.

Chu Hui trembled violently. Shame painted her face, ears, and neck a deep, feverish crimson.

She rose on tiptoes.

Pressed her soft, petal-like lips against his.

Warm with a girl’s heat.