Mo Xuan couldn’t afford to oversleep after promising to study together at the library. He woke up early, showered, washed his hair, combed it neatly, and carefully put on his formal attire.

The boy in the mirror looked radiant—energetic, confident, his smile as bright as the morning sun.

He wasn’t aiming to stun like a celebrity, but since he was heading out with a girl, even just a neighbor, he figured he should look presentable. Clean. Neat.

Time checked out. Mo Xuan slung his backpack over one shoulder, humming lightly as he walked next door.

Tian Sirui, having risen even earlier and anticipated his arrival, was already waiting. After last night’s tears, her mood had settled. A soft smile graced her face as she sat properly on the living room sofa, hands resting her backpack on her lap.

Mo Xuan entered with a cheerful call. The moment his eyes landed on her, Tian Sirui quickly stood up.

“Morn—ah!” Mo Xuan blinked in surprise.

A faint blush dusted her cheeks. Twirling a strand of hair shyly, she murmured, “D-does it… not look good?”

Though today’s mission was drowning in practice problems and battling exam papers, this was her first time going out with a boy. She’d barely slept. At midnight, nerves sent her scrambling through her closet, laying every outfit on the bed. Two hours later, she’d finalized this look.

The light-blue knee-length dress hugged her slender frame. A long white sash cinched her waist—delicate, almost effortless to hold. The modest V-neck revealed just a hint of fair skin, tracing gentle curves. Her legs stood straight and close, white heels adding subtle height. Every line of her posture was poised, elegant—a sight hard to look away from.

Mo Xuan snapped out of his daze with a sheepish grin. Truth was, he rarely saw her out of school uniform, pajamas, or homewear. Weekends usually kept her indoors—unlike her restless younger brother. This transformation hit him like a quiet thunderclap.

Catching his brightened gaze, Tian Sirui ducked her head, fingers playing with her hair. A sweet warmth bloomed in her chest. *He noticed.* For a girl, few things felt better than silent approval after dressing up.

“Shall we go?” Mo Xuan asked.

“Mm.” She nodded obediently, lifted her bag, and followed him out.

The sky was clear blue, sunlight soft and generous. Wisps of cloud drifted lazily. Tian Sirui tilted her head up, eyes fixed on the emerald leaves above.

Mo Xuan walked beside her, shoulders aligned, pace deliberately slowed. His gaze stayed forward, steady.

A breeze swept down the street, lifting the hem of her dress and the edge of his coat.

Halfway there, Tian Sirui stole glances at him—then quickly looked away, cheeks tinged pink. *This isn’t so bad,* she thought. Pressure from school, family tension, worrying about her brother… yet beside her walked a reliable, steady neighbor who understood her, cared for her, and happened to be strikingly handsome. A faint, pleased smile touched her lips.

“Tian Sirui?”

“Ah—yes! I’m here.”

“Feeling any study stress lately?”

“A little… mostly math.”

“Math? No worries. I’m pretty good at it. Ask me anything.”

“Th-thank you…”

“Don’t thank me. We’re practically family. Though… there *is* a condition.” He turned, flashing a playful wink. “Are you cooking lunch today?”

“Uh… yes?”

“Then make me a portion too. Consider it today’s tutoring fee.” He grinned, skipping ahead lightly.

After a stunned pause, she nodded. Mo Xuan cheered inwardly—*Lunch secured!* Watching his cheerful bounce, she bit back a smile. Relief washed over her… followed by a tiny, silly pang of disappointment.

…

By the time they arrived, the city library was already open. Even on weekends, students filled the halls—but the space was vast, seats plentiful.

Mo Xuan, tall and sharp-looking; Tian Sirui, sweet-faced in her flowing dress—they drew glances the moment they stepped inside. Most eyes lingered on her: the simple elegance of her outfit, her untouched grace. At school, she was the quiet girl who vanished after class. This level of attention left her flustered. *Did I wear something wrong?* She dropped her gaze, fingers tightening on her bag strap.

Noticing her tension, Mo Xuan slowed, stepped behind her, and gently guided her forward with a hand on her shoulder—shielding her from the stares.

She stumbled back against his chest. Warmth flooded her cheeks. Flustered, she nearly tripped as he half-guided, half-ushered her onward—his presence a steady pressure against her back, brushing her hips with every step. Her pulse raced. Heat prickled under her skin.

Thankfully, the stairwell wall soon blocked the stares. Mo Xuan stepped back.

Breathing lightly, she whispered, “Why… were they all staring?”

She’d been to the library before—never like this. Those lingering male gazes had made her skin crawl. Without Mo Xuan beside her, she might’ve turned and run.

Mo Xuan fell into step beside her. “Because you look really pretty today.”

“Huh?” She blinked, confused.

He stopped, turned to her, and smiled—warm, genuine. “Tian Sirui, you’ve always been lovely. A little effort, and you’d rival anyone. When I saw you this morning, I almost thought a celebrity walked in. Don’t overthink it.”

He added softly, “Still… be mindful at home. Avoid sleepwear during the day. Lock your door at night. Try not to go out alone. Our neighborhood… isn’t the safest.”

She nodded earnestly. She knew Mo Xuan could be goofy, but his care was real. It moved her—and stirred a quiet insecurity.

He climbed a few steps ahead, back straight and strong.

“Oh—almost forgot.” He paused, glancing back. Tian Sirui’s heart fluttered.

“That dress… it suits you. Really.”

With a casual wave, he bounded up the stairs.

Tian Sirui stood still for a moment. Then, slowly, her eyes crinkled. For the first time that day, she smiled—a soft, happy, utterly content smile.