Lin Muke and I boarded the bus together. But thanks to the morning rush hour, by the time we got on, every seat was taken.

So we grabbed the overhead handrails and stood all the way to school.

The bus was packed. Alone, I never minded the commute—but with Lin Muke beside me, I couldn’t help worrying. She looked flustered, a little lost.

Lin Muke wasn’t some pampered rich girl, but her family was clearly well-off. She usually had a private car for school. Why she was on the bus today? Not my place to guess. Everyone has their reasons.

We faced each other. Being a guy, I was taller—she barely reached my chin. Head down, hands clasped, she seemed quietly nervous.

“First time on a regular bus?” I asked.

“N-no… I’ve ridden sightseeing buses before…” she replied.

Hmm. Not quite the same thing.

Just then, the bus jolted violently. I kept my balance—but Lin Muke let out a startled cry, stumbling backward.

Instinctively, I grabbed her arm and pulled her back. Momentum sent her stumbling straight into my chest. I caught the fresh scent of her hair, felt the soft press of her body, heard her quickened breath.

She froze in my arms. I snapped out of it, letting go. “Sorry, I—”

“I-it’s okay! Thank *you*…” She turned her head away, cheeks slightly flushed.

Honestly, Lin Muke always struck me as gentle and graceful—like a well-bred young lady. Maybe that’s why the guys unanimously called her class beauty. Looks mattered, sure, but personality mattered just as much.

If I had to say? She’d make an ideal partner—kind, thoughtful, the type who’d shine beside someone.

What did *she* think of me? I got along fine with classmates; teachers said I was clever but unfocused. Still, I tried to be polite to everyone.

No wonder she’d greet me or walk with me. Made sense.

We’d never really talked before. Now, standing close in the swaying bus, silence settled between us. I wanted to break it—but did she feel the same?

I opened my mouth.

“Um…”

“Classmate Ye…”

We spoke at the same time. Out of courtesy, I said, “You first.”

“No, Classmate Ye—you go ahead.”

A brief pause. Then we both laughed. The tension eased.

“Lately I’ve been a bit off. Haven’t helped much with class duties. Sorry you’ve had extra work,” I said honestly. Being vice monitor was often low-key—especially with a diligent class monitor like Lin Muke.

“N-no, it’s not busy at all,” she murmured, still looking down. But her tone carried quiet delight at my concern.

“Actually… Classmate Ye, you’ve seemed tired lately. Are you sick? Are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.

“Haha, no illness—just thanks for worrying!” I replied cheerfully. “If anything comes up in class, tell me. I’m your deputy. Two heads are better than one.”

“Mm-hmm!”

She nodded like an adorable little hamster. Petite frame, first-year student—but certain curves were already… impressively noticeable.

My gaze dipped downward. I knew staring was impolite… yet I couldn’t quite look away from those soft, rounded… curves.