Lin Beixing turned her head slightly, her gaze secretly lingering on the cola in Lu Yu’s hand.

She rarely got to drink beverages. If she hadn’t broken the “no drinks” taboo yesterday using Lu Yu’s body, she wouldn’t be craving it this much now.

But cola really was delicious.

If she weren’t so shy, she’d snatch it from his hand and gulp it down just like he did.

“…”

Lu Yu froze for a heartbeat. He didn’t get how much “just a tiny bit” meant to her.

Besides, he’d already drunk straight from the bottle—passing it directly felt awkward.

A thought struck him. He tilted the bottle and poured a small amount into the cap.

The cap was barely bigger than a fingertip. Tentatively, he handed the cola-filled cap to Lin Beixing.

She took it without hesitation, brought it to her soft lips, and sipped gently.

Her thin, pink lips oddly suited the tiny container.

Eyes closed like a cat’s, her nimble tongue caught even the last drop at the corner of her mouth.

“Here you go…”

She returned the cap with a hint of embarrassment.

Truth was, that sip was just a taste—she didn’t dare drink more.

“Yesterday you said cola makes you fat. That you can’t drink beverages…”

Lu Yu murmured, watching her.

He’d actually believed her.

That’s why he’d held back all day using her body.

In the wide hallway, Lin Beixing walked ahead. Not catching his mutter, she glanced back. “Hm?”

“Nothing.” He waved it off.

Her body, her choice. He let it go.

“Hey, why did the math teacher call you to the office this morning?” Lin Beixing tilted her head, her clear black eyes reflecting his face.

She’d finished his homework yesterday—logically, the teacher shouldn’t have summoned him.

Lu Yu shrugged. “She found out someone else did my math homework.”

Lin Beixing’s brows furrowed slightly.

Teacher Zhang had taught them for three years. She knew every student’s handwriting. Even with Lin Beixing’s careful imitation, recognition wasn’t surprising.

“Sorry… I overstepped,” she said softly.

Lu Yu shook his head, silent.

He almost added: *Don’t promise teachers things like “I’ll study hard” using my body again.*

But… there likely wouldn’t be a next time.

Both avoided mentioning yesterday’s body-swap.

Bringing it up would only deepen the awkwardness.

Now, that impossible accident felt like a dream.

Unnoticed, Lu Yu had pulled ahead.

Lin Beixing followed his steps, gaze growing quietly desolate.

They were talking.

Yet this polite distance made words stick in her throat.

She wanted to ask—why abandon his studies? Why quit after reaching such heights?

But where did she stand? How could she begin?

As class monitor? Given his years of silence toward her role, he’d shut down.

Everyone has secrets. She had plenty herself.

What right did she have to demand his?

Calling it “helping a struggling classmate” was just an excuse.

Truth was, she was simply curious. And Lu Yu? He clearly needed no help.

All that “duty,” “responsibility”—just stories she told herself.

They returned to class, one after the other.

The moment Lu Yu reached his desk, Ren Jie straightened up, sharp eyes sizing him up.

“Bro Lu, back already?”

Lu Yu set the cola down.

“Obviously,” he shot Ren Jie a look. “Weren’t you squad-ing with Class Four at noon?”

“Pfft, how could I?” Ren Jie winked. “Just checking on Bro Lu’s love life.”

Lu Yu rolled his eyes and stayed silent.

Noon heat turned the classroom into a steamer.

Cicadas outside shrieked under the blazing sun.

Lu Yu always napped at noon. Even after sleeping all morning, drowsiness hit right on schedule.

He laid his head on the desk, ready to crash.

Ren Jie, starved for gossip, tugged his sleeve.

“Bro… don’t sleep?”

“What.”

“Play Happy Elimination with me?”

Ren Jie never wasted lunch breaks. Unlike Lu Yu, who squandered whole school days, Ren Jie still tried studying—though poor grades and a playful streak kept him behind.

He flipped occasionally. Unlike Lu Yu, who’d long stopped trying.

“Nah.” Lu Yu glanced at the cartoonish phone screen. Zero interest.

“You introduced me to it! Now you won’t play?”

Ren Jie pouted. Helpless as Lu Yu dozed off.

“Friday. This week’s ‘prison time’ ends soon. Weekend plans?”

He poked Lu Yu’s shoulder.

Lu Yu swatted the pesky hand away. “Tomorrow.”

“No internet cafe?”

Lu Yu hesitated. Home had a computer. Cafes offered better gear, vibes… and AC.

But—end of month. Empty pockets. The hungry kitten at home. His daily chicken leg.

“Nah.” Cold refusal.

Ren Jie sighed, “Aww…”

He spent the next hour solo-playing Happy Elimination.

Lu Yu slept soundly. Ren Jie noticed Lin Beixing chatting with Lan Xi from next class—all while glancing at Lu Yu. *Definitely talking about him.*

Ren Jie wished he could join. Too bad—being a guy kept him out of their circle.

*Ding-dong-dong~*

Friday’s dismissal bell rang—brighter, cheerier than usual.

Like a magic switch, it jolted Lu Yu awake.

He sat up, stretched stiff limbs, and packed his bag: phone, power bank, headphones, cable, the ever-present black pen.

Fewer books than accessories. The bag felt hollow—nothing like a senior’s.

The homeroom teacher droned on about Gaokao, perseverance, weekend review… Lu Yu heard none of it.

Ten minutes later, class ended.

He slung his bag and slipped out the back door.

Slept well. Felt ready to pull an all-nighter.

He walked fast—among the first to leave.

Friday dismissal came early; daylight still lingered.

The golden sun burned the top of his head.

At the gate steps, a familiar black sedan waited roadside.

From the passenger window, a woman’s gaze cut like winter frost, scanning exiting students.

In the back seat sat the blonde woman he recognized—Lin Beixing’s piano teacher, clutching a white notebook (sheet music, he guessed).

Even from afar, their silent pressure made his skin prickle.

He tightened his grip on the strap.

Then quietly descended the steps, heading toward his rental apartment.