The class graduation photos arrived shortly after.

Each student got three copies—ten yuan per photo, all deducted from the class fund. When funds ran short, Hinokawa Yuriko generously covered the rest, earning warm applause.

She’d spent days gathering courage to confess to Leng Shuang. But every time she saw him buried in study, hesitation crept in. Again and again she postponed it, finally deciding: after the college entrance exam.

While she stayed still, Lin Mo took action—but only to help Leng Shuang review. Confident about Sakura University, she never worried tutoring him would hurt her own scores.

“So *that’s* how it works,” Leng Shuang murmured.

Desks pushed close during review sessions drew glances from girls—some shooting Lin Mo envious looks. As exams neared, study groups formed everywhere. Yu Mo had wanted to join them, but after watching their quiet dynamic, he wisely slipped off to play silent Monopoly with struggling classmates.

Hinokawa Yuriko’s eyes narrowed slightly. Her expression shadowed. Thoughts unreadable.

“The questions aren’t hard,” Lin Mo smiled, lips curving with quiet joy. “You’re just overthinking them.”

This was the first time she’d been this close. While explaining problems, she caught a faint, clean scent from him—a warmth bloomed in her chest. Physiology class had taught her well: this was instinct. At this age, curiosity about the opposite sex deepened. Yet Lin Mo held back carefully. Never crossing lines. Never even brushing his hand.

“Lin Mo… am I disturbing your review?” Leng Shuang asked, concern softening his solved-problem smile.

“No! Not at all! Of course not!” she replied instantly. *This rare chance to grow closer—I won’t let it go.*

“Thank you.”

He watched the lovely girl scratch her head with shy charm. His eyes crinkled into a tender arc. These days near Lin Mo confirmed it: he liked *her*. Heart fluttering like honey-filled warmth. Sweet. Comforting. Like soaking in a winter hot spring. So peaceful.

“Lin Mo, I’ve got a question too.”

A familiar voice cut in.

Leng Shuang looked up. Cherry-pink hair swayed in the window breeze—petals dancing, fragrance lingering. Hinokawa Yuriko pulled a chair beside him. A hair toss sent scent drifting toward him; he froze, dazed. Then her shoulder—accidental?—brushed his. A jolt. Like electricity.

“S-sure,” Lin Mo stammered, smile returning after a beat.

“Yu Mo, what’s got you grinning?” a boy called out.

Amid classroom chatter, Leng Shuang caught the name. He glanced back. Yu Mo smirked, shooting him a sidelong look brimming with playful mischief.

*This guy!*

Leng Shuang shot him a glare and dove back into study.

------

High school’s final stretch vanished in a blink. Exam day arrived.

Holding his essentials, Leng Shuang waited at the gate—heart pounding with excitement and nerves. *Second time taking this exam… different world, same tension.* For ordinary people, this was one of few true paths to change fate. Getting into *any* university in Sakura District—even the humblest—felt like a carp leaping the dragon gate: a clear road to a good future.

“Good luck!”

He turned. Only Hinokawa Yuriko had that signature cherry-pink hair.

“Good luck!” he smiled. “Yuriko, you’re on this floor too?”

“I… yes! My exam room’s here too,” she said. Eyelashes fluttered, then melted into a smile. Her fox-like eyes held enchanting warmth—gazing into them felt like sinking into velvet.

“Huh? I thought I was the only one in Building 3, Floor 4,” Leng Shuang said, relief softening his shoulders. Sakura High was huge; randomized seating left many alone on exam day. He’d felt among the unluckiest—no familiar faces in his room, his building… until now.

“Haha, I had no idea you were here!” Yuriko laughed. “Confident?”

“I am. Reviewed hard these days. You?”

“Me too. After Lin Mo tutored us? We *owe* her confidence.”

“True… Hope helping us didn’t hurt *her* exam,” Leng Shuang murmured, worry dimming his eyes.

Yuriko’s brows furrowed slightly—a shadow in her gaze—then vanished behind a smile.

“She’s fine. Said herself: Sakura University’s locked. Any school in Sakura District? Even easier.”

“Right.” He smiled.

*Ding-ding-ding-ding~*

“Time to go in. Relax. Worst case? Come work at my place.”

“Haha… if it happens, I’ll count on you.”

She left toward the restroom. Leng Shuang watched her confident stride, smiling.

But at the exam hall entrance—no Yuriko.

…She wasn’t assigned to this building at all.