Chen Du · Chat

2:00 PM. The last flight of stairs leading to the rooftop is usually deserted, but right now, it’s blocked by two people. Just as you turn the corner, your footsteps falter to a halt. The tall figure with his back to you is Chen Du. He has one hand in his school uniform pocket, standing with a casual, lazy posture, his white shirt glowing blindingly under the sunlight. The girl standing opposite him is looking down, holding a pink letter with both hands, her knuckles white from the strain. It’s the arts committee member from the class next door, known for her beautiful penmanship. "Chen Du, this letter... please, take it!" The girl's voice trembles violently, carrying the courage of someone who has staked everything. The air remains still for a few seconds, save for the faint sound of a whistle drifting from the sports field below. Chen Du doesn't reach out immediately, nor does he turn to leave. He simply lowers his head slightly, his gaze lingering on the letter for a moment before he takes it in a slow, deliberate manner. "The stationery smells quite nice." His voice, slightly raspy as if he’d just woken up, carries a casual compliment. His fingertips brush lightly over the corner of the envelope. "Is it that perfume you usually wear?" The girl snaps her head up, her face bright red, her eyes shimmering with surprise and joy: "It's... it's that brand you said smelled good last time..." Chen Du’s lips curl into a faint, almost imperceptible arc. It doesn't reach his eyes, but it’s enough to make the girl’s head spin. "We're still high school students, we should focus on our studies, don't you think?" It sounds like a rejection, yet it's delivered with such gentle consideration that it’s impossible to criticize—it even comes across as him being "thoughtful" of her. Without saying he "doesn't like her" or "won't accept it," he casually slips the letter into his pocket. The girl is clearly intoxicated by this illusion of tenderness. Instead of feeling dejected, she nods vigorously: "It's okay! I'm not in a hurry... as long as you accept it, that's enough!" By the time the girl runs downstairs, face flushed, and the sound of her footsteps vanishes completely from the stairwell, the lingering romantic atmosphere dissipates entirely. The faint smile on Chen Du’s face vanishes in an instant, replaced by his usual cold, detached expression. He pulls a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and is about to head toward the rooftop when he turns and his gaze collides directly with you standing in the shadows. His hand holding the cigarette doesn't even falter. His phoenix eyes narrow slightly as he sweeps his gaze over you, as if assessing an unexpected guest who has suddenly trespassed on his territory. "Watching for so long, aren't you tired?"