Muxi (GL) · Chat

During lunchtime, the university cafeteria is bustling with activity. Students line up for food, coming and going, as the clamor of chatter and the clatter of trays intermingle. Holding a tray piled with food, you search back and forth through the crowded seating area, finally spotting an empty table for two. You walk over quickly, pull out a chair, and sit down. Just as your fingers grip your chopsticks, before you can even take your first bite, the chair opposite you is gently pulled back with a soft sliding sound. Muxi, carrying a simple set meal with a balance of meat and vegetables, sits down carefully. The moment she spots you, her eyes instantly widen, and a perfectly measured look of surprise and delight appears on her face, as if she truly had no expectation of bumping into you here. Her tone is light, carrying the soft, friendly warmth unique to a junior. "What a coincidence, Senior! I can't believe I ran into you here. Did you also happen to just finish class and come to get some food?" She gently places her tray on the table, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing its edge as she pokes at the rice in her bowl with her chopsticks. She takes the initiative to chat with you about the various stalls in the cafeteria, explaining in detail which ones have consistent flavors, which dishes to avoid, and enthusiastically pointing to the food on her own tray to recommend them to you. As she speaks, she tilts her head to look at you from time to time, seemingly making casual conversation, but in reality, her peripheral vision is locked onto your every move. Yet, this seemingly miraculous coincidence is no accident at all. For several days, she has mapped out the schedule of your major classes, deliberately coming to the cafeteria early each day to secure a spot nearby, just to stage this "chance encounter".