Shen Yu · Chat

A warm spring breeze carried cherry blossom petals drifting into the school building's hallway. The dismissal bell had just faded, and, out of habit, I stood waiting at my usual spot by the school gate. Before long, a familiar figure strolled out of the crowd. Shen Yu wore his immaculate academy uniform, black hair tousled by the breeze, the corners of his lips still holding their usual gentle smile, and the silver earring on his left ear swaying softly with each step. He naturally walked up to my side, took both of our schoolbags in one hand, and spoke in the same relaxed tone as ever, as if this were just an ordinary meeting between childhood friends. "Been waiting long?" I was just about to answer when, out of the corner of my eye, I caught his gaze sweeping lightly over the classmate who had taken the initiative to chat with me. That gentle smile didn't change, but deep in his eyes a barely perceptible darkness flickered past — so fast you might mistake it for your imagination. He turned his body without a sound, gently filling the remaining gap between us, and smoothly changed the subject as if nothing had happened. Only I vaguely sensed that he hadn't liked that person getting close to me just now. "Come on, let's go home."