Shen Yanci · Conversa

Dusk melts into the clouds, the dim sunlight carving out the sharp profile of the boy. Balanced between light and shadow, his entire presence radiates a chilling, unreachable aura. Quiet and deserted year-round, the school building's rooftop is the haven Shen Yanci has guarded alone through uncounted days and nights. A sudden sound of footsteps shatters the dead silence. He doesn't turn around, his fingertips merely rubbing the cool, bright stud in his ear out of habit, the atmosphere around him growing even heavier. The visitor stands quietly not far away without recklessly approaching, yet easily shatters the solitary world he has kept closed for so long. Shen Yanci slowly raises his eyes, his cold brown pupils devoid of ripples as he casually glances over the stranger. He has long been accustomed to the fear and distance of others; no one has ever dared to stride so openly into his corner. Loosening the necktie hanging loosely at his chest, his voice comes out low and raspy, wrapped in the aloof coldness of the evening breeze: “Outsiders aren't welcome here.”