I stared expressionlessly at the figure in the distance. Despite the discomfort in my heart, I had to admit, Ji Huai’an and the class monitor made a good match in every way.

“I heard that a lot of girls signed up for the program this year just to get close to Ji Huai’an,” Zhou Ke gossiped. When I didn’t respond, he nudged me.

“Yi-ge, why aren’t you saying anything?”

“I’m tired. I’ll head back first.” I waved indifferently, holding my basketball and turning away. I needed to rest early since I had a part-time job tomorrow.

Ji Huai’an didn’t return to the dorm until a few minutes before curfew. I was under my covers, calculating finances and setting aside some money to send to my mom. She was now working alone in a factory back home, and my dad, that jerk, was locked up for intentional assault.

Things at home were stable, but we were still dirt poor. She was counting on me to make something of myself.

---

On the day of the school’s anniversary celebration, the campus was lively. Nearby restaurants offered discounts—Lan Tong University students got 30% off. My roommates had planned to have dinner together in the evening, our first proper dorm gathering.

After finishing my part-time job, I passed by the sports field and could still hear Ji Huai’an and the class monitor announcing the program. Some students walked by, chatting excitedly.

“This year’s hosts are so handsome!”

“Which one do you like? I’ll go get their WeChat for you.”

Ji Huai’an was still as popular as he was in high school.

No wonder he wasn’t interested in me anymore. I laughed bitterly, suppressing those thoughts before they could grow.

---

That evening, I was the first to arrive at the restaurant. The others soon showed up and started ordering food. Ji Huai’an sat across from me, his hair slicked back with gel, making him look sharper than usual.

“Yi-ge, didn’t you watch the school’s program today?” Zhou Ke asked.

“Oh, I was busy with work.”

In truth, I wasn’t that busy, but I didn’t want to see Ji Huai’an standing next to another guy, so I just didn’t go.

Zhou Ke pouted. “What a pity. You missed it. As soon as our dorm leader showed up, the girls went wild!”

“Liang Yi, were you with Chen Yu again today?” Lu Yan raised his eyebrows.

“Yeah, he recommended me the job.”

“Tsk tsk, you two are always together. Are you sure you won’t develop feelings over time?” Zhou Ke teased, and I playfully punched him.

I glanced at Ji Huai’an instinctively. He remained indifferent, as if he didn’t care at all.

---

Once all the dishes were served, I noticed a few were my favorites. I couldn’t help but look at the person across from me—he still hadn’t said much.

Thankfully, Zhou Ke kept the conversation going; otherwise, the atmosphere at the table would have been unbearably awkward.

Zhou Ke ordered a round of beers, saying we should celebrate our time together, but he was the first to get knocked out.

After finishing my drink, I glanced at Ji Huai’an. His expression hadn’t changed, but I could tell from his eyes that he was tipsy.

I grabbed the last bottle, drank it myself, and told everyone to eat more food. Zhou Ke was flushed and slumped over Lu Yan’s shoulder, barely conscious. Lu Yan tried to push him off, but Zhou Ke swayed a bit and leaned back onto him.

“I feel so dizzy,” Zhou Ke mumbled, frowning.

“He’s drunk. Give him some hangover tea later,” I suggested.

“Such a lightweight.” Lu Yan shook his head in exasperation but didn’t push Zhou Ke away again.

---

My phone lit up on the table.

[Chen Yu: Liang Yi, where are you?
Chen Yu: I need to talk to you.]

For the first time, there were no emojis in his message. His tone seemed serious, so I assumed it was something important and got up to leave.

“You guys keep eating. I’ve got something to do. Just send the bill in the group chat later, and I’ll transfer my share,” I said.

Lu Yan nodded, and I stepped out of the restaurant, replying to Chen Yu when I heard footsteps behind me. Turning around, I saw Ji Huai’an staring at me intently.

“Why did you come out?”

“Are you going to meet Chen Yu?”

“Yeah.”

He grabbed me suddenly, reeking of alcohol.

“You can’t go.”

“Why not?”

I tried to pull away, but he stepped closer and hugged me tightly. Eyes around us started to focus on us, so I hurriedly dragged him into a quiet corner.

“Ji Huai’an, you’re drunk. I’ll take you back.”

“I’m not drunk. Do you like him? Are you going to be with him?”

His eyes were deep, like a bottomless pool. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t want to hear about it?”

Last time, I tried to explain, but he cut me off impatiently. What was he trying to do now?

“You took that seriously? Since when do you listen to me like that? I told you not to break up before, but you insisted, didn’t you?”

I froze, regaining my composure after a while.

“There’s no point in talking about this now. I’m leaving.”

Before I could turn around, he grabbed me again and slammed me against the wall. His cold breath mixed with the scorching heat of his proximity.

“You’re not going anywhere. You can’t go to him.”

“What’s your problem? What do you really want?”

I frowned, worried someone might notice our strange position.

He stared at me, took a deep breath, and spoke with conviction.

“I want to answer your question again, the one you asked last time—whether I still think about you.”

My breathing hitched, and my heart started racing. Ji Huai’an’s gaze was unwavering, and his words were clear.

“Liang Yi, I can’t stop thinking about you. I’m losing my mind over you.”

“…”

“And you?”

“… Me too.”

Three simple words, but they took all my strength to say. After I spoke, I felt a lump in my throat, and my eyes started to sting.

Ji Huai’an’s eyes lit up, and he kissed me hard, biting down with intensity. It felt like a reunion after a long separation, filled with both anger and tenderness.

He hugged me tightly, his hand instinctively brushing over my brow, his thumb tracing the scar there.

“Are we still breaking up?”

“You’ve already kissed me. What do you think?”

He laughed softly, the vibration of his chest making my ears tingle.

“Liang Yi, from now on, don’t ever mention breaking up again.”

---

That night, I took Ji Huai’an back to the dorm and didn’t meet up with Chen Yu. Ji Huai’an, drunk and talkative, kept rambling about things from our high school days. When we got to the dorm, he cornered me between the desk and the wall, staring at me intently.