---

---

However, since you’re already with someone else, I won’t say anything.

“I can tell that Ji Huai’an treats you quite well; I’m really envious of him.”

“Sorry, I couldn’t help but say that. I hope it won’t affect our friendship.”

I was taken aback for a moment and suddenly understood why Ji Huai’an always seemed hostile towards Chen Yu.

When I realized this, I smiled to ease the tension.

“Of course, it won’t affect anything. We’ll still be friends, and you’ll meet someone better than me in the future.”

“Hmm, thank you.”

Chen Yu smiled, but it was a bit forced.

Ji Huai’an probably noticed I hadn’t returned for a while and came to find me in the restroom.

He shot a glance at Chen Yu, his eyes revealing a hint of displeasure.

“Why did you take so long?” He came over and wrapped his arm around me, asserting his claim.

“I was just chatting for a bit.”

Chen Yu waved his hand, saying he would leave first.

As we walked out of the cinema, Ji Huai’an kept asking what I had said to Chen Yu.

I summarized it briefly, and he nodded with a blank expression.

“I knew it; good thing I acted fast.”

“……”

---

On the way back to school, I saw oranges on sale at a fruit shop by the road.

Ji Huai’an grabbed my arm and said, “Let’s buy some to take back; the oranges look pretty good.”

“Isn’t someone not fond of eating oranges anymore?”

I deliberately made my voice sound strange, and he pinched my finger hard.

“What I don’t like is that if I have something, others should too. But if you buy it for me, I’ll like it.”

“Hmph, how pretentious.”

I scoffed and bent down to grab a bag to pick some oranges.

Back in the dorm, Ji Huai’an started his routine of asking me to peel oranges for him.

He said the ones I peeled were the sweetest.

I couldn’t stand his cheesiness, so I hurriedly peeled one and stuffed it into his mouth.

He purposely bit my finger, grinning triumphantly.

Suddenly, the door swung open.

Zhou Ke, holding a basketball, froze when he saw us in a cozy position.

In the next second, he stepped back and checked the door number.

“I didn’t walk into the wrong dorm, did I? Or is my method of opening the door wrong?”

I rolled my eyes and quickly urged him to come inside.

Zhou Ke scrutinized the two of us, frowning.

“When did you two get so close that you’re feeding each other oranges?”

“Uh… it’s just normal for roommates to help each other out,” I said with an awkward smile.

“So city folks call this roommates, huh? Learned something new.”

Zhou Ke teased with a grin, and I punched him lightly to keep him in line.

When Lu Yan returned from the library, everyone was getting ready to play games together.

I took out the keyboard Ji Huai’an gave me and finally used a gift from my boyfriend openly.

Zhou Ke’s eyes widened when he saw the cool lights.

“Wow, Brother Yi, when did you buy this? Did you snag it?”

“It’s a birthday gift from a friend.”

“Which friend? Can you introduce me?”

I smiled and pointed at someone behind me.

Zhou Ke caught sight of that poker face, and his smile instantly disappeared.

But he quickly resumed his playful demeanor, looking at me with a smirk.

“I have my birthday coming up too; why don’t you ask Ji to give me something?”

“No way, this is a one-time deal.”

“C’mon, you’re biased! You won’t even joke around with me?”

“Hmm.”

Ji Huai’an started playing the game with us.

He played as support, sticking with me in the bottom lane.

Seeing my great performance, Zhou Ke shouted that he wanted to play the bottom lane too.

But Ji Huai’an didn’t give him support and went to jungle instead.

Lu Yan took support, and the two of them were struggling, bickering back and forth.

Watching them argue, I couldn’t help but laugh.

---

Suddenly, my closeness with Ji Huai’an made my roommates feel something was off.

Zhou Ke even asked me in a roundabout way, “How did you manage to please Ji Huai’an? Didn’t he used to never smile? Now he looks like he learned to change expressions like a Sichuan opera performer whenever he sees you.”

“Secret.”

“…….”

He frowned, becoming more and more curious.

I had thought about being honest with my roommates about our relationship, but I was worried they might mind that it was same-sex, as everyone has different levels of acceptance.

Until one day, I saw a pair of boys coming out on the school forum, trending on the hot list.

It seemed like they lived in the same dorm building as me.

The comments below were mixed.

I cautiously asked Zhou Ke and Lu Yan for their thoughts; they shrugged and said it didn’t matter.

I pondered for a moment and discussed with Ji Huai’an during class whether we should come out.

Hiding every day felt like a crime, and I wanted to be open.

“If you want to say it, just say it. I’m fine with whatever,” Ji Huai’an said, pursing his lips.

“Okay, I’ll tell them tonight.”

---

But when night came, I dawdled, hesitating to speak up several times.

“Um, Zhou Ke, Lu Yan, I have something to tell you…”

“What is it?”

Zhou Ke and Lu Yan were engrossed in the game, not even lifting their heads.

“It’s just… um…”

I stuttered, my face turning red, more nervous than during the college entrance exam.

Suddenly, Ji Huai’an took my hand, declaring—

“We’re in a relationship.”

“……”

Lu Yan froze, his finger halting as the sound of being killed rang from his phone.

Zhou Ke exchanged glances with him and suddenly burst into laughter.

Ji Huai’an and I stood there, confused about what was so funny.

“Wait, what are you laughing at? Don’t you have anything to say?”

I wondered, seeing Zhou Ke slam the table and reach out to Lu Yan.

“Give me 200! You lost! I told you they’d get back together, and you didn’t believe me!”

Lu Yan clicked his tongue, “Got it, I’ll transfer it to you later.”

I frowned and punched them both.

“Did you two actually bet on us? What kind of people are you?”

Zhou Ke was overjoyed at winning money, still teasing me with a grin.

“Oh, we’ve known something was off with you two for a long time; we’re straight men, not blind.”

Lu Yan chimed in, “Exactly! Did you think we couldn’t hear you talking that night? You really think college students sleep that early?”

“Hahaha, right! Don’t keep hiding in the bathroom getting cozy; it’s time to show off!”

“…….”

They exchanged glances, laughing lewdly.

I felt speechless, my face as red as a tomato.

Ji Huai’an chuckled, his fingers gently stroking the back of my hand, in a great mood.

---

I have a female student I tutor who studies very diligently.

After half a year of tutoring, her physics grades improved.

She’s a senior this year and aims for Lantong University.

After correcting her assignments, she glanced out the window.

“Teacher, look, it’s that handsome brother again.”

I turned to glance casually, seeing the tall figure in a camel-colored coat. Who else could it be but Ji Huai’an?

I noticed the stars in her eyes, looking infatuated, and I scoffed.

“Focus on studying; don’t think about other things.”

“Hey, thinking isn’t illegal, and he’s also from Lantong University. Maybe someday I’ll become his junior and can chase him.”

“You don’t have a chance.”

“Ah, why? Don’t be so discouraging!” she pouted.

“Because he’s my boyfriend.”

“Ah?”

She froze for a moment, and a few seconds later, she reacted and screamed even louder.

“Ah? You two? Oh my god! I can’t believe I’m seeing a real couple!”

I ignored her excited gaze and checked my watch; tutoring time was up.

“I’m leaving; do well on your finals.”

“Teacher, if I do well, can you tell me your love story?”

“… Depends on the situation!”

I didn’t understand why she was so excited.

Downstairs, Ji Huai’an came over with a smile to take my hand.

“Teacher Liang, are you hungry? I reserved a table at a new hotpot restaurant near the school.”

“Hmm, I’m super hungry.” Tutoring was exhausting.

“Or… do you want to eat me first?”

Ji Huai’an winked at me, his long eyelashes fluttering like electricity.

“Why are you getting less serious? Let’s hurry up and go.”

I instinctively glanced at the sixth floor of the tutoring building and saw that girl still peeking at us.

“Why is your face red?”

“Because it’s cold.”

“I can warm you up.”

He reached out to pull me close and kissed my cheek a few times.

Then, I turned even redder.

---

(The End)