School had ended, and Xia Yao slept soundly, slumped over her desk. She dreamt, the image of a familiar figure recurring. His voice, steady and strong, yet somehow tender, drifted through her dream. It washed over her like a gentle wind, a soothing caress that grew increasingly comforting, a welcome coolness against the oppressive heat.  

Xia Yao stirred in the crook of her arm, her heavy eyelids slowly fluttering open. A sliver of light appeared, followed by a rush of air.  As her vision cleared, she saw him sitting beside her, fanning her with an exercise book.  Startled, Xia Yao abruptly sat up, her hand flying to her mouth as she quickly glanced down and away, checking to see if she had drooled in her sleep.

“Sorry, I…”

“Sorry, I…”

They both started to speak at almost the same moment. Xia Yao kept her head down, silently waiting for him to continue. The boy across from her then said, “These test papers were a bit complicated.  By the time I finished helping the teacher grade them, it was pretty late. You could have just gone home. You don’t have to wait for me next time.”

“It’s okay.”

Xia Yao had just woken up. A hazy film seemed to veil her dark eyes, the corners looking damp. A faint red mark pressed against the smooth white skin of her cheek, and a sheen of perspiration glistened on her forehead and the tip of her nose. She’d been sleeping soundly, warm and probably a little sweaty.

“Zhou Ye, let’s go home.”

He watched a tiny bead of sweat trickle down the delicate curve of her neck, tracing a damp path along the edge of her school uniform collar.

His Adam's apple bobbed. The fingers of his hand resting beside him curled slightly, then he gave a small nod.  "Okay."

She stood and left, heading for the classroom door.  She rubbed her eyes, her vision blurring, and nearly stumbled into a desk.  Zhou Ye reached out and caught her just in time. He could have simply guided her aside, but as he grasped her arm, he couldn't resist pulling her a little closer, letting his body brush against the sweet fragrance of her youthful form.

He was restless. Around her, with her delicate and soft form so close, his body betrayed him with base reactions. When the guys swapped crude jokes, his mind would drift uncontrollably to the full swell of her bre*sts, the glimpses of her pale, shapely thighs revealed beneath the hem of her gym shorts.  

Any remotely suggestive image of her would sear itself into his memory, more vivid than anything he learned in class. It made him feel like a brute, ruled by his baser instincts.  He was constantly ar0used, resorting to nightly releases.

Yet he hid it all well. He didn't want to appear consumed by lvst, terrified of scaring her away. In the stifling silence of the classroom, their brief, accidental touch ended as quickly as it began.

Xia Yao softly thanked him. He released her wrist decisively, murmuring "You're welcome" in a voice suddenly husky.

June weather was fickle. The afternoon had buzzed with the heat and the incessant drone of cicadas in the grass, yet evening brought a cool breeze and a sky heavy with brooding clouds.

As they left the school gates, the wind carried a hint of rain.

"Cold?" Zhou Ye turned to look at her.

"It feels nice," Xia Yao shook her head.

He looked ahead again, his hand reaching towards her, fingers brushing against the seam of his trousers before he shoved them back into his pocket.

Pedestrians thronged the sidewalks; rush hour was in full swing. The subway sped across the overpass between the roads, each carriage gleaming brightly.

Xia Yao couldn't think of anything to say to him. She was always shy around others, her social awkwardness a constant companion. Only with her boyfriend, now that they were comfortable, did she feel a little more at ease.  

But lately, she'd heard whispers. Chen Yuyue, the beautiful girl known for her volleyball skills, also liked him. Last week, she'd even boldly handed him a love letter, a blatant attempt to steal him away.

Zhou Ye played volleyball too, and he was exceptionally good. He dominated the basketball court during breaks and after school. Someone had even seen him snowboarding at the ski park, his movements sharp and effortless.  He was the class monitor, consistently perceived as capable and high-achieving. In other words, he was a brilliant student and incredibly attractive.

Xia Yao felt perpetually insecure, constantly fearing their relationship's imminent end.  This anxiety wasn't unfounded. Born prematurely, she'd been frail her entire life. She couldn't remember a year without medication. Zhou Ye, so athletic and vibrant, probably preferred girls who shared his energy.  He certainly seemed to talk more freely with others than with her.

At this rate, he was bound to notice her quietness.

Xia Yao pressed her lips together, aware of the irrationality of her thoughts, yet unable to voice her concerns.  Lately, she sensed something unspoken weighing on him. What did he think of the girl who'd confessed her feelings? Was he contemplating how to break up with her?

Their relationship had begun with Zhou Ye's confession. That afternoon, when the class monitor had asked her to meet him downstairs, she'd assumed he was taking her to see a teacher. Instead, he'd stopped beneath a large, secluded tree at the side of the building.

It was March, and the spring wind was sharp. The boy before her wore his sports uniform, his arms looking firm. Dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, rustling in the breeze. He stood close, lowering his head slightly to meet her gaze. The shifting shadows fell across his shoulders and the side of his face, highlighting the clean line of his jaw. His expression, however, was troubled.

"Sorry to interrupt your study time," he’d begun, "I’ve… been noticing you for a while… and I was wondering if you might notice me too."

The confession was blunt and strangely abrupt. As he spoke, his face flushed, his fingers trembling slightly.  His voice wavered as he forced himself to continue.

"Xia Yao, I want to be your boyfriend."