Chapter 12

The alarm hadn't even finished ringing before I reached out and silenced it.
I was already awake.

It wasn't nerves, or excitement — just habit.
My body liked the quiet hours before the rest of the world stirred.

I sat up, smoothed down the blanket, and opened the curtains slightly.
The early sun spilled gently onto the floor, soft and pale, like a faint watercolor.

Another school day.

I stood, stretched lightly, then went to wash my face.
The cold water brought me fully awake.

By the time I finished tying my hair and buttoning my uniform, I could already smell breakfast from the kitchen.

Mom was humming when I stepped out.

She looked up with a smile.
"Good morning, Yiyi. You're early again."

"I don't like rushing," I said simply.

"I know."
Her voice was warm, almost amused.
She set a plate on the table. "Sit, eat while it's warm."

I nodded and took my seat.

Mom sipped her coffee while watching the morning news.

I ate quietly, listening to the soft sounds of the kitchen.

After a few minutes, she said:

"I heard from the parents' group that your grade is doing a joint-class project with Class 2-B?"

I froze for a moment, surprised she knew.
"Mm. It starts officially tomorrow."

"What kind of project?"

"Something about 'modern youth.' It's a mixed-group assignment."

Mom smiled knowingly.
"Mixed group, hm~ Sounds lively."

I shook my head. "Not really. It's just a school project."

She chuckled.
"You always say that, but I remember you mentioning your classmates seemed excited yesterday."

I hesitated.
"...They're just noisy."

"It means they're looking forward to it," she said gently. "Which is a good thing."

She paused, watching me carefully.

"How about you, Yiyi? Are you looking forward to it too?"

The truth was... I didn't know.

"...I guess I'm neutral," I answered. "It depends on who I'm grouped with."

Mom tapped her cup thoughtfully.
"Ah, relationships do affect group work. If you're with friends, it becomes easier."

I nodded quietly.

In my mind, Xia's excited face flashed — and then Rui's overly tense one from yesterday.

Mom leaned forward slightly.

"You know... it's okay to enjoy these small things. Even if they feel noisy or troublesome."

I blinked. "Enjoy... noisy things?"

She laughed softly.
"Yes. Sometimes, noise means you're surrounded by people who care."

I didn't respond.

Her words warmed something inside me — something I wasn't sure how to describe.

Mom handed me my lunchbox.
"There. Have a good day, Yiyi."

I took it carefully.
"...Thank you."

"And don't worry too much. Just do your best."

"I will."

When I stepped outside, the morning air was cool and light.
The neighborhood was quiet, as always — only a few children passing by, a dog barking distantly, and the usual hum of bicycles going to work.

I began walking toward school at my usual pace.

Alone, but not lonely.
Calm, but with a faint sense of something stirring beneath the surface.

The joint-project was tomorrow.
Today would be the final day before things became... loud.

I wasn't sure whether that thought made my heart feel lighter or heavier.

But for now, the morning felt gentle.
And that was enough.

******

The moment I stepped through the school gate, I knew today would be different.

Not dramatically — just a shift in the air.

Clusters of students stood talking in unusually animated voices, some gesturing toward the bulletin boards even though nothing had been posted yet. Rumors had begun spreading since yesterday, and clearly none of them had calmed down overnight.

I walked quietly through the courtyard, listening without meaning to.

"Do you think we'll get paired with Rui's class?"
"I heard the group lists come out during lunch!"
"I hope I get someone from 2-B... they're all so cool."
"Who do you want?"
"Anyone except the quiet ones."
"Hey! The quiet ones are smart!"

I didn't react.
Noise was normal.
It always swelled whenever something involved both classes.

At the shoe lockers, I found Xia already waiting, tapping the floor with the tip of her shoe impatiently.

"There you are, Yiyi!" she said, bright as usual. "Walk with me!"

"I was going to."

"Good. You missed all the gossip. People are going crazy over the project."

I changed my shoes in silence.

Xia leaned closer, whispering dramatically, "Some girls said if they're grouped with Rui, they'll faint."

I blinked. "...Why?"

"He's popular, remember? Basketball star. And he's from 2-B. That doubles the sparkle."

"...I don't think sparkle works that way."

"Hush, it does in girl logic."

I just let out a small breath. Xia grinned triumphantly, as if she'd made a point.

Class 2-A was already lively when we entered.

A few students waved to Xia; she waved back easily.
I went to my seat, listening to the background chatter.

"Did you hear? Announcement is happening today."
"The teacher said it'll be during homeroom."
"I can't focus at all."
"I hope I'm with Yiyi, she's reliable."
"No way, if you're with her, Rui's gonna glare at you."

Xia snorted at that one.
"They talk too much," she murmured.

I nodded slightly.

It wasn't annoying... just loud.

I unpacked my books. The routine steadied me.

Cheng burst into the room seconds later, slamming his bag onto his desk.

"Yuan! It's happening today!" he announced loudly to Tang Yuan, who looked like he'd been expecting it.

Tang Yuan responded with his usual calm tone, "Good morning."

Cheng groaned. "How can you say 'good morning' when destiny is upon us?"

Xia nudged me, whispering, "That boy needs help."

I covered a quiet laugh behind my hand.

Our homeroom teacher entered, holding a folder under his arm.

"Settle down, everyone."

The class fell into eager silence.

"We will begin preparation for the joint project today. The mixed group lists have been posted on the bulletin board near the stairwell."

A ripple of excitement spread instantly.

Xia sucked in a breath, eyes shining.
"Ohhhh it's happening."

I kept my expression neutral.

The teacher continued:

"You may check the lists during lunch break. Please keep the noise level reasonable."

Reasonable?
In this class?
Impossible.

But I appreciated his optimism.

As the teacher dismissed homeroom, Xia grabbed my wrist.

"Let's see it together later, okay?"

"...Yes."

She beamed.

I didn't know why, but my heartbeat felt unsteady — not fast, just... uneven.

Maybe it was the anticipation in the room.
Maybe it was the pressure of mixed groups.
Maybe it was simply the unfamiliarity of what would come next.

I wasn't afraid.
Just unsure.

But Xia seemed confident enough for both of us.

During the first two periods, students whispered between exercises, passing small notes or glancing toward the hallway.

I tried to focus on my work.

Occasionally, I heard conversations behind me:

"Who do you think Yiyi will get paired with?"
"Probably Xia. They're close."
"What if Rui's in her group?"
"He'd explode."
"She'd run away."
"No, she'd just politely ignore him."

Xia heard them too and rolled her eyes dramatically.

"...People make such strange assumptions," I said softly.

"It's because you're too pretty," she said bluntly. "Face reality."

I looked out the window to avoid responding.

Outside, the weather was peaceful.
Inside, it felt like everyone was vibrating.

Five minutes before the bell, the teacher reminded us:

"You may check your group assignments after the bell. Do not run in the hallway."

Half the class immediately prepared to run.

Xia packed her things quickly.

"Yiyi, ready?"

"...Yes."

But my stomach felt light — almost airy.
Not anxiety.
Not excitement.

Just anticipation.

Whatever my group was...
whoever I ended up with...

It would shape the next few weeks.

I exhaled slowly.

The bell rang.

"Let's go!" Xia grabbed my hand.

I let her pull me along.

We stepped into the hallway, joining the stream of students flowing toward the bulletin board.

I kept my breathing steady.

The noise grew louder.

And then—

The crowd came into view.

Students pressed around the posted papers, voices rising as names and groups were discovered.

Xia tugged my hand tighter.

"Come on, Yiyi. Let's see where fate put us."

I nodded once.

And stepped forward.

******

When the bell rang, the hallway exploded with noise.

Xia's hand tightened around mine.
"Let's go before the boys flood the whole area!"

"I'm not rushing."

"Well, I am!"

She practically pulled me along the current of students streaming toward the stairwell. The closer we got, the louder the chatter became.

The bulletin board was surrounded by both Class 2-A and 2-B students. Some were jumping to peek over others, some whining, some celebrating.

Xia squeezed beside two girls with surprising force.

"Excuse us~! Coming through!"

I followed in her wake until the names finally came into view.

Yiyi's Group

Group 5 — Mixed 2-A / 2-B

Zhao Yiyi (2-A)

Lin Xia (2-A)

Li Rui (2-B)

another classmate from 2-B

I read the list twice, maybe three times.

Rui.

My stomach tightened a little — not fear, just... uncertainty.

Xia leaned close. "Ohhhh! So we're together! Lucky!"

"That's good," I said softly.

"And Rui too... hmm~ interesting combination."

"...Is it?"

She smirked. "You'll see."

I didn't know what that meant, but I chose not to ask.

Around us, voices mingled:

"Rui got paired with Yiyi? Really?"
"Someone film this man's reaction!"
"Xia's in their group? She'll keep them sane."

"Cai Qing's group is crazy too— Ling, Cheng, Tang Yuan..."

At the last name, my attention shifted.

I scanned the board again.

Tang Yuan's Group

Group 3 — Mixed 2-A / 2-B

Tang Yuan (2-A)

Liu Cheng (2-A)

Cai Qing (2-B)

Ye Ling (2-B)

A small, strange feeling tugged at my chest.

Tang Yuan... with Ling?

Lin Xia was already reading it.
"Oh wow! Yuan with Ling and Cai Qing? That's... kind of amazing."

"It seems balanced," I said, trying to stay neutral.

"Balanced, yes. Normal? No."
Xia's grin widened. "Their personalities are too neat and tidy. With Cheng thrown in like a wild card."

I watched the names again.

Ling and Yuan...
I hadn't expected that pairing.

"It'll be fine," Xia said with a shrug. "Group 3 will probably be very quiet. Except Cheng."

I nodded.

But something still felt...
unfamiliar.

I wasn't sure what.

A loud groan echoed behind us.

"No way... I'm with Yiyi?!"

We turned.
Rui stood frozen, face completely red, one hand gripping the wall as if the news physically destabilized him.

His friends slapped his back.

"Congrats, Lover Boy!"
"You're doomed!"
"Don't stutter too much, okay?"

"Shut up! I—I just... I didn't think—"

His words tangled together hopelessly.

Xia whispered, "He's already malfunctioning."

"...I can see that."

Rui noticed me looking for a split second.

His entire soul left his body.

He practically teleported away, hiding behind his friend.

I blinked. Xia wheezed.

"Okay... now THAT reaction is priceless."

I sighed softly.
This project was already sounding exhausting.

Xia tugged my sleeve.

"Come on, Yiyi. Let's go get seats before the cafeteria turns into a battlefield."

"I'm not eating cafeteria food."

"I know! But you're keeping me company!"

She dragged me again through the crowd.

I let her.
It was easier than resisting.

And as we walked away, I glanced once — just once — at Group 3's list again.

At the name:

Tang Yuan.

I didn't know why.

I just did.

By the time we reached the cafeteria, most seats were already filling fast.
Xia grabbed an empty table near the back.

"You can eat your lunch box here," she said, placing her tray down. "I'll guard us from loud boys."

"That isn't necessary."

"It absolutely is."

I unwrapped my chopsticks and began eating quietly.

Xia, of course, couldn't stay quiet.

"Okay, so let's review our group," she said, mouth full of rice. "There's you, me, Rui, and... that other quiet kid from 2-B."

"Mm," I acknowledged.

"It's not bad! Rui might be silly, but he works hard. And he's not a bad person."

"I know."

"Also," she said with a dramatic whisper, "he likes you."

I stopped moving my chopsticks.

"I... know," I admitted softly.

Xia stared at me.
"Oh? You actually noticed?"

"It's very obvious."

She burst out laughing. "Fair enough."

I tried to focus on my food.

Then Xia nudged me sharply.

"Oh! Look, look!"

I followed her gaze.

Ling and Cai Qing were sitting at a table across the cafeteria...
and Tang Yuan and Liu Cheng were joining them.

Ling nodded politely when they arrived.
Cai Qing waved at Cheng, who immediately turned into a flustered mess of arms and tray.

Xia whispered, "Group 3 synergy already starting, huh?"

"...Maybe."

They were talking — calmly, easily.

Ling said something.
Tang Yuan nodded quietly.

It looked... peaceful.

Xia leaned her chin on her hand, smirking.

"You're staring."

"I'm... observing."

"That's called staring."

"...No."

She giggled.

I lowered my gaze to my lunch again, but the atmosphere around me felt warmer than before — or maybe just different.

Not long after, someone approached our table.

We both looked up.

Rui stood there, holding his tray with trembling hands.

"H-hi. Um. C-can I— I mean— s-since we're... groups... maybe..."

Xia deadpanned. "Use your words."

Rui inhaled sharply.

"C-can I sit here?"

I hesitated.
Xia didn't.

"Sit," she said.

He slumped into the chair across from us, face completely red.

I continued eating in silence.

Rui tried again.
"S-so... the project... I... I'll work hard."

"Okay," I said softly.

He smiled.

Then immediately choked on air and started coughing.

Xia patted his back with the strength of a gorilla.
"You good?"

"I— cough— I'm fine—"

I offered him my spare napkin.

"T-thank you, Yiyi."

"Mm."

The interaction was small.
Simple.

But enough to make Rui look as if he had achieved something significant in life.

The bell rang, cutting the moment short.

Rui stood abruptly.
"I—I'll see you in class!"

He nearly tripped but recovered.

Xia snorted. "He's hopeless."

I packed up my lunch.

"...Maybe not hopeless," I murmured.

"Oh? You're softening up to him?"

"No," I said immediately.

Xia laughed so loudly the next table looked over.

We left the cafeteria together, her humming, me walking quietly beside her.

And for some reason I couldn't explain, my heart felt... unsettled.

Not uncomfortable.

Just...

Different.

Like a page had been turned somewhere inside me

******

The walk back from the cafeteria felt quieter than before.

Maybe it was because Rui nearly tripped over his own feet while leaving.
Maybe it was because Xia couldn't stop laughing.
Or maybe it was because the group list had settled into my mind and refused to leave.

I wasn't nervous.
Just... adjusting.

When we stepped into the classroom, the noise returned instantly.

"Group 3 is crazy strong."
"Rui is doomed."
"Xia and Yiyi together? That group's gonna be productive."
"Is Ling really working with Tang Yuan?"
"What a strange combination..."

I took my seat without reacting.

Xia slumped dramatically over her desk.
"School is too loud. My ears need compensation money."

"You were the loudest," I reminded her.

"That's slander."

I ignored her.

The teacher entered then, and the class gradually calmed.

We opened textbooks and read silently.

Words blurred a little as my thoughts drifted.

Xia nudged my elbow.
"You're not focused."

"I am."

"You're not. Your eyes look like you're reading another dimension."

"...It's still literature."

She tried to hold in a smile.
"Thinking about the project?"

I considered denying it... but didn't.

"A little."

"Well," she whispered, leaning her cheek on her hand, "Rui didn't blow up the cafeteria today. That's progress."

"He didn't blow up."

"Oh? You're defending him now?"

I looked down at my book.
"I'm stating facts."

Xia was thrilled by this for some reason.

"That's exactly what defending someone sounds like."

"...Please focus on the reading."

She laughed softly and returned to her page.

I didn't argue further.
It wasn't worth it.

Partway through the next subject, when the teacher was writing formulas on the board, I glanced to the other side of the classroom without thinking.

Tang Yuan was taking notes quietly, expression calm, movements unhurried.
Cheng was next to him, half listening, half daydreaming about something dramatic.
Some classmates ahead of them whispered about group 3:

"He's in a group with Ling?"
"Do they know each other well?"
"They talked yesterday."
"I didn't expect that from Yuan..."

He didn't seem affected.
He never did.

I turned my eyes back to my notebook.

During the short break, Xia stretched loudly.

"Ughhhh, I need sugar. Should've bought pudding."

"You have candy in your bag."

"Oh yeah!"

She dug it out and unwrapped it with suspicious speed.

Across the aisle, Rui was struggling to open his water bottle, hands still trembling from earlier embarrassment. His friend took pity and helped him.

He glanced our way once —
then immediately focused on his math review as if his life depended on it.

I let out a small breath.

Everyone was acting a little strange today.
Or maybe I was just noticing things more.

The last class passed calmly.

The teacher briefly mentioned:

"Mixed-group class starts tomorrow. Come prepared."

The room shifted again.
Not loudly — just enough to feel the air change.

Xia tapped her pencil against the desk rhythmically.

"Tomorrow's going to be hectic," she whispered.

"Probably."

"You ready?"

"Yes."

She raised a brow, unconvinced.
But didn't push.

When the bell rang, papers rustled and chairs scraped back.

Students began packing eagerly — some rushing out to talk with friends from 2-B, others texting about tomorrow.

Xia slung her bag over her shoulder.
"Let's walk home together today, okay? But first I need to return my notes to a friend in 2-C."

"I'll wait."

"Perfect!"

She darted out quickly.

I stood up, sliding my books into my bag at a slower pace.

The classroom buzzed around me, but I didn't mind.
It was familiar noise.

Background noise.

I tied the strap of my bag neatly and glanced out the window.

Clouds drifted lazily across the afternoon sky —
soft, calm, unhurried.

Tomorrow would be noisy.
Chaotic.
Crowded.

But right now...

It was peaceful.

I exhaled quietly and stepped out of the classroom, ready for whatever came next.

******

I waited by the shoe lockers for Xia to return from Class 2-C.
The hallway was mostly empty now — only a few lingering students chatting or packing slowly.

Xia came jogging back after a minute, waving her hand.

"Done! Sorry for the wait."

"It wasn't long."

"Good! Let's go."

We stepped out the school gate together.
The afternoon sun was warm, the shadows long and soft.

We walked slowly, unhurried, letting the conversation drift.

"Hey," Xia said suddenly. "Your group isn't bad, you know. Rui might be a handful at first, but he's hardworking."

"I know."

"And the other boy—he's quiet but smart. We'll be fine."

"I'm not worried."

Xia smiled. "I can tell. You're pretty steady about this."

I didn't respond — partly because I wasn't sure what to say, and partly because something else caught my eye.

Ahead of us, just a short distance down the street—

Two figures walking side by side.

Tang Yuan.
And beside him—
Ye Ling.

They were talking calmly, unhurried.
Not laughing loudly, not standing too close.
Just... walking together, like it was natural.

Ling had her hands folded neatly in front of her bag.
Tang Yuan walked with his usual quiet posture.
Their conversation looked simple, comfortable.

Nothing unusual.
Nothing dramatic.

But something tugged lightly inside my chest —
more like a small pinch of air than a feeling.

Before I could understand it, Xia followed my gaze.

"Oh? Isn't that Yuan and Ling?"

"...Yes."

"They live in the same direction, right?"

"So it seems."

Xia raised an eyebrow at my flat tone.
But she didn't tease.
Not yet.

The two of them eventually turned down a different street —
toward the area where Ling's family restaurant was located.

Their figures grew smaller.
Then disappeared.

Xia exhaled dramatically.
"Well, that's interesting."

"It's just coincidence," I said quietly.

"Is it?"

"...Yes."

I wasn't sure why my voice came out softer than usual.

We resumed walking.

Xia swung her arms as she walked.

"So, what do you think about your group now that you've seen everyone?"

"It's manageable."

"That's such a Yiyi answer."

"Is it not enough?"

"It's too neutral."
She laughed. "But that's fine. You'll warm up eventually."

I looked ahead, watching sunlight scatter through the trees lining the street.

Warm up...
Maybe.

She nudged me again.

"And hey, if Rui ends up actually behaving normally, that'll be a miracle."

I let out a tiny breath.
"...He was trying."

"Oh? You noticed?"

"It was obvious."

Xia made a face like she'd discovered treasure.

"Interesting," she murmured.

I didn't ask what she meant.

We stopped at the usual intersection where our paths split.

"See you tomorrow, Yiyi!" Xia said cheerfully. "Get ready for chaos!"

"I will."

She grinned and waved before heading off.

I stood there for a moment, watching her leave.

Then I turned onto my street, walking alone again —
the quiet settling around me like a familiar blanket.

Except...

Today felt different.

Not colder.
Not warmer.
Just... unfamiliar.

A lingering echo of something I didn't yet have the words for.

Maybe it was the group project.
Maybe it was Rui's awkward determination.
Maybe it was the sight of Tang Yuan walking with Ling so naturally.

Or maybe it was something else entirely.

I exhaled softly and continued home.

Whatever tomorrow brought...

I would face it as I always did:

Quietly, carefully, step by step.