Chapter 14

I woke up before my alarm.

Not drastically early—just a few minutes before the soft ring that usually pulled me out of sleep.
The sky outside my window was tinted with pale morning light, the kind that made everything feel quiet and distant.

I sat up slowly, brushing my hair behind my ear.

Why am I awake this early?

Today wasn't an exam day.
It wasn't a school festival.
It wasn't even anything particularly special.

...Except it was.

Today was the official start of the joint project.

Groups were already posted on the bulletin board last week, so I already knew who I'd be working with.
It wasn't a bad group—Xia was there, after all.

But still, my chest felt oddly tight.
A soft, unfamiliar tension.

Not fear.
Not dread.

More like... anticipation mixed with quiet uncertainty.

I got out of bed, straightened the sheets carefully, and went to wash my face.
My reflection in the bathroom mirror looked the same as always:

Calm.
Expressionless.
Orderly.

But inside, my thoughts drifted faster than usual.

Would Rui be awkward again today?
Would Class 2-B pay attention to us during the introduction?
Would the atmosphere feel different now that groups were set?

I sighed quietly.

I'm thinking too much.

But even knowing that didn't stop the small whirlpool of thoughts from turning in my chest.

I changed into my uniform, tied my hair neatly, and stepped into the kitchen.

Mom was already preparing breakfast, humming softly while stirring a pot.

"Oh? Yiyi, you're up early today," she said with a warm smile.
"That's rare for a Monday."

"I woke up naturally," I replied, taking my seat.

She placed a bowl of warm porridge in front of me, steam rising delicately.

"Do you have something important at school?"

"...Sort of."
I stirred the porridge gently.
"Today's the joint project with Class 2-B."

"Ah, the one you mentioned before."
Mom nodded knowingly.
"So that starts today."

I hummed in agreement.

She watched me for a moment, as if reading the faint tension in my shoulders.

"Nervous?" she asked gently.

"...No," I answered, but my voice was slightly softer than usual.
"...Maybe just thinking too much."

Mom chuckled lightly.
"That's normal. Girls your age think a lot."

I paused.

Normal, huh.

She leaned her elbows on the table.

"Worried about your group?"

"No," I said honestly.
"I'm with Xia. She'll handle everything."

"And the boy?"

"...Rui?" I clarified.

"Yes, him."

I looked down at my bowl.

"I don't mind him. He's just... trying too hard sometimes."

Mom's eyes softened in amusement.

"So no one you're particularly interested in?"

I froze.

"M-Mom..."

She laughed softly at my reaction.

"I'm joking. Mostly."

I pressed my lips together.

"...There's no one."

"Mm-hmm," she hummed with a suspicious smile that made me look away immediately.

What was she thinking?

Why was I reacting like this?

Mom continued stirring her drink, still smiling.

"Well, if someone does catch your eye someday, don't worry. You're allowed to feel things too."

I blushed faintly.
Barely noticeable—but I knew she saw it.

"I should finish eating," I muttered.

She chuckled again and let me be.

When I stepped outside, the cool morning breeze brushed against my cheeks.

The street looked the same as always.
People walking dogs.
A few shops opening early.
Bicycles passing quietly.

But for some reason...

The world felt slightly sharper.

Clearer.

Like today might bring something different, even if I couldn't describe what.

I checked my phone out of habit.
Nothing.

Of course nothing.

Why would there be something?

I tucked the phone away quickly, feeling oddly embarrassed at myself.

It's just a project, I told myself again.

Just a normal Monday.

But the quiet flutter in my chest didn't quite disappear.

******

I reached the usual intersection near the convenience store, the one where Xia and I always met whenever our schedules aligned.

She was already there, standing on her toes as she tried to reach a poster on the community board.
Her short brown hair swayed with her movements, and the pink flower hairpin on her left side sparkled under the morning light.

When she turned and spotted me, her face immediately brightened.

"Yiyi!" she waved energetically. "Good morning!"

"...Good morning," I replied.

She jogged toward me, her bag bouncing lightly against her shoulder.

"You're early today," she said, tilting her head.
"Actually—earlier than me. That's suspicious."

"I just woke up early," I said calmly.

"Just woke up early?"
She narrowed her eyes dramatically.
"Hmm... suspicious."

I sighed. "...Can you not start this already?"

"Okay, okay," she said, but her grin told me she absolutely was starting.

We began walking toward school together.

The morning streets were peaceful, filled with light chatter from students heading the same direction.

Xia swung her bag casually as she walked.

"So~ it's joint-project day."
She nudged me lightly.
"Feeling nervous?"

"No," I answered truthfully.

"Excited?"

"...No."

"Then why do you look like someone who's been thinking all morning?"

I froze for half a step.

She noticed immediately.

"Aha. So you were thinking about something."

"I think about many things. It's normal."

"Normal for you," she said, poking my arm.
"But today you're a bit... different."

"Different how?"

She studied my face with exaggerated seriousness.

"Hmm... softer? Distracted? Maybe a tiny bit restless?"

I looked away. "...You're imagining things."

"Nope."
She leaned slightly closer.
"My instincts are usually right, you know?"

I sighed again, but she only smiled more warmly.

"It's fine, though," she added gently.
"Everyone's probably feeling the same way today. New people, new groups, new responsibilities."

"That's true," I admitted.

"And," she continued, "some people might be looking forward to working with certain classmates..."
She tapped her lips lightly, pretending to think.
"Like Rui for example—"

"No."
My answer came faster than I intended.

Xia blinked... then burst into laughter.

"I was teasing. You didn't have to reject it that fast!"

I felt heat rise to my cheeks.
"I just didn't want any misunderstandings."

"Then what were you thinking about this morning?" she asked casually.
"Was it the project? Or... someone in Class 2-B?"

I stopped walking.

Xia turned to look at me, her expression softening slightly.

"Yiyi," she said in a quieter voice, "I'm not teasing you now. I'm asking seriously."

I hesitated, searching for the right words.

"...It's nothing specific," I said eventually.
"Just... thinking."

"About yesterday?" she asked.

"...Maybe."

She smiled, not pushing further.

"That's enough answer," she said warmly.
"I get it."

I glanced at her.

Sometimes Xia acted silly and childish.
Other times—like now—she understood me too well, even when I said very little.

That was why she was my best friend.

The school gate came into view, already crowded with students.

Xia stretched her arms above her head.

"Ahh—new week, new chaos. I can already feel Class 2-B's energy from here."

I nodded.

"But don't worry," she added confidently as we passed through the gate.
"Whatever happens today, I'm right here. You won't deal with anything alone."

"...I know."

"And," she added with a mischievous grin,
"If Rui tries to talk to you first thing in the morning, I'll deal with him."

"Please don't," I said immediately.

"No promises!"

I sighed again—but this time, a faint smile tugged at my lips.

******

The hallway leading to Class 2-A was noisier than usual.

Students clustered near the bulletin boards, checking the group list again even though it hadn't changed since Friday. Others talked animatedly about Class 2-B—who was smart, who was friendly, who was "kind of cute."

Xia and I walked through the chatter, weaving past the small crowds.

"Wow, everyone's extra lively today," Xia said, amused.
"It's like a festival instead of a project."

I nodded lightly.
Some students reacted this way when something new was coming.
I didn't dislike the energy... but it felt a bit overwhelming this morning.

We entered Class 2-A.

The moment we stepped in, I could tell something was different.

The air felt slightly heavier.
Not in a bad way—just... charged.

Some students were cleaning their desks.
Some were fixing their hair.
Others kept glancing at the door, as if waiting for someone to appear.

Xia leaned closer to whisper,
"Half our class is pretending this is some kind of social event."

"...It does feel like that," I admitted.

We walked to our seats.
I placed my bag quietly onto my desk.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed a few girls from the back row whispering while looking in my direction.
When they saw me glance over, they quickly waved.

I nodded back politely.

Xia smirked.
"Rumors about Rui again. I bet they're plotting romance scenarios in their heads."

"That's not funny."

"It's a little funny," she insisted.

I sighed.

A few minutes later, students from Class 2-B began passing by our door, heading toward the multipurpose room.

Their voices drifted through the hallway—friendly, loud, energetic.

Xia looked at me knowingly.

"Ready?"

"...For what?"

"For the chaos that's about to enter our daily life."

I didn't respond.

Instead, I found my gaze drifting—
toward the back of our room, where Tang Yuan usually sat.

He wasn't there yet.

A small, unexplainable breath escaped my lips.

I looked away before Xia noticed.

A moment later, the classroom door slid open again.

Liu Cheng entered first, laughing loudly at something one of his friends said.

Right behind him was Tang Yuan.

He looked the same as always—quiet, composed, slightly sleepy-looking.
But his expression carried a faint alertness, like he'd already prepared himself for the noisy day ahead.

Cheng scanned the room and shouted,
"Morning!"

Several students responded enthusiastically.

Yuan simply nodded and walked to his seat without attracting attention.

Except—

I felt my eyes follow him for a second longer than necessary.

Only one second.
Nothing more.

But one second was enough for Xia to notice.

She leaned close and whispered,
"...You're staring."

My heart jumped.

"I—I wasn't."

"Mhm."
She smiled knowingly.
"You looked like you were thinking about something."

"No," I said quickly.
"I was just... spacing out."

"Spacing out in Tang Yuan's direction?"

"...Xia."

She laughed quietly.
"Okay, okay. I'll stop."

But her grin didn't fade.

Our homeroom teacher finally entered, carrying a stack of documents.

"Good morning, everyone," she began.
"As you know, today marks the start of the joint project between Class 2-A and Class 2-B."

The room straightened immediately.

She continued,
"We will head to the multipurpose hall shortly for the official introduction and instructions. Please bring your writing materials and move in an orderly manner."

A soft buzz of movement filled the room as students began preparing, though still maintaining that quiet tension.

Xia leaned toward me and whispered,
"Here it begins."

"Mm," I replied softly.

I gathered my notebook and pen, then stood with the rest of the class.

We formed lines and began filing toward the hallway.

Nothing dramatic.
Nothing loud.

Just a calm start to something new.

I exhaled once, slowly.

Let's see what happens today.

******

The multipurpose hall was already arranged neatly when we arrived—rows of chairs facing a long table where our teachers would sit.
Class 2-A filed in first, taking the left half of the room.

Xia and I found seats somewhere in the middle.

"It feels like some kind of ceremony," she whispered.

"...A little," I admitted.

The room smelled faintly of chalk and floor polish.
The morning sun filtered through the tall windows, casting soft lines of light across the floor.

I sat quietly, notebook on my lap, hands folded neatly.

Then—

The door on the opposite side opened.

A lively wave of voices flowed in as Class 2-B entered the hall.

Not noisy—just more energetic than our class.
Most of them walked confidently, chatting casually as they searched for seats.

Xia leaned closer.

"There they are. Class 2-B."

I nodded, watching them take their places on the right side of the hall.

Some students exchanged quick greetings across the aisle.
Others sat up straighter, trying to look composed.

I kept my posture steady.

Just watching.

Some faces I recognized from passing by the hallway or from school events.
One or two were slightly familiar but not by name.

And then—

I noticed someone I'd seen before.

Ye Ling.

Calm, composed, gentle-looking.
Her medium-length hair swayed softly as she walked to her seat, her expression serene.
She didn't look nervous at all.

Xia followed my gaze and whispered,
"That's Ye Ling from Class 2-B. I told you about her, right? She's well-liked."

"...Yes," I replied.

She did seem like someone many people liked.

Her presence was soft but noticeable—like someone easy to approach.

Both homeroom teachers—ours and Class 2-B's—took their seats at the long table.

Our teacher stood first.

"Good morning, everyone. As you know, this week marks the beginning of the joint project between Class 2-A and Class 2-B."

Her voice carried clearly through the hall.

"Our goal is to allow you to learn, collaborate, and experience working with students outside of your regular class environment."

Class 2-B's teacher continued:

"You will be sharing certain periods with each other due to the project's nature. Please be respectful and cooperative. This is an opportunity for growth, not competition."

A soft murmur spread among the students.

Xia whispered,
"Sounds serious."

"It's schoolwork. It's always serious," I said softly.

She giggled under her breath.

The teachers began outlining the structure:

Morning study period together once or twice per week

Occasional combined class sessions

Group meetings outside regular hours allowed

Teachers supervising creative planning

Final presentation at the end of the arc

Nothing surprising — we had heard a preview before, but hearing it formally made it feel more real.

The teachers' voices blended together as they went over the details.

I took quiet notes without much expression.

But Xia whispered,
"You're writing really fast."

"I don't want to forget anything," I replied.

"You're such a model student," she teased lightly.

"...I prefer being prepared."

While the teachers spoke, I took a subtle look around.

Some students looked excited.
Others seemed bored.
Some whispered quietly to their group members.
And some — mostly the confident boys — openly scanned the opposite class.

A few girls from our class glanced toward Ye Ling.
She didn't seem aware — or maybe she simply didn't mind.

Xia leaned in again.

"Some people already checking out their competition."

I blinked. "...Competition?"

"You know."
She smirked.
"Who's popular, who's good-looking, who's talented. Teenagers are simple."

I looked away.
"I don't care about that."

"I know."
She nudged me.
"That's why I'm telling you."

******

When we returned from the multipurpose hall, Class 2-A slipped back into its usual rhythm.
Students settled into their seats, flipping notebooks open or stretching their arms lazily.

For a small moment, everything felt normal again.

But that moment didn't last long.

Footsteps and voices began filling the hallway—
livelier, louder, more energetic than our class.

Xia nudged me lightly.

"Class 2-B is here."

Then the door slid open, and Class 2-B began filtering into our room in small groups.

The atmosphere shifted immediately.

Our class was usually calm, but with another entire class entering, the room became full—voices blending, desks shifting, chairs scraping lightly against the floor.

It wasn't unpleasant.

Just... different.

Some students from our class greeted familiar faces from 2-B.
Others shyly avoided eye contact.
Some boys straightened their posture, suddenly more alert than usual.

Xia glanced around with sparkling eyes.

"It's noisy in a good way," she whispered.
"Feels like the room got bigger and smaller at the same time."

I nodded quietly.

There were too many people for me to look directly at any one of them, so I focused on my notebook instead.

I sensed movement near my desk.

When I looked up, Li Rui was standing there—
trying very hard to look casual
and failing very badly.

"Uh... Zhao Yiyi," he said, clearing his throat.
"About the project today... if you need anything, you can, um... ask me."

I blinked.

"...Thank you."

His ears turned slightly red.

"I—I mean, not that you'd need help, but— I mean, if something happens— I mean—"

Before his sentence could get any messier, one of his friends grabbed his shoulder and pulled him away.

"Rui, stop blocking the walkway."

"O-Oh! Right!"

He practically ran back to his seat.

Xia immediately leaned over, whispering,

"That was painful to watch... but also kind of cute."

I sighed softly. "...Please don't make this worse."

"No promises."

Her grin told me the teasing would continue for weeks.

From the row behind us, a few girls whispered quietly—loud enough for us to hear.

"So he talked to her again..."
"He's so obvious..."
"Do you think they'd look good together?"

Xia twisted in her chair and gave them a warning stare.

The girls immediately fell silent.

I lowered my gaze.

I didn't dislike Rui.
I just didn't know how to respond to the attention.

It always made me feel... exposed.

I looked toward the front of the room, searching for something to focus on—
and saw Ye Ling walking toward an empty desk with her classmate, Cai Qing.

Her movements were calm, poised.
She didn't seem bothered by the noise around her.

Some other girls in our class watched her with mild curiosity.
A few boys watched her too.

Next to me, Xia whispered,
"She's popular already. Makes sense."

I didn't say anything.

But I found myself watching for a moment longer than I intended.

Ling seemed gentle, approachable... easy to talk to.

Different from me.

Then—

Almost without thinking, my eyes shifted slightly.

Toward the back of the room.

Tang Yuan was there with Liu Cheng, both settling into their seats while Class 2-B students chatted around them.

He didn't look overwhelmed.
Nor especially interested.

Just... quietly observing.

The same way I was quietly observing.

I caught myself staring and corrected my posture immediately, eyes returning to my notebook.

Xia saw it.
Of course she did.

She said nothing.
But her small, knowing smile said everything.

******

After the merged-class morning session ended, the teachers announced that the remaining periods would return to normal lessons.

The room slowly settled as Class 2-B students returned to their own classroom, leaving ours quieter again.
The shift felt almost... strange.

Just an hour ago, the room was filled with voices, movement, new faces.
Now it was the familiar Class 2-A again, the air lighter, calmer.

Xia stretched her arms above her head.

"Whew... finally, it's peaceful again."

"Was it too noisy?" I asked.

"Not noisy. Just... different."
She tilted her head.
"But I bet it'll stay like this only for today. Tomorrow, who knows."

I hummed softly, acknowledging that she was probably right.

The next two periods passed smoothly.

The teacher lectured.
Notes were taken.
Students occasionally murmured.
Pens scratched against paper.

It was the normal rhythm of school life.

But I couldn't help noticing—

Some students kept glancing at the door, as if expecting Class 2-B to walk in again.

Some whispered about how the project planning would start later in the week.

Others exchanged hints about their group members, making it obvious who they were excited—or nervous—to work with.

Even I wasn't fully focused.

My mind drifted back to the atmosphere in the merged classroom earlier...

Ling calmly introducing herself.
Cai Qing glancing around with practiced confidence.
Class 2-B boys trying to figure out who was who.
Our own class reacting quietly, not used to the attention.

And between all of that—

One particular moment replayed uninvited:

The short second where I realized Tang Yuan was also observing everyone.
Calmly.
Carefully.
Quietly.

Almost in the same way I watched things.

I blinked and forced my attention back to the board.

...This is unnecessary.
It's nothing important.

But even thinking that didn't erase the faint awareness that lingered.

During the five-minute break between classes, Xia leaned over my desk.

"So?" she whispered.

"So what?" I asked.

"What do you think about Class 2-B? Anyone interesting?"

I shook my head.
"They seem fine. Just... normal students."

Xia pouted.
"You're impossible to tease."

"I don't know what answer you expect."

"A more dramatic one. Like 'Ah, Xia, someone caught my heart!' or something."

"...No one caught my heart."

She burst into soft laughter.

"That's exactly the Yiyi I know."

I felt the faint urge to sigh.

"But," she continued, looking more serious now,
"you seemed a little... thoughtful today. More than usual."

I paused.

"...Maybe. It's the start of something new. It's normal to think too much."

"Mhm."
Her eyes softened.
"And I'm here if you need someone to talk to."

"...Thank you."

She smiled brightly, and I felt the tension in my shoulders loosen just a little.

The last bell of the day rang out sharply, signaling the end of Monday.

Students immediately began packing their things.
Some rushed to talk to friends about project plans.
Others looked exhausted from the emotional weight of the day.

Xia stood and stretched again.

"Let's go home together?"

"...Yes," I replied.
"It's been a long morning."

She grinned. "See? Even you admit it!"

I didn't answer, but she laughed as if I had.

As we walked toward the hallway, I glanced once at the window—the afternoon sunlight was softer, warmer than in the morning.

A normal school day.

But it also felt like the quiet beginning of something new.

******

When the final bell rang, Xia and I packed our bags and stepped into the hallway.

The corridor was full of voices—students from both classes streaming out of their rooms, heading toward the shoe lockers or lingering to chat about the day.

It felt lighter than the morning, but also strangely more crowded, as if the entire building was buzzing from the joint classes.

Xia walked beside me, swinging her bag casually.

"Well," she said, "that was a lot for a Monday."

"...Yes."

"Are you tired?"

"A little."

"Mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually?"

"...Xia."

She laughed under her breath.

We walked together with the flow of students, turning the corner toward the stairs leading to the first floor.

I was just about to ask her what she was planning for dinner when—

Xia suddenly slowed down.

"Mm...?"
She tilted her head, looking ahead.

I followed her gaze—

Tang Yuan was a short distance ahead in the hallway, walking calmly, just about to take the corner toward the shoe lockers.

He didn't seem to notice us.

I didn't think anything of it.
Seeing classmates in the hallway was normal.

But Xia's eyes brightened in a way I couldn't interpret.

Before I could stop her—

She raised her hand and called out:

"Yuan! Ah—sorry, Tang Yuan!"

My steps faltered.

Xia—what are you doing?
I didn't say it out loud, but the thought flashed across my mind.

Tang Yuan paused and turned slightly, looking back with mild surprise.

Xia jogged forward a few steps—
leaving me no choice but to follow her.

"Sorry," she said, catching her breath a little, "we were talking about project groups earlier, so—uh—we thought we should say good luck."

She made it sound natural.

Too natural.

I bowed my head politely.

"...Good luck."

Tang Yuan blinked once, then nodded lightly.

"You too."

The exchange lasted only a few seconds—
brief, simple, almost forgettable.

Yet for some reason, my heartbeat felt slightly louder than before.

Xia smiled, waved goodbye to him, then turned back toward me with an expression far too satisfied.

I looked away.

"...Why did you call him?" I asked quietly.

She shrugged.

"Why not?"

I had no answer for that.

Or maybe—I didn't want to admit I had one.

We continued down the hallway, the noise around us fading into a gentle hum.

A small, unimportant moment.

But one I would remember clearly.