The Sports and Cultural Festival at Shanghai University Cum School was a dazzling blend of adrenaline and artistry—an annual celebration where energy surged through every corner of the campus.
Banners in vibrant reds, golds, and blues flapped in the late morning breeze, stretched high across the school gates with bold letters reading: "Youth Unleashed: Festival of Spirit and Spark!" Along the edges of the wide sports ground, colored streamers crisscrossed between trees and poles, catching sunlight like fluttering ribbons of excitement. Booths lined the walkways—some selling snacks, others hosting games, and a few showcasing class projects and spirit boards. Students wore coordinated class t-shirts, some with glitter, face paint, or decorative headbands. Music pumped lightly from speakers positioned on tall stands, the volume rising during performances and games, then fading into background cheer.
Near the running track, the long jump pit had a buzzing crowd around it. That's where Dan stood, focused and calm, his tall figure in a black sports shirt, sleeves pushed up. As he crouched in position, the referee blew the whistle—and in one clean surge of power, he sprinted forward and leapt through the air. Sand scattered as he landed. The crowd erupted in cheers. Right on the sidelines, Reo, dressed more like a magazine photographer than a student, held up his expensive DSLR camera, snapping dozens of frames. "Got it!" Reo grinned, previewing a perfect mid-air shot of Dan on the camera screen.
In the open-air auditorium, the Talent Show stage was draped in deep blue curtains, with golden fairy lights framing the edges like stars. Ren, sharp in a clean white shirt and dark slacks, stepped onto the stage holding a mic. His calm expression didn't give away the nerves in his hands. As the piano intro began, the noise dulled to silence—and Ren's voice flowed out, low and smooth, pulling attention like gravity. Some students gasped, realizing it was him singing live, not a track.
On the other side of the festival, a makeshift runway had been set up over a long stretch of tiled walkway. A red carpet lay beneath the students' feet, and a big silver sign read: "Next School Icon: Fashion Parade". There stood Yuri, dressed in a high-street fashion-inspired outfit—baggy pants, layered chains, a loose cropped hoodie. She walked like she owned the city. The crowd roared. Flashbulbs flickered. Even the judges murmured with raised eyebrows. "She's not even trying," someone whispered admiringly.
And among the crowd, tucked under the shade of a cherry blossom tree in bloom—was Mao.
She wasn't performing. She didn't hold a camera. She wasn't modeling.
But she was watching Dan. Every leap he took, every step, every smile he gave his teammates. Mao's hands clutched a small paper fan, painted by her younger brother Minho—who had scribbled "GO DAN!" across it in bright green. Her eyes didn't wander. When Dan turned to walk away, wiping sweat from his brow, he accidentally locked eyes with her.
It was barely a second.
But Mao's heart thudded like the beat of Ren's music behind her. She quickly looked away, cheeks warm, as if the moment was hers to protect—soft and secret, like a wish made during fireworks.
And the festival went on: bursting with laughter, applause, and teenage dreams caught under the blue Shanghai sky.
Setting: School sports field, buzzing with energy. Tents are lined up for each class, and students cheer with colorful banners.
(Mao stands under the shade of a tent, holding a small handmade fan. Her class sits scattered behind her, but she doesn't talk to anyone. Her eyes search the field until—there. Dan, in a white sports shirt with his class number, stretching with his team.)
Mao (inner monologue):
He really didn't trip this time. He's been practicing, I think. His stride looks stronger.
Yuri (shouting from the other tent):
"DAN! Don't embarrass us this year!"
Reo:
"If you fall, we're disowning you!"
Dan (laughing back):
"I'm already mentally prepared to faceplant. My legacy must live on!"
(The crowd chuckles. The whistle blows. Dan takes position at the start of the relay. Mao clutches the edge of her skirt nervously.)
Mao (inner):
I want to cheer… but if I say his name, people will look. They'll know. And I…
(She presses her lips together. The race begins. Dan is second in the lineup. When it's his turn, he dashes like wind, smooth and fast. He doesn't fall. He passes the baton cleanly. His team wins second place.)
Aya (from a few rows back):
"Ooooh! Riko, your ex-crush didn't trip! Progress!"
Riko (laughing):
"He heard my confession and ran from the pressure."
Mimi:
"Maybe he ran toward someone else."
(Mao blushes at the comment but stays silent.)
Later that day, during water break…
(Dan walks past Mao's tent, towel around his neck. Their eyes meet. He pauses.)
Dan (smiling):
"You saw that?"
Mao (quietly):
"I did. You were really fast."
Dan:
"Told you I wouldn't trip this time."
(He winks playfully. Mao looks down, smiling into her hand.)
Dan (glancing at her fan):
"Did you… make that?"
Mao:
"Mm… yeah. It's silly."
Dan:
"It's cute. Like the ones people wave for their favorite player."
Mao (blinking):
"It's not… for anyone specific."
Dan (teasing softly):
"Oh? You sure?"
(Mao's cheeks turn pink. Dan chuckles and walks away, leaving her frozen with a racing heart.)
Mao (inner):
Was he joking? Or… did he notice something?
📚 Part 2: Middle School Flashback — "The Boy by the Window"
Setting: Second year of middle school. Rainy afternoon. Classroom is half-empty after school. Mao sits near the back, drawing quietly in her notebook.
(Dan walks in with a soccer ball under his arm, looking for his water bottle. Mao glances up, startled.)
Dan:
"Oh—sorry, didn't mean to scare you."
Mao (softly):
"It's okay…"
(He finds his bottle and drinks. Then looks toward her drawing pad.)
Dan:
"Hey, that's a rabbit, right?"
Mao (nervous):
"Y-Yes…"
Dan (smiling):
"It's cute. You're really good at that."
Mao (quietly):
"Thanks…"
(Silence, but a peaceful one. Dan walks to the window and looks out at the rain.)
Dan:
"Man… I forgot my umbrella again."
Mao (after hesitating):
"Um… I have a spare one. If you want."
Dan (surprised):
"Really? You sure?"
Mao (nods):
"You can… return it tomorrow."
Dan:
"Thanks, Mao. That's super kind of you."
(He takes it, and gives a genuine smile.)
Dan:
"You always sit near the window, right? It's a good spot. Quiet."
Mao:
"I like the sound of rain there…"
Dan:
"…Me too."
(He leaves with her umbrella. Mao watches the raindrops race each other down the glass and wonders if he'll remember this small moment.)