Chapter 1 – The Boy by the Window
The bell rang, sharp and clear, cutting through the sleepy morning air. The corridors of Yucai High School buzzed with the usual energy — laughter, hurried footsteps, and the rustle of books being shoved into desks.
Su Zaizai ran up the stairs two at a time, her bag bouncing against her back. She was late again. She hated mornings, but the spring sunlight pouring through the tall windows almost made her forgive herself for oversleeping. Almost.
As she reached the third floor, she slowed down, glancing into the open classroom door. Her new seat was near the back, next to the window — her favorite place. But someone was already there.
The boy sat lazily, chin resting on his palm, his gaze turned outward as if the world beyond the glass was far more interesting than anything inside. His white shirt sleeves were rolled up, exposing slender wrists, and his hair fell casually over his forehead. The sunlight caught on him in a way that made him look almost untouchable.
Su Zaizai stopped in her tracks. Who is that? she wondered.
Before she could say anything, the boy turned his head slightly. Their eyes met. His gaze was calm, unbothered — like he'd already noticed her long ago. Zaizai froze, clutching her bag strap a little too tightly.
"You're blocking the door," he said casually, voice low and unhurried.
"Oh— sorry!" She hurried inside, cheeks warm.
As she slid into her seat, she couldn't help sneaking glances at him. He didn't seem like the type to talk much. The kind of person who carried a bit of winter in his expression even on a spring day.
The teacher walked in, calling for quiet, and introductions for new seating arrangements began. When it came to her turn, Su Zaizai stood, smiling brightly as always.
"I'm Su Zaizai! Please take care of me!"
A few chuckles ran through the room at her energy. Then the teacher gestured to the boy.
"Zhang Lurang, say something too."
He didn't even look up from the window. "No need," he replied simply.
The class erupted in whispers, but Zaizai just blinked at him. Cold… but interesting, she thought, a grin forming despite herself.
She didn't know it yet, but this small moment — a glance by the window, a quiet boy who refused introductions — was the start of everything.
End of Chapter 1