The next few days felt different for Sang Zhi.
She didn't understand why.
Nothing in her life had actually changed. She still woke up early for school, complained about homework, and listened to her brother's endless teasing.
But there was one new presence in the house.
Duan Jiaxu.
Sometimes he studied in the living room with Sang Yan. Sometimes he helped Sang Yan with projects or just relaxed on the couch scrolling through his phone.
Every time Sang Zhi walked past the living room, she tried not to look at him.
But somehow… she always did.
One afternoon, Sang Zhi walked out of her room to get water. She thought the living room would be empty.
Instead, Duan Jiaxu was sitting alone at the table, reading a book.
He looked up when he heard her footsteps.
"Skipping homework?" he asked playfully.
Sang Zhi quickly shook her head.
"No!"
She held up her empty glass as proof.
"I'm just getting water."
Duan Jiaxu chuckled softly.
"Good. If your grades drop, your brother will blame me."
Sang Zhi didn't know what to say. Her fingers tightened slightly around the glass.
Why was it so hard to talk normally with him?
He wasn't doing anything special.
He was just… kind.
Before she left the kitchen, Duan Jiaxu suddenly spoke again.
"If you ever need help with homework," he said, "you can ask me."
Sang Zhi paused.
Her heart skipped.
"Okay…" she replied softly.
She returned to her room, closing the door behind her.
Then she leaned against the door and covered her face.
Her heart was beating so fast.
She didn't tell anyone.
Not her parents.
Not even her friends.
But deep inside, Sang Zhi realized something.
She wanted to see Duan Jiaxu more.
And that feeling… became her first small secret