Chapter 24: A Dance Under the Stars

A week after the school trip, the academy hosted its annual charity ball. The grand hall was transformed into an elegant wonderland, adorned with soft golden lights and delicate floral arrangements. Students dressed in their finest attire moved through the space, laughter and music filling the air.

Shen Yu had no interest in staying. His student council duties were finished, and he was more than ready to slip away unnoticed.

Adjusting his tie near the entrance, he exhaled. Almost there—

"You're leaving already?"

That smooth, familiar voice sent a shiver down Shen Yu's spine. He turned to find Lu Zhixuan standing beside him, effortlessly elegant in a perfectly tailored black suit. The dim lighting only made his sharp features stand out more, his dark eyes glinting with amusement.

Shen Yu sighed. "Why do you always show up at the worst moments?"

Lu Zhixuan smirked. "Because you make it entertaining."

Shen Yu rolled his eyes, preparing to brush past him—

But then the music changed.

A soft, romantic melody floated through the hall as couples gathered on the dance floor, moving in perfect harmony. The warm glow of the chandeliers reflected off the polished marble floor, casting a dreamlike atmosphere over the room.

And then—

"Dance with me."

Shen Yu nearly choked on air. He snapped his head toward Lu Zhixuan, who stood there with a hand extended, waiting.

"W-What?! No!" Shen Yu sputtered, eyes wide.

Lu Zhixuan tilted his head, his smirk deepening. "Why not? Afraid you'll enjoy it?"

Shen Yu's face burned. "I just don't want to!"

But Lu Zhixuan wasn't one to take no for an answer. Before Shen Yu could react, a firm hand clasped his, pulling him toward the dance floor with infuriating ease.

"Wait—! I don't even know how to—!"

"Relax," Lu Zhixuan murmured as he guided Shen Yu's hand to rest against his shoulder. His other hand settled lightly on Shen Yu's waist, the touch sending an electric jolt through him. "Just follow my lead."

Shen Yu tensed, his body rigid with nerves. But Lu Zhixuan's grip was steady, his movements fluid and confident. Slowly, Shen Yu allowed himself to follow, his steps awkward at first before they gradually found a rhythm.

The world around them faded—the chatter of students, the flickering candlelight, even the music itself. All Shen Yu could focus on was how close they were. The warmth of Lu Zhixuan's palm against his own, the faint scent of cologne lingering between them.

His heart pounded erratically.

He tried to ignore the way Lu Zhixuan's fingers tightened just slightly on his waist. Or how his breath ghosted against his temple whenever they moved too close.

"I—" Shen Yu started, unsure of what he was even going to say.

Then, as the song neared its end, Lu Zhixuan leaned in, his lips just inches away from Shen Yu's ear. His voice was barely a whisper, but it sent a shiver down Shen Yu's spine.

"You really should stop pretending, Zhao Rui."

Shen Yu swallowed hard.

Lu Zhixuan pulled back slightly, but his eyes remained locked onto Shen Yu's—intense, unwavering. And then his gaze flickered downward.

To Shen Yu's lips.

Shen Yu's breath caught.

For a split second, an irrational, terrifying thought crossed his mind—

What if I just—

But before anything could happen, the song ended, and applause erupted around them.

Shen Yu jerked back as if burned, breaking free from Lu Zhixuan's hold. His heart hammered against his ribs as he stumbled away, desperately avoiding Lu Zhixuan's gaze.

"Th-That was—" Shen Yu stammered, his face hotter than ever. "Whatever. I'm leaving!"

Before Lu Zhixuan could say anything, Shen Yu spun on his heel and fled the ballroom.

He didn't stop until he was outside, gulping in the cool night air.

His fingers still tingled from where Lu Zhixuan had touched him.

His heart was still racing.

And worst of all—

He had absolutely no idea what to do about it.