Chapter 27: The Breaking Point

Avoiding Lu Zhixuan was useless.

No matter how hard Shen Yu tried, the male lead always found a way to get close to him—appearing at the worst moments, teasing him with that infuriating smirk, watching him like he knew things Shen Yu wasn't ready to admit.

And the worst part?

His own heart betrayed him every time.

It all came to a head when Shen Yu got sick.

He hadn't been sleeping well. Between student council duties, late-night studying, and his endless internal struggles, exhaustion was bound to catch up to him. His body finally gave up during a particularly long afternoon.

The moment he stepped out of the classroom, dizziness hit him like a wave. His vision blurred, his legs wobbled. He barely managed a step before the floor tilted beneath him.

A firm grip caught his wrist before he could collapse.

"Zhao Rui!"

The voice was sharp, laced with concern. Shen Yu didn't have to look up to know who it was.

"I'm fine—" he tried to say, brushing the hand away.

He wasn't fine.

His knees gave out. Before he could hit the ground, strong arms swept him up effortlessly. Shen Yu gasped as he found himself pressed against Lu Zhixuan's chest, his world tilting for an entirely different reason.

"Put me down!" he sputtered, struggling weakly. "I can walk!"

Lu Zhixuan ignored him completely. "Shut up and rest," he said, his voice firm but strangely gentle.

Shen Yu wanted to argue. He really did. But his body was too heavy, his exhaustion too deep. His protests faded into a quiet grumble as his head rested against Lu Zhixuan's shoulder.

The scent of fresh soap and faint cologne filled his senses, and for some reason, it was... comforting.

He barely registered the hushed whispers of passing students as Lu Zhixuan carried him straight to the infirmary, his grip unwavering.

By the time they arrived, Shen Yu's eyelids were already drooping.

As he sank into the infirmary bed, half-conscious, he felt a warm hand brush against his forehead, lingering for just a second too long.

"I told you to take care of yourself," Lu Zhixuan murmured.

Shen Yu barely had time to process the words before sleep pulled him under.

The last thing he felt was his heart pounding against his ribs.