Chapter 30: The Almost Confession

The storm had passed, leaving clear skies and crisp autumn air in its wake. But Shen Yu's emotions? They were anything but clear. Ever since that night in the library—since the warmth of Lu Zhixuan's jacket, since that teasing yet strangely soft "how cute"—his heart had been in turmoil.

It didn't help that Lu Zhixuan was acting differently.

More attentive. More present.

More himself.

Shen Yu tried to shake it off. He had managed to avoid being alone with Lu Zhixuan for a few days, but fate clearly had other plans.

That evening, after a long and exhausting student council meeting, he found himself alone in the empty council room, gathering up leftover papers. He had thought Lu Zhixuan had left already, but when he turned, he nearly jumped out of his skin.

Lu Zhixuan stood near the doorway, arms crossed, watching him with that unreadable gaze.

"You're avoiding me again," Lu Zhixuan said, his voice calm but firm.

Shen Yu forced himself to look unbothered, crossing his arms. "No, I'm not."

Lu Zhixuan took a step closer. "Then why won't you look at me?"

Shen Yu's fingers tightened around the papers in his hands. Because if I do, I might say something stupid.

"Must be your imagination," he muttered.

Lu Zhixuan sighed, running a hand through his hair as if he was losing patience. "You really don't get it, do you?"

Shen Yu frowned. "Get what?"

Lu Zhixuan exhaled sharply, like he was tired of playing whatever game Shen Yu was unknowingly caught in. And then—before Shen Yu could react—Lu Zhixuan stepped forward and lifted a hand to Shen Yu's face.

Shen Yu froze.

His breath hitched as warm fingers gently cupped his cheek, tilting his head slightly upward. Lu Zhixuan's touch was light, but his presence was overwhelming. His gaze was intense, sharp yet oddly vulnerable.

Shen Yu's pulse pounded in his ears. "Wh—"

"I like you, idiot."

The words were simple. Uncomplicated.

Yet they left Shen Yu completely, utterly speechless.