Chapter 31: The Locked Room Incident

It was supposed to be a simple after-school meeting. Shen Yu had stayed behind to finalize some student council reports, and Lu Zhixuan—because he apparently had nothing better to do—had lingered as well.

Shen Yu didn't question it. He was used to Lu Zhixuan's constant, almost too close presence by now.

But just as he reached for the door handle to leave, a loud click echoed through the room.

Shen Yu frowned and twisted the handle. It didn't budge.

"...No," he muttered, trying again. He pushed. Pulled. Rattled it.

Still locked.

He turned to Lu Zhixuan, who leaned casually against a desk, watching him with mild amusement.

"Great," Shen Yu groaned. "Now we're stuck."

Lu Zhixuan didn't look the least bit concerned. "So dramatic. Someone will come unlock it."

Shen Yu huffed and crossed his arms. "When?"

Lu Zhixuan merely shrugged. "Eventually."

Shen Yu sighed and leaned against the door. Minutes passed. Then an hour.

The small room started to feel suffocating.

Shen Yu paced back and forth, his frustration growing. "Why isn't anyone coming?!"

Lu Zhixuan smirked. "Could it be that you actually want to be alone with me?"

Shen Yu shot him a glare. "Shut up."

But his heart betrayed him, thudding against his ribs like it wanted to escape.

He forced himself to sit down, pulling his knees to his chest, trying to ignore the way the air felt thicker than before. His nerves were getting the best of him, and he hated that Lu Zhixuan was watching him so closely.

Then, to his utter shock, Lu Zhixuan stood up and walked over.

Shen Yu tensed. No. No way. Stay over there.

But Lu Zhixuan didn't stop. Instead, he sat down right beside him.

So close their shoulders touched.

Shen Yu froze.

"You should relax," Lu Zhixuan murmured, his voice quieter than usual. Almost soothing. "It's just the two of us."

Shen Yu swallowed hard. He wasn't sure what was more suffocating—the small, enclosed space or the way Lu Zhixuan's gaze held him captive.

Then—BANG!

The door burst open, making Shen Yu nearly jump out of his skin.

A janitor peeked in, blinking. "Oh! Didn't realize anyone was inside."

Shen Yu shot up so fast he nearly tripped over himself. "FINALLY!"

Lu Zhixuan chuckled, standing up leisurely. As they stepped out, he leaned in slightly. "What a shame," he mused. "We were just getting comfortable."

Shen Yu groaned, face burning. He was never going to survive this.