Chapter 43: Dangerous Proximity

Avoiding Lu Zhixuan had become impossible.

No matter where Shen Yu went, Lu Zhixuan was always there—standing too close, leaning in too casually, or just watching him with that insufferable smirk.

And now, in the crowded cafeteria, Lu Zhixuan made things worse by sliding into the seat beside him—ignoring the empty seats across the table.

Their thighs pressed together.

"You seem tense," Lu Zhixuan murmured, voice dripping with amusement.

Shen Yu stiffened. "I wonder why."

With an exaggerated sigh, he scooted away.

And, of course, Lu Zhixuan followed.

Shen Yu turned to glare at him. "Do you have to be so close?"

Lu Zhixuan propped his chin on one hand, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "Scared you might like it?"

Shen Yu nearly knocked over his tray. Flustered, he grabbed his drink and chugged it, anything to ignore the heat creeping up his neck.

Across the table, Bai Xue was barely holding in her laughter. She leaned toward Shen Yu, lowering her voice conspiratorially.

"You know," she whispered, "at this point, I'm just waiting for you two to kiss again."

Shen Yu choked.

Coughing violently, he slammed his drink down while Bai Xue patted his back, pretending to be helpful while very clearly enjoying his suffering.

Lu Zhixuan, on the other hand, merely smirked and leaned in a little closer.

"Who says he has to wait?"