Extra 4: The Cafeteria Dance

Lunch was Shen Yu's brief respite from the chaos of school, a time when he could zone out for a bit, maybe chat with Bai Xue, and eat without thinking too hard about anything. The cafeteria was always loud, filled with the chatter of students, the clinking of trays, and the occasional burst of laughter. But Shen Yu had his routine: find a seat, grab his lunch, and try to avoid the teasing glances of his classmates.

It was usually peaceful—until he showed up.

Lu Zhixuan, ever the mischievous force in Shen Yu's life, had a habit. A very specific one. No matter where Shen Yu was sitting, no matter how quiet the moment seemed to be, Lu Zhixuan would find a way to sneak up behind him.

"Hey," Lu Zhixuan's voice would sound, low and teasing, just before Shen Yu felt the familiar pressure of arms wrapping around his waist.

Shen Yu would jump, startled at first, and then immediately roll his eyes. "You know, one day, I'm going to kick you for doing that."

But even as the words left his mouth, there was always a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Shen Yu wasn't sure what it was about the way Lu Zhixuan touched him—playful, comfortable, easy—but every time Lu Zhixuan wrapped his arms around him, his heart would race. It wasn't the surprise that caused the flutter in his chest; it was the fact that, even amidst the chaos, Lu Zhixuan's touch made him feel seen, made him feel... special.

"Yeah, yeah, you say that every time," Lu Zhixuan would murmur, his chin resting on Shen Yu's shoulder, his breath warm against his neck.

Shen Yu couldn't help but chuckle, even as his cheeks flushed with warmth. "You're such a pain," he muttered, though there was no real irritation in his voice.

Then, without warning, Lu Zhixuan would pull away just slightly, enough to drop a soft kiss to the top of Shen Yu's temple. It was quick, sweet, and as subtle as a whisper, but the effect on Shen Yu was anything but subtle. His heart would skip a beat, and before he knew it, his face would be flushed a bright shade of red. It was ridiculous how something so small could send his pulse racing.

"Lu Zhixuan!" Shen Yu hissed, trying to maintain some semblance of composure as he adjusted the collar of his shirt, avoiding eye contact. "What's wrong with you?"

"What?" Lu Zhixuan would act all innocent, his smile crooked and devilish. "Just wanted to make sure you're still alive. You seemed so lost in your food."

Shen Yu rolled his eyes again, but there was no denying the warmth that spread across his chest. He wanted to act irritated, to pretend that it didn't affect him, but the truth was, it was becoming a small routine that he looked forward to. Every day, no matter how stressful the morning had been, no matter what rumors were swirling around them, Lu Zhixuan always found a way to make him feel... happy.

They'd continue eating, and sometimes, when they spoke, it would be in a low murmur just for each other. Shen Yu would find himself leaning in a little closer, not out of necessity but because he wanted to. The low hum of the cafeteria became background noise, the clatter of trays and voices fading as they exchanged teasing remarks, easy conversations, and quiet laughter.

And then, sometimes, when Lu Zhixuan wasn't looking, Shen Yu would catch himself smiling for no reason. Just thinking about how Lu Zhixuan made everything feel lighter, how something as simple as a hug in the middle of a crowded cafeteria could make his heart do cartwheels.

"You're staring at me," Lu Zhixuan would say, catching him off guard with a raised eyebrow, his lips curling into that familiar teasing grin.

Shen Yu would quickly look away, his cheeks turning pink again. "Shut up."

Lu Zhixuan chuckled, leaning forward to tap Shen Yu on the nose, his fingers warm and teasing. "You're too easy to fluster."

Shen Yu rolled his eyes again but couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up in his chest. He was starting to get used to this playful side of Lu Zhixuan, the side that always seemed to show up at the least expected moments. He couldn't help but find it endearing, even if it made his heart race every time.

It was a small routine, nothing dramatic. Just a few minutes in the middle of lunch, just a quiet moment shared between them in the bustling chaos of the cafeteria. But it was these small, seemingly insignificant moments that made Shen Yu realize something: he wasn't just looking forward to these hugs. He was looking forward to every part of his day with Lu Zhixuan in it. The teasing, the smiles, the quiet understanding between them—it was becoming more than just a routine.

It was becoming something real. And Shen Yu wasn't sure if he was ready for all of it... but he knew, in that moment, that he wanted it.