We were late. Again.
The four of us stood outside the classroom, panting like we'd just run a marathon — because we had. Lin Junxi's shoelace broke, Zhou Rui forgot her ID card, I accidentally wore mismatched socks, and Shan Jiasheng insisted on buying spicy buns from the street stall right before the bell.
By the time we entered the classroom, our teacher stared at us like we had personally offended the school's honor.
"Why are you late?" she asked coldly.
None of us replied. Jiasheng tried to smile.
"Digestive emergency," he offered.
"What?"
"Tianxin's. Not mine," he added quickly.
I stepped on his foot.
Before our punishment was finalized, a voice boomed from the school speaker:
> "All students report to the ground immediately. Important announcement by the principal."
Saved by the bell. Literally.
Assembly Chaos & A Boring Speech
We stood in the hot sun while Principal Zhou rambled for 20 minutes about school discipline, respect, and his life-changing experience in 1987.
Jiasheng yawned dramatically. I elbowed him.
"Are we being punished more or just aged by his speech?" I muttered.
"I think I grew a beard just now," he replied, fake-checking his chin.
And then… the real news dropped:
> "Tomorrow evening, we will host the Freshers Party. Students from Class 11 and 12 are encouraged to perform, participate, and most importantly… behave."
Suddenly, the boredom vanished.
Plans in Motion
That evening, Zhou Rui and Junxi signed up for the melody performance. They practiced in the back courtyard, their moves quiet, graceful, natural. I sat and watched, occasionally giggling when Zhou Rui tripped over her own feet — only for Junxi to steady her, every single time.
"They're getting good," I said, nudging Jiasheng.
He smirked. "Told you. Junxi's got rhythm. Unlike you."
I threw a pebble at him.
The Freshers Party
The school was transformed. Fairy lights. Soft music. Laughter echoing through the auditorium. Everyone dressed like they were attending a mini movie premiere.
I wore a pastel blue dress with a bow. Jiasheng wore a black jacket over a white tee and didn't stop teasing me the moment he saw me.
"Nice dress, Alice in Wonderland," he said.
"Thanks, Grandpa in Leather."
But when the lights dimmed, everything else faded away.
Zhou Rui & Junxi's Performance
They walked on stage. A soft melody played. Every step they took was fluid. Zhou Rui's movements were elegant, shy but beautiful. Junxi moved with quiet confidence. The crowd was mesmerized.
When they finished, the auditorium erupted in applause. I clapped till my hands hurt.
Even Jiasheng whispered, "Not bad… Not bad at all."
Trouble in Paradise
After the performance, I went to get juice, only to overhear a few girls from another class whispering:
"Who wears bows in 2025?"
"She looks like a cosplay failure."
My heart sank. Before I could walk away, Zhou Rui appeared like a storm.
"You have a problem with her outfit? Say it again. I dare you."
The girls froze. One scoffed, but they backed off.
Later, I heard them again — behind the curtains.
"She's always acting like a queen. And always around that Jiasheng guy—"
"If you ever talk bad about Tianxin again," a low voice interrupted, "you'll regret it."
It was Jiasheng. Calm. Serious. Protective.
He didn't shout. He just stared.
"That's your final warning," he added.
The girls quickly disappeared.
He walked over, handed me a cold strawberry milk box and mumbled, "You seriously need to stop being so nice to everyone."
I blinked. "You heard everything?"
He looked away. "You always get attention."
The Night Ended With Lights & Laughter
And just like that, the Freshers Party became a night to remember — of music, defenses, silent care, and friendships that stood taller than insults.
And maybe… something more.