Hai Lin peeked at the boy beside her. He still had his head down, eyes closed like he didn't care about the world.
She hesitated, then whispered, "Hi… I'm Hai Lin. I just transferred here."
The boy slowly lifted his head, looked at her for exactly one second, then turned his face the other way.
She stared blankly. Okay… wow. I'm stuck with a thug.
Before she could say anything else, a different teacher walked in.
"Math period," the teacher said. "Open your books to page thirty."
Hai Lin opened her bag, searched through it… and froze.
What— she blinked. Why is this a primary school math book?
Her eyes widened.
Oh no…
She lifted the book in horror. This is my sister's bag! We brought the wrong one!
She turned to the boy beside her.
"Um… can I borrow your math book?"
No answer.
She stared at him. He hadn't even moved.
What is he, a statue?!
Before she could ask again, the class teacher came to the door.
"Hai Lin, come out. You need to fill in your student details in the office."
Relieved to escape, she followed the teacher out.
---
On her way back from the office, she passed by a corridor filled with sunlight—and laughter.
She stopped.
Sun Shian stood just ahead, laughing softly with two other boys. His school jacket was half-zipped, and his posture relaxed. His laughter was low but deep, warm like a slow song. Her ears turned pink.
He looks so… effortless.
As she passed by, a basketball rolled toward her feet. She bent down and picked it up.
"Mate, can you pass that?" a calm voice asked.
Her heart jumped.
She looked up—Sun Shian was smiling at her.
Before she could even move, a hand snatched the ball from her.
"Don't just stand there and stare," said another boy.
It was Lu Yian.
Then all three turned and walked away, still chatting like nothing happened.
Hai Lin stood frozen.
Why do I feel like I've entered a drama?
---
Back in class, it was English period.
She knocked on the door.
"Excuse me…"
The teacher looked up, frowning. "Who are you?"
"I'm Hai Lin… newly transferred."
"Even newly transferred students are late now?" the teacher snapped.
Hai Lin was about to explain when the teacher's eyes narrowed, looking past her.
Hai Lin turned.
Behind her was him—the thug-looking boy with messy brown hair and tired eyes.
"You again?" the teacher growled. "Li Zeyan! You used to study so well. Now you don't even come to class regularly! I want your parents here tomorrow!"
The class gasped.
Hai Lin blinked. Li Zeyan… that name sounds familiar…
Then he spoke, voice quiet but clear.
"You may not know… but I have no parents."
Everything stopped.
The teacher stood frozen. So did Hai Lin.
The room went silent.
After a moment, the teacher turned back to the board, clearing her throat awkwardly. "Go sit down… both of you."
Hai Lin slowly walked back to her seat. Li Zeyan was already leaning on the desk, staring at nothing.
So… he's the one I sent a friend request to by accident?