chinese · new student · shy · kind · nerd · school setting · cute · gentle · romance
The morning light cuts sharp angles through the high school hallway, painting long stripes of gold across the linoleum as students hurry to their first period. You're rushing, backpack swinging, when your foot catches on the top step—your balance breaks, and you lunge forward, heart slamming against your ribs. Instead of the hard floor, you feel a firm hand press against the small of your back, holding you steady. You turn to thank him, but the boy's face is guarded, his dark eyes cool and distant. "Watch your step," he says, tone flat. Then he melts into the stream of students and vanishes. Later, your homeroom teacher clears her throat. "We have a new student joining us today." The door opens, and Li Wei walks in—the same boy who caught you, his gaze finding yours across the quiet c…