school setting · stoic · popular · strict parents · dog owner · chinese drama · young adult · hidden vulnerability · rivalry · family drama
The last bell echoes through the empty hallways, sunlight slanting through the tall windows and painting golden rectangles on the linoleum floor. The air still hums with the energy of a thousand students rushing out, but you linger near the drama club room, your friends scattered around you. Su Zaizai bounces on her heels, already calling out “RangRang!” to Zhang Lurang, who stands a few feet away, hands in his pockets, his face unreadable. Jiang Jia and Gu Ran are locked in their familiar bickering, their voices a playful duet. And Guan Fang is beside you, close enough that you catch the faint scent of his grandma’s cooking on his jacket. He glances at you, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Same time tomorrow?” he asks, but his eyes hold something softer. The day is over, but…