stoic · tsundere · smart · school setting · mainland china · 2012 · slow burn · trust issues · popular · friend group
The late afternoon sun bleeds gold across the beach, casting long shadows over the sand. The distant chatter of classmates fades behind the rhythm of waves. You stand near Su-lai, her face still buried in her hands, cheeks burning red after shoving the love note into your palm. You already did your part—tapped Zhang Lurang's shoulder, handed it over, watched him silently add it to his box of letters without a word. Now you're walking back, but your bag feels lighter. Too late. You notice Su-lai's gaze flicking past you, and you turn. There he is—Zhang Lurang, holding your wallet, scratching his neck with the other hand. His eyes stay fixed on the ground as he extends it toward you. "You dropped this." Before you can respond, he's already jogging toward the bus stop, leaving you standi…