Secretly cannot hide

Meeting Him

Flashbacks

Over the next few weeks, Zixuan settled into her new routine at Nuwan High School. She quickly became inseparable from Chun Fen and Li Xiang, who welcomed her into their tight-knit group. Chun Fen's bubbly personality and Li Xiang's calm demeanor balanced each other out, and Zixuan found herself opening up to them in ways she never had with anyone else.

Academically, Zixuan excelled. She had always been a diligent student, and the rigorous curriculum at Nuwan High challenged her in the best way possible. She spent countless hours in the library, pouring over textbooks and taking meticulous notes.

But despite her academic success, Zixuan couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider. Many of her classmates came from wealthy families, and their conversations about luxury vacations and designer clothes made her feel out of place. She often found herself retreating into her shell, relying on Chun Fen and Li Xiang to navigate the social landscape.

Hua Jing, on the other hand, seemed to fit in effortlessly. He was popular, not just because of his family's wealth, but because of his natural charisma.

He was the star of the basketball team, the top of their class, and the center of attention wherever he went.

Zixuan often found herself watching him from afar, her heart aching with a mixture of admiration and longing.

She would catch glimpses of him in the hallway, laughing with his friends, or see him on the basketball court, his movements fluid and confident.

But no matter how much she wanted to approach him, she couldn't bring herself to do it. The rumors about his past relationship only added to her hesitation. She didn't want to be just another girl vying for his attention.

The school courtyard was alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter as students gathered for lunch. Zixuan Yue sat on a bench under the shade of a large oak tree, her lunchbox resting on her lap. Beside her, Chun Fen was animatedly recounting a story about her weekend, while Li Xiang listened with her usual calm demeanor.

"And then," Chun Fen said, her eyes wide with excitement, "my little brother accidentally spilled juice all over my mom's favorite dress! You should have seen her face-it was priceless!"

Zixuan laughed, shaking her head.

"Your brother sounds like a handful."

"Tell me about it," Chun Fen groaned, but her smile betrayed her fondness for her sibling.

As the girls continued to chat, Zixuan's gaze wandered across the courtyard, where a group of boys were playing basketball. Among them was Hua Jing, his tall frame and confident posture unmistakable. He dribbled the ball with ease, his movements fluid and graceful. Zixuan's heart skipped a beat as she watched him, her cheeks flushing.

"Earth to Zixuan!" Chun Fen's voice pulled her back to the present.

"Huh?" Zixuan blinked, tearing her eyes away from the basketball court.

Chun Fen smirked, following her friend's gaze. "Ah, I see. Admiring the view, are we?"

Zixuan's cheeks turned even redder.

"I-I wasn't-"

"Relax," Chun Fen said, laughing.

"Relax," Chun Fen said, laughing.

"You're not the only one who's noticed him. Half the girls in this school have a crush on Hua Jing.® Li Xiang, who had been quietly eating her lunch, finally spoke up. "But isn't he.. you know, taken?" Chun Fen's expression turned serious. "Well, that's the rumor. He had a girlfriend, but she transferred to another school last month. Rumor is, he's still not over her."

Zixuan's heart sank. Of course, someone like him would already be taken. She forced a smile, trying to hide her disappointment.

"I see," she said softly.

Chun Fen patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, Zixuan. There are plenty of other guys out there."

But Zixuan wasn't so sure.

Later that afternoon, Zixuan found herself in the library, searching for a book for her history assignment. As she browsed the shelves, she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Need any help?"

She turned to see Hua Jing standing there, a small smile playing on his lips. Zixuan's heart raced, and she struggled to find her words.

"I-I'm looking for a book on ancient civilizations," she stammered.

Hua Jing nodded, reaching past her to pull a thick volume from the shelf.

"This one's pretty comprehensive. It should have everything you need."

"Thank you," Zixuan said, taking the book from him. Their fingers brushed briefly, sending a jolt of electricity through her.

"You're new here, right?" Hua Jing asked, his tone casual.

"Yes," Zixuan replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just transferred in."

"Well, welcome to Nuwan High," he said, his smile widening. "If you ever need anything, just let me know." Zixuan nodded, her cheeks burning.

"Thank you."

As Hua Jing walked away, Zixuan couldn't help but feel a surge of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance.