Wednesday.
Sports day.
The day students either shined… or hid.
Irene stepped out of the house like she was born to ruin someone's peace.
Her jersey top hugged her frame perfectly, tucked neatly into her sports shorts. Her legs looked smooth, her skin fresh and milky under the morning light. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, her fringe resting softly across her forehead, dancing with each step she took.
She didn't try.
She didn't need to.
She was already flawless.
On the way, she spotted Bella waiting, pretending to scroll her phone.
Irene smirked.
She slowed her steps.
Then leaned close to Bella's ear.
"Were you smiling at Brandon's contact name again?"
Bella choked.
"I— I wasn't!"
Irene gasped dramatically.
"Oh my God. You even saved his name?"
Bella covered Irene's mouth quickly.
"SHUT UP!"
Irene laughed.
Her favorite hobby was bullying Bella emotionally.
They walked into school together, Bella still red.
Then Irene suddenly stopped walking.
Her eyes narrowed.
She nudged Bella.
"Speak of the devil…"
Bella followed her gaze.
Brandon was walking toward them.
Bella froze.
Irene grinned mischievously and gently pushed Bella forward.
"I'll leave you two lovebirds."
Bella turned sharply.
"IRENE!"
Too late.
Irene was already gone.
Running.
Escaping responsibility.
She reached the Grade 12 lockers.
Her hands held the folded hoodie.
His hoodie.
She stared at it.
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"…stupid hoodie."
She looked around.
She didn't know his locker.
"…whatever."
She randomly opened one locker and shoved it inside.
Then slammed it shut quickly.
And walked away.
Not knowing…
That was his locker.
Later, sports activities ended and classes resumed.
By third period, both Class 6 Grade 12 and Class 1 Grade 12 were less busy.
So the announcement came.
"All Grade 12 students should report to the Biology Lab."
Students groaned.
Irene walked down the hallway lazily.
Then she saw him.
Yuan Mi.
Entering the biology lab.
Her soul left her body.
She froze.
Her brain screamed.
RETREAT.
She immediately ran behind a wall corner nearby.
Her back pressed against it.
Her heart raced.
"Why is he everywhere…"
She peeked slowly.
He was gone.
She exhaled in relief.
"…good."
She leaned against the wall, lost in thought.
Then suddenly—
A voice spoke beside her.
Soft.
Close.
Dangerously close.
"Who are you hiding from?"
Without thinking, she looked at it and replied subconsciously.
"Shhh! I'm hiding from Yuan mi "
Then she looked away.
She froze.
Her brain caught up.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
She turned her head.
And met his eyes.
Yuan Mi.
Standing beside her.
Smiling.
Her soul evaporated.
Her eyes widened.
Her mouth opened—
But before she could scream—
His hand gently covered her mouth.
Not harsh.
Not painful.
Just enough.
His voice was calm.
"Don't scream."
Her heart pounded violently.
She nodded quickly.
He slowly released her.
She obeyed immediately.
For once.
She obeyed him.
Unknown to them…
Across the hallway.
A phone camera clicked.
Snap.
Captured perfectly.
His calm smile.
Her shocked face.
Her wide eyes.
And his hand over her mouth.
Uploaded instantly.
To the school forum.
Irene glared at him.
"What's wrong with you?!"
He tilted his head slightly.
"What's wrong with you?"
She froze.
He stepped closer.
"Why were you hiding from me?"
"I wasn't hiding!"
She replied instantly.
Too instantly.
He watched her carefully.
Silent.
Observing.
Analyzing.
Then he leaned closer slightly.
And spoke softly.
"When you lie…"
He paused, then continued.
" …your ears turn red."
Her heart skipped.
She froze.
Her eyes widened.
Immediately she covered her ears.
"What?!"
She panicked.
She ran to the nearby window glass.
Checking her reflection.
Checking her ears.
Touching them repeatedly.
Her face serious.
Focused.
Concerned.
Behind her—
Yuan Mi watched her.
Then smiled.
A real smile.
Not forced.
Not fake.
Real.
She stared at her ears.
Normal.
Not red.
She froze.
Her brain processed it.
Slowly.
Very slowly.
Then her eyes widened.
She turned sharply.
He was still there.
Calm.
Relaxed.
Watching her.
Realization exploded inside her.
"…you lied to me."
Silence.
He didn't deny it.
He just watched her.
Her pride was wounded.
Her dignity shattered.
Her anger ignited.
Her fists clenched.
Her eyes burned.
She pointed at him accusingly.
"You…"
Her voice shook.
"…YOU'RE DEAD."
He smiled slightly.
Dangerously calm.
Like he wasn't afraid.
Like he was waiting for it.
And somehow…
That made her even angrier.