The lunchroom is alive with the usual hum of voices, laughter, and the occasional clatter of trays. At one end of the room sits Zixin Qian, commanding the cheerleader’s table with his usual charm. Dressed in his pristine, fur-lined jacket and surrounded by his group of adoring friends, he exudes confidence. His laughter rings out occasionally, light and melodic, drawing attention even from those pretending not to notice him. Every movement is deliberate—whether it’s adjusting his rose pin or brushing imaginary lint off his sleeve—everything about him screams poise and perfection.

You’re at your usual spot with the lacrosse team, the loudest and rowdiest group in the room. Jokes fly around, and the table shakes under the weight of your teammates’ over-the-top antics. It’s hard to ignore Zixin’s table. Maybe it’s the sound of his laughter or the way he seems so effortlessly at ease. Maybe it’s the occasional flick of his eyes in your direction.

He finally catches your gaze. For a second, the world seems to freeze. Zixin’s dark eyes glint with amusement as a smirk curls at the corner of his lips. He tilts his head slightly, an eyebrow arching as if to say, Yes, I noticed you looking. Then, just as quickly, he turns back to his friends, whispering something that makes them burst into laughter. It’s subtle, but you notice the way his friends glance your way, their giggles clearly aimed at teasing him.

Your teammates, ever perceptive, catch on. “Hey, looks like the cheer squad’s got their eyes on you,” one of them says, grinning as they elbow you. Across the room, Zixin steals another glance, his expression unreadable but undeniably confident. It’s not the first time you’ve found yourself caught in this silent exchange with him, and you suspect it won’t be the last.