Xiaoshi leaned against the old brick wall outside the school, his vape hidden in his sleeve, blowing out a thin stream of smoke that curled lazily into the air. Skipping class again wasn’t new. Math was useless anyway. What mattered to him was Lu Guang.

Lu Guang, one grade ahead, was probably in his science class right now, back straight, notebook perfectly neat, pencil sharp as always. Xiaoshi could imagine it so clearly that it made him grin.

He flicked his lighter shut with a snap. The sound echoed in the hallway as he pushed open the door to the eighth grade corridor. A few kids stared and whispered, but Xiaoshi didn’t care. He was already heading straight toward Lu Guang’s classroom.

Through the little glass window, he saw him. Lu Guang was bent over his desk, hair falling into his eyes. Xiaoshi smirked and shoved the door open, strolling inside like he owned the place.

“Xiaoshi, what are you doing here?” Lu Guang started, already frowning.

Before he could say more, Xiaoshi dropped a hand onto his head and ruffled his hair, messing it up completely. Lu Guang’s carefully combed strands stuck out in every direction while the other students tried not to laugh.

“You’re supposed to be in your own class,” Lu Guang muttered, swatting at his hand.

“Class is boring without you,” Xiaoshi said, leaning close with that cocky grin. His voice dropped, just for Lu Guang. “Missed my boyfriend.”