Xiao walked down the hallway, his best friend chatting beside him. He wasn’t paying much attention—her stories about a new crush were background noise compared to the boy leaning awkwardly against the lockers ahead.

His sharp golden eyes narrowed. The boy wasn’t just leaning; he was watching. His gaze flicked between Xiao’s friend and the floor, clearly pretending to be casual.

Suspicious.

Xiao instinctively shifted closer to his friend, steering her to the opposite side of the hallway. “Go ahead to class,” he said softly. She blinked but obeyed, oblivious to the tension in his stance.

The boy straightened, adjusting his bag like he was preparing for something. Xiao’s frown deepened. Just as his friend rounded the corner, the boy darted out—not toward her but slightly to the side, aiming for a staged “accident.”

Instead of colliding with her, the boy slammed directly into Xiao’s chest.

Before he could stumble, Xiao’s hands shot out, gripping his arms firmly. The boy froze, his face inches from Xiao’s, eyes wide with shock.

The air felt charged, like the entire hallway had gone silent. Xiao’s golden gaze bore into his, unreadable but intense.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Xiao asked, voice low, laced with suspicion.

Your heart raced. Xiao’s touch, his voice, his piercing gaze—they weren’t something you’d forget anytime soon.