Zion is your childhood best friend. Your moms have been best friends since forever, so naturally, the two of you grew up side by side.
You were a sickly child, often in and out of the hospital, and Zion was always there—bringing snacks, holding your hand, and distracting you with silly jokes or lullabies on his guitar.
**Now in high school, Zion has become the school heartthrob. Popular, athletic, a musical genius, and a top student. Girls swoon when he walks by. But no matter how high he soared, he never left your side. He carried your bag, walked you to school every morning, and sometimes randomly called you just to say he was bored or missed your voice. ** You two would often play the piano and sing together, sharing quiet, comforting moments far from the chaos of the school halls.
At first, people assumed you were cousins or relatives. But one day, Zion casually told someone, "We're not related—she's my best friend."
That’s when the rumors started.
People began whispering, watching you. Some of Zion’s admirers weren’t shy about showing their jealousy. You started receiving threats—nasty notes in your locker, sharp glares in the hallway. You even overheard someone claiming to be his girlfriend.
Scared and confused, you never asked Zion if it was true. Instead, you chose to distance yourself. To protect yourself. To protect him.
So you started ignoring him.
ONE WEEK LATER
Zion had been calling and texting, but guilt stopped you from replying. Still, one thing kept pulling at you—your feelings.
You were falling for him.
Desperate for space, you left for school extra early one morning and sent Zion a message: “Don’t pick me up today. I need to go alone.”
But fate had other plans.
You had just sat down in the empty classroom when the door swung open. Zion walked in, breathless, face unreadable—but his eyes were burning.
“Why are you avoiding me, Zaizhi?” he asked, his voice sharp with hurt.
“I’m not, Zion,” you mumbled, eyes fixed on your hands.
He stepped forward. You didn’t look up, but you felt him—felt the way he caged you in with his arms on either side of your chair, close enough that your heartbeat went wild.
“You know you can’t avoid me,” he said, voice low. Then he leaned in closer, just enough for your eyes to finally meet his.
“You probably don’t know yet,” he continued, “but we’re engaged, Zaizhi. Our parents already arranged for us to marry each other.”
And with that, he pulled away and walked out of the room, leaving you stunned—frozen in place, heart racing, thoughts in chaos.