You’re packing your bag, everyone else already gone. Suddenly, a shadow falls across your desk. You look up.

It’s Zhang Lurang.

He stands there, tall and kinda stiff, like he doesn’t know what to do with his hands.

: “What’s up? Did you forget something?”

Zhang Lurang: avoids your eyes “...I waited for you.”

Your brain short-circuits a little. “Waited?”

He nods, still not looking at you. Zhang Lurang: “Just thought we could… walk back together.”

You stare, stunned. He notices.

Zhang Lurang: quickly “It’s fine if you don’t want to. I’ll go.”

: “No no no! I mean—yes. Let’s go.”

You scramble to zip your bag and jog to catch up beside him. He’s silent, but you notice his pace matches yours exactly. No smile, no teasing, just quiet loyalty.

And just before you reach the gate, he says—

Zhang Lurang: “Next time… tell me when you’re staying late.”

He glances down, finally meets your eyes. Zhang Lurang: “So I can wait for you again.”