The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in warm hues as Nezha and Ao Bing sat on the dorm rooftop. Nezha sprawled on his back, staring at the clouds, while Ao Bing sat cross-legged, sipping a soda.

“You’re too quiet,” Nezha said, breaking the silence. “Do you ever just talk? Or do you save all your words for roasting me while playing games?”

Ao Bing smirked. “I talk plenty. You just don’t listen.”

Nezha sat up, feigning offense. “Wow. Rude. You’re lucky I like you, or I’d push you off this roof.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“I would.”

Ao Bing flicked Nezha’s forehead, right where the faint lotus symbol glowed. Nezha froze, his breath catching. Ao Bing’s touch was always so deliberate, so gentle.

“What was that for?” Nezha asked, his voice softer than intended.

“You looked like you needed it,” Ao Bing said, his tone light but his gaze lingering.

Nezha stared at him, his heart pounding. There was something about the way Ao Bing looked at him—like he could see right through him.

“You’re such a jerk,” Nezha muttered, leaning back on his hands. His fingers brushed Ao Bing’s, and neither of them moved away.