"Mo Ran, let's work harder next year. We still have one more year left in school," Sheng Chen said gently, trying to console Yan Shu, whose face lacked its usual spark. The fatigue in her eyes hadn't gone unnoticed.
Cheng Han added a few words of encouragement, even nudging Huan Shi to speak up as well, their efforts sincere though a bit awkward.
Ren Zhenting, who usually slept through half their lunch break, was uncharacteristically alert—listening in on their conversation today.
"What's there to mope about? Being the school's face isn't all that special," she said, popping out her lollipop. Then, as if recalling something, she added offhandedly, "If you really want the title, I might be able to help. Just don't get your hopes up."
But Yan Shu wasn't really listening. Their words barely registered.
Her mind had drifted far away—to Si Junyan. To everything that had happened in just the past few days. To the weight of things that couldn't be shared.
