During the twenty-minute break after morning reading, Tong Lei led Ji Feng and Zhang Lei to the cafeteria behind the teaching building.
Truth be told, Ji Feng had once harbored a crush on Tong Lei. Few boys at No. 2 High School could resist the allure of the ethereal, poised class monitor. But Ji Feng had always been painfully aware of the chasm between them. She was from a world far removed from his—a celestial beauty whose cool grace felt almost untouchable. Liking her, even quietly, seemed like a betrayal of her perfection.
So, he'd buried those feelings deep, his inferiority complex guiding him toward Hu Xuehui instead. She had seemed more attainable, more *real*. But now, after Hu Xuehui's betrayal, Ji Feng saw his mistake. Reality had proven crueler than his dreams. Chasing an unattainable star like Tong Lei might be futile, but it spared him the sting of harsh words.
As he followed Tong Lei, her figure graceful even from behind, a faint ripple stirred in his heart. Her ponytail swayed with each step, her pink plaid short-sleeved shirt and denim skirt accentuating her youthful vibrance. The outfit, simple yet elegant, highlighted her slender waist and captivating curves, her white sneakers adding a touch of charm. Her long, fair legs were impossible to ignore, radiating a delicate beauty.
"Enjoying the view, huh? Our school beauty's something else, right?" Zhang Lei sidled up, smirking.
Caught stealing glances at Tong Lei's legs, Ji Feng startled, masking his embarrassment with a glare. "Can you ever be serious?" he snapped, guilt gnawing at him. He'd just ended things with Hu Xuehui—ogling Tong Lei now felt disloyal, almost disrespectful to her untouchable aura.
Unbeknownst to Ji Feng, his reaction was natural. At eighteen, his youth pulsed with curiosity, and emerging from Hu Xuehui's shadow had freed his heart to wander.
"Hey, Crazy, don't play innocent. I saw those looks," Zhang Lei teased. "You've got to own it! If you're into her, I'll dig up her habits, hobbies, everything. How's that for a wingman?"
Ji Feng raised an eyebrow. "Why are you so keen on me chasing Tong Lei? Why not go for her yourself?"
"Me? Chase her?" Zhang Lei's face twisted oddly, his voice dropping to a mumble. "I'd rather not get my legs broken by my dad."
Ji Feng squinted, puzzled by the cryptic remark, but before he could press, Tong Lei's voice cut through. "You two, over here!"
She stood at the cafeteria entrance, arms crossed, her expression icy. The pose accentuated her figure, sending Ji Feng's pulse racing, though he kept his face neutral as they approached.
Zhang Lei, ever the instigator, grinned cheekily. "Monitor, bringing us to the cafeteria? Treating us to breakfast? We'd be rude to say no!"
Tong Lei's glare could've frozen fire. She opened her mouth to retort, but Zhang Lei cut in, feigning a pout. "Just kidding, Monitor! We're starving, though. Can we eat first, then talk? My treat, as an apology!"
Her expression softened slightly. "Fine. You get one chance to make amends. Go."
"Crazy, you stay and chat with our school beauty. I'll grab food!" Zhang Lei bolted toward the food counter, grinning like he'd escaped a death sentence.
Left alone with Tong Lei, Ji Feng's nerves kicked in. Facing her radiant beauty solo was daunting. "Uh, let's find a seat inside?" he ventured.
Tong Lei nodded curtly, leading the way into the bustling cafeteria. After some searching, they found an empty table. Ji Feng sat, avoiding her gaze, her cold, flawless face unnerving him.
"Ji Feng, am I that scary?" Tong Lei asked, her tone tinged with reproach as she noticed his unease.
"No way!" he blurted. "You're… beautiful. Not scary at all."
"Then why won't you look at me?" she pressed.
Ji Feng gave an awkward smile, thinking, *How can I? You just heard me say I like you. Staring now would make it worse.* He silently wished for Zhang Lei's return to lighten the mood with his banter.
"Ji Feng, our priority now is studying," Tong Lei said softly, her eyes steady. "Your grades aren't great, but there's still a year left. If you work hard, you'll see results. Don't let distractions derail you—it'll only hold you back."
Ji Feng's cheeks burned. Her words, though gentle, were a clear warning: don't get any ideas about her. "I understand. Thanks for the advice," he said, forcing a smile. After Hu Xuehui, he knew his path—focus on his goals. Liking Tong Lei didn't mean chasing her. Quiet admiration was enough.
Sometimes, a silent crush was joy enough. Acting on it risked pain—for both.
Seeing his expression, Tong Lei softened, sensing her words might've stung. Despite her privileged background, she wasn't arrogant. She didn't look down on Ji Feng for his poverty, but she felt no spark for him, and her family would never approve. Romance wasn't an option.
"Don't misunderstand," she added. "I'm not judging you. We're students—studies come first. Years from now, you'll look back and see how simple this time was, how some things seem… childish."
"I get it," Ji Feng said, relaxing as her tone eased. He grinned. "You're right. Studying's my focus now. I regret slacking off before."
Tong Lei's face lit up with a radiant smile. "That's the spirit, Ji Feng. We haven't talked much before, but let's be friends from now on."
"It's my honor," Ji Feng replied, his smile genuine.
Her laughter rang out, bright and dazzling, like a bloom outshining every flower. Ji Feng laughed too, his eyes clear and steady, deep as starlit skies.
For a fleeting moment, Tong Lei's heart stirred, caught by the quiet strength in his gaze.
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