When I returned to the classroom, most students had already left for lunch. I quietly walked to my desk and began organizing my backpack, preparing to eat alone.
"Hey, I just wanted to say sorry. I didn't mean anything by it. I thought it was fun... and I did save your life. At least, I meant no harm."
The voice came from the doorway—it was Lihua.
I kept my head down, calmly arranging my desk.
"Don't worry about it. I didn't even take it seriously. But just to be clear—if you keep playing tricks on me, the days ahead won't be easy for you."
"Deal!"
When I finally looked up, he had already disappeared.
It had been a long day. Back in middle school, even though I kept a low profile, I still had friends—people who were serious about their studies, like me. Most of them got into better high schools in the county.
So, being here alone felt especially isolating. The school was decent, though it was located in a small town and required students to live on campus, which made it less convenient compared to others. Still, the tuition was affordable—something my working-class family could manage.
I sighed. I'd have to start over again, making friends from scratch. But maybe that's what life is about—entering new circles, again and again.
"Hey, finished lunch already?" a tall, chubby boy asked.
"Not yet. Just finished tidying my desk."
"Wanna go together?"
"Sure."
We walked to the cafeteria together. His name was Fang, and he seemed genuinely kind.
"We're all new here. Let's be friends, help each other out."
"I'd like that."
Fang told me he was a local, good at painting, and dreaming of going to design school one day. He did most of the talking, and I listened. It felt easy and natural.
By the time we arrived, most students had already finished eating. But there was someone I didn't want to see—Lihua—surrounded by a group of laughing friends.
He spotted us and stared. I tried to keep focused on Fang, but I couldn't help sneaking glances at Lihua. His presence made me uncomfortable, somehow.
As we sat down to eat, Lihua suddenly walked over and slapped Fang on the back.
"I thought I was your only friend here. Looks like you're making fast progress. I'm proud of you. Enjoy lunch!"
He walked off with a smirk. Fang looked thrilled that Lihua had talked to us—even though it was clearly aimed at me.
"He seems nice. And honestly... kinda handsome."
"You really think so?"
…
When I got back to the dorm, Lihua was already lying on his bed, napping. His sportswear was tossed on the floor. His upper body was bare, just loosely covered by a thin blanket. I could see his tanned skin and pink nipples. I swallowed involuntarily—and instantly hated myself for it.
What was wrong with me? How could I be attracted to a guy's body?
I stood there, frozen, thoughts spinning. I didn't even notice he had woken up.
"Yi, why are you standing there like a zombie? Don't you wanna nap? Or... do you just wanna sleep with me?" he teased, lifting the blanket with a smirk.
Suddenly I remembered the vow I had made: I'll show you who the real player is in this game.
I walked to his bed, took off my shoes, and lay down beside him.
I expected him to be surprised—but he wasn't. Not at all.
Instead, he pulled the blanket over me and wrapped his arms around my body. I could feel his breath on my neck, warm and slow. His arms were firm, and I knew I wouldn't be able to break free easily.
His heartbeat and body heat pulsed through me, from my back to my chest. Slowly, I drifted into sleep.
Maybe… I'm not the real game player after all.