The winter sun spilled golden light over the school gates, catching in the strands of Liang Meiyu's hair as she hurried up the street. Her scarf was pulled up to her nose, not just against the chill, but also to hide the faint smile tugging at her lips.
It was the first day of the new semester—her first day walking to school as Zhao Yichen's girlfriend.
Not that she'd admit she was nervous.
She was still rehearsing in her head how she'd greet him when she spotted him ahead, leaning against the gate like he owned it. Hands in pockets, black school jacket open just enough to show the white sweater underneath, hair tousled in a way that looked careless but Meiyu suspected was entirely on purpose.
Several girls passing by whispered and giggled. One even slowed down to take a longer look.
Meiyu's heart squeezed.
Why did he have to be this attractive?
As if sensing her presence, Yichen straightened and pushed away from the gate. His eyes found hers instantly, that slow, arrogant smile spreading over his face.
"Morning, girlfriend," he drawled, loud enough for people nearby to hear.
She froze mid-step. "Could you—"
Too late. A few students turned, some whispering, some raising eyebrows.
Meiyu's cheeks burned. "Zhao Yichen!" she hissed when she reached him. "Do you have to announce it like that?"
"Yes." He took her bag off her shoulder before she could stop him, slinging it over his own. "Gotta make sure every guy here knows you're taken."
"That's… ridiculous."
"It's romantic." His smirk deepened. "And it's fun to see you blush."
She glared, but the warmth in her chest betrayed her. "You're impossible."
"And you love it."
The walk to class was a parade of mixed reactions—wide-eyed stares, playful teasing from friends, and one or two scowls from girls who clearly weren't thrilled about the news.
By the time they reached the classroom, Meiyu was flustered. But Yichen, of course, was completely unbothered.
He pulled out her chair before sitting down beside her. "So," he said casually, "what are you doing after school?"
"Studying," she replied automatically.
He leaned closer, voice low enough for only her to hear. "Wrong answer. You're coming with me. Date number one."
Her head snapped toward him. "Date—? Already?"
"Why wait?" He grinned, leaning back in his seat as if the matter were settled.
And maybe it was, because despite herself, Meiyu could feel anticipation curling in her stomach.