The announcement came during homeroom:
"Next week, our class will be going on an overnight trip to Qixiang Lake," the teacher said. "There will be hiking, team activities, and a campfire night. Please bring the permission slips signed by your parents."
The classroom buzzed with excitement. Qixiang Lake was famous for its clear water and starry skies—it was the kind of trip everyone looked forward to.
Meiyu felt a thrill at the idea, but it was quickly followed by nervousness. A whole two days… with Zhao Yichen and Haoran in the same group.
When the teacher announced the activity pairings, her heart nearly stopped.
"Liang Meiyu, Zhao Yichen, and Xu Haoran—you three will be in the same hiking team."
The room erupted in murmurs. Everyone knew about the growing tension between the two boys.
Meiyu dropped her head on her desk, groaning silently. Why me?
---
The following week came too quickly.
The bus ride to Qixiang Lake was a mix of chatter, laughter, and snack exchanges. Meiyu sat by the window, trying to enjoy the view, but she could feel two pairs of eyes on her from either side.
Yichen sat behind her, one arm propped against the seat, his presence heavy even when he said nothing. Haoran sat diagonally across the aisle, occasionally leaning forward to ask if she wanted water or gum.
The trip hadn't even officially started, and she already felt caught in the middle of a silent storm.
---
By the time they arrived, the sun was warm, and the lake shimmered like glass under the blue sky. The class cheered as they unloaded their bags.
The first activity was the hike.
"Stay in your teams," the teacher instructed. "Make sure no one gets left behind."
Meiyu adjusted her backpack straps, trying not to notice the way Yichen and Haoran immediately flanked her on either side like bodyguards.
The trail wound through pine forests, the air crisp and cool. For a while, it was peaceful—birds singing, classmates laughing ahead of them. But soon the inevitable happened.
"Careful with that step," Haoran said, offering his hand as they reached a steep slope.
"I've got her," Yichen cut in smoothly, already steadying her elbow before she could take Haoran's hand.
She sighed. "I can walk, you know."
"Not if you trip over every rock," Yichen muttered.
"That's not fair," she said, frowning.
Haoran chuckled. "Don't mind him. He thinks acting like a bodyguard will win him points."
Yichen shot him a glare sharp enough to cut steel.
Meiyu hurried ahead before it could escalate further.
---
Midway through the hike, the group stopped for lunch. Meiyu sat under a tree, opening her bento box.
"Want some?" Haoran asked, holding out a neatly packed box with fried dumplings.
Before she could answer, Yichen slid down beside her, biting into a rice ball. "She doesn't need your leftovers."
Haoran raised a brow. "They're not leftovers. I made them this morning."
"You cook now? What's next, knitting her a sweater?"
"Better than scowling like an old man all day."
The two locked eyes again, sparks practically flying.
Meiyu stuffed a dumpling in her mouth just to shut them up. "Both of you, please. It's lunch, not a battlefield."
Haoran looked sheepish, while Yichen leaned back with a frustrated sigh.
---
That evening, after tents were pitched, the class gathered for the campfire. Sparks rose into the night as flames crackled, and someone pulled out a guitar.
Laughter filled the air as students roasted marshmallows. Meiyu sat with her classmates, trying to relax.
Then the teacher announced, "We'll be playing a team challenge! Pairs will tie their legs together and race around the fire. Winners get first pick of breakfast tomorrow."
Of course, fate was cruel.
"Liang Meiyu and Zhao Yichen, you're up first!"
The class whooped and clapped.
Meiyu flushed as Yichen calmly tied the rope around their legs, his hand brushing her ankle. "Relax," he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Just follow my lead."
When the race started, she stumbled at first, but Yichen caught her, arm firm around her waist. They moved almost perfectly in sync, crossing the line before anyone else.
The cheers were deafening, but what struck her most was the look in his eyes when they turned to each other, breathless and close. For a moment, the world narrowed to just him.
But then she caught sight of Haoran in the crowd, his smile forced, his hands shoved into his pockets.
Her heart twisted.
---
Later that night, when everyone was settling in, Meiyu stepped away from the tents to get some air. The stars above the lake were dazzling, reflected in the water like scattered jewels.
She didn't notice Yichen until he spoke.
"Can't sleep?"
She turned. He was standing a few feet away, hands in his pockets, eyes softer than usual.
"I just… needed some quiet," she admitted.
He stepped closer. "You looked happy tonight. During the race."
She hesitated. "It was fun."
Yichen studied her, then said quietly, "Do you ever wonder why I keep picking fights with you?"
She blinked at him. "Because you're arrogant?"
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Because it's the only way I know how to keep your attention. From the first day, I… I couldn't stop looking at you. But I didn't know how to say it. So I argued instead."
Her chest tightened.
Before she could reply, another voice cut in.
"Meiyu."
Haoran stepped out from the trees, his gaze steady but shadowed. "I need to talk to you."
Yichen's jaw clenched.
The stars glittered overhead, the fire still crackled in the distance, and Meiyu suddenly realized—this trip wasn't just about fun. It was the moment everything would change.
---