The sun rose over H. City, spilling a warm, golden light across the streets. Rays of sunlight slipped through the gaps in Wang Zi Rui's bedroom window, bathing the room in a soft, gentle glow.
He got up from bed, still in pajamas that hinted at his lean frame, moving with effortless grace toward the marble-floored bathroom as morning light traced the sharp planes of his face. After his bath, he slipped into a black suit that complemented his figure perfectly.
Following his usual routine, he drifted into the kitchen, poured a glass of vegetable juice, and nibbled on a piece of bread, the quiet rhythm of the morning settling around him like a gentle embrace.
The doorbell rang through his penthouse, cutting softly through the quiet of the morning. From the kitchen, he cast a glance toward the door, the sunlight catching the sharp lines of his face as he studied it with calm, measured attention.
He walked over and opened the door. A flicker of surprise passed over his face, quickly smoothed away by his usual calm, as Song Meiqi stood before him, her off-shoulder beige sweater falling effortlessly over her frame, paired with sleek black shorts and matching black boots. The gentle sweater and tailored shorts framed her in a casual, polished way, glowing softly in the morning light.
She held out a paper bag, smiling softly. "A little thank-you gift," she said, thinking of all he had done for her.
"You don't have to—" Zi Rui began, but she cut him off. "Please, just take it. I'd feel terrible if you didn't." Her eyes sparkled.
Zi Rui raised an eyebrow and took the bag. "Then… see you around," Meiqi said, slipping into the elevator before he could reply. Her black hair swayed behind her as the doors slid shut, leaving him staring after her, puzzled.
Zi Rui went back inside and pulled the box from the paper bag, lifting the lid to reveal neatly arranged cookies. Curious, he picked one up and took a bite.
The cookie was sweet, yet delicate, its flavor lingering softly as he looked out the window. Sunlight spilled across the city, warm and golden, and for a moment, a gentle smile tugged at his lips, as if the morning itself had been made brighter.
Meanwhile, Song Meiqi leaned against the elevator wall as it descended, letting out a sigh of relief.
You did great. He wasn't that scary, she thought, patting herself lightly on the shoulder.
Hours later, inside the dance room, Meiqi was completely lost in the rhythm, every step and movement perfectly in sync with her fellow members as they ran through the full choreography for their upcoming concert. This time, no band accompanied them—only the dancers, moving in unison as they worked to perfect every move.
"Okay, girls, let's take a short break," the head choreographer commanded.
Moments later, "Everyone, the food's here!" one of the staff shouted, setting down a bag filled with packaged meals on the floor. Heads turned toward him—some were already feeling hungry.
As Meiqi stepped forward to grab the food, the staff member who had called out earlier approached her with a small package. "Little Qi, this was left at the reception desk earlier," he said, handing her a delicate box with a note attached.
" —To my beloved Everbloom, Song Meiqi"
Meiqi hesitated. It looked harmless—just another fan gift—but a flicker of unease passed through her. Still, she took it, thanked the staff, and returned to the corner where the other members sat, her fingers lingering on the package.
"Oh… looks like a Bloomis wants to cheer you on," Lina teased, her eyes sparkling as she noticed the gift in Meiqi's hands.
Meiqi gave a dry smile before settling down with the others.
"Open it," Si Yu urged, excitement flickering across her face. Meiqi glanced around at her members, each wearing a curious, expectant expression.
Meiqi let out a quiet sigh, her chest tightening with unease. Fingers trembling slightly as she gripped the lid, forcing herself to take a deep breath before slowly lifting it, her heart pounding in anticipation of what might be inside.
Then came a pause—an unbearable, frozen silence. Everyone seemed to hold their breath. Meiqi's fingers trembled as she slowly pulled the item from the envelope.
It was a heart-shaped necklace.
Her heart lurched. The necklace was the matching piece she had bought for Haoran, a secret token of their bond. She always hid it in her locker—yet here it was, in her hands, sent by someone else.
A cold shiver ran down her spine, and the edges of the room blurred. For a fleeting moment, all she could feel was the creeping dread of being watched. Someone had taken it straight from her locker—and they knew her combination code. The realization twisted her stomach; this was no random theft.
"Isn't that the couple necklace you bought for Haoran?" Si Yu's voice cut through the silence, their eyes flicking from the delicate heart pendant back to Meiqi, silently waiting for her reaction.
Xiuying's brows furrowed. "Little Qi… what's going on?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion and concern.
Song Meiqi drew in a deep breath, trying to steady herself before meeting their eyes.
She could no longer keep it in. "Actually… someone's been stalking me these past few days," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.