It was during the University Games period. Ji Yu looked at the location listed in the notification, lips pressing together slightly. It wasn’t until his teammates called his name several times that he snapped back to reality.

 

“What are you looking at? I’ve been calling you for a while,” one of them said, glancing at his phone at the same time.

 

Ji Yu quickly closed the screen and casually replied, “Nothing.”

 

With that, he briskly walked out of sight, leaving his teammate standing there, confused and scratching his head.

 

The next morning, Ji Yu went to training as usual and happened to glance at the coach in the office, frowning over a stack of lists.

 

He approached without haste. The moment their eyes met, the coach immediately handed over the task at hand: “Perfect timing. The person handling the volunteer lists ran into some trouble. You can take over.”

 

Without another word, the coach shoved the entire stack of papers into Ji Yu’s hands and left the office, clearly worried he might change his mind.

 

Ji Yu looked at the files in front of him. Among the names, one caught his eye. His lips curved slightly as he sat down, thoughtfully organizing the assignments.

 

On the eve of the competition, Xie He noticed something different about him and asked in surprise, “Why did you suddenly decide to switch your shower gel today?”

 

Ji Yu was picking out clothes for the next day. He pursed his lips slightly and replied enigmatically, “Nothing, I just thought this scent fits the summer.”

 

“Is that why you’re picking clothes for summer?” Xie He asked, glancing at his wardrobe, curious.

 

Ji Yu’s eyes curved slightly, and he nodded after a moment.

 

The next morning, he went to a nearby convenience store. The owner was intently watching a classic Taiwanese idol drama and didn’t even look up when he entered.

 

Ji Yu scanned the surroundings, then said, “Excuse me, I’d like to discuss something with you.”

 

“This store doesn’t extend credit,” the owner replied as if used to such requests.

 

“I just want to borrow your TV for a day. I’ll compensate you,” Ji Yu said bluntly, ignoring her refusal.

 

The owner paused her snacking and looked at him, slightly startled, then softened her tone: “You want to borrow my TV?”

 

“Yes,” Ji Yu nodded confidently.

 

It was midsummer, with the sun blazing through the clouds and the air thick with heat. Cicadas chirped incessantly, adding to the slight irritation in the atmosphere.

 

Shi Xing, glancing inside the store, spotted the girl who had swapped volunteer spots with her due to period pain. She was eating ice cream with her companion. When their eyes met briefly, the girl froze for a moment before awkwardly looking away.

 

Shi Xing pressed her lips together. Just as she was about to give up, the person in charge came over and announced they could have a short break.

 

She noticed a convenience store ahead and, without thinking, walked straight toward it.

 

As she entered, a badminton match on the screen caught her attention. The first thing she saw was Ji Yu, dressed in a black-and-white sports outfit, eyes focused, lips pressed lightly, concentrating on the opponent.

 

As the match began, both sides exchanged volleys. Shi Xing listened to the commentary thoughtfully. Ji Yu first feigned a move, forcing his opponent to stand still. Then he tested his smash, landing a straight, powerful shot that went out of bounds.

 

Ji Yu steadily extended his lead. His opponent increased their attacks, but Ji Yu effortlessly countered each one.

 

He paused again, forcing his opponent to stand while he prepared, then launched a series of strong smashes, continuing to score. Under his relentless offense, the opponent fell helplessly, losing the first half.

 

In the second half, Ji Yu executed consecutive smashes to the back court. His opponent tried a straight return but was blocked. After a series of moves, Ji Yu ended the match decisively.

 

After the match, Shi Xing moved toward the freezer to get some jasmine tea. Just as she reached, she felt a pair of slender hands help her retrieve it.

 

Their eyes met briefly, hearts pounding. Ji Yu handed her the tea first.

 

“Thanks,” Shi Xing said, taking the drink, suddenly feeling her face flush.

 

Ji Yu nodded lightly and calmly walked toward the cashier.

 

After checking out, Shi Xing stepped outside, watching him leave. Her heart skipped a beat.

 

Once Shi Xing had left, the store owner pulled out her phone and sent a message to someone: “Based on years of watching idol dramas, she’s probably fallen for you at first sight.”

 

From then on, Shi Xing always found ways to drag Ying Xiaoxiao to the sports university to watch him play.

 

Though they often “coincidentally” ran into him, Shi Xing assumed it was Ying Xiaoxiao spreading the word. Little did she know, Ji Yu had likely orchestrated these “coincidences” from the start.

 

One day, as she watched his match, Ying Xiaoxiao suddenly brought her up to Ji Yu and bluntly asked, “Can I get your WeChat?”

 

Everyone’s attention shifted toward them. Shi Xing’s face turned bright red. Ji Yu froze for a moment. Before he could react, Shi Xing had already pulled Ying Xiaoxiao away.

 

Watching them leave, Ji Yu smiled meaningfully. Later, lying in bed after his shower, he gazed out the window at the darkened scene. The sunset had been swallowed by night, and the occasional cicadas chirped in the trees. His mind drifted into thought.

 

The next day, he deliberately waited at a place where Shi Xing usually appeared. Soon, a familiar figure entered his sight.

 

This time, Ji Yu took the initiative. He walked up briskly: “We didn’t add each other on WeChat yesterday.”

 

Shi Xing hurriedly waved her hand, awkwardly saying, “That was just a joke from my friend.”

 

She thought this would ease the awkwardness, but Ji Yu didn’t follow the usual rules. The next moment, he said softly, “But I want to add you.”

 

Shi Xing’s eyes froze slightly, a spark of surprise in them. When she processed it, a rush of excitement filled her heart. Still, she tried to control herself and hesitated before cautiously asking, “You… want to add me?”

 

Ji Yu nodded. Shi Xing immediately pulled out her phone. That was when they officially exchanged contact information.

 

Even then, Shi Xing never initiated conversations. She’d occasionally scroll through his moments quietly, sometimes noticing new posts or a changed profile picture, and leave satisfied.

 

However, accidents could happen. One day, she accidentally tapped his profile picture twice in a row. Panicking, she immediately tried to undo it. Before she could feel relieved, Ji Yu sent her a message:

 

“?”

 

Shi Xing’s ears flushed red. She hurriedly explained: “I accidentally tapped it.”

 

A few minutes later, Ji Yu sent a screenshot showing he had also accidentally captured her tapping twice before.

 

She realized it was probably because she often browsed his moments while lying in bed, sometimes drowsily tapping without noticing, then forgetting the next day.

 

Though a normal human mistake, knowing it from his perspective made her feel embarrassed. She shyly explained: “I accidentally tapped your moments while scrolling in bed.”

 

Ji Yu’s response came slowly: “Okay.”

 

Shi Xing silently vowed not to check his moments late at night again.

 

For a long time after, she avoided the sports university, afraid of running into him and having him bring up the incident.

 

Yet he came to her proactively: “Why have you been avoiding me recently?”

 

Shi Xing, of course, denied it, feigning ignorance: “I haven’t.”

 

Ji Yu smirked at her, not pressing further, and suggested: “Want to grab lunch this afternoon?”

 

Shi Xing froze, confused: “Just the two of us?”

 

“Yeah! Do you want someone else to join?” he teased.

 

Shi Xing quickly shook her head.

 

On the way back to the dorm, she was buzzing with excitement. Ying Xiaoxiao called her several times before she realized what was happening.

 

“What are you doing?” Ying Xiaoxiao asked.

 

Shi Xing shook her head, recounting the day’s events. A shrill scream rang in her ears. After Ying Xiaoxiao calmed down, she sheepishly remarked, “You might be getting a boyfriend soon!”

 

Shi Xing’s face heated immediately: “Don’t say that!”

 

Later, when she left the dorm late at night, a familiar figure caught her eye.

 

Ji Yu, wearing a black coat, matched her outfit almost like a couple’s set. She hurried up to him.

 

“Where are we going?” she asked.

 

“Yunfeng Restaurant,” he replied with a slight nod.

 

Shi Xing paused briefly and nodded, following him to his car.

 

Once seated, a subtle scent of cedar wafted toward her. She asked curiously, “Your car smells different.”

 

Ji Yu smiled faintly and asked, teasing: “Different how?”

 

Shi Xing sniffed carefully. “It smells like a perfume I used to like.”

 

She immediately regretted saying it, fearing it sounded vain.

 

Ji Yu said nothing and drove them to the restaurant, motioning for her to enter.

 

It was dinner time. Most of the surrounding patrons were couples. Confused, Shi Xing glanced around as the waiter handed them menus.

 

The dishes all had names with couple-like meanings. She realized why there were so many couples around. She looked at Ji Yu, who was seriously studying the menu, oblivious to the situation.

 

Before she could suggest leaving, the waiter brought dessert, explaining they were the lucky recipients of the restaurant’s tenth-anniversary promotion.

 

Their eyes met for a brief moment. The waiter continued: “Could you two help us take a promotional photo?”

 

Before Shi Xing could respond, Ji Yu said calmly, “Sure.”

 

Once the waiter left, Shi Xing hesitated before asking: “We?”

 

Ji Yu’s eyes curved slightly with a faint smile: “Mm.”

 

A subtle, almost imperceptible tension grew between them. Shi Xing met his gaze but didn’t speak further.

 

After dinner, they were guided outside to take their first photo together. The slight physical contact made her heart flutter.

 

On the way back, Shi Xing mustered courage: “Are you free for New Year’s Eve this year?”

 

Ji Yu looked down and shook his head: “I’ll be out of the country for a competition.”

 

Shi Xing felt a twinge of disappointment, but he quickly added: “Wait for me.”

 

When New Year’s Eve arrived, the festive atmosphere grew stronger. Ying Xiaoxiao noticed an unfamiliar incoming call on her phone.

 

“Who is it?” she asked, picking up.

 

Ji Yu’s calm voice came through: “It’s me, Ji Yu.”

 

Shi Xing, hearing this, looked curiously.

 

He got straight to the point: “Can you do me a favor?”

 

That night, Shi Xing had planned to stay in her dorm alone, but Ying Xiaoxiao insisted she go out.

 

They ended up at a restaurant and then KTV. Shi Xing reluctantly joined in a game. When her turn came, she had to send a message to Ji Yu for help.

 

He didn’t play by the usual rules. When she saw his reply, her heart skipped a beat.

 

Amid the teasing of everyone around, she stepped outside to answer the call. His voice was magnetic.

 

“We were playing Truth or Dare,” she explained.

 

“Yeah, but I took it seriously,” he said, with firm determination.

 

Shi Xing felt a surge of electricity run through her.

 

“Where are you now?” she asked.

 

“I’ll be there soon.”

 

Since that New Year’s Eve, Shi Xing couldn’t believe what had happened.

 

Walking with Ji Yu under the night sky, streetlights casting shadows through the trees on his shoulders, he suddenly took out his phone as if taking pictures.

 

“Are you taking photos of the scenery?” she asked.

 

“Yes,” he replied.

 

“Move a little forward,” she instructed.

 

Ji Yu chuckled lightly: “No need. I’m taking a picture of you.”

 

Shi Xing’s heart raced, cheeks flushing. She lightly hummed and looked away, but Ji Yu quickly caught up.

 

Later, when acquaintances saw them, they asked, “You two?”

 

Shi Xing instinctively replied, “Just friends.”

 

Once they left, Ji Yu raised an eyebrow and repeated, “What’s our relationship?”

 

“Just friends,” Shi Xing teased.

 

Ji Yu laughed, tone rising: “I thought we were dating.”

 

The cold wind and falling snow wrapped around them as Shi Xing met his meaningful gaze, their emotions silently spreading under the moonlight.