My Online Boyfriend Turned Out to Be the School Heartthrob—After I Ghosted Him, He Cornered Me on Campus

The midsummer evening pressed down like a fever.

I’d barely stepped outside the school gate, ready to cut through the shortcut home, when someone stepped right in my path.

“Lin Nan, don’t take this road anymore.”

I froze.

Standing there was a guy in a black tee, tall, lean, with a face as cold as January ice—expressionless, intimidating.

Sheng Yuxiao.

He’s the legend around here—famous in our school, notorious in the e-sports world as “Night.” The kind of guy who only shows up to class to keep his GPA (and his flawless reputation) alive. People think he’s a genius—he’s got the grades and the looks for it.

But nobody knows the real story: underneath that perfect surface, he’s a total badass.

And today, for reasons only the universe knows, he’s blocking my way home.

My heart skipped, anxiety crawling up my throat. Instinctively, I slipped my hand into my bag to grab my phone.

“What do you want?”

I tried to sound calm, but I could hear the tremor in my own voice.

“This road’s gotten dangerous lately. Take another way.”

His tone was almost casual, but there was an edge there.

“What does that have to do with me?” I shot back, glaring, and turned as if to leave.

That’s when his phone chimed behind him—one of those notification pings from the King of Glory app.

I stopped cold.

A voice message auto-played, clear and unmistakable:

“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll be there to rescue you in a sec.”

My whole body jolted. My face drained of color.

That voice—no way.

It was the same voice I heard every night, whispering sweet nothings through my headphones.

No. It can’t be.

That was Night. My sweet, gentle, always-polite online boyfriend.

He would never—he could never—be this cold, intimidating guy.

But before I could process it, Sheng Yuxiao scowled at the phone and shot off a voice reply, all rough and protective:

“Touch my girl and you’re done for. Don’t believe me? Try it.”

The second I heard it, my mind short-circuited.

My online boyfriend is Sheng Yuxiao?

Game over. Totally game over.

Is it too late to just delete my account and vanish?

I almost bolted, but my legs betrayed me and I nearly ran right into him instead.

He stared, brows pinched.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Panic seized me.

“I… I was just wondering if you might be, um, mentally unstable.”

He narrowed his eyes, dangerous and amused all at once.

He squinted at me, eyes sharp as a knife.

Instantly, I shrank back.

“Nope, nope, I’m good—I’m leaving!”

I barely got the words out before I bolted, practically tripping over myself on the way out.

When I finally made it home, I slammed the door shut, locked it, and collapsed onto my bed, still shaking from head to toe.

I grabbed my phone—seven missed calls, twenty-six messages, all from “Night.”

The first one: “Hey, babe, are you alright? Tell me where you are and I’ll come get you.”

Next: “I’m really worried. Please don’t scare me.”

And another: “Pick up, please. I’m trying to find you.”

I pressed my face into the pillow and tried to suffocate the panic out of me.

This was insane.

How did I end up falling for, of all people, the guy I’m absolutely terrified of in real life?

I need to end this online fling right now.

But every time I tried, I hesitated.

Listening to his voice messages, one after another—first frantic, then gentle, his anger melting into this soft, pleading tone—my heart started to ache.

I couldn’t take it.

I tossed my phone onto the bed, squeezed my eyes shut, then finally typed out a single message:

[Sorry, sent that by accident. I’m fine, don’t worry.]

Barely a second passed before another voice message popped up.

“I was so scared, sweetheart. You know you’re the most important person in my life, right?”

My heart thudded so hard it almost hurt.

Something about that—his voice, the way he said it—felt way too real.

I couldn’t listen anymore.

Nope, time to give him the silent treatment.

I declared a three-day cold war. We needed to break up—no drama, just ghost him and move on.

That was my plan, anyway.

The next day, my mom yanked me out of my room and dragged me to the mall.

“We’re going to see Aunt Awan today. Her son’s back in town—let’s have dinner together.”

I stared at her, blindsided.

“Who?”

“Sheng Yuxiao’s mom, Aunt Gu. You met her when you were little.”

My stomach dropped. “No way. I’m not going.”

“You’re going,” Mom shot back, no room for argument.

That’s how I ended up slumped on Aunt Gu’s fancy living room sofa, feeling like I’d been sentenced to death.

And as if things couldn’t get worse, she asked me to go upstairs and call her son down for dinner.

I shuffled to the door, gave it a timid knock.

“Sheng Yuxiao?”

A deep, hoarse voice rumbled from inside, “Coming.”

I started to turn away, planning my escape, when the door swung open.

There he was—shirtless, muscles on full display, looking at me with pure confusion.

“What are you doing here?”

I practically gasped and spun around, ready to flee.

“Wait,” he said, his voice low and commanding.

He caught my wrist, his grip firm and a little cold. “Are you avoiding me?”

“I—I’m not!” I stammered, panicked.

“Let me see your phone.”

“What?”

“Unlock it.”

“Why should I? You’re not my boss. Seriously, you’re way too nosy!”

He stared me down for a moment, then that trademark crooked grin crept onto his face. “Feeling guilty, aren’t you?”

“You’re imagining things,” I shot back, heart racing.

He tilted his head, voice dropping lower. “You’re Kiri Lanyin.”

My knees nearly buckled.

“I… am not.”

He laughed—this lazy, smug kind of laugh that made my skin crawl. “Same phone nickname, same voice, same way you type. You’re not fooling anyone.”

I was toast. Game over.

“You’ve known all along?” I whispered, barely audible.

“The first time I heard your voice in person, I had a hunch,” he said, way too calm about it. “And when I got you barbecue, you left your chat app open. Made it pretty obvious.”

He made it sound casual, but I felt my world crash down.

“Are you insane? You snooped through my phone?”

He shrugged. “Yell at me if you want—I can take it.”

I had no words. The silence stretched.

“But why’d you break up with me?”

His smile faded, and his eyes turned dark and serious.

“This was my first real relationship. You didn’t even give me a reason—just tried to disappear. Lin Nan, doesn’t that bother you at all?”

I bit my lip, palms slick with sweat.

“You’re… not what I want.”

He snorted. “Oh? So what is it you want? Mr. Perfect? Some rich guy? Someone soft and sweet?”

“…I just want to feel safe.”

He didn’t answer. Instead, after a few seconds, he closed his bedroom door, crossed over to the desk, grabbed a jar of ointment and some cotton swabs, and handed them to me. “Help me with this.”

I blinked, startled.

His back was a mess of old and new scars, raw and angry-looking.

“What happened to you?”

He looked away. “Saved a girl the other day. My dad found out.”

“Your dad did this to you?”

He said nothing, just offered me the bottle again. “Please.”

My hands trembled as I took it. I dabbed the ointment as gently as I could, even blowing on his skin to cool it down.

He suddenly let out a soft laugh. “Don’t blow. It tickles.”

That almost killed me—how could he still joke at a time like this?

“Let me wrap that up for you.”

He stayed perfectly still, leaving me no choice but to circle behind him, arms trembling as I tried not to mess up the bandage.

Out of nowhere, his voice dropped, almost a whisper. “I’m not messing around, you know.”

“You’re Sheng Yuxiao. You come with a lot of pressure attached.”

He shook his head, eyes locking onto mine, completely sincere. “But I like you. Not your grades, not your reputation—you.”

His intensity made my pulse skip.

“Lin Nan, can you give me a real chance?”

My breath caught, hands shaking so badly the bandage nearly slipped from my fingers.

He noticed, a slow smile tugging at his lips. He leaned in, voice soft and teasing, “You’re turning red.”

I glared, heat burning in my cheeks. “Would you shut up?”

He leaned closer, not backing down for a second.

“I want to kiss you.”

Without thinking, I smacked his shoulder—right on the bruise.

He sucked in a breath, wincing.

“That’s what you get,” I shot back.

He only grinned, rubbing his shoulder like he’d earned the pain.

“Lin Nan.”

“What?”

“I’m glad you’re not Misty Bluetone.”

My heart nearly stopped.

“Why?”

He looked at me, mischievous. “Because now she likes me.”

My face went nuclear.

“Sheng Yuxiao, you’re ridiculous!”

“You say you don’t like me, but you told ‘Night’ you wanted to spend New Year’s Eve together.”

My mouth flapped uselessly. “You—you—”

“And you said you like my voice, that you like how I always protect you in-game.”

I tried to argue, but the words wouldn’t come out.

He met my eyes, tone dropping again.

“You pushed me away because you thought you weren’t enough for me.”

He hesitated, voice raw. “But what if I’m the one not good enough for you?”

I stared, speechless. Something in his gaze made me believe every word.

“It’s not about who chases who,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “The real question is—will you let yourself get close?”

My throat tightened. For the first time, I didn’t feel afraid.

——

That night, I had a dream.

I saw Sheng Yuxiao on the championship stage, trophy raised high, “Night” printed bold across his jersey.

I was in the front row, shouting with everything I had—

“Don’t you dare come looking for me!”

He just smiled and walked toward me, anyway.

“I’m not coming down unless you break up with me.”

I jolted awake, heart pounding, eyes fixed on the ceiling. It took me a moment to realize it was just a dream—but the words from last night still echoed in my head.

You said you wanted to spend New Year’s Eve with me.

God, he really remembers everything.

I tossed it out there as a joke, but he took it seriously—and the worst part is, he completely saw through me.

I’m exposed. Completely exposed.

All I want now is to crawl into a hole, reinvent myself, and get a whole new ID.

My phone lay quiet by my pillow. After a long pause, I tapped into my messages with “Night.”

More than a dozen unread texts stared back at me.

Did you sleep?

It’s getting colder, make sure you bundle up.

I just finished ranked matches and lost three in a row. I miss you so much.

I stared at the screen, a weird mix of frustration and panic bubbling up inside me.

He’s taking this way too seriously.

But somehow, his sincerity only made me feel more and more like I didn’t deserve any of it.

Sheng Yuxiao is the golden boy, the e-sports legend, the guy everyone idolizes.

And me? I’m just an ordinary girl with a nice voice and forgettable grades.

He doesn’t need someone like me.

I flung my phone aside and covered my eyes, willing myself to end things before I got in even deeper.

By lunchtime, Su Jin swung by with two cups of milk tea and the latest campus gossip.

“Did you hear? Sheng Yuxiao got into a fight on the overpass the other day. It was brutal.”

I blinked. “Who pissed him off?”

“Some loser who said his girlfriend’s voice sounded like a simp.”

My hand jerked so hard I nearly stabbed myself in the nose with my straw.

“He… he said he had a girlfriend?”

“Yep. The guy who talked trash got dragged off on the spot. He’s still in the hospital.”

My knees went weak.

This is insane. Was that because of me?

I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Sometimes it’s better not to know.

I steeled myself, opened the chat with Night, and typed three words that made my hands shake—

Let’s break up.

I hit send, my fingers trembling so badly I could barely hold the phone.

The reply came back instantly—

“I don’t even know what I did wrong, but if you say it’s over, I’m supposed to just accept it?”

“You and I—we’re from two different worlds.”

He shook his head. “I can step into your world. And you… you can step into mine, too.”

I just stood there, caught off guard. The wind whipped around us, but he didn’t flinch, eyes shining in the dark—like he hadn’t slept in days.

“I’m not playing games, Lin Nan. Not with you.”

I turned away, refusing to meet his gaze.

He lowered his voice, almost gentle. “You know, I saw you open our chat twice yesterday.”

A chill ran down my spine.

“You didn’t reply. Didn’t you hesitate?”

I bit down hard, trying to sound tough. “I didn’t.”

He stepped closer, closing the distance.

“I know I’m not perfect, but I’m sure about you.”

I shrank back, my voice shaking. “Don’t do this. You’re scaring me.”

He paused, the hurt flickering across his face.

“You’re scared because I fight, because of my messed up family, because you think someday I’ll leave you behind.”

“I’ve been scared of all that too.”

“But you know what terrifies me more? The thought of you not being there.”

His words came out so soft, almost like he was talking to himself.

“I’m not working hard for gaming, or grades, or anyone’s approval—I’m doing it so I can stand next to you and not feel like I’m not enough.”

My throat tightened, tears stinging behind my eyes.

“Why do you even like me?” I asked, barely a whisper.

He smiled a little. “Your voice is cute. You’re awful at games but you act like you’re a pro. You say I’ve got a temper, but honestly, when you’re mad? You’re even scarier than me.”

I covered my face, mortified. “Shut up already.”

He didn’t tease. Instead, he pressed a photo into my hand—quiet, serious.

“My back—this is what it looks like.”

My hands shook as I looked.

“Last time you helped me with my bandages, I didn’t tell you the truth.”

“My dad did that.”

My jaw dropped. “Your dad?”

He nodded, his voice low and steady.

“He thinks I’m an embarrassment. Not like my mom, who was a violinist—she always wanted me to do something artistic.”

“I hated it, so I snuck off to play games. He said I was wild. Said I’d never amount to anything.”

“He’s hit me three times. Each time, he’d say, ‘If your mom hadn’t died giving birth to you, I would’ve gotten rid of you long ago.’”

I swallowed hard, my throat thick with emotion.

But even after all that, his eyes were still bright—like he refused to let anything put out that light.

“You said I wasn’t what you wanted.”

“Then let me prove you wrong.”

He turned to leave, but paused.

“Lin Nan.”

I looked up.

He was standing beneath the streetlight, haloed in that warm glow, his shadow stretching long behind him.

“I’m leaving. I won’t bother you anymore.”

“But as long as you think about me—even for a second—I’ll always be here.”

He walked away, and I watched his back grow smaller, tears burning in my eyes.

My phone buzzed—a message from “Night.”

He wasn’t even on my friends list anymore, but he’d left a note.

You once told me you liked the sound of my voice.

But you don’t realize—your voice healed my whole youth.

I slapped a hand over my mouth, trying to muffle the sobs.

Sheng Yuxiao, you jerk.

If you disappear, how am I supposed to survive?

——

Honestly, at this point, I wished I knew a wizard who could exorcise all the chaos from my life.

Maybe someone strong enough to block phone signals, too—anything to keep Sheng Yuxiao away for a bit.

No such luck.

He was coming to dinner.

And I was supposed to sit across the table from him and pretend to be normal.

Mom was in the kitchen, humming while she stirred her soup. “Aunt Gu will be here soon,” she called, all smiles. “She’s bringing her son.”

I froze. “Wait—who’s her son again?”

She looked at me, lips curling. “You met him when you were little. His last name’s Sheng… Sheng Yuxiao?”

The cup slipped from my hand, hitting the floor with a sharp crack.

Mom jumped. “What’s the matter with you? Did he really scare you that badly?”

My mouth twitched.

Scared?

No, Mom. That guy isn’t just scary—he’s lethal.

I’d barely had time to hunt down a fortune teller before he practically walked through my front door.

Noticing my mood, Mom peered at me. “You don’t have anything against him, right?”

I swallowed hard. “…No. No objections.”

I managed to choke out the words, feeling like I was being led to the gallows.

She didn’t pick up on my dread, rambling on about “opportunities to get to know each other better,” while I nearly melted into the soup.

Half an hour later, the doorbell rang.

I sprinted into the kitchen, determined to hide.

But Mom dragged me out, shaking her head. “What’s with you? You’re skittish as a cat! Get out there and greet our guests.”

“I really don’t want to!”

“Too bad—you have to.”

I buried my face in my hands for a second, took a deep breath, and finally opened the door, forcing myself to look composed.

There he was—Sheng Yuxiao, leaning casually in the doorway, crisp white shirt, gentle smile that could melt glaciers.

I couldn’t even manage a hello.

He grinned, teasing, “Hey, junior high girl?”

My heart stumbled over itself—I could barely breathe.

“What are you doing here?”

He shrugged, voice low and smooth. “My mom’s best friends with your mom. Why, am I not welcome?”

There was a mischievous glint in his eye.

He leaned closer, lowering his voice, “Guess we’re fated, huh? I’m honestly kind of moved.”

I rolled my eyes. “The only thing moving is you, out the door.”

He smirked. “Didn’t you block me? Miss me already?”

I glared, refusing to give him the satisfaction, but he breezed right past me and into the living room.

As soon as his back was turned, I flipped him off.

Mom bustled out from the kitchen, all sunshine and excitement. “Xiao Yu! Come in, come in, have a seat!”

I nearly choked on my own spit. Xiao Yu? Since when was she this chummy with him?

Sheng Yuxiao slipped easily into ‘model son’ mode, sitting up straight, peeling fruit like he did it every day.

Aunt Gu turned to me, smiling warmly. “Lin Nan, right? I’ve heard your grades are excellent.”

I nearly bit my tongue. “Um, well… I’m surviving.”

Sheng Yuxiao burst out laughing.

I shot him a look. “What’s so funny?”

He leaned over and whispered, “Trying to act like the perfect daughter now? Bit late, don’t you think?”

“Shut up,” I muttered, elbowing him under the table.

Dinner was even worse.

Mom and Aunt Gu chatted away, reminiscing about the good old days, while I sat trapped between them, wishing I could disappear.

“You two used to play together as kids,” Mom beamed.

I nearly spit my rice everywhere.

Aunt Gu chimed in, “Back then, Xiaoyu would always keep you from leaving. Remember that?”

What? All I remember is him biting me and blaming me for stealing his toys. Lady, your son was a menace.

Before I could defend myself, Sheng Yuxiao piped up, “I remember. She cried for half an hour and I was the one who calmed her down.”

The audacity!

Mom slapped the table, eyes wide. “Oh, that’s right! Lin Nan, you sobbed so hard that time!”

I wanted to vanish into thin air.

The whole meal was torture—embarrassing, exhausting, and it only got worse.

After dinner, Mom grabbed her car keys. “I’ll walk Aunt Gu out. Lin Nan, why don’t you walk Xiao Yu to the gate?”

“No, I can see myself out,” I protested, hoping to escape, but Aunt Gu flashed a warm, insistent smile.

“Oh, let Lin Nan walk you out!” she said, eyes twinkling.

I sighed and gave in, following him to the gate.

The second we stepped outside the building, Sheng Yuxiao reached out and grabbed my wrist.

“What are you doing?”

“You’ve been jumpy all night,” he said, eyes locked on mine. “Honestly, I’ve been more than patient with you.”

He leaned in closer, voice dropping to a mischievous whisper. “Why do you keep staring at me? Are you scared I’ll kiss you?”

I shot him a look. “Say that again and I’ll kiss your mom.”

He smirked, “Didn’t you already? She loves you.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. “Sheng Yuxiao, are you completely out of your mind?”

He leaned in, his face so close I could feel his breath.

“What are you so afraid of?”

“Are you that desperate to get away from me?”

I clenched my teeth. “Honestly? I’m terrified my mom’s going to ground me if she catches us.”

He laughed under his breath. “You’re not scared of me. You’re scared you actually like me.”

He shook his head, smiling, “You don’t even like me. You’re just into my sweet voice.”

“Sheng Yuxiao, you’re impossible,” I muttered, exasperated.

He got quiet, suddenly serious. “You don’t get it. Do you even know what I like?”

I looked up, caught off guard by the intensity in his eyes.

He started counting on his fingers, voice low and rough.

“I like the way you get all shy with me.”

“I like how you make excuses every time you lose a game and never want to admit it.”

“I like how you pretend to be confident but always edge closer, inch by inch.”

He stopped, meeting my gaze.

“I like you. I even like that you’re scared of me.”

My heart thudded so loudly I could barely hear him.

He’s insane.

And the worst part? I think I’m even crazier for letting my guard down.

He let out a heavy sigh. “You’re worried I won’t respect your parents, aren’t you?”

I nodded, unable to lie.

“You’re afraid I’ll get into trouble, or that I’ve got a past you can’t handle?”

I nodded again, swallowing hard.

He gave me a lopsided grin. “Then I’ll change. However long it takes. However you want.”

My voice wavered. “Sheng Yuxiao…”

He looked down, eyes softer now, almost vulnerable.

“Lin Nan, I could live without you, but what’s the point? Nothing would have any flavor.”

“If you keep rejecting me, I’ll just show up for dinner at your house every night. My mom’s already obsessed with you—she’s dying for me to bring a girlfriend home.”

He added, grinning, “And if you won’t say yes, I’ll let your future brother-in-law come woo you instead.”

I glared at him. “Keep talking like that and I’ll get Aunt Gu to straighten you out.”

His grin widened. “Go ahead. I’d actually like that.”

He took a few steps away, glanced back with that cocky, devil-may-care smile.

“I’m not in a rush, Lin Nan. You’ll be mine, whether you know it yet or not.”

I was furious—so mad I wanted to yell at him, but instead my eyes stung and went red.

Seriously, what kind of jerk flirts like this?

How is he always one step ahead, never letting me escape?

It’s like there’s no way out for me.

For days, I did everything I could to avoid Sheng Yuxiao.

I stopped replying to his messages, dodged his calls, even took the long way around campus to avoid bumping into him.

But he acted totally unfazed, always smiling like nothing ever happened, like my silent treatment was invisible to him.

Sometimes I caught myself wondering if that sweet, gentle “Night” I fell for online was just something I made up—maybe I saw only what I wanted to see.

“Lin Nan, how much longer are you going to keep dodging me?”

He cornered me one afternoon during break, lounging at the bottom of the stairwell, hands shoved deep in his pockets, looking annoyingly relaxed.

“What do you want from me?” I snapped, weaving around him.

He easily caught up, falling into step beside me.

“Your mom likes me a lot, right? Maybe I should just move in for a few days?”

“Are you insane, Sheng Yuxiao?”

He smirked. “You sure you want a crazy guy crushing on you? You should think this through.”

God, I wanted to sock him—but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

I had to admit it: I was all talk. Hard on the outside, soft as marshmallow inside.

The real reason I broke things off? I was scared.

Scared we weren’t meant for each other, scared I’d get hurt, scared we’d lose even our awkward friendship.

My mind was a mess.

Back in my dorm that night, desperate for distraction, I scrolled through the campus forum for gossip.

And there it was, right on the homepage:

[Sheng Yuxiao to Inherit the Family Business? Esports Idol Becomes CEO!]

My heart skipped a beat. I clicked in.

There he was in a candid photo, sharp in a gray suit, standing outside the Sheng Group building, icy expression, talking to someone who looked like a big shot.

The comments were wild:

“OMG, he looks unreal in a suit!”

“Who says pro gamers aren’t responsible? He’s literally a future CEO!”

“I’d marry him in a heartbeat—he can make me his secretary anytime…”

One long comment stood out:

Apparently, his dad is a total control freak, grooming him to take over the family business since he was a kid. His mom passed away when he was young, and his dad treated him more like a shadow of her than his own son.

He wasn’t allowed to eat ice cream—his mom had stomach problems, so his dad banned anything cold.

He did everything: piano, art, even ballet, never allowed to slack for a moment.

And when he finally got caught playing games, his father slapped him in front of all their relatives and said he wasn’t worthy of the Sheng name.

Yeah, he had a rebellious phase, but he never got into real trouble.

No fighting, no drinking, no dating.

He kept his distance from everyone—afraid if anyone got too close, he’d lose control of everything.

I stared at that comment for a long time, my fingers stiff and the screen swimming with tears.

A thousand memories flickered in my head—

The way he looked completely lost when my mom dragged him out shopping for clothes.

How he mumbled, “Stop blowing, it tickles,” as I tried to soothe his bruises.

The way he clenched his jaw and said, “I’m not perfect, but I’m determined to be with you.”

I used to think he was wild, arrogant, impossible to take seriously.

Now I realize he’s been fighting so hard, not to impress anyone, but to prove he could be gentle too—that he’s worthy of being loved.

I turned off my phone and pulled the covers up, suddenly aching for him.

The next night, Aunt Gu messaged me out of the blue:

[Lin Nan, Auntie made chicken soup, but Xiaoyu won’t touch it. Could you come talk to him?]

I hesitated, but in the end, I went.

When I opened the door, Sheng Yuxiao was slouched on the sofa in loungewear, frozen with a spoon in his hand, not touching the food.

He glanced at me, eyes flickering, then ducked his head, stubbornly ignoring the bowl.

Aunt Gu tugged me inside. “Talk to him, will you? His dad’s been on his case again, saying all he can do is play games. I tried, but he won’t listen to me.”

I sat next to him and asked softly, “Are you really not hungry?”

He stayed silent.

I sighed. “Fine, if you’re not eating, I’ll eat it for you.”

He finally looked over, voice rough. “Why’d you come?”

“Your mom sent me.”

He let out a short laugh. “You really think she doesn’t know you’re my girlfriend?”

I froze.

“She’s known for ages. She’s just playing along for my sake.”

He added, almost muttering, “She even asked if I was bullying you.”

He grit his teeth, “I wouldn’t dare—wouldn’t, even if you asked for my life.”

I felt tears sting the corners of my eyes.

“Eat something,” I whispered.

He stared at me, and his eyes suddenly reddened.

“Lin Nan, I really miss you.”

“If you’re silent, I’m too scared to even come close.”

“When you’re avoiding me, I barely even breathe.”

He dropped his head, biting his spoon, Adam’s apple bobbing.

“I’ve never begged anyone for anything in my life. The first time I ever humbled myself was for you.”

I just stood there, unable to say a word, his gaze like a wounded dog’s—hopeless, pleading.

“If you really don’t want me anymore, I’ll let go. But if you so much as look at me again, you’ll have to take responsibility.”

I looked away, voice trembling.

“Was it really that hard growing up?”

He flashed a bitter smile. “Hard doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

“My mom died giving birth to me, and my dad’s never let me forget it.

He’s resented me from the moment I was born.

Growing up, he signed me up for everything—piano lessons, etiquette classes, Latin dance—but never once did I get to choose what I wanted.

The first time I really tasted freedom was when I started gaming in secret.

And then… I met you. I realized people really can change, if they want to.”

My throat tightened, a lump forming.

“Does your dad… still hit you?”

He gave a small, crooked smile and shook his head. “I’m grown now—he can’t lay a finger on me.

But one word from him still shuts me down completely.

I don’t want to take over the company, but I can’t let him look down on me, either.

Even when I won an esports trophy, all he asked was, ‘So? Can you make money with that?’”

I closed my eyes, exhaling slowly.

“You’ve been through hell,” I whispered.

He lifted his gaze, steady and quiet.

“Lin Nan, I’m not telling you this to get your pity.

I want you to know I’m serious about us.

Honestly, I didn’t even know how to like someone until you.

Everything—the flirting, the cheesy lines, the silly routines—I learned it all from you.

I’m not afraid of failing. I’m not even afraid you’ll stop liking me.

I’m only scared you’ll never care why I like you this much.”

I couldn’t hold back anymore—I flung my arms around him.

“Sheng Yuxiao.”

He blinked, surprised.

I swallowed, voice shaking. “I don’t want to run away anymore.

If you’re willing, let’s try for real.”

He froze for half a second, then pulled me into the tightest hug, voice trembling against my hair.

“Lin Nan, give me a little time. I swear—I’ll make you happy.”

In that moment, everything finally made sense.

He’s not reckless or wild—he’s a boy the world forced to grow up too soon.

And all I wanted was to be right there, by his side, for a little while.

——

Later, my mom said she was going to her sister’s to play mahjong and told me to order dinner for myself.

I ordered takeout, sat on the balcony, and let my mind drift.

Maybe it was the gentle wind, but I kept replaying the feeling of Sheng Yuxiao’s arms around me.

His voice still echoed in my heart—soft as a promise, hitting harder than any argument:

Lin Nan, I’m not asking for your sympathy. I just want you to know I mean it. I want to be with you.

My cheeks burned. I reached for my phone, and right then, a location-sharing ping popped up on my screen.

It was from Sheng Yuxiao.

[Night: I’m near Tianyang Road. I’ll let you know if I need anything.]

I pulled up the map—his little red location dot was way too close to my place.

A wave of unease swept over me.

Tianyang Road had been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons.

Just a few nights ago, someone got their bag snatched there. They never caught the guy.

I couldn’t stop staring at that dot. My gut twisted tighter every second.

Suddenly, the dot stopped moving.

My heart leapt into my throat. I grabbed my phone, threw on my jacket, and raced out the door before I could think twice.

No clue why I was running so fast—I just knew I had to get there.

The wind stung my face as I sprinted toward Tianyang Road, adrenaline pounding in my ears.

When I turned the corner, a huge crowd was already gathered, their shouts and screams cutting through the night.

I shoved my way to the front—and there he was.

Sheng Yuxiao, arms braced protectively around a girl, had a man pinned face-down on the pavement.

The guy’s face was smeared with blood, eyes wild and cursing like mad.

“Let me go! You bitch—you deserved it!”

A knife glinted nearby, dropped but still too close for comfort. The girl was shaking, sobbing uncontrollably on the ground.

Sheng Yuxiao’s grip on the man’s wrist looked unbreakable.

“Go ahead, try and move,” he said, voice cold as steel.

It wasn’t loud, but the threat was clear.

Someone in the crowd must’ve called the cops—distant sirens wailed, getting closer.

I pushed through and grabbed Sheng Yuxiao’s arm.

“Are you out of your mind?”

He spun around, surprise flashing across his face.

“What are you doing here?”

I was furious, breathless, nearly in tears. “You said you were nearby, and then you stopped moving—I thought something happened to you!”

He opened his mouth, like he wanted to answer, but the police rushed in, hauling the attacker away. The girl kept crying, the crowd buzzed.

I was still shaking when Sheng Yuxiao walked over and pulled me into his arms, tight and silent.

I stiffened, trying to push him off.

“Quit it!”

“Just… let me hold you for a minute,” he whispered, voice raw, a tremor of fear in every word.

“He had a knife. I barely reacted in time. If I’d been slower—”

He pressed his hand to the back of my head, leaning in until his forehead rested against mine. I could hardly breathe.

“Lin Nan, I was really scared it would be too late.”

My eyes burned with tears.

“Don’t you always love sticking up for people?”

“Yeah.”

“But if you’re around, I’d like to stick around a little longer too.

I don’t want anyone getting hurt when you’re not there.”

I looked up at him. Moonlight caught in his eyes, making them sparkle.

For a second, I realized—he isn’t distant or heartless at all.

He’s always been the type to hide his own pain so no one else has to see it.

He protected others with silence, not coldness.

I stood on tiptoe, tapped him gently on the shoulder.

“Sheng Yuxiao.”

“Hm?”

“You’re actually kind of cool.”

He gave me a small, crooked smile and only held me tighter.

“I’ve always been cool. Took you long enough to notice.”

I tried to shove him away. “You’re a sweaty mess.”

“Want to wash me off?”

“Ugh, get lost!”

I rolled my eyes, half annoyed, half fighting a smile.

When I finally got him home, Mom was just walking in the door.

She stopped cold, staring at us.

“What on earth happened? Xiaoyu, why are you covered in dirt?”

She squinted at him, suspicious. “Did you get into a fight?”

Before he could answer, I jumped in, “No! He, um… tripped.”

“Tripped where?”

“…Tianyang Road.”

Her expression darkened.

“Tianyang Road? Haven’t you heard it’s dangerous over there lately? What were you thinking?”

I eased her into a chair. “He saw something bad happening and stepped in to help a girl, Mom.”

Her eyes sparkled with pride.

“Is that right? Xiaoyu, you’re such a good kid!”

Sheng Yuxiao blushed to the tips of his ears, mumbling, “I—it wasn’t a big deal.”

She grinned. “Not a big deal? You’re a real hero.”

She turned to me. “Lin Nan, you should be more like Xiao Yu and stand up for others.”

I groaned, “If you say that again, I’m calling his mom to come get him.”

Sheng Yuxiao tried not to laugh, but I caught his smile and shot him a glare.

Later that night, as I walked him to the door, he stopped and glanced back.

“I’ve got an esports tournament tomorrow. It’s going to be live-streamed.”

He hesitated. “Will you… will you watch?”

I froze—he’d never asked me to watch his matches before.

I nodded. “Send me the link.”

His eyes lit up. “If I win, do I get a prize?”

“We’ll see—first, you have to win.”

He grinned, looking like a little kid on Christmas morning. “Then I have to win, for sure.”

I stood by the door, watching him walk off into the night.

He wore a plain white T-shirt, scars still fresh on his face, but there was a spring in his step.

A cool breeze swept past and suddenly, I got it.

He’s not the bad guy.

He never was.

He’s such a good guy, but the world never taught him what it feels like to be treated gently.

——

Lately, Sheng Yuxiao’s been acting… off.

The second I said it out loud, Su Jin nearly dropped her straw, making me jump and almost choke on my milk tea.

“What do you mean, weird? What’s he doing?”

I hedged, “He… keeps staring at me.”

She shot me a look. “A hot guy staring at you and you’re complaining?”

“It’s not that kind of stare. It’s intense. Makes my skin crawl.”

Su Jin’s eyes sparkled with gossip. “Did you do something wrong?”

I bit my straw and stayed silent.

It’s not that I did anything wrong, but… I am carrying a secret.

I keep worrying that Sheng Yuxiao will somehow figure out I’m ‘Mist Blue Sound’.

After we broke up online, we never crossed paths in the game again.

But I still haven’t deleted that chat log.

Sure, I changed my WeChat avatar and nickname, but my game ID? Still there.

What if he ever—

I couldn’t even finish the thought.

He’s been sticking close lately—almost too close.

Breakfast drop-offs, lending me books, crashing my classes, even blocking my dorm entrance.

If this keeps up, I’ll be forced into marrying him before I even graduate.

But he never mentions ‘Mist Blue Sound.’

Not bringing it up doesn’t mean he doesn’t know.

My heart’s been on overdrive for days, and the more nervous I get, the more I avoid him.

Of course, that only makes him chase harder.

Is he suspicious?

During study hall, he sat just behind me, and I could practically feel his eyes burning a hole in the back of my head.

After class, as I packed up, he suddenly asked, “Still playing King of Glory?”

My hand jerked, and my pen clattered to the floor.

He leaned down, picked it up, and looked at me with this unreadable expression. “That was a pretty strong reaction.”

“I… I don’t play much,” I mumbled.

“Really?” His tone was all lazy and casual, but every syllable made me tense.

I kept my back to him, afraid to meet his gaze.

“I remember my ex-girlfriend—her voice sounded a lot like yours.”

“Oh… you must be remembering wrong.”

“She used to call me ‘brother’ too.”

My chest tightened.

“When she wanted something, she’d act all cute and call me ‘Brother Night’…”

“That’s enough!”

I shot to my feet, the chair screeching across the floor.

He looked up, eyes serious.

“How long are you going to hide?”

“I told you, it’s not me.”

“Then show me your phone.”

“Sheng Yuxiao, who do you think you are?”

“Funny, because every time you see our chat, you flinch.

And the profile picture you used that day? Same as Wu Lanyin’s now.”

I froze.

When did he figure it out?

He let out a quiet laugh. “Did you forget that time you let me borrow your phone to order takeout? You left everything open.

I didn’t say anything then—I was waiting for you to come clean.”

My eyelashes trembled.

“But you never did.”

He stepped in close, lowering his voice until only I could hear.

“Were you scared I’d think you were stupid?

Or that I’d make fun of you for acting so soft in-game, but being so stubborn in real life?”

My teeth clenched, eyes burning.

“I was scared.

Back then, I really thought we weren’t right for each other.

I was afraid you’d yell at me, or worse—laugh at me.”

“You want the truth?”

I lifted my head, refusing to back down.

“I’m Kiri Lanyin.”

He froze.

“I’m the one who messaged you in the middle of the night—‘Brother, I miss you.’

I’m the one who deleted you when I got caught.

I’m the coward who lied and couldn’t face you.”

The words spilled out, breathless, my chest tight.

The classroom fell silent.

Sheng Yuxiao stared at me, a thousand emotions flickering in his eyes, like he’d finally been waiting for me to break down.

He didn’t laugh.

He wasn’t even angry.

He walked over and gently patted my head.

“You done fighting?”

I didn’t answer.

He let out a soft sigh.

“Do you have any idea what it felt like seeing your phone screen at the barbecue place that night?

It was like getting struck by lightning.

I knew it was you right then.

But you ran away faster than I could catch you.”

My heart clenched.

“If you didn’t want to say anything, did you really think I’d pretend I didn’t know forever?”

I bit my lip. “Why didn’t you ask?”

“I thought you didn’t care.”

His voice was rough. “How could I not care? I think about you every day.

You said, ‘I don’t like you anymore,’ and it nearly destroyed me.”

He slipped his hand into mine.

“The day you said you wanted to break up, I sent you two hundred messages.

When you blocked me, I made a new account.

You once told me you wanted to see the moon, so every night I took a picture and sent it to you.

If you didn’t reply, I wouldn’t dare bother you again.

I thought maybe I missed my chance.

But fate stepped in—I saw your ID on WeChat by accident.”

He squeezed my hand, voice barely above a whisper.

“Lin Nan, you can’t fool me.

You are Kiri Lanyin.

You’re also the star my world revolves around.”

My tears slipped down, landing warm on the back of his hand.

He didn’t pull away—instead, he wrapped me up in his arms.

“If you try running off again, I’ll stand outside your dorm every single day.”

“And if you keep pretending you don’t know me, I’ll tell the whole school you used to call me ‘brother.’”

I started laughing, but tears kept streaming down my cheeks.

“Sheng Yuxiao, you’re unbelievable.”

“But you’re still the only one I want.”

After class that day, he cornered me by the library entrance.

I hid between the shelves, clutching the reference book I’d just checked out, doing my best to pretend I hadn’t seen him coming.

He stepped out from the left and reached for the book in my arms.

“Let me carry that.”

I dodged his hand. “I got it.”

He didn’t argue—he just looked at me, eyes serious for once, carrying a weight I couldn’t ignore.

His gaze made my skin prickle.

“What do you want?”

He didn’t flinch. “I want to know why you couldn’t face me in the game that day.”

I edged back, a shaky smile on my lips.

“What does it matter now?”

He stepped in, lowering his voice, stubborn as ever. “You really won’t give me an answer?”

My throat tightened. My thoughts tangled up inside my head.

“I don’t want to talk about the past.”

“But I do.”

His words were slow, deliberate, every one landing like a pebble in a still pond.

“I want to hear you say it—why did you lie to me when you already knew me?”

I hesitated, then finally whispered, “I was scared.”

“You were so intense back then—I was terrified to tell you the truth.

I thought if you found out I lied, you’d hate me.”

He raised an eyebrow. “So you’d rather block me, delete me, and vanish without saying goodbye?”

I stared at my shoes, voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m sorry.”

Silence settled between us, broken only by the distant sound of someone flipping a page.

I bit my lip, finally daring to ask, “When did you know?”

He leaned back against the bookshelf, hands in his pockets, his words coming out in a low, gentle sigh.

“The first time I heard you say ‘I’m sorry’ in that hallway, I just… knew.

Your voice, the way you act—no one else sounds like you, even when you’re pouting.”

He paused, eyes distant. “For a while I wondered if I was imagining it, if I missed you so much I was seeing things.

But the minute you called me ‘brother’ again, my heart nearly burst.”

My face burned, hot with embarrassment—and something like relief.

He smiled, a little helpless. “Do you know how much I went back and forth about this?

I wanted to be sure it was really you, but part of me was terrified it was.

I was scared you’d never want to admit we’d been together online.

Scared you’d think I wasn’t good enough for you.”

I gripped the book in my hands, knuckles white.

He straightened up and stepped closer.

“You think I like you because you’re smart and cute?”

He shook his head. “No.

I’m chasing you because I’ve had feelings for you for a long time.”

I stared at him, stunned.

He leaned in, eyes serious and unflinching.

“You thought it was just some casual online thing, but I meant every word.

Every ‘good girl’—every late-night message—I meant all of it.

When you broke up with me, I had no idea what I’d done wrong.

I was too scared to call, so I just kept staring at our old chats.

Do you know how many times I read those words—‘I don’t like you anymore’?”

His fists clenched, face pale.

“I drank, got into fights, smashed my game console—

All because of what you said.

I honestly thought you were just messing with me.”

My eyes burned with sudden tears.

“I wasn’t,” I whispered.

He looked at me, and his voice softened.

“I know.

You’re not like that.

You were just scared.”

He hesitated. “You thought we wouldn’t work.

You thought you weren’t enough for me.

But that’s not true.”

He reached out, wrapping his warm fingers around mine.

“Lin Nan, if anyone’s not good enough, it’s me.

I’ve got scars and baggage, things I’m not proud of.

But after meeting you, I actually wanted to change.

I wanted to learn to be gentle, to be patient—

To become someone who could stand by your side.”

My lashes trembled, tears blurring my vision.

“Sheng Yuxiao…

You’re so good—why would you ever choose me?”

He let out a soft laugh.

“Because you’re you.

You overthink everything and can’t help but nag.

You’re terrible at video games but talk big anyway.

You always think you’re not enough, but you shine brighter than anyone I know.”

He stepped closer, voice almost a whisper.

“I didn’t suddenly recognize you, Lin Nan.

The first time you spoke, I knew it was you.

My Wu Lanyin. My Lin Nan.”

I couldn’t hold back any longer—tears spilled down my cheeks.

He gently wiped them away.

“So, can you give me a chance?”

“Not as Night.

But as Sheng Yuxiao.”

I nodded.

His smile felt like a midsummer breeze warming my heart.

“Starting today, you’re officially my girlfriend,” he said.

“And you’re not allowed to run away.”

That was our first day together.

I didn’t update my WeChat Moments or change my relationship status.

Instead, I just sat on my dorm bed, scrolling through our old chat history—the one I could never bring myself to delete.

From the first “hello” to the last “good night,” every message felt like a sticky note pressed to my heart.

Back then, I’d only just started playing King of Glory. I was terrible—always feeding, never carrying.

I never dared to turn on team voice chat, worried everyone would laugh at my soft voice or accuse me of being one of those girls who relies on sweetness to snag the carry role.

Until that day.

After losing six ranked games in a row, I finally broke down, tears running down my face as I nervously switched on my mic.

“I’m sorry… Please stop yelling at me. I—I won’t play mid-lane next time…”

The jungler in that match went quiet for a moment.

Then his voice came through—lazy but impossibly gentle, instantly breaking through my walls.

“Why are you crying?”

“It’s not your fault you lost.”

I was stunned.

He added, “You have a really nice voice.”

I was floored.

“How about I queue with you next time?” he offered.

I hesitated, but let him add me.

Next thing I knew, he carried me from bronze all the way up to platinum, always gentle, always looking out for me.

I’m tearing up even now, thinking about it.

[You’re the best stranger I’ve ever met,] I messaged him.

He replied:

[I’m not a stranger. I’m your wild king.]

Right then, I felt my heart land softly in the middle of a warm, sweet trap.

We started playing together every day.

I changed my ID to “Wu Lanyin.”

He said it sounded beautiful—like the melody you hear on a rainy day.

That’s why I kept the name.

He told me his name was Night.

I asked, Does that mean nighttime?

He said, “It means you’re the last person I think of before I fall asleep.”

No one had ever spoken to me like that.

My ears burned red hot.

We never met in person or video chatted.

But somehow, it all felt more real than anything I’d ever experienced.

When I had insomnia, he’d stay on the line, counting sheep with me.

If I was sick, he’d watch movies with me until I drifted off.

I bombed my monthly exam, and when he sent, “You’ve got this,” I actually teared up.

One night, burning up with a fever and half asleep, I messaged him:

[Brother, I feel like I’m dying.]

He sent back a voice note right away, his voice panicked—a sound I’d never heard from him before.

“Where are you?”

“Is someone taking care of you?”

“Hey, it’s okay. Don’t be scared. I’m right here.”

The moment I heard him say “I’m here,” I broke down sobbing like an idiot.

For a while, life felt like a fairytale.

He was always online, always there for me.

Didn’t matter if I lost rank after rank.

He’d say, “If you drop, I’ll carry you back up.”

“Just stick close—I’ll protect you.”

But life isn’t a game.

We never made it to our happy ending in duo queue.

There was a day we almost met in real life.

At the last minute, I panicked—used period cramps as an excuse to stay home, too scared to let him see the real me.

The truth?

I was afraid he’d realize how plain I was, how painfully average.

Afraid he’d be let down.

He didn’t push.

He just wrote:

[It’s okay. I’ll wait for you.]

But the next day, I found out he was Sheng Yuxiao in real life.

He shined so bright—like a spotlight I couldn’t stand under.

He was everything I thought I couldn’t reach.

I freaked out—deleted my account, left our group, changed all my contact info.

Tried to act like none of it had ever happened.

But during those days, he messaged me nonstop:

[What’s going on with you?]

[Did I do something wrong?]

[Please, say something. I’m losing my mind here.]

I never replied.

I knew if I did, I wouldn’t be able to let go.

That night, he sent me a voice message. I listened to it in secret, crying into my pillow:

“Baby, I don’t know where you are, but I miss you so much.”

“I dreamed you’d lost your voice, and I woke up crying.”

“I won’t ask for anything, just please come back.”

He was there, waiting for me on the other side of the screen.

But I couldn’t bring myself to go back.

Not until he stood in front of me again—

Not until he asked, face-to-face:

“Can you love me again?”

Now, with him in my arms, I look up and see him smiling at me.

He reaches out, ruffling my hair, and I finally feel at home.

“Do you remember the first time you called me ‘brother’?”

I blushed. “No, I don’t remember.”

He grinned, “It was during a teamfight—you got trapped under the tower and cried out, ‘Brother, save me!’ Your voice was all wobbly and about to cry.”

He even tried to mimic me, “‘Brother, I don’t want to die~’”

Mortified, I buried my face in his chest. “Shut up!”

He laughed like he’d just hit the jackpot.

“You have no idea, I was laughing my head off while wiping out the enemy.”

“I really thought I’d lost it.”

“That’s when I realized I was falling for you.”

I peeked up at him.

“So… when you first met me, were you disappointed?”

He blinked, playing coy. “Well… maybe a little.”

My face fell. “Seriously, Sheng Yuxiao?”

He pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear,

“Because you were way more beautiful than I ever expected.”

“I almost fainted on the spot.”

“If you call me ‘brother’ again, I’ll marry you right here and now.”

I couldn’t help but laugh and groan at the same time. “You’re such a dork.”

He pressed a kiss to my forehead.

“Misty Blue Sound,” he murmured,

“I’m not just your Wild King anymore.”

“I’m your real-life boyfriend now. The one who’s going to stick by your side, forever.”

My nose stung, tears threatening to fall again.

I used to think online romance was nothing but a cheesy, sugar-coated fantasy—something that could never be real.

But now I finally understand—

Every single time he said, “I’m here,” he meant it.

——

Sheng Yuxiao seemed a little different today.

He’d buttoned his shirt all the way up and combed his hair so neatly, you’d think he was headed to a job interview with the president.

“Where are you going?”

I leaned against the school building, watching him by the car, fussing with his cuffs.

His eyes darted away and his voice was almost too casual. “Family dinner.”

“You never like your dad’s parties.”

“If I skip, he’ll yell at me all night.”

“If you reply, he’ll just keep yelling.”

“Exactly.”

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “What’s going on with you today?”

He almost smiled, but didn’t quite pull it off. “Nothing.”

I glanced down at his hands—his knuckles were white, and his sleeve buttons were all crooked from how tightly he’d been fiddling with them.

“Are you nervous?”

“Have you ever seen me nervous?”

“Your ears are bright red.”

He froze, ears burning red as tomatoes.

“Shut up.”

“I didn’t say it—your ears gave you away.”

I reached out and gently fixed his cuffs for him.

He lowered his head, his eyes suddenly gentle as they met mine.

“Wait for me.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“My dad… he might bring up some stuff from my past.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I know.”

I looked up, steady. “No matter what he says, I’m on your side.”

A faint smile tugged at his lips. “You’d better be ready, then.

You might be meeting your future father-in-law tonight.”

I blinked, speechless.

“Go on, get out of here.”

He waved to me before climbing into the car, looking every bit like a young man off to war.

At nine that night, a message flashed across my phone.

[Night: Can you come over? I’m at the Sheng family villa.]

[Night: I… can’t take it anymore.]

My heart squeezed tight. I ordered a taxi, barely able to catch my breath the whole ride over.

When the car pulled up outside the Sheng mansion, my chest ached with nerves.

The door opened, and even from the entryway I could hear a cold, sharp voice echoing from the living room.

“How can you run a company like this?”

“Dyeing your hair, wasting time on games—and what kind of girlfriend is this?”

“Do you have any self-respect at all?”

I hurried in and saw Sheng Yuxiao standing against the wall, hands in his pockets, head bowed.

His father sat rigid on the sofa, face etched with disappointment.

“Dad, I told you—I need more time.”

“How many years do you need? How much longer should I wait?”

“If your mother were still alive, she’d be furious to see you like this!”

His words cut right through me, tightening my throat.

“Uncle Sheng.”

I stepped forward. My voice wasn’t loud, but it was steady.

He shot me a cold, assessing look.

“You’re Lin Nan?”

I nodded.

“What’s your major?”

“Chinese.”

“Have you thought about your future?”

“I want to write, maybe teach—just live my own life.”

He sneered.

“And how far do you think you’ll get with him?”

“Do you know what he was like growing up?”

“Did you know he said ‘I’ll be good’ even after I broke his hand?”

“Did you know he once told me, ‘I don’t need anything, I just want to play games’?”

“Is someone like that even worth loving?”

My eyes burned.

“You think he’s bad?”

“You think he’s useless?”

“Have you ever seen him working out a business plan at 2 a.m., hooked up to an IV?”

“Do you know how he gritted his teeth and said, ‘I can take it, just don’t tell Mom,’ even though he was terrified of the pain?”

“Maybe you can’t see his effort—but that doesn’t mean he’s not working harder than anyone else.”

I stood tall, meeting his father’s gaze head-on.

“Sheng Yuxiao is not your puppet.”

“He’s not a shadow, not a tool, not some failure.”

“He’s someone I care about.”

“He’s amazing. He really is.”

“So please, don’t ever call him useless again.”

The whole room fell silent.

I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears.

And then, Sheng Yuxiao reached out and took my hand, his palm hot against mine.

He smiled, soft as a breeze.

“Lin Nan, you were so cool just now.”

I shot him a look but turned back to his father.

“Uncle Sheng, I don’t know what kind of son you want.

But what you have right now is the best.”

Mr. Sheng didn’t answer.

He just stared at us both, his expression stormy, before finally rising to his feet.

“It’s up to you,” he said, and walked away.

I let out a shaky breath, realizing my palms were slick with sweat.

Sheng Yuxiao was still grinning.

“You’re a force of nature when you’re angry.”

“Even my dad couldn’t say a word.”

“I almost peed my pants.”

I rolled my eyes. “So why are you smiling?”

He squeezed my hand tighter.

“I’m smiling because, for the first time, I have someone who’ll stand up for me.”

“Lin Nan, thank you.”

“When you stepped in front of me, you have no idea how close I was to crying.”

I stared at him, surprised.

“You want me to see you cry?”

He pulled me into a hug, tucking his head into my shoulder.

“I’ll cry when I marry you.

But for now, I want to hold on a little longer.”

I melted into his arms, my throat tight with happiness.

I knew I wasn’t going to stay by his side every second—not anymore.

But after that night standing up for him, something shifted.

I became his confidence, his safe place.

After our “battle side by side,” everything between us felt different—almost magical.

He wasn’t as clingy as before.

No more constant good morning or good night texts.

No more “What are you doing, babe?” at random hours.

But he never disappeared.

When I lined up for food at the cafeteria, he’d be there behind me—quiet, close, present.

If I went out for evening study, he’d always show up at the school gate, pretending to buy water at just the right moment.

There was a space between us.

Not too far, not too close.

I wanted to close the distance, but I had no idea how to make the first move.

One night, lying in bed, I was scrolling through Douyin and saw a video:

The guy stood outside the girl’s window, playing the harmonica for her, night after night, for seventeen days straight.

The comment section was full of people crying their eyes out.

I sat there, staring at those comments, and suddenly a wild idea took hold.

I pulled up WeChat and opened my chat with “Night.”

Sent him a voice message:

“Brother, have you been gaming lately?”

He replied right away:

“You want to play?”

My heart pounded as I stared at the screen.

Fingers trembling, I typed back:

“Yeah. I want to.”

He didn’t reply with a message. He called me, right then.

“Not scared anymore?”

My mouth was dry. “I’m scared.”

“So why are you reaching out?”

“Because I miss you.”

There was a three-second pause on the other end.

“Lin Nan.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m not used to hearing you talk like this now.”

I blinked.

“You used to be so sweet. Now, when you say ‘I miss you,’ it almost doesn’t register.”

I smiled into the phone. “Well, you’ll have to get used to it. I plan to say it a lot more from now on.”

“Get you used to it.”

He didn’t laugh. His breathing was soft and even.

“You’ve changed.

You used to call me ‘brother.’ Now it’s always ‘Sheng Yuxiao.’

You’d send me voice messages every day. Now I’m lucky if you send an emoji.”

I curled up against my pillow, heart aching in the best way.

“You weren’t gentle, either, you know.

Whenever you got mad, you’d go silent.

You’d ignore everything I sent.

I was scared and confused.

Your face was always so cold—I thought you didn’t care.

So I ran away.”

I sniffed, voice shaking.

“I’m not running anymore.

I’m here now, trying to make up for what I didn’t give you before.

If you’re mad, you can yell at me. Hit me, if you want.”

He was quiet for a long moment.

“I couldn’t. I could never hurt you.

Honestly, I was way too harsh.

You would’ve been stupid not to run from me.”

I laughed softly.

“So… do you still want me?”

“I want you.”

“Don’t run from me again.”

“I’m kind of tired of chasing, to be honest.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me.

“Then let me chase you for once.

How about that? I’ll chase you. You just wait for me.”

He let out a low, hoarse laugh.

“Think you can catch me?”

“Wanna bet?”

“Go ahead.”

“Start by picking me up after class tomorrow.”

“Deal.”

“Oh, and bring me a milk tea.”

“Deal.”

“With all the sugar.”

“Of course.”

“Aren’t you being a little too obedient?”

I paused and said,

“You used to tell me, ‘Just hide behind me.’

Now, I want to say—when you get tired, you can hide behind me, too.”

He went quiet—completely still.

I leaned against the headboard, eyes on the ceiling, my heart full for the first time in ages.

There’s a kind of tenderness that grows quietly from the heart—you can’t force it, you can’t control it.

I don’t even know when it really started between us.

I’m not sure where this relationship will end up.

But one thing I do know:

I want to keep moving forward with him.

Even if the pace is slow.

Even if we stumble along the way.

After school the next day, I stood outside my classroom and spotted Sheng Yuxiao leaning against his car, dressed in a black shirt and looking down at his phone.

I walked over, slowly closing the distance.

“Mr. Sheng, would you buy me a milk tea?”

He looked up, and the way his eyes lit up made my heart skip.

“Of course.”

“You agreed a little too quickly.”

He smiled. “You took a little too long to ask.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

He slipped his phone into his pocket and reached out for my hand.

“It means, Lin Nan… you finally made your way here.”

——

I always thought someone like Sheng Yuxiao would hate being the center of attention.

He always seemed too proud, too self-possessed, to ever want people staring at him.

But that day, dressed in a sharp black suit and standing at the podium, he looked like he belonged in the spotlight.

It was our school’s open day, and Sheng Group was one of the corporate partners.

I heard people whispering all around me.

“Isn’t that from Sheng Yuxiao’s family?”

“I thought he was an eSports player.”

“Is this for real?”

As the host wrapped up the introduction, Sheng Yuxiao stepped onto the stage, every move crisp and confident, like he owned the moment.

My heart thudded against my chest, so hard I thought everyone could hear it.

“Hello, I’m Sheng Yuxiao,” he said, voice deep and steady into the mic.

“I’m currently Assistant Executive Director at Sheng Group, mainly focusing on youth entrepreneurship projects.”

For a second, the whole auditorium went still.

And then the room burst into murmurs—

“Oh my god, it’s really him!”

“He’s so handsome!!”

“I thought he was just for show, but he’s actually incredible…”

I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

Every answer he gave was sharp and certain.

He wasn’t reciting lines—he was speaking from the heart.

A junior raised her hand and asked, “Weren’t you a pro gamer?”

He paused, then nodded. “Yeah.”

“Did you retire?”

“No.”

“Does eSports get in the way of the company?”

He smiled, easy and bright.

“Not at all.

I play games because I love it.

I took over the company because I’m responsible for it.

I like winning tournaments, and I like completing projects.

This is my duo queue life.”

The whole auditorium broke out in applause.

People whipped out their phones to record him, others scribbled “Sheng Group Internship Application” in their notebooks.

I sat in the back row, head ducked, heart racing so hard it almost hurt.

Was this really the same Sheng Yuxiao who used to block my path and call me ‘little thing’?

How could he shine in a place this bright?

He looked like he could sweep up everyone’s youth with just a turn of his head.

When the lecture ended, I didn’t stick around for him.

I’m not sure if it was happiness, or maybe fear.

Maybe I was scared he’d leave me behind—that he’d move too fast and wouldn’t need me anymore.

Back at the dorm, Su Jin came flying in, landing on my bed with wild excitement.

“Lin Nan! Why’d you run off? Do you even know what you missed?!”

“Sheng Yuxiao! He totally owned that whole lecture!”

“The way he answered questions—let me tell you, it was insane!”

“And get this, at the end, he said: ‘The only thing I regret in life is that I once made her think I didn’t care.’”

I froze.

“Who?”

“How would I know?” Su Jin huffed.

“But honestly, who else could make him regret anything? The whole auditorium went nuts!”

My ears burned.

She scrolled her phone, squealing, “Look! The school’s official Weibo even posted it—‘Heir of the Sheng family confesses to a mysterious girl on campus!’ It’s already been shared over ten thousand times!”

My mind was spinning, and my heart beat louder than ever.

The girls in the next dorm were losing their minds.

“Oh my god! Who is she? Show yourself—let’s see if you’re actually worth it!”

“Sisters, I’m done for. I want to be the one he regrets!”

I pulled the blanket over my head, trying to hide from the noise, but there was no blocking out the pounding of my own heart.

My phone buzzed.

[Night: Did you do okay today?]

[Night: Why didn’t you wait for me?]

I stared at his message for a long moment, my finger tracing over the screen.

[Wu Lanyin: How are you so handsome?]

His reply popped up instantly.

[Night: Didn’t you notice I was watching you?]

[Night: You were wearing that light pink skirt, sitting by the window, barely even daring to smile.]

[Night: If you’d waited for me one more second, I would’ve jumped off the stage and kissed you.]

I buried my face in my pillow, my cheeks burning hot.

He sent another message:

[Night: I stand in the light so you can see me clearly.]

[Night: No matter how far away you are, I want you to know—]

[Night: I walked through the darkness for you, and now I’m willing to wait for you to meet me in the sun.]

After that, he didn’t say anything else.

But I knew he was waiting—for an answer, or even just a hug.

I didn’t reply. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I didn’t know if I could.

Rain pattered outside my window all night.

I lay there, curled up and staring at the ceiling, my heartbeat out of sync and restless.

Before my alarm could ring the next morning, Su Jin’s shout jolted me awake.

“Lin Nan! Someone’s here for you!”

“Who?” I mumbled.

“It’s Sheng Yuxiao!!!”

I shot up.

“Where is he?”

“Downstairs! He’s standing in the rain!”

I rushed to the balcony and there he was—standing straight in a gray sweatshirt, holding a bag of breakfast.

The rain wasn’t heavy, but the wetness soaking his shoulders looked brutal.

“Are you insane?” I yelled down.

He looked up and flashed me a crooked smile.

“Come downstairs.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

“If you don’t, I might catch pneumonia down here.”

I clenched my jaw, threw on a coat, and raced downstairs.

As soon as he saw me, his whole face lit up.

“Good morning, Lin Nan.”

“What do you want?”

“Brought you breakfast.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Well, I am.”

“…Fine.”

“Eat with me?”

I looked at him—completely soaked but stubborn as ever—and felt all the walls around my heart melt away.

We sat on a bench outside the teaching building.

He handed me a cup of soy milk.

“Why stand in the rain like an idiot?”

“I wanted you to see me.”

“You could’ve texted.”

“I was scared you wouldn’t reply.”

“Are you stupid?”

“Didn’t you say so yourself?”

I bit my straw, wanting to curse him out, but the words never came.

He looked at me with a kind of intensity I couldn’t turn away from.

“Lin Nan,” he said quietly,

“I’m going to say it again. I like you.

Not the way you bicker with me in a game.

You’re the one I dream about when I fall asleep.

You’re the first person I want to share something funny with.

The idea of you dating someone else? It drives me nuts.

I don’t know how brave it is to like someone this much,

but I know if I don’t say it now, I’ll regret it forever.”

My hands trembled around the soy milk.

His voice softened.

“I don’t need you to say yes right now.

If you’re not ready, I’ll wait.

If you want to go slow, I’ll match your pace.

I’ll be right here.”

My nose stung, tears threatening.

“Aren’t you supposed to be Mr. Pride?”

He gave a wry grin.

“I don’t care about pride anymore.

If you don’t want me, you can take my dignity, too.

I just want you to really look at me.”

I lowered my head, feeling a soft pressure settle over my heart—like I was stuffed with cotton, warm and overflowing.

“You really don’t regret it?” I asked quietly.

“Chasing after someone as ordinary as me?”

He laughed, eyes turning a little red at the corners.

“You’re not ordinary at all.”

“You’re the one I’d risk everything not to lose.”

I pressed my lips together.

“Then promise me something.”

“What is it?”

“Don’t ever wait for me in the rain again.”

“Deal.”

“Don’t get jealous.”

“Okay.”

“You have to answer my messages, every single time.”

“No problem.”

“…And you’re not allowed to say you like me only once.”

His eyes suddenly sparkled.

“So what are you saying?”

I looked up and met his gaze—his eyes so serious, shining like stars.

I didn’t say anything else.

I simply nodded.

He froze for a second—then pulled me into a tight hug.

“Lin Nan.”

“Yeah?”

“Finally, I don’t have to act cool anymore.”

“I can officially, completely, and without holding back—”

“Be your boyfriend.”

——

At ten that night, the lights in the dorm flicked off.

Su Jin was glued to her drama, shaking with laughter through her headphones.

I leaned against my pillow, phone in hand, staring at the screen.

There was only one message:

[Night: I miss you.]

I stared for a long time, then scrolled back to an old voice message from him—the one from yesterday.

“The moon’s so full tonight. Can you see it where you are?”

“I stood outside for fifteen minutes, just looking up, hoping you’d open your window.”

“But you didn’t, so I figured maybe you were asleep, or mad, or just didn’t want to talk to me.”

“It’s okay. I’ll wait for you.”

As I listened, my fingers dug into my palm.

My eyes burned, and my heart filled up piece by piece.

I shouldn’t have made him wait so long.

He’s not the best at saying what he feels—always afraid of being turned away.

But every time, he shows up for me anyway.

Now it’s my turn.

I slipped on my coat and quietly snuck out of bed.

The second I opened the dorm door, my phone buzzed again.

[Night: What are you up to?]

[Night: I finished my game and wanted to take a walk.]

[Night: If you’re not asleep, message me back.]

I stood by the corridor window and looked down.

There he was, across from the school gate, gray hoodie, head bowed, still texting.

The wind ruffled his hair, making him look kind of lost and lonely.

I smiled and typed:

[Wu Lanyin: Turn around.]

He paused, as if confused, so I sent another:

[Wu Lanyin: I’m behind you.]

He whipped his head around—and his eyes lit up like someone set off fireworks inside them.

He crossed the street and stopped in front of me.

“What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see the moon, too.”

“Did you see me?”

“I always see you.”

I stuffed my hands in my pockets, suddenly shy.

He asked, “You wanna take a walk?”

“I want you to come with me.”

He was quiet for a heartbeat, then smiled, slow and real.

“Where to?”

“There’s an observation deck on Tianyang Road.”

“Let’s go?”

“You’d better keep up—I’m afraid you’ll run off again.”

He looked down at me. “I’m not running. I promised you I’d go wherever you go.”

I nodded.

We walked side by side down the quiet street, not rushing.

Every now and then, he’d gently pull me closer, worried I’d wander too close to the curb.

I glanced up at him; he was already looking at me.

We both started laughing.

“You chased me for so long,” I teased, “Were you planning to stick with me forever?”

“I did chase you,” he admitted, “and I’m never going to deny it.”

“And now?”

“Now, I finally have the guts.”

He reached out, lacing his fingers through mine.

“Lin Nan.”

“Yeah?”

“Didn’t you say we could try walking side by side for a while?”

He hesitated, then grinned.

“So… want to try walking together for a lifetime?”

I turned and looked at him.

His eyes shone brighter than the moon hanging over us.

I didn’t say a word, but I squeezed his hand back, holding on as tight as I could.

We walked all the way to the observation deck.

The moon looked close enough to touch, suspended right above our heads.

He stared up for a long moment, then said, “You know, I used to think the moon was way out of reach.”

“I always felt far away from everyone, too.”

“But now…”

He glanced down at me, smiling.

“It’s right there in your eyes.”

“And I’m right here with you.”

My nose stung. My voice wobbled.

“Sheng Yuxiao.”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t run away this time.”

“I’ll walk with you, all the way.”

I always thought Sheng Yuxiao was the type who didn’t care about making things special.

He was too blunt, too confident, too lazy to play games.

If he liked someone, he’d block your door to confess, grab your hand without warning, steal a kiss without asking.

But this time was different.

He disappeared for a whole week.

Hardly any messages—just one.

[Night: I’m a bit busy. Wait for me, okay?]

I started wondering what he was up to.

Saturday night, Su Jin burst into our room, looking like she was about to explode from excitement.

“Lin Nan, you can’t make plans tonight. Don’t go out, keep your phone close.”

“What’s going on?”

She waggled her eyebrows. “Your boyfriend’s orders. I’m just the messenger.”

My heart skipped.

“You know what he’s planning?”

“I do, but my lips are sealed.”

“If you keep acting mysterious, I’ll confiscate your phone.”

She smirked, “If you do, you’ll miss the best moment of your entire life.”

She looked so annoyingly wise that I gave up, curled up in bed, and tried to nap the nerves away.

At ten, my phone glowed with a new message.

A number I didn’t know.

[Please come to the library rooftop at 10:30. Don’t be late.]

No signature.

But I knew who it was.

I pulled on my coat and made my way through the dim, quiet hallways.

The night air was soft, the moonlight pale, the scent of flowers drifting everywhere.

When I opened the rooftop door, I froze.

The whole rooftop was lined with tiny twinkling lights, casting everything in a warm golden glow.

In the center was a long table, decorated with fairy lights and scattered roses.

Across one wall, a projector displayed our chat history—

The first line I ever sent: “Brother, are you free?”

His reply: “No need to wait until New Year’s—Dragon Boat Festival is fine, I’m already in bed.”

I just stood there, my eyes stinging.

Back then, I was only joking.

I never dreamed he’d remember it.

He stepped out from the shadows, wearing a white shirt and black pants, hair a little messy from the breeze.

He stood in front of me, microphone in hand.

“Lin Nan,” he said, voice a little shaky.

“I’m not great at romance.”

“But you told me you liked a sense of occasion.”

“So I tried to learn.”

“You love the moon, so I hung a projector at this angle.”

“You love fairy lights, so I bought thirty strands and strung them all up myself.”

“You said you’re nervous around crowds, so I made sure it’s just us.”

“I said I could change, for you.”

He paused, eyes shining.

“And now, there’s something I want to ask you.”

“Lin Nan,” he said again,

“Would you—

Officially be my girlfriend?”

I stood there, clutching the cuffs of my coat, heart about to burst.

He looked at me, quiet, nervous, eyes shining.

“If you don’t want to, that’s okay.”

“I… I just want you to know this is real. I don’t want you to think we’re just trying it out.”

“I’m not chasing after anyone,” he said softly.

“I’m looking at you as my future.”

And just like that, the tears started to fall.

“Sheng Yuxiao…”

“I would have said yes even if you didn’t say that.”

“But the moment you did, how could I possibly say no?”

“I used to worry you’d get tired of waiting for me.”

“I was scared one day you’d move so far ahead I couldn’t keep up.”

“But you’re still here.”

“You’ve always been here.”

“And I want to be…”

“The person you’ve been waiting for.”

He pulled me into his arms.

“Lin Nan,” he whispered,

“Next time, don’t walk so slowly.”

“If you take one more step, I’ll have to run one less.”

“Then maybe we’ll really be shoulder to shoulder.”

——

Sometimes I think about how it all started.

What if I hadn’t played that game with him?

What if I never sent that first voice message?

What if I never called him “brother,” or whispered “I miss you” in the middle of the night?

Would we have missed each other completely?

But life doesn’t have “what ifs.”

All I ever got was “it’s okay”—over and over.

Thank God he never left.

Thank God I turned around and found him still waiting.

Thank God I was slow, and he was patient.

Now, I sit by the window, a thick stack of resumes beside me.

Su Jin is sprawled across her bed, voice flirting with the senior in the next class, laughter echoing around the room.

I slip on my headphones and open my chat with Sheng Yuxiao.

He’s interning at his company today, and as always, he’s sent me a handful of sneaky photos from the conference room.

One is him, head down, scribbling notes—shirt collar undone, watch glinting in the light.

The next is a selfie:

“Do I look handsome today?”

I write back,

“You look handsome, but you’re not allowed to show that face to anyone else.”

His reply is almost instant.

“Only for you.”

“Ms. Lin Nan, my eyes are only for you.”

I can’t help but smile, my lips curving up without even thinking about it.

I used to think love was fireworks—wild, reckless, all-consuming.

Now I know:

Love is showing up, day after day.

It’s the comfort of habit, the reflex of “I’m here.”

We’ve argued.

We’ve had cold wars.

There were days when I wondered, “Is this too much?”

But somehow, he always found a way to pull me back—sometimes clumsy, sometimes silly.

Like the time I turned off my phone in a fit of anger, and he sent me sixty-six handwritten love letters—took photos of every single one and messaged them all to me.

I called him childish, but I saved every last one.

The words that moved me most?

“I’m not chasing you because I want to own you.

I want to stand by your side and watch you become yourself.

Even if you don’t love me anymore, I hope someday, when you talk about me, you’ll smile.”

I cried for hours after that—

Cried because I finally understood,

And because he’d never given up on me.

On graduation day, he was waiting outside the auditorium, dressed in a crisp white shirt and black pants—just like the night he confessed to me on the rooftop.

He smiled and said, “You graduated, and I got promoted.”

“Will you move in with me?”

I said, “I do.”

He grinned. “Mom wants to know when we’ll get our marriage license.”

I teased back, “If you really want to marry me, I’ll say yes tomorrow.”

His eyes curved with joy.

“If you dare to marry me, I’ll spend my whole life proving it.”

He’s not the type for sweet words.

But when I was at my lowest, he wrapped me in a hug.

When I was scared, he’d murmur, “Lean on me.”

He tucked all his gentleness into the quiet moments,

And let me discover it, little by little.

Looking back, I know I’m incredibly lucky.

Lucky to have found him when I’d almost given up on love.

Lucky that he’d patiently chipped away at my defenses, one smile at a time.

He’s the one who still says, “Be good, don’t be afraid,” whenever I call him “Brother.”

I don’t want to hide anymore.

I don’t want to doubt if I’m good enough for him.

Now, I’m learning how to walk shoulder to shoulder.

Cooking together.

Winning games as a team.

Rushing over to hug him whenever he’s having a rough day.

Even if he keeps insisting, “I’m fine,” I’ll squeeze his hand and remind him, “I know when something’s weighing on you.”

I know there will still be arguments.

I know some days will be anything but easy.

But I also know that as long as I’m here, he’ll never let go.

And as long as he’s by my side, I feel fearless.

I have no idea how far this road stretches into the future.

But I want to walk every step of it—slowly, together.

Whenever the wind picks up, I reach out for his hand and say,

“Sheng Yuxiao, don’t walk too fast, okay?

My legs are short, you’ll have to wait for me.”

He always turns, flashing that soft smile.

“It’s alright—I’ll hold your hand.

No matter how slow you go, I’ll never let go.”