This elective was in botany, and Ning Shuang had snagged a spot in the class purely because Professor Zhang wasn’t strict on finals. Plus, thanks to the unique topics, she would even lead students on a field trip to her private botanical garden.
Ning Shuang had always loved a good time, so there was no way he would pass up an opportunity like that.
The moment they stepped into the classroom, the blast of air conditioning chased away the summer heat clinging to Ning Shuang’s skin. The room was nice and cool, and classmates were trickling in to take their seats. Ning Shuang led Ji Huaizhi to some spots toward the back.
“Ji Huaizhi, why’d you pick this class?” Ning Shuang asked, his voice hushed. He draped one arm across the desk and rested his head in the crook of his elbow, tilting his face toward his classmate with pure curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
Ji Huaizhi met his gaze and instinctively lowered his eyes. “Just grabbed it at random.”
“You’re so lucky!” Ning Shuang said enviously. “Professor Zhang’s classes are super popular. I tried signing up my freshman year and couldn’t get in. Glad I finally made it this year as a sophomore.”
Before Ji Huaizhi could respond, Ning Shuang pressed on. “Got any more classes after this? Heading straight home afterward?”
Professor Zhang’s classes weren’t rigorous, and with a video about plants playing on the electronic whiteboard right now, Ning Shuang felt safe chatting freely with Ji Huaizhi.
After a moment’s thought, Ji Huaizhi replied, “No classes, but I’ve got something else to take care of.”
“Oh, got it.” Whatever Ji Huaizhi had planned, it wasn’t Ning Shuang’s place to pry, so he let the subject drop. He straightened up and turned his attention to the board.
But Ning Shuang hadn’t expected Ji Huaizhi to turn the question back on him. “What about you?”
Ning Shuang answered quickly. “No classes for me either, but I’ve got to head to the Student Union for a bit. Shouldn’t be too late getting home.”
Ji Huaizhi gave a soft hum of acknowledgment. “Okay.”
Then something occurred to Ning Shuang, and he scooted a little closer to Ji Huaizhi. “Oh, right—the place where we first met, that abandoned lab building? I don’t know what you were doing there yesterday, but you should steer clear of it for now. Seems kinda dangerous.”
Ji Huaizhi might have wandered in there without knowing better, and Ning Shuang suspected there was some truth to the rumors, so he figured a friendly warning was in order.
“What kind of danger?” Ji Huaizhi asked.
Ning Shuang frowned, unsure how to put it. “It’s just this weird rumor going around. I don’t know how to explain it, but trust me—you’re better off staying away. What if it’s actually risky?”
Ji Huaizhi’s hand, resting on his knee, slowly clenched into a fist. He nodded.
The video ended, and Professor Zhang switched to her teaching slides. The screen filled with three big characters: “Botany.”
Both of them turned their eyes to the board. Ning Shuang stole a discreet glance at Ji Huaizhi. The guy didn’t smile much on a normal day, but Ning Shuang could tell when he was in a good mood.
Halfway through the lecture, Professor Zhang flipped to the slide outlining the final grade breakdown.
Finals only made up 20 percent, with class participation counting for the lion’s share.
Most of that would probably come down to group project scores.
Sure enough, the professor announced the group assignments next.
“Group projects will be in pairs,” she said. “If you already have a partner in mind, come up and register with me now. I’ll pair up the rest of you randomly.” She pulled out the class roster and stood off to the side of the lectern. “Once groups are set, I’ll explain this week’s assignment.”
Ning Shuang had been waiting for this moment forever. The second she finished speaking, he leaned over and whispered to Ji Huaizhi, “Hey, Ji Huaizhi, let’s team up!”
“Of course, I don’t mean anything by it,” he added quickly. “You’re the only person I know in this class, and we’ll have to discuss the project a lot. Plus, we live together, so it’s convenient.”
His explanation made perfect sense. No one else in the class knew Ji Huaizhi anyway, so teaming up with Ning Shuang was the obvious choice. Sure enough, Ji Huaizhi didn’t hesitate. “Okay.”
Grouping everyone didn’t take long. After assigning the projects, Professor Zhang let them have self-study time.
The task was to photograph local ferns, look up their scientific names, and put together a PPT to hand in next week.
Ning Shuang pulled up some info on his phone. After mulling it over, he remembered there was a forest park not far from home. If they had time over the weekend, he and Ji Huaizhi could go together—maybe pack some snacks he’d made and borrow Lu Yuyang’s camera…
It was perfect. What was this if not a date?
Ning Shuang slumped over his desk, cheek pillowed on his arms as he quietly studied Ji Huaizhi’s profile.
Ji Huaizhi had tucked his long side-swept hair behind his ear. A breeze from the window toyed with the strands. With his head bowed, his bangs veiled his brows, but his high nose bridge and straight, lengthy lashes were still visible. Ning Shuang couldn’t shake the feeling that a deep, unshakable melancholy hung over his features.
Suddenly, Ning Shuang’s gaze locked onto Ji Huaizhi’s earlobe.
There was a clear piercing there.
He had an earring hole?
Ji Huaizhi didn’t seem like the type to get his ears pierced.
But that contrast only made Ning Shuang’s heart race even more.
The bell rang soon after, signaling the end of class. Ning Shuang had plans to meet Shen Qinghui at the coffee shop, while Ji Huaizhi was headed to the library. Not the same direction, so they parted ways.
“See you tonight, Ji Huaizhi.” Ning Shuang stuffed his notebook into his backpack and tilted his head with a smile.
Ji Huaizhi picked up the pen Ning Shuang had left on his desk and handed it over. Meeting those smiling eyes, he replied, “Okay.”
“Thanks!” Ning Shuang took the pen.
Since they were going different ways, they said goodbye at the bottom of the teaching building. Ning Shuang was in a rush, so he waved and jogged off in the opposite direction.
Ji Huaizhi watched his retreating back until it vanished from sight. Then he turned and left.
~~~
Ning Shuang arrived at the coffee shop early. The afternoon sun was pleasant, warming his skin just right. He sat by the window, filling out the class assistant application form with meticulous care. Golden light bathed him, softening even his hair.
He’d just finished when Shen Qinghui texted that he was on his way.
Bored while waiting, Ning Shuang didn’t slack off. He double-checked the form top to bottom. It was done now, but he still felt a twinge of worry deep down. He’d heard how competitive the spots for Business Class 1’s class assistant were this year.
Lost in thought, he suddenly sensed an inexplicable gaze on him. He assumed it was Shen Qinghui arriving.
He tucked the form away and glanced back. The shop was quiet, scented with the rich bitterness of coffee. Plenty of students were studying silently, each absorbed in their own work. No one was looking at him.
Must have been his imagination.
He furrowed his brow in confusion and settled back into his seat.
Shen Qinghui arrived shortly after. Ning Shuang stood to wave him over. “Hey, President. Good afternoon!”
“Good afternoon.” The man with silver-rimmed glasses gave a slight nod and took the seat across from him.
Ning Shuang had already ordered coffee for him. He slid it over with a polite smile. “It’s the shop’s new blend. Give it a try.”
Shen Qinghui took the cup with a thank you.
He didn’t drink, though. Instead, his fingertips tapped lightly on the ceramic rim, producing a clear tinkling sound. He looked at Ning Shuang and smiled. “You asked me here just to buy me coffee?”
Ning Shuang scratched his head sheepishly. “You saw right through me, huh…”
“Actually, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.” He held up his thumb and forefinger a tiny distance apart. “Have you finalized the class assistants for the freshman classes yet?”
“Not yet.” Shen Qinghui rubbed his temple at the mention—it was a headache.
He was a year ahead of Ning Shuang and came across as more mature, with a gentle, refined demeanor and a soft-spoken tone.
“Why the sudden interest?” Shen Qinghui asked.
Ning Shuang stirred his coffee with a spoon. The sugar cube clinked against the cup. He suddenly sat up straight, the collar of his athletic shirt revealing a glimpse of his wheat-toned collarbone.
Then he pulled the freshly completed application from his bag and offered it with both hands. “This is my application to be the class assistant for Business Class 1.”
His bright eyes fixed on Shen Qinghui, lips pressed thin with nerves.
Shen Qinghui took the form and skimmed it over. He nodded, setting it aside. “Approved.”
Ning Shuang blinked in shock. He’d braced for a fight against other applicants, and Shen Qinghui just… agreed?
Seeing his stunned expression, Shen Qinghui chuckled, flashing a neat row of white teeth. “I’m serious. You’re in.”
“But I heard tons of people are applying for Class 1’s spot,” Ning Shuang said, puzzled.
Shen Qinghui waved the form lightly. The rustle of paper drew Ning Shuang’s eyes to his hand. “But you’re the only one who actually turned in an application.”
As per tradition, you just told the person in charge which class you wanted. This time, five people—including Ning Shuang—had expressed interest in Class 1. But the other four never submitted their forms.
Shen Qinghui knew exactly who to pick.
“Really? Then I’ve got some serious luck on my side!” Ning Shuang chalked it up to those other applicants simply forgetting to submit their forms.
Shen Qinghui shook his head helplessly, lifted his coffee for a sip, and asked curiously, “Still, why are you so set on Business Class 1? Got someone you like in there or what?”
Ning Shuang shot him a look that screamed “How’d you guess?” and waved his hands frantically in denial. “No, no, nothing like that. I just… well, wanted to go, that’s all.”
Shen Qinghui saw right through him but didn’t call him out. He had a good impression of Ning Shuang—a lively, hardworking, and upbeat guy—so deep down, he was rooting for Ning Shuang to snag the spot.
“Alright, this coffee’s great, but I’ve got a meeting to run off to.” Shen Qinghui stood up, grabbing Ning Shuang’s application form as well. “Student Union’s got a group dinner tonight. You’re the Discipline Department’s deputy minister, so don’t forget.”
“Huh? So sudden? I didn’t get any notice!” Ning Shuang jumped to his feet, looking utterly baffled.
Shen Qinghui pressed his lips together in mild exasperation. “This morning at eight-thirty, in the Student Union group chat.”
Ning Shuang racked his brain, trying to recall.
Damn it! That’s when he’d been out with Ji Huaizhi. The notifications had been too annoying, killing the vibe, so he’d muted them on impulse—and missed the whole announcement.
“I didn’t see it,” Ning Shuang explained.
Shen Qinghui shrugged, no hint of reproach in his tone. “Better late than never.”
Sigh. He’d been hoping to head home early and chat with Ji Huaizhi.
Ning Shuang shook his head to clear it, shoving his worries aside. “Got it. Same old spot as before?”
“Mm.” Shen Qinghui turned and headed for the coffee shop door. “I’m off. Thanks for the coffee.”
Ning Shuang waved from behind him. “See you! President.”
He watched until Shen Qinghui had left the shop before sinking back into his seat.
Then he picked up his coffee and took a big gulp. It really was good— no wonder it cost a fortune.
Ning Shuang polished it off in two or three gulps. The bitterness twisted his face into a grimace.
He’d just set the cup down when the shadow of a butterfly fluttered onto its center. Ning Shuang followed the shadow to the window, where a vibrant purple butterfly with bizarre wing patterns beat its wings against the glass. Curious, he leaned closer.
But the butterfly flapped its purple wings and flew off.
Ning Shuang chuckled to himself. Then a voice sounded abruptly behind him. “Ning Shuang, what are you looking at?”
The sudden cold voice startled him. Ning Shuang whipped around—and locked eyes with the person behind him.
Those eyes were unusually dark and icy, laced with a bone-chilling frost.
Ning Shuang instinctively took half a step back.
“Ji—Ji Huaizhi? What are you doing here?” Once he got a good look, Ning Shuang let out a breath of relief.
Now that he studied him closely, he’d just been seeing things. Ji Huaizhi wore his usual aloof, cool demeanor, with nothing off about his gaze.
He hadn’t expected to run into Ji Huaizhi here, let alone for him to strike up a conversation.
“I came to buy…” Ji Huaizhi paused, then continued, “a cup of coffee.”
Ning Shuang quickly pointed to the empty seat beside him. “Let me treat you. Have a seat here for a bit.”
He spoke fast and moved faster—by the time he’d finished, he was already at the counter.
Ji Huaizhi glanced at the spot Ning Shuang had indicated, his eyes suddenly darkening. Instead, he took a seat elsewhere.
Ning Shuang soon returned with the coffee, blinking in surprise at Ji Huaizhi sitting right next to him. But he recovered quickly and stepped forward. “This is my favorite one. Give it a try. If you don’t like it, I’ll get another.”
With that, he slid into his own seat, right up against Ji Huaizhi.
Ji Huaizhi eyed the single cup on the table and tilted his head. “You’re not having any?”
Ning Shuang shook his head. “I just finished one. Can’t stomach more right now, and it’s pretty bitter anyway—not really my thing.”
Ji Huaizhi took the coffee.
As Ning Shuang had always observed, Ji Huaizhi maintained that detached, disinterested air about everything. But Ning Shuang could spot when he was in a good mood—and right now, his seemed middling at best.
“Come on, try it,” Ning Shuang urged. “It’s seriously good.”
Only then did Ji Huaizhi lift the cup and take a small sip.
“Well?” Ning Shuang was dying to hear his verdict.
The bitterness spread across his tongue and palate—a flavor Ji Huaizhi wasn’t used to. His brow furrowed slightly before smoothing out. Meeting Ning Shuang’s eager eyes, he said, “It’s fine.”
What Ning Shuang liked wouldn’t taste bad to him.
Ning Shuang grinned. “Right? I think it’s pretty good too.”
That gave Ji Huaizhi his opening. “Didn’t you head to the Student Union?”
“Ah…” Ning Shuang hesitated, unsure how to explain. He’d come here to talk to Shen Qinghui about becoming the class assistant for Business Class 1—Ji Huaizhi’s class. If he spilled the truth, Ji Huaizhi might see right through his ulterior motives.
Besides, who knew if Ji Huaizhi even liked guys.
If he turned out to be straight, Ning Shuang might find himself homeless by morning.
Ji Huaizhi sipped his coffee, his gaze never leaving Ning Shuang’s face.
Ning Shuang’s hesitation meant he was scrambling for an excuse. And when Ning Shuang lied, Ji Huaizhi could always tell.
“Uh… just came for some coffee to perk up,” Ning Shuang said.
Liar. Ji Huaizhi silently dismantled the fib in his mind.
He lowered his lashes, hiding the complex depths in his eyes, then set the coffee down and replied with a curt, “Okay.”
Someone entered the café, letting in a faint breeze that tousled Ji Huaizhi’s long hair. He tucked the stray strands behind his ear.
Ning Shuang stared, lost in a daze for a few seconds, before clearing his throat. “Well, enjoy it. I’ve got stuff to do. See you tonight.”
He stood, slinging his backpack over one shoulder from the chair behind him.
Ji Huaizhi looked up at him, a faint curve at his lips. “See you tonight.”
Ning Shuang left the café. Ji Huaizhi traced the rim of his cup, turning to watch through the window as Ning Shuang apparently ran into an acquaintance. They chatted briefly, then walked off shoulder to shoulder.
He took another sip of the coffee.
So bitter.
