★ Main: Zhang Xǐruì , Sang Mingzé

★ Second: Chén Ruìzhé

*Zhang Xǐruì is sitting in the bus , on her way to school while putting on some headphones and placing her full focus on her phone *

*the bus stops at the next stop and suddenly Zhang Xǐruì looks up and sees a guy entering and she can't help but stare at him but as soon as the guy sits he  notices her staring at him , she stops looking at him and puts her focus on her phone again*

*as soon as the bus reaches the school, Zhang Xǐruì  gets down, removes her headphones and goes inside the school but suddenly a guy comes from behind and tries to scare her*

Chén Ruìzhé: boo

Zhang Xǐruì: aren't we too old to be doing these nowadays

Chén Ruìzhé: Hahahaha I just wanted to scare you

*Suddenly the class representative stops them , while holding a list*

Class representative: you guys are late , whats your name? *points at Chén Ruìzhé*

Chén Ruìzhé: *panicks* uh um it's Chén Ruìzhé

*She writes down his name*

Class representative: Class?

Chén Ruìzhé: Class 8

*While writing she asks something again*

Class representative: and what about you? *Points at Zhang Xǐruì*

Zhang Xǐruì: I am Zhang Xǐruì , same class as him

Class representative: both of you can go now

*They try to sneak into the class and luckily the homeroom teacher didn't notice them sneaking in*

Homeroom teacher: so I will start with my introduction from now onwards I will be your homeroom teacher and I will be teaching you physics

*The homeroom teacher starts writing something on board*

*Someone knocks on the door*

*The homeroom notices it and starts to say something*

Homeroom teacher: I forgot to tell you guys something, a new student will be joining us

Homeroom teacher: you can come in

*The new kid enters and starts doing his introduction*

Sang Míngzé: I am Sang Míngzé I hope we can get along

*All the students start whispering when they hear his name*

Students: isn't he the one who took a place in maths competition and got first rank internationally

Homeroom teacher: okay kids be quiet, Sang Míngzé why don't you sit there

*The homeroom teacher points towards the empty towards Zhang Xǐruì*

*he starts moving and sits with her*

As Sang Míngzé walks toward the empty seat next to Zhang Xǐruì, the whole class stays quiet, just watching him

He sits down and doesn't even look at Zhang Xǐruì, he just takes out a notebook and a black pen

Zhang Xǐruì feels a bit awkward because she recognizes him from the bus, she tries to focus on the board but she keeps glancing at him from the corner of her eye

Suddenly Chén Ruìzhé leans over from his seat behind them and whispers

Chén Ruìzhé: Hey Xǐruì, is that the genius guy? Ask him if he can give me the answers for the next test

Zhang Xǐruì turns around and glares at him

Zhang Xǐruì: whispering Be quiet Ruìzhé, the teacher will hear us

Sang Míngzé finally speaks without even looking up from his notebook

Sang Míngzé: If you want the answers, you should study instead of talking

Chén Ruìzhé and Zhang Xǐruì both freeze because his voice is very cold

Chén Ruìzhé: offended Hey, I was just joking! You don't have to be so serious

Sang Míngzé doesn't reply and just starts writing down what the teacher is putting on the board

The bell rings for the end of the period and students start to get up

Homeroom teacher: Since Sang Míngzé is new, Zhang Xǐruì, can you show him around the school during lunch?

Zhang Xǐruì: surprised Me? But sir...

Homeroom teacher: You are sitting right next to him, so it's easier. That's all for today

The teacher leaves the room and Zhang Xǐruì looks at Sang Míngzé who is already standing up

Zhang Xǐruì: Um, Sang Míngzé? I can show you where the cafeteria is if you want

Sang Míngzé: looks at her with a blank expression No thanks. I already memorized the school map this morning. Don't waste my time

He walks out of the classroom without waiting for her to say anything else

Chén Ruìzhé: walks up to Xǐruì Wow, that guy is really arrogant. Who does he think he is?

Zhang Xǐruì: sighs I don't know, but he’s definitely not friendly at all

The school hallway is crowded after the first period, but Zhang Xǐruì is still standing by her desk, staring at the door where Sang Míngzé just walked out

Chén Ruìzhé: Hey, earth to Xǐruì! Are you still thinking about that robot guy?

Zhang Xǐruì: snaps out of it No! I’m just... annoyed. He’s so rude. The teacher literally asked me to help him.

Chén Ruìzhé: Forget him. Let’s go get the spicy noodles before they’re gone. I’m seriously going to pass out from hunger.

They start walking toward the cafeteria, but the hallway is blocked by a group of girls whispering and looking at their phones

Student 1: Did you see him? The international math winner is in Class 8!

Student 2: I heard he’s even more handsome in person, but he doesn’t talk to anyone.

Chén Ruìzhé: rolls his eyes See? He’s already a celebrity. Good luck showing him around, Xǐruì.

Zhang Xǐruì: I’m not doing it. He said he memorized the map, right? Let him find his own way.

They reach the cafeteria and grab their trays, but every table is full except for one in the far corner

Zhang Xǐruì notices someone sitting there alone, reading a thick book while eating a plain apple

Zhang Xǐruì: Oh no... not there.

Chén Ruìzhé: points at the table Look! Empty seats! Let’s go.

Before Xǐruì can stop him, Ruìzhé runs over and slides into the seat right across from Sang Míngzé

Chén Ruìzhé: Hey, New Guy! Mind if we join you? Every other seat is taken by people talking about you.

Sang Míngzé doesn't even look up from his book

Sang Míngzé: It’s a public table. Do whatever you want.

Zhang Xǐruì slowly sits down next to Ruìzhé, feeling the cold atmosphere immediately

She tries to eat her noodles quietly, but Ruìzhé can't stay silent for more than ten seconds

Chén Ruìzhé: So, Míngzé... is it true you can solve a Rubik’s cube in five seconds?

Sang Míngzé: turns a page in his book Six. And it’s a waste of time.

Chén Ruìzhé: laughs Wow, you really are a mood killer. Xǐruì, say something! You’re usually the loud one.

Zhang Xǐruì: blushing Ruìzhé, stop it. He’s trying to read.

Suddenly, Xǐruì’s phone starts ringing loudly in her pocket. She panics and tries to pull it out, but her headphones get tangled with her chopsticks

Her tray slides forward, and a bit of spicy soup splashes right onto Sang Míngzé’s white shirt

The whole cafeteria goes quiet as everyone watches

Zhang Xǐruì: gasps Oh my god! I’m so sorry!

She quickly grabs some napkins and reaches across the table to wipe his shirt, but Sang Míngzé grabs her wrist firmly to stop her

Sang Míngzé: finally looks at her, his eyes are very cold Don’t.

Zhang Xǐruì: I... I was just trying to help. It’s going to stain.

Sang Míngzé: lets go of her wrist and stands up You’ve already done enough.

He picks up his apple and his book, looking at the red stain on his chest with a look of pure disgust

Sang Míngzé: First you stare at me on the bus, then you try to follow me around, and now this.

Zhang Xǐruì: standing up too I wasn't following you! The teacher told me to—

Sang Míngzé: Stay away from me, Zhang Xǐruì. I came here to study, not to deal with clumsy girls and their noisy friends.

He walks away toward the restroom without looking back

Chén Ruìzhé: stands up, looking angry Hey! Who does he think he is talking to you like that?

Zhang Xǐruì: sits back down, feeling embarrassed as everyone is whispering It’s fine, Ruìzhé.

Chén Ruìzhé: It’s not fine! He acted like you did it on purpose.

Zhang Xǐruì looks down at her tray, her appetite completely gone

She looks at the spot where he was sitting and notices he left a small bookmark behind—it’s a simple blue ribbon

She picks it up and hides it in her pocket

Zhang Xǐruì: thinking to herself He is the most frustrating person I have ever met.

The bell rings for the next class, but Xǐruì can still feel the coldness of his hand on her wrist

She walks back to class with Ruìzhé, but her mind is spinning. How is she supposed to sit next to him for the rest of the year?

When she enters Class 8, Sang Míngzé is already there. He has changed into his gym shirt, and he doesn't even glance at her as she sits down

He draws a physical line down the center of the desk with his pencil

Sang Míngzé: Don't cross this line.

Zhang Xǐruì: whispers to herself Fine. I wouldn't want to get near you anyway, Mr. Math Genius.

The classroom is silent except for the scratching of pencils. Zhang Xǐruì sits stiffly, making sure her elbow doesn't even graze the pencil line Sang Míngzé drew. Every time she breathes, she feels like she’s invading his "territory."

Míngzé is writing fast, his hand moving with perfect precision, but Xǐruì notices something. His left sleeve is pulled down low, and he’s flinching every time he has to reach for his eraser.

Zhang Xǐruì: whispering Are you... okay? You keep moving weirdly.

Sang Míngzé: doesn't look up Focus on your own work. My "weird" movements aren't your concern.

Zhang Xǐruì: frustrated I’m just trying to be nice! Since I’m the one who ruined your other shirt...

Sang Míngzé: suddenly stops writing and turns to her, his voice a sharp whisper I don't need your "nice," Xǐruì. People who are "nice" usually want something. What is it? You want the answers to the math set? Here.

He shoves his worksheet toward her, crossing the pencil line himself. But as he does, his sleeve slides up. Xǐruì’s eyes widen. There’s a dark, purple bruise encircling his wrist. It doesn't look like an accident. It looks like a grip.

Zhang Xǐruì: gasps, reaching out instinctively Míngzé, your arm!

Sang Míngzé: yanks his arm back instantly, his face turning pale then red with anger Don't touch me! I told you to stay on your side!

The teacher looks up from her desk.

Teacher: Is there a problem in the back row?

Míngzé stares at Xǐruì, his eyes pleading and threatening at the same time. He looks terrified that she’ll say something.

Zhang Xǐruì: swallows hard, looking at the teacher No... sorry. I just... I dropped my pen on his side.

The teacher nods and goes back to her book. Míngzé hides his arm under the desk, his breathing heavy. He doesn't say thank you, but he doesn't pull his worksheet back either.

After school, Ruìzhé is waiting at the gate, bouncing a basketball. He’s been extra "golden retriever" energy lately because he thinks Xǐruì is finally noticing him more than the "robot."

Chén Ruìzhé: Xǐruì! Let’s go! I found this place that sells the best strawberry milk. My treat!

Zhang Xǐruì: looking back at the school building Actually, Ruìzhé... can you go ahead? I forgot something in the locker.

Chén Ruìzhé: his smile falters for a split second Again? You’ve been forgetting a lot of stuff lately. Want me to come with?

Zhang Xǐruì: No! I mean... it’ll be fast. I’ll text you, okay?

Ruìzhé watches her run back inside. His smile disappears completely. He knows she’s lying. He looks up at the Class 8 window and sees Míngzé standing there, looking down at the courtyard.

Chén Ruìzhé: muttering to himself I’m the one who’s been here for her since kindergarten. Why does it feel like I’m losing?

Xǐruì doesn't go to her locker. She follows Míngzé from a distance as he walks toward the back of the school, near the bike racks. She sees him take out a small first-aid kit from his bag, but he’s struggling to wrap a bandage around his own wrist with one hand.

She hides behind a pillar, watching him. He looks so different when he’s alone. Not cold or genius, just... hurt. He drops the bandage, and he lets out a quiet, shaky breath that sounds like he’s about to cry.

Xǐruì wants to step out, but she remembers his warning: "Don't touch me."

Suddenly, she sees that older student, the one from the hallway, approaching Míngzé with a mean smirk. Xǐruì’s heart drops. She realizes she isn't the only one who noticed Míngzé is hurt.

The older student kicks the bandage roll Míngzé dropped, watching it unravel across the dirty concrete.

Older Student: What’s the matter, genius? Too weak to even fix yourself up? Or did your "perfect" family finally leave a mark you can't hide?

Míngzé’s face goes completely blank, that icy wall slamming back into place. He tries to reach for his bag with his good hand, but the older student steps on the strap.

Older Student: I’m talking to you. You think you’re better than everyone because you get top marks? You’re just a freak who doesn't know how to fight back.

Xǐruì’s heart is hammering against her ribs. She sees Míngzé’s eyes flicker toward the gate. He isn't looking for a teacher; he looks like he’s waiting for the next blow, like he’s used to it.

Zhang Xǐruì: stepping out from behind the pillar, her voice shaking but loud Hey! Leave him alone!

The older student turns, laughing when he sees her.

Older Student: Oh, look. The little girlfriend came to the rescue. What are you going to do, Xǐruì? Draw a line on the ground and tell me not to cross it?

Zhang Xǐruì: I already called the security guard. He’s coming around the corner right now.

The student’s smirk vanishes. He looks toward the main building, hears a distant whistle, and scowls. He gives Míngzé’s bag one last kick before jogging away toward the back exit.

Xǐruì rushes over and picks up the bandage roll. She’s breathing hard, her hands trembling.

Zhang Xǐruì: Are you okay? I didn't actually call the guard, I just... I had to say something.

Míngzé doesn't move. He stares at the spot where the student was standing, then looks at the bandage in her hand.

Sang Míngzé: his voice is barely a whisper I told you to stay away from me. Why do you keep making things harder?

Zhang Xǐruì: Harder? I just helped you!

Sang Míngzé: he stands up, grabbing his bag and wincing Now he’ll come back tomorrow. And he’ll target you too. You’re an idiot, Zhang Xǐruì.

He starts to walk away, but his legs seem heavy. Xǐruì catches up to him and blocks his path.

Zhang Xǐruì: Then let him. I’m not leaving you here like this. Let me help you with the bandage. Just the bandage. I won't even touch your skin if you don't want me to.

Míngzé looks at her, and for the first time, the "cold genius" looks like a lost 6th grader. He slowly holds out his bruised wrist, his eyes turning toward the sky so he doesn't have to look at her.

At the bus stop, Ruìzhé is still waiting. He missed three buses already. He looks at his phone, staring at the photo of him and Xǐruì from the school festival last year.

Chén Ruìzhé: thinking She’s not coming.

He stands up to leave, but then he sees them. In the distance, Xǐruì is walking Míngzé toward the infirmary gate. She’s talking animatedly, and for a split second, Ruìzhé sees Míngzé’s head tilt toward her, listening.

Ruìzhé feels a sharp, cold pain in his chest. It’s the first time he realizes that being the "best friend" might not be enough. He realizes that while he was waiting with strawberry milk, someone else was sharing her secrets.

He turns away before they can see him, his grip tightening on his basketball until his fingers hurt.