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Monday morning dawned, and the school hallways buzzed with anxiety as students prepared for the impending CSAT examinations. Two weeks remained, and tensions ran high.
Liang Zheng walked into his classroom, exchanging nods with classmates. Jian Yu, already seated, caught his eye, and they shared a brief, reassuring smile.
However, their subtle exchange didn't go unnoticed. Whispered conversations spread like wildfire:
"Kim Liang and Jian Yu are getting close."
"I heard they're inseparable."
"Yoon Ah's still clinging to him, though."
Yoon Ah, determined to reclaim Liang Zheng's attention, made her presence known. She strode into Liang Zheng's classroom, her beauty commanding attention. Her gaze locked onto Liang Zheng, a bright smile plastered on her face.
"Oppa, good luck on your exams!" she chimed, her voice sweet.
Liang Zheng's expression remained neutral. "Thanks, Yoon Ah."
Jian Yu watched the exchange, his eyes narrowing.
Next period, Yoon Ah appeared in Jian Yu's classroom, her arrival stunning him. For a fleeting moment, he saw Queen Mei's likeness staring back – the same captivating smile, sparkling eyes, and raven hair. Jian Yu's breath caught.
But this wasn't Queen Mei. It was Yoon Ah, wearing an uncanny imitation of the queen's elegance.
Jian Yu's gaze darted to Liang Zheng, who shrugged, his expression resigned. Yeah, it is what it is.
Yoon Ah approached Jian Yu's desk, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Oppa, I hope you're studying hard. Kim Liang Oppa needs our support."
Jian Yu's eyes narrowed, wary of Yoon Ah's intentions.
Yoon Ah's thoughts whirled as she left Jian Yu's classroom. She needed to keep Kim Liang close, ensure he didn't slip through her fingers. Mother's words echoed in her mind: "Secure Kim Liang's trust, and our family's future is guaranteed."
Liang Zheng watched Yoon Ah's antics with growing unease. Her persistence was starting to grate on him. He glanced at Jian Yu, noticing his discomfort.
Lunchtime arrived, and Liang Zheng and Jian Yu headed to the school cafeteria. The menu featured a variety of Korean dishes, including bibimbap, kimchi stew, and bulgogi.
"Liang Zheng, what's going on with Yoon Ah?" Jian Yu asked.
Liang Zheng sighed. "She won't give up. But I'm not interested."
Jian Yu's eyes softened. "I've got your back."
As they waited in line, Yoon Ah appeared, hovering beside Liang Zheng. "Oppa, let me get you lunch."
Liang Zheng politely declined. "Thanks, Yoon Ah, but I've got it."
Jian Yu stepped in, his voice firm. "We've got this, Yoon Ah."
Yoon Ah's smile faltered before she recovered. "Fine, I'll join you then."
The trio ordered and sat at a corner table. Liang Zheng and Jian Yu exchanged a look, their silent understanding a shield against Yoon Ah's persistent attempts to monopolize Liang Zheng's attention.
As they ate, Liang Zheng savored the flavorful bibimbap, while Jian Yu enjoyed his bulgogi. Yoon Ah picked at her kimchi stew, her eyes fixed on Liang Zheng.
Conversations flowed around them, classmates discussing exam strategies and study groups. Liang Zheng and Jian Yu engaged in quiet small talk, their comfort with each other evident.
Yoon Ah tried to insert herself, asking Liang Zheng about his study plans. Jian Yu intervened, steering the conversation toward safer topics.
Throughout lunch, Liang Zheng and Jian Yu shared subtle glances, their connection palpable. Yoon Ah's presence only strengthened their unspoken bond.
As they walked to their next class, Jian Yu couldn't shake off the feeling that he was protecting more than just Liang Zheng's interests. He was safeguarding his own heart.
Afternoon classes commenced, with tension lingering from lunch. Yoon Ah continued to hover around Liang Zheng, much to Jian Yu's dismay.Why did Yoon Ah's schemes annoy him so much?
In their last class, Geography, Yoon Ah took her usual seat beside Liang Zheng. Jian Yu sat across from them, watching as Yoon Ah whispered to Liang Zheng.
Suddenly, Liang Zheng's patience snapped. "Yoon Ah, stop," he hissed, his voice low but firm. "I've told you before, I'm not interested."
Yoon Ah's eyes widened, but she persisted. "Oppa, please—"
Liang Zheng's fury boiled over. "Listen, Yoon Ah. I'm in love with Jian Yu. He's the one I care about, not you."
The classroom fell silent. Students' eyes darted toward the trio, shock and curiosity etched on their faces.
Whispers began to circulate:
"Kim Liang and Jian Yu?"
"Is he gay?"
"Yoon Ah got rejected!"
Yoon Ah's face turned crimson as she gathered her belongings and stormed out of the classroom.
Liang Zheng's declaration hung in the air, leaving Jian Yu stunned.
Jian Yu's heart raced as he met Liang Zheng's gaze. He saw sincerity and vulnerability there.
The teacher, oblivious to the drama, continued the lesson.
As class ended, Liang Zheng stood, his eyes locked onto Jian Yu's.
"Let's talk," Liang Zheng said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jian Yu nodded, his heart pounding.
Liang Zheng and Jian Yu walked out of the classroom, familiar with the subtle glances and discreet touches that only they understood.
Their secret relationship, hidden from prying eyes, had grown stronger with each passing day.
In the quiet courtyard, Liang Zheng turned to Jian Yu, his expression serious. "I'm sorry about Yoon Ah. She wouldn't take no for an answer."
Jian Yu smiled reassuringly. "You handled it perfectly. I'm proud of you."
Liang Zheng's eyes softened. "Thanks to you, I've found the courage to be myself."
Their hands brushed, a fleeting touch that spoke volumes.
"You're mine, Liang Zheng," Jian Yu whispered, his voice low and possessive.
Liang Zheng's heart skipped a beat. "Forever yours, Jian Yu."
Their gazes locked, the unspoken understanding between them a reminder of their love.