Chris's POV
Chris had always been the center of attention on campus. Wherever he went, he could always draw countless gazes. As the school's "playboy," he naturally possessed a sunny appearance and a charming smile, making him the "ideal boyfriend" in the hearts of many girls.
Since entering high school, Chris quickly became the focus of everyone's attention with these natural advantages. Whether it was showing off his athletic talent on the sports field or occasionally displaying his intelligence in the classroom, Chris always managed to stand out in the crowd.
He was well aware of why he was so popular, and he thoroughly enjoyed the feeling. For him, the admiration of girls was a source of confidence. Chris was never short of admirers and could get along with any girl; his social skills were almost flawless.
Every week, he would date different girls. To him, dating was just a part of his life's entertainment, sometimes even feeling like a series of small adventures. However, this flirtatious nature also earned him a "bad boy" label. Many girls would say he was unreliable, but this "bad boy" charm only attracted more girls to him.
Despite this, Chris was not a cold-hearted person. He just had a blurry line when it came to emotions, feeling that he didn't need to take every relationship too seriously. To him, dating was a fun game that didn't necessarily have to delve deep into the heart.
But everything seemed to change after he met Charlotte.
It was during a tennis match that Charlotte stood by the sidelines, eyes focused intently on every move on the court. Chris noticed this boy standing in the corner, who didn't quite look like an athlete but had a different kind of attraction.
After the match ended, Chris walked over and started a conversation, "Hey, are you part of the club?"
Charlotte looked up and smiled slightly, "I don't really understand tennis, but can I join your tennis club?"
Chris thought the boy didn't seem like someone who would often play sports, but out of curiosity, he agreed to teach him tennis. More importantly, he thought Charlotte might become an interesting companion—not just because he could be his practice partner, but because Charlotte's silence and introversion could break Chris's social circle.
So, they gradually became familiar with each other. Over time, their daily interactions became more frequent, evolving from simple tennis practice and occasional conversations to a more complex relationship.
One afternoon, Chris and Charlotte walked along the path by the tennis court. Charlotte was holding his racket, seeming more relaxed than usual.
"You know," Chris suddenly said, stopping and turning to Charlotte, "I think you're not so... so 'cold' anymore."
Charlotte was slightly taken aback and looked up at Chris, a bit puzzled, "Cold? How was I cold?"
Chris chuckled and pointed at Charlotte's face with his racket, "You used to always have this unapproachable look, like a robot. Now, at least I can see you smile."
Charlotte awkwardly smiled and looked down as he continued walking, "I'm not that cold, am I? It's just..." He paused, "I'm not used to being in crowded places."
"Oh, that's because you're too smart," Chris teased as they walked, "In such noisy environments, you can see through everything and find it boring, right?"
Charlotte didn't respond immediately, as if he was really pondering the question. Then, he said softly, "Sometimes, it does feel like that. Everyone is performing, showing the side they want others to see, and I always feel that this 'performance' is a bit unnecessary."
Chris suddenly stopped and turned to face Charlotte, "You're right, there are too many people in this world living to please others. But you know, some people really want to be seen and recognized." His tone became serious, "Like me. Even though I often joke around with girls, I also hope someone can see the real me, not the 'playboy' facade, but... the real me."
Charlotte was taken aback; he hadn't expected Chris to say something so straightforward. Beneath Chris's seemingly carefree exterior, there was an unknown desire. Charlotte nodded gently, "You are indeed special, Chris."
Chris showed a playful smile, then leaned closer and said in a low voice, "You're special too, Charlotte. Even though you're not as outgoing as I am, you have your unique charm. You know, your 'cold' exterior makes you seem mysterious, like a puzzle."
Charlotte felt a bit embarrassed, lowered his head, and bit his lip, but his heart felt a slight warmth. Chris's words gave him a sense of attention he had never received before.
Just as they were immersed in this somewhat silent atmosphere, a stranger dressed oddly walked over and handed Chris a flyer. Chris took the flyer and glanced at the text: "We offer you the freedom of gender, reshape yourself, become who you want to be." He took a quick look and thought it was just another one of those ads he had seen too many times, nothing special.
He casually stuffed the flyer into Charlotte's backpack, thinking to himself that next Wednesday's match was the only thing that really mattered.
Just then, Sarah sent him a message: "Hey, Chris, are you free now? How about grabbing a coffee together?"
Chris picked up his phone and replied, "OK, see you soon."
Sarah was a member of the tennis club, one of Charlotte's few friends, and also one of the girls Chris had slept with.
After Chris left, Charlotte stood there, taking the flyer out of his backpack. He didn't say anything, just held it gently, his eyes fixed on the words, seemingly lost in thought.