The Confession That Never Happened
The academy courtyard was quiet, the warm afternoon sunlight casting long shadows on the cobblestone paths. Jian Chen had just finished a grueling training session and was walking toward the dorms when he spotted Mei Lin standing by the fountain.
She looked nervous, her hands fidgeting with a small pink envelope decorated with tiny hearts. Her gaze darted toward him, and when their eyes met, she straightened, taking a deep breath as if preparing for something important.
Jian slowed his pace, immediately understanding what was about to happen. He sighed inwardly.
The Rejection
As Jian approached, Mei stepped forward, clutching the envelope tightly. "Jian," she began, her voice trembling slightly.
"Mei," Jian interrupted gently, his tone firm but not unkind. His sharp eyes flicked to the envelope, and a faint smile played on his lips. "You don't have to say it."
Mei blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
"I already know," Jian said bluntly. "I can see it in your eyes… and in that envelope."
Mei's cheeks flushed a deep red, and she looked down at the envelope as if it had betrayed her. "Oh…"
Jian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, Mei, you're a great person. Really. But I'm already in love with someone else."
Her head shot up, her eyes wide with shock and hurt. "You are?"
"Yes," Jian said simply. "And right now, my focus is on training. I can't give you the time, attention, or love you deserve. It wouldn't be fair to you."
He stepped back, his expression softening. "I'm sorry."
Before Mei could find the words to respond, Jian turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the courtyard, the envelope still clutched in her trembling hands.
Moving On
Jian didn't look back, his heart heavy but resolute. She deserves someone who can give her everything, he thought. Right now, that's not me.
As he headed back to the dorms, his phone buzzed with a reminder for his next training session. He took a deep breath, clearing his mind and stepping back into the world where badminton—and his only love—remained his sole focus.
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