The school bell rings sharply, signaling the start of another long day at Maplewood High. The excitement of senior year fills the air as students murmur in anticipation of the year's biggest event: the final year project. Lin Fei, sitting at the back of the classroom, stares blankly at the front where Mrs. Chen, the class teacher, holds a clipboard in her hands. She's used to the quiet atmosphere, always the observer rather than the participant. As always, she finds herself in the background, trying to blend in, trying not to attract too much attention.
"Alright, class," Mrs. Chen's voice booms, snapping Lin Fei out of her thoughts. "This year's project will be an important part of your final grades. I'll be assigning partners randomly, and you'll work together throughout the year. Don't slack off, and don't expect me to save you if you don't cooperate." She gives a stern look across the room, and some of the students squirm in their seats.
Lin Fei's eyes narrow slightly. She can already hear the whispering around her—who's going to be paired with whom, who'll end up with the troublemakers or the overachievers. She's never been the one to make waves, and she certainly doesn't want to be caught in the spotlight, especially with the people who matter most at school.
"Let's begin." Mrs. Chen flips through her list. "Lin Fei... you'll be paired with Zhang Rui."
Lin Fei's heart stops for a second. Did she hear that correctly? Her gaze shoots up to meet Mrs. Chen's eyes. Zhang Rui? The one and only Zhang Rui? The most popular guy in school? The guy with the model looks, the flawless grades, and a reputation that sends shivers down the spine of any student who dares to get too close? It's like a joke, right? There's no way this can be real. She must be hearing things.
The class falls silent, all eyes shifting to her. Lin Fei tries to avoid their gazes, her face burning. She can feel the weight of their stares. Whispers ripple across the room like waves crashing against the shore. "Lin Fei and Zhang Rui? Really?"
Zhang Rui, who's sitting by the window with his usual nonchalant posture, glances in her direction only briefly. His face remains impassive, the way it always does—no expression, no warmth. He doesn't look at her with any special interest, just the same cold, distant look he gives everyone else.
"Great," Lin Fei mutters under her breath, clutching her notebook tightly. She had hoped for someone less… intimidating. The idea of working with Zhang Rui for an entire year sends a wave of panic through her. She's not the outgoing type. She's quiet, reserved. Working with him means she's going to be forced out of her shell. Her mind races with a dozen what-ifs. What if he thinks she's too boring? What if he resents her for not being able to keep up with his level of perfection?
Mrs. Chen continues assigning the rest of the pairs, but Lin Fei can barely focus. She's too busy battling the storm of nerves swirling in her stomach. The bell rings to signal the end of the period, but Lin Fei is still frozen in place, unsure of what to do. She gathers her things slowly, her fingers trembling as she stuffs her notes into her bag.
As she starts to head out of the classroom, she feels a presence behind her. She doesn't have to look up to know it's Zhang Rui.
"Lin Fei," he says, his voice smooth, yet somehow colder than she expected. "When do you want to start the project?"
Her heart skips a beat. The way he said her name—so casual, so indifferent—sends a chill down her spine. Lin Fei has never been good at handling people like him. The ones who could smile but never really let anyone in. He's not like the rest of the students she knows. He's an enigma, and that only makes her more nervous.
"Uh… We could start tomorrow, after school?" she says hesitantly, trying to keep her voice steady. Her hands are clammy, and she shifts from foot to foot.
Zhang Rui doesn't say anything for a moment. He simply nods, his dark eyes scanning the room once more. "Fine." His voice is brief, almost as if he's done with the conversation already. Without waiting for her to respond, he turns and walks away, his footsteps echoing as he leaves the room.
Lin Fei stands there for a moment, feeling the weight of the silence around her. The classroom is empty now, the other students already gone. She's alone with her thoughts, her heart still pounding in her chest.
She shakes her head, trying to clear her mind. "What did I get myself into?" she mutters, before gathering the last of her courage to leave the classroom.