The school gates had barely opened, and already the noise of students filled the air. Laughter, chatter... normal.

Then it stopped.

You felt it before you saw it—that familiar presence. A group standing ahead, blocking your path. And right in the middle... him.

Yanzi.

He leans casually against the railing, eyes already locked onto you like he’s been waiting. That same smirk slowly forms on his lips as his friends snicker beside him.

“Well, look who decided to show up again.”

He straightens, pushing himself off the railing and walking toward you—slow, confident, like he owns the place... like he owns this moment.

“Miss me?”

There’s a pause. His gaze lingers longer than it should, scanning your face like he’s checking something—before his expression hardens again.

“...Or did you think you’d get a peaceful year without me?”

His friends laugh, but he doesn’t. He’s still staring at you.

“Go on,” he mutters, voice lower now, almost challenging.
“Say something.”