After mustering courage, he had driven to her school to ask her out. He asked someone to investigate if she was in school today before coming here.

His heart was thumping in his chest with every step he took towards her lecture hall. When he reached the lecture hall, he realized the place was empty. Liam’s shoulders slumped in disappointment.

Maybe it was a sign that this was a bad idea. Liam strode leisurely back to the car park. Suddenly he stopped when he heard a familiar voice.

’Ying Sheng?’ His dull eyes suddenly lit up. Liam walked towards the place he heard the voice. He froze when he saw the scene in front of him. Ying Sheng was pulled into the arms of a man. Liam was sure that man was the same guy he saw her with when he came to pick her that day. Based on his tousled brown hair and the single earring hanging on his left ear.

His heart just dropped to the pit of his stomach. Liam watched as the guy kissed her forehead. His head was spinning and threatening to explode. The color drained from his face as his body felt numb.

Liam left the place with a crushing sensation in his chest. He tossed the flowers he had gotten her on the ground. The petals dispersed across the ground.

He felt so stupid for thinking she would like someone like him. She would definitely choose a bad boy, not an ugly nerd like him. Liam felt like a tremendous weight was on his chest.

He sat in his car and punched the steering wheel, hoping it would reduce his heart’s discomfort. He covered his face with his hand. He could still feel the softness of her lips. He knew he was being irrational, but he wanted more than just a kiss.

Liam can’t remember the number of times he has seen her in his dreams after the night she kissed her. He thought he had a chance with her. They had spent the past few days texting every day. She was beautiful. Liam always felt his heart beating fast anytime she smiles at him.

He had fallen for the petty stuff about her, how she would stare at him, or tuck her head behind her eyes. Ever since he saw her lying on his bed with a tear-stricken face, something went off. He decided he would do everything to make her smile if she was happy. So will he be.

Liam heaved a sigh; he didn’t know if he could ever erase her, taking his first kiss from his mind. He drove off, needing a moment to get over the fact that the first woman he loves might never love him back. Something substantial settled in his chest when he realized this sad truth.

———

Ying Sheng and Han Xi reached the restaurant. They were ushered into a private room as a waiter came to take their orders.

”So… how are you?” Han Xi suddenly asked, snapping her from out of her thoughts. Her eyes, which were on him, were now unfocused, and Ying Sheng looked away.

”Alive.” Ying Sheng replied.

Han Xi leaned across the table, took hold of her hand in his, and squeezed it tightly. Ying Sheng looked at the hands he was holding, and her eyes gazed at him.

”I know you’re having issues, but if you want to talk, I’m here.” Han Xi said as his lips stretched into a smile.

Ying Sheng just nodded, saying nothing. The waiter appeared before them and brought two plates containing their food. She placed it before them and asked if they needed anything else. They both shook their head, and the waiter left.

”You don’t look happy to be here with me. I thought you had forgiven me.” Han Xi chuckled. Ying Sheng rolled her eyes and started eating.

”I never said I had forgiven you. It will take more than sorry for me to forgive you this time.” She shrugged and said nonchalantly.

Han Xi trained his gaze on her, and suddenly she became wary, chewing her food slowly. She averted her gaze, and a blush tainted her cheeks.

”Why is your face suddenly red? Are you sick?” Han Xi asked.

Ying Sheng responded with a few incoherent words and shook her head.

Han Xi raised his brows, but he said nothing. An awkward silence fell between them as they ate quietly.

”You have something here.” Han Xi mumbled she pointed towards the side of her lips. Ying Sheng froze a little before she lifted a napkin off the table to clean whatever was there.

”Is it okay?” Ying Sheng asked once she finished cleaning her mouth.

Ying Sheng’s heart fluttered in her chest, and her stomach swarmed with butterflies when she saw his eyes lingering on her lips. She couldn’t help but flicker her eyes down to his lips, tempted to kiss him. To confirm if his lips tasted sweet, like how he feels in her dreams.

Han Xi cleared his throat and averted his gaze. He doesn’t know what came over him, but he really wanted to kiss her right now.

Was he losing his mind? Why was he having these impure thoughts about her?

”Yeah, it’s okay.”

Ying Sheng tucked a strand of hair behind her ears.

”Thanks”

Ying Sheng replied and focused on her food. She could feel his eyes on her as she ate.

”What?” Ying Sheng asked, looking up.

”That guy… that came to pick you the last time. Are you into him or something?”

”What? No. He is just a friend. He is a good guy, and well- he is the most caring person I have ever met.”

Han Xi took a sip of his wine and stared at her with a puzzled look on his face, seemingly not convinced.