**Me, Jiang Tang.** I was thriving in the literature club—*until* the dean dropped this bomb:
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*"With grades like yours, you should contribute to the STEM competition too."*
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My world collapsed. *Can't I just slack in peace?*
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*"There's a science competition coming up. Perfect—you and Lu Huai can team up."*
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I was about to refuse... *but wait—Lu Huai?!* Up-close view of the campus heartthrob? *Sign me up.*
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---
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After school, I exited the library to find Lu Huai waiting at the door.
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*OS: He can't be here for me... Right? Though I do see him haunt this place often.*
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*"Jiang Tang."*
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I froze. *He was.*
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*"Teachers assigned us as partners."*
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*"...Oh."* I met his gaze, feigning calm. *"So you came to fetch me?"*
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No denial.
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*"I reviewed the materials."* He paused. *"You draft faster. Let's finish tonight."*
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*"You write too?"* I arched a brow. *"Thought you only brainstormed."*
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Instead of answering, he tilted his head slightly and murmured:
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*"You hate noise, don't you?"*
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For a heartbeat, I *swore* he knew—as if he'd memorized my pet peeves without me ever speaking them aloud.
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---
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10 PM again. I opened my novel's comment section to update.
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That familiar username already topped the thread:
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**[lii]:** *"Met your story's male lead today? He seemed... quiet."*
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My finger hovered over the screen for five full seconds.
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*OS: WHO IS THIS PERSON?! Stalking me?! Just you wait till I unmask you—*
ns216.73.216.176da2
