Chi blinked again, then smiled innocently. "Eavesdropping? No, no, I was simply… absorbing the ambient soundwaves of social interaction."
The girl squinted. "That's literally the definition of eavesdropping."
Yu buried his face in his hands, shoulders shaking. "He's really doing this…"
Chi leaned back in his chair, still grinning. "Hey, you were talking pretty loudly. Technically, I was just in the vicinity of free information."
The girl groaned, exasperated. "You're unbelievable!"
"Thank you," Chi said proudly. "I try my best."
Yu sighed. "One of these days, someone's actually going to throw a book at you."
Chi smirked. "Then I'll just dodge with grace and dignity."
"Oh my god—ugh! I thought you two would be a bit more mature since you're supposed to be geniuses, but no—you're just the same as everyone else!" the girl said, throwing her hands up in disbelief.
"Well, you're not any different either, so don't act all high and mighty." chi replied
> Both glared at each other, disdain written all over their faces. The air between them felt like it could explode any second—
"Alright, alright! Chill, you two," Yu cut in, raising his hands before things went nuclear. "It's way too early in the day for a drama show."
"Hey, who even are you? You just stormed up to us—introduce yourself first!" Yu said, crossing his arms.
Then suddenly, a chill shot up his spine. He shuddered and muttered, "Chi, switch. Be the mature one again—this feels weird."
The girl blinked, then sighed, rubbing her temples.
"Huh… you're right. I'm not even acting my age—I just got worked up because of two children."
She straightened up, crossing her arms. "Okay, fine. I'm Lina."
Then she pointed accusingly at Chi. "But he's the one who eavesdropped on me first!"
Chi raised his hands defensively. "Hey, hey, 'eavesdropping' is a strong word! I prefer strategic listening."
Yu groaned. "You mean spying."
Lina shot him a glare. "Exactly."
Chi smirked. "Wow, you two already agree on something. That's progress!"
Yu and Lina both turned to glare at him at the same time.
Suddenly, Lina noticed a crumpled sheet beneath her hand — the paper she had accidentally slammed onto Chi's desk earlier. She picked it up, frowning.
"Wait… this is your test paper?"
Lina frowned slightly as she scanned the paper.
"Hmm… Core Qi balance equations, meridian stability flow…" she muttered, her brows furrowing deeper. "These are way harder than ours."
Chi smirked, leaning back casually. "Of course these are our Genius-level treatment, you know." Sarcastically.
Lina shot him a flat look. "Or maybe punishment for eavesdropping."
Yu snorted. "Honestly, that sounds more believable."
Lina turned to Yu next, picking up his paper. Her eyes widened a little. "Wait—alchemy theory? This is the 12-A paper! No wonder everyone said Loch plays favorites… you two must be his experiments."
Yu laughed, hands behind his head. "See? Even she gets it."
Chi groaned. "That's not something to be proud of."
Lina looked at the two with a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "You guys are weird. I don't know if I should feel impressed or sorry."
Chi grinned. "Both works."
Lina gave a little laugh. "Okay, hey—how about you two meet my group after school? You're… interesting, and we're a bit different from the rest."
Before either of them could reply, the bell rang, echoing through the halls.
The students began packing up, chatter filling the room again as the school day came to an end.
Chi blinked. "Wait—did she just invite us?"
Their eyes lit up at the same time.
"Ohhh! That's the first time someone's invited me to be their friend!" Chi said, his voice full of surprise and excitement.
Yu blinked. "yes,Actually, that's the first time anyone's invited me since I started hanging out with you."
Chi slowly turned toward him. "...Are you saying people avoid us because of me?"
Yu crossed his arms. "I'm just saying—coincidences don't happen that often."
Chi gasped dramatically. "Unbelievable. Betrayed by my only friend!"
Lina stood there, watching the two argue like children. "…You guys are seriously some...kids."
The truth was, both Chi and Yu hadn't made any other friends in ages. Maybe it was because they were different—or maybe because their weirdness together scared everyone else away.
"But our parents will get worried, so… is it alright if we meet at lunch tomorrow?" Chi asked.
Lina smiled. "Alright, sounds good. See you two tomorrow, then."
She waved her hand casually as she walked away, her voice fading with a light laugh. "Bye, kids!"
Chi and Yu watched her go, still processing what had just happened.
Both of them went to Yu's house since Chi's parents and lian were still staying there too.
The evening breeze was calm, and the faint smell of dinner drifted through the air as they walked side by side.
Chi stretched his arms lazily. "Today was… kind of fun."
Yu gave him a sideways glance, half-smirking.
"You mean the test paper… or Lina—the one you almost had a family feud with?"
Chi chuckled, shaking his head. "Both, I guess."
Their laughter echoed softly as they walked down the familiar path. The golden light of evening spilled across the street, turning their shadows long and stretched—like they were walking beside the past versions of themselves.
When they reached home, warmth greeted them instantly.
Lianhua sat on the living room floor, surrounded by a colorful sea of toys. Liora giggled nearby, clapping her tiny hands while trying to grab a small wooden bird that Yuanhai had carved earlier that week.
"Liora!" both boys called at once, their tired faces brightening.
The little girl turned immediately, her smile so pure it made the whole house feel alive. She began crawling toward them, her laughter filling the air.
But then she stopped midway.
Her hands pressed against the floor; she paused, eyes focused—as if something inside her decided she was ready.
"Wait…" Yuanhai murmured from the couch, setting down his teacup.
Liora slowly pushed herself up. Her legs wobbled. Everyone froze, breath held.
Then—she took a step.
Just one. Then another.
And before anyone could react, she stumbled forward—straight into Chi's arms.
"She… she walked," Lianhua whispered, her voice trembling with joy.
Yuanhai smiled quietly, his usual calm breaking into warmth. "Looks like our little one's catching up fast."
Chi looked down at Liora, still in shock. Her tiny hands gripped his shirt tightly, her laughter soft and proud. Something stirred in his chest—a mix of happiness and something deeper, like time had just taken another step forward with her.
Yu crouched beside them, grinning. "Guess you've got competition now. She's officially ahead of us in life achievements."
Everyone laughed softly, the sound blending with the fading sunset that slipped through the curtains.
Yuanhai stood, stretching a little. "Alright, that's enough excitement for one day. Dinner's almost ready—come wash up."
As everyone moved toward the kitchen, Chi lingered for a moment. He glanced at Liora again, now holding onto a chair for balance, and a small, quiet smile formed on his lips.
She's walking already…
The thought warmed him and stung him at once. Time never waited—not for anyone.
But as he looked at his family, the soft glow of the room, and Yu laughing with Yuanhai about something silly, he realized something else too.
He wanted to protect this peace, the same as everyone else.