Later, Ch'en learned that the upperclassman had been harassing Yu Yachen, which was why she'd dragged him into the bathroom. But looking at his injuries, he wouldn't be healing for weeks.
Even so, Ch'en didn't think her violent response was justified. And she felt humiliated—Yu Yachen hadn't even remembered her name, even though they'd been deskmates for six months!
It was the first time she'd been bullied like that. Ch'en wanted to get even, but Yu Yachen was too solitary, and Ch'en wasn't the type to start a fight.
Her resentment simmered until one afternoon in their second year.
It was their turn to clean the classroom.
Being alone with Yu Yachen, Ch'en felt uneasy. The setting sun cast their long shadows across the floor.
"..."
Ch'en snuck a glance at Yu Yachen, who was sweeping, looking preoccupied. At the same time, Ch'en's hand, holding the blackboard eraser, slipped.
"Ugh?!"
The eraser fell. As she bent to pick it up, her elbow hit the chalk box. Chalk scattered. Like a chain reaction, she turned to grab the box, only to kick the water bucket.
The bucket tipped, and dirty water gushed out. Just as it was about to splash onto her pants, a hand grabbed the back of her collar and yanked her off the podium.
Ch'en stumbled, falling backward straight into Yu Yachen's arms. Her back hit the other girl's chest... it was soft.
"Uh..."
The white-haired girl's arms were around her waist. After she steadied herself, Ch'en instinctively turned her head, coming face-to-face with Yu Yachen's pale cyan eyes.
"You..."
Ch'en swallowed. Her heart, for some reason, skipped a beat.
This was exactly what she didn't want to happen. Even if Yu Yachen was beautiful.
Yu Yachen said nothing, just let go of her waist. As Ch'en's ears began to burn, a faint, mocking voice came:
"...Idiot."
"You... Lungmen curse."
The budding emotion in her heart was instantly extinguished. Ch'en snapped her head around, wanting nothing more than to kick the rude girl.
"..."
It was winter. Because of her mistake, Ch'en now had to clean the filthy floor, while Yu Yachen simply left. By the time she finished, it was dark. A dull thunder rumbled.
"Patter..."
Rain began to fall. Standing in the hallway, Ch'en frowned.
She didn't have an umbrella. She checked the classrooms, but there were no spares. Annoyed, she could only run home in the rain.
Her school uniform was soaked. Her bag was splotched with dark spots. Rain dripped from her hair, blurring her vision. The streets were empty. When she reached the crosswalk, she stopped at the flashing red light.
"Splash—!"
A black car sped through a puddle. The tires sent muddy water flying.
"Gah!"
She couldn't back away in time. Filthy water splashed all over her pants. Ch'en frowned. Today was just the worst. First the bucket, now this.
She sighed. Rain pelted her face, some dripping into her eyes.
She stood there, waiting, staring at the puddles, her face slowly becoming blank.
Until, at some point, the feeling of rain on her head... stopped.
A black umbrella was above her. Ch'en turned in surprise. The white-haired girl's beautiful, smiling face came into view.
"I was at a convenience store run by an auntie I know. Want some?"
She offered a thermos. Steam rose from the hot coffee inside.
It was the first time Ch'en had ever seen her smile. The Yu Yachen she knew was always an ice-queen. But her smile... was unexpectedly beautiful.
But a pretty face wasn't enough to make Ch'en change her opinion. And this sudden closeness seemed suspicious.
"Thank you, but no."
Ch'en glanced at her, politely refusing.
"You're not... still mad at me, are you?" Yu Yachen asked.
"No. You helped me. Besides, I'm not that petty."
"Is that so? You're actually pretty cute when you're angry."
"..."
Ch'en just glared at her.
"Sorry. I didn't mean anything by it," Yu Yachen smiled.
"Let's walk home together. It's on my way."
Yu Yachen took a sip from her own thermos.
"Okay. Thank you."
Ch'en didn't refuse. But the moment she agreed, the white-haired girl skillfully grabbed her hand. Despite Ch'en's resistance, her "forceful" attitude won out.
Unlike before, Yu Yachen wasn't wearing gloves. This sudden change in personality confused Ch'en. Out of curiosity, she relented.
She was easily hooked.
In truth, Yu Yachen had always been clearly aware of her own looks. That's why she dared to be so bold.
No one had ever rejected her. Not once, in her entire life.
The rain grew heavier. They shared the umbrella, walking home. It wasn't far.
"Meow~"
Just as they neared their building, a faint whimper stopped them.
By a closed shop, under the eaves, was a cardboard box.
Ch'en's attention was immediately drawn to it. Inside, a soaking-wet black kitten was curled up.
"An abandoned cat, I guess. Just left on the street."
Ch'en crouched down. Sensing her, the dirty kitten looked up, its yellow-green eyes shining in the dim light.
The blue-haired girl hesitated, then placed her hand on the box. As her fingers touched the cardboard, the kitten suddenly nudged her.
It was a cute creature. But Yu Yachen disliked pets.
"We should at least move it. It'll freeze to death out here."
Seeing Ch'en's interest, Yu Yachen suggested it.
As she spoke, the kitten rubbed its face against Ch'en's fingers. The affectionate gesture made the blue-haired girl freeze.
Ch'en gently stroked the kitten's head, then picked up the box.
"..."
"You're not... thinking of taking it home, are you?"
Yu Yachen asked.
-------
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