"Careful with that box, Hai Lin!" her mother called from the doorway.
"I—I got it," Hai Lin muttered, trying to balance the stack of boxes in her arms. Her thick glasses slipped down her nose, and her short boy-cut hair stuck to her forehead with sweat.
It was their first morning in the new town. Her family had moved to open a small restaurant. Hai Lin didn't know anyone here. She was sixteen, shy, soft-spoken, and used to being invisible.
As she stepped backward with the box, a sudden crash! sent her tumbling.
"Oof!" Hai Lin gasped as the box fell on her, papers and kitchen towels flying out.
"Ack—!"
A boy on a bicycle had bumped into her. He had stopped just in time, but the force was enough to knock them both slightly off balance.
"Are you okay?" the boy asked, quickly getting off his bicycle.
Hai Lin looked up.
The sunlight hit his face at the perfect angle. He had kind eyes, a warm smile, and his hand reached out to her—long fingers, elegant. For a second, she forgot to breathe.
"I—I'm fine," she stammered, taking his hand. Her face turned red.
He helped her up gently.
"You should be more careful," he said kindly. "Moving day?"
"Yes…" she mumbled.
Just then, a younger girl ran over. "Jiejie! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Xueyan," Hai Lin said quickly.
The boy smiled again. "Oh, Welcome to the neighborhood."
With that, he got back on his bicycle and rode off.
Hai Lin watched him go, her heart thumping.
"He was handsome…" Xueyan teased.
"Stop it!" Hai Lin whispered, flustered.
---
Sun Shian pedaled fast.
"Hey!" a boy rode up beside him, slightly panting. "You didn't wait for me!"
"Morning, Lu Yian," Sun Shian said. "You're late again."
"I saw you helping that girl. New neighbors?"
"Looks like it."
They reached school and parked their bikes. In class, while others chatted during the break, Sun Shian was already deep into his books.
Lu Yian leaned over. "Bro, it's break time. Chill a little."
"Exams are close."
"Still…"
Just then, the coach walked into class.
"Sun Shian, Lu Yian, come outside."
The two boys exchanged looks and followed him out.
"The basketball team is short a captain today," the coach said. "Can you two fill in for the match?"
"But Coach, I'm in my final year," Sun Shian said. "Shouldn't someone younger—?"
"You're our best shot. Just this once."
Sun Shian sighed. "Fine. I'll do it."
---
Back at the house, Hai Lin's mother frowned.
"You dropped the box again?" she scolded.
"I slipped…"
"You need to be more careful."
Inside, the family discussed the rooms.
"But why do I have to share with Xueyan?" Hai Lin asked. "I'm sixteen now."
"I also don't like to share with you" hai xueyan replied with a funny look on her face.
"There aren't enough rooms. It's just for now," her mother replied.
The room was big enough, but Hai Lin felt disappointed. Still, she helped her sister unpack, then went to the front area to help her mother set up tables and chairs for the restaurant.
As she wiped the tables, her mind wandered back to that boy.
Somehow, his smile had already made its place in her thoughts.