Xiang entered his cabin.
The smile from earlier… had completely vanished.
He sank into his chair, resting his chin on one hand while absentmindedly spinning a pen with the other.
Gu walked in, carrying a stack of files, and placed them on Xiang's desk.
But Xiang didn't flinch—his gaze was lost in thought, fixated on the spinning pen.
> "Are you planning to throw that pen at me, Xiang?" Gu asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I haven't even started my performance and you're already armed."
Still, Xiang didn't respond.
Gu blinked, now noticing the shift in mood.
> "Hello? What are you doing? Why are you ignoring me?" he asked in a mock-girly tone, trying to get a reaction.
But Xiang remained completely still.
Gu's playful expression dropped.
He gently reached out and stopped the spinning pen.
That's when Xiang finally looked up—
And his eyes were glossy, as if on the verge of tears.
> "What happened?" Gu asked, voice softening.
"You were beaming this morning. Did she say something?
Do you want me to go talk to her?"
Xiang shook his head slowly.
> "It's not that," he said quietly.
"I just… I think she regrets it.
Or maybe she's wondering why she said yes to me."
Gu's teasing demeanor faded completely.
His eyes softened, and he placed a hand on Xiang's shoulder.
> "Don't think like that," he said gently.
"Maybe it's her first time being proposed to in such a way. It can be overwhelming."
Xiang's lips quivered as he whispered:
> "I think… she's still thinking about her old crush.
Even now."
Gu stepped closer and pulled him into a brief hug.
> "Xiang," he said, "don't overthink it.
If something feels off, just ask her.
Don't keep it bottled up.
You'll feel better once you know the truth."
Xiang nodded slowly, a flicker of determination rising in his eyes.
---
During lunch break, I called Xin again.
I was torn.
Should I tell him… or not?
The thought made my chest ache.
> "Xin," I said quietly, "should I really tell him?
It hurts."
She replied gently:
> "Zhou Ye, we already told you—if you feel confident, just tell him.
Don't make things harder on yourself.
We're with you, no matter what.
And if anything happens, we'll help you.
When you're ready, just do it… and message us."
While I was still talking with Xin, Xiang walked up beside me.
He was about to tap my shoulder—
But I didn't notice him.
And continued speaking:
> "What if he finds out about the crush I had three years ago?"
Xiang froze.
His hand, mid-air, slowly fell to his side.
His expression tightened.
Then, without saying a word, he turned…
And walked away—silently, but angry.