Chapter 4 – A Rainy Encounter
The next morning, Su Zaizai woke to the sound of rain tapping softly against her window. Grey clouds hung low, painting the streets in muted shades of silver. She groaned, pulling the blanket tighter around her. Rainy days always made her late, and being late meant missing the first part of class — and she couldn't afford that, not with the science project starting to pick up.
By the time she reached the school, water had soaked her hair and dampened the edges of her uniform. She rushed into the building, shaking off the droplets, and scanned the classroom.
As always, Zhang Lurang was there — sitting by the window, his long legs crossed casually, looking as if the rain outside didn't even exist. His hair was slightly damp at the tips from the earlier drizzle, giving him an effortless, windswept charm. Zaizai felt her chest tighten for a moment. She shook her head; she couldn't let herself get distracted.
The teacher announced that today would be a brainstorming session for their project. Students started pairing up ideas, scribbling notes, and murmuring suggestions. Zaizai and Lurang sat across from each other, their notebook open between them.
Zaizai cleared her throat. "So… I was thinking maybe we could do something with magnetism? Or… electricity? Something simple but visible?"
Lurang tilted his head, his dark eyes scanning her handwriting. He finally said, "Magnetism. That's fine. Let's use that."
Zaizai blinked. Short, direct, no unnecessary words — as always. Yet, beneath his calm tone, there was a subtle intensity, as if he were judging every angle of her suggestion. She felt both nervous and curious.
As they worked, a small droplet of water fell from the edge of the window above and landed on her notebook. She gasped, leaning back just in time to avoid the splash. Lurang reached over, brushing the droplet away with a corner of his sleeve.
"Careful," he said, his voice softer this time, almost protective.
Zaizai's cheeks flushed crimson. She looked up at him, and for the first time, their eyes held a silent conversation. There was no teasing, no jokes, just a quiet acknowledgment that he had noticed her — really noticed her.
The bell rang, but neither of them moved immediately. Zaizai gathered her scattered papers, and Lurang closed his notebook with a soft thump. They walked toward the door together, their steps almost synchronized. Outside, the rain had slowed to a drizzle, and the air smelled fresh and clean.
As they reached the school gate, Zaizai muttered, "Thanks… for the notebook."
Lurang only nodded. "Don't mention it."
Yet, even without words, something had shifted. Zaizai realized that the quiet boy by the window, who seemed so distant and untouchable, was starting to become part of her world. And deep down, she couldn't help but feel that he was beginning to notice her too — in small, subtle ways that no one else could see.
That rainy morning didn't just bring puddles and wet umbrellas. It brought a small, invisible connection, delicate but undeniable, stretching quietly between Su Zaizai and Zhang Lurang.
End of Chapter 4