Xiao exited the university building without anyone noticing.
That, in itself, felt like a small miracle.
Social media was terrifying—not because of what it showed, but because of how quickly it noticed. A wrong angle, a passing shadow, a familiar silhouette, and suddenly your life was dissected by strangers with too much time and too little restraint.
So Xiao moved carefully.
No lingering in the corridors.
No stopping to chat.
No phone in hand.
Only when he reached the steps outside did he finally slow, pulling his phone from his pocket.
The forum page was still open.
One line stood out, already circled by dozens of replies.
"They're at Moonleaf Café."
Xiao's thumb hovered over the screen for a second.
Then he locked the phone.
Moonleaf Café.
So that was where Liang Chen had gone.
Meanwhile, Liang Chen had already stepped inside.
Zhou Kai held the door open, letting him enter first, a habit he hadn't even realized he'd picked up. The moment Chen crossed the threshold, his steps slowed instinctively.
The café was… beautiful.
Not loudly so. Not the kind of aesthetic that begged for photos or forced atmosphere. It was soft, deliberate, and calm—wooden tables polished smooth with use, warm lighting that pooled gently rather than glaring down, ivy creeping along the corners near the windows as if it had been allowed to grow naturally.
The air smelled faintly of coffee beans and citrus peel.
Chen took it in with quiet appreciation.
"It really is aesthetic," he said softly.
Zhou Kai's chest loosened just a little.
A young girl hurried over, nearly tripping over her own feet. Her apron was neatly tied, but her hands fidgeted nervously at the hem.
"W-welcome to Moonleaf Café," she said, bowing a little too quickly. "T-table for two?"
Chen smiled immediately.
"Yes, thank you."
His voice was calm, warm, gentle enough to ease nerves without effort. The girl visibly relaxed, nodding eagerly as she gestured them inside.
Behind the counter sat another woman—older, composed, eyes sharp but amused. She leaned back slightly, arms crossed, observing the scene like a seasoned commander watching new recruits survive their first battle.
Chen and Zhou Kai both nodded politely toward her.
She raised an eyebrow.
Smiled.
Zhou Kai swallowed.
He led Chen toward a seat by the window.
Sunlight streamed in from the side, illuminating the table in soft gold. Outside, leaves brushed lightly against the glass when the wind passed. From this angle, the street noise faded into something distant and harmless.
Romantic.
Painfully so.
With Liang Chen seated there—posture straight, sleeves rolled just enough to show his wrists, glasses catching the light—it was impossible not to look ambiguous.
Zhou Kai noticed the way the girl at the counter glanced over again.
And again.
There weren't many customers. Three, maybe four at most. Quiet murmurs, the clink of cups, soft music playing low in the background.
Near the corner, partially hidden by a tall plant—
A university student sat frozen, phone angled just enough.
Her eyes widened.
Her fingers moved.
Confirmed. They're really here.
The post went up within seconds.
Chen set his bag down neatly and looked up.
"Since you invited me for this teaching session," he said calmly, "you should order."
Zhou Kai stiffened.
His ears flushed immediately.
"M-me?" he stammered. "Professor, you should order."
Chen tilted his head slightly. "I've never been here before. You've come here, haven't you?"
Zhou Kai froze.
Then nodded too fast.
"Y-yeah. Of course I've come," he said.
A lie.
A terrible one.
But Chen didn't question it.
"Well then," Chen said gently, "you should know what's good."
Zhou Kai's brain short-circuited under pressure.
He stood abruptly, marched to the counter, and ordered with the confidence of a man walking into battle blind.
"Two coffees," he said. "And—uh—one slice of strawberry cake."
Chen looked up, puzzled.
"There's no need for that," he said. "This is a study session."
Zhou Kai turned red all the way to his ears.
"I-it's fine," he insisted quickly. "You—you need energy to teach."
Chen hesitated.
Then nodded.
"…Alright."
Zhou Kai exhaled, heart pounding.
But inside, a bitter thought surfaced uninvited.
You can eat cake with Professor Xiao…
But not with me?
The order was taken. The nervous girl scribbled it down and scurried away.
They sat in silence for a moment.
Zhou Kai stared at the table.
This was it.
Since leaving the university building, he tried to flirt with him but before words fell from his moth or try some action to touch him ,his confidence had evaporated, replaced by ahis loud heart thumping that make an adult ashamed that they can't even control his heart beating, breathing and his nervousness in front of his crush.but this was his chance, this is a frantic awareness of opportunity.
This is my chance.
He cleared his throat.
"Professor," he said.
"Yes?" with an innocent smile on his face
Zhou kai feel adorable and wanted to pinch his cheeks , his ears were still painted pink"There's… something on your cheek."
Chen blinked.
"Is there?"
"Yes," Zhou Kai said, leaning forward slightly. "Here."
Chen lifted his hand and wiped the spot with his handkerchief indicated.
"No," Kai said quickly. "Not there."
"Here?" Chen tried again.
"…No."
"A little to the right?"
"You're going the wrong way," Kai said, voice tight.
Chen frowned slightly, confused.
Zhou Kai leaned closer. His heart was too loud
"Let me—" he gathered his courage to show himself he's a man he can do this,
He moved his hand forward, heart racing, fingers hovering just inches from Chen's face. Chen instinctively leaned in, following the direction, eyes focused, utterly unaware of how close they were.
Zhou Kai's breath caught. He really wanted to have this man in his arms.
His hand was mid-air. Almost touching this devilish angel who seduce his follwere then set aside them like flies who are useless.
Mid-motion.
Mid-stupid idea.
When suddenly—
His wrist was grabbed.
Firm.
Warm.
Unyielding.
Zhou Kai's breath stopped completely.
The world seemed to tilt. The hell who disturbed his lifetime opportunity...