Eleventh page

The June sun, carrying a hint of heat, filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the school playground.

The rehearsal for the singing gala is underway, and the laughter and cheers of the students are intertwined, full of youthful energy.

Tan Yuze stood in a corner of the stage, clutching the letter he had already written. The letter was crumpled from his grip, just like his current mood.

That letter contained his affection for Xu Li, the glances he secretly cast at her during breaks between classes, and the poems he wrote for her in the quiet of the night.

He looked at Xu Li below the stage; she was joking around with her friends, her face beaming with a bright smile.

Tan Yuze's heart started racing involuntarily. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

"Yuze, it's your turn!" The host nudged him. Tan Yuze nodded and walked with somewhat heavy steps to the center of the stage.

His gaze never left Xu Li; he hoped to convey his feelings to her at this graduation party. Just then, a chorus of cheers erupted from the audience.

Everyone knew about Tan Yuze's feelings for Xu Li, and they had been eagerly anticipating this moment. Shouts of "Get together! Get together!" echoed throughout the room.

A surge of courage welled up in Tan Yuze's heart. He cleared his throat and began his confession.

"Xu Li, I like you. This liking is like the June sun, fiery and sincere. I know you may not have noticed, but I have been watching you."

"Your smile and your eyes are deeply imprinted in my heart. Today, I want to take this opportunity of the graduation party to tell you the secret I've kept in my heart."

The students below the stage fell silent, all eyes focused on Tan Yuze and Xu Li. Xu Li's face flushed slightly; she hadn't expected Tan Yuze to confess in front of so many people.

The cherry blossoms on campus fluttered down in the April breeze, their petals like pink snowflakes, gently landing on Xu Li's shoulders. She walked alone on the empty tree-lined path, lost in thought.

Although the pressure of the college entrance exam had temporarily eased, another matter remained firmly on her mind. The wind on the rooftop was still gentle, but it was no longer the place that brought warmth.

Xu Li stood in front of the railing, gazing at the sky in the distance, which was dyed red by the setting sun. She could almost hear Tan Yuze's words when he confessed, "I like you."

Her heart was filled with conflict. She could sense his affection, but her heart felt shrouded in an invisible barrier, unable to respond. "Xu Li, I want to talk to you."

Tan Yuze's voice came from behind her, his tone tinged with nervousness. Xu Li turned around and looked into his expectant eyes, a wave of guilt washing over her.

She knew she had to give him a clear answer. Tan Yuze stepped forward and gently took her hand: "Xu Li, I know you don't like me that much right now, but I'll prove it to you. I really hope we can be together, even if it's just taking it slow."

His eyes were sincere and persistent, as if pleading with her to give him a chance. Xu Li's heart trembled. She knew Tan Yuze was sincere, but her heart could never truly belong to him.

"Tan Yuze, I'm very grateful for your affection, and you cherish our friendship. But my heart can't reciprocate your feelings for the time being," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly.

Tan Yuze's body trembled slightly, and his eyes dimmed instantly: "I understand." The air between the two became heavy, and all the sounds around them seemed to disappear.

Xu Li could sense his disappointment, but didn't know how to comfort him. "Tan Yuze, you're a very good person, and I'll always consider you my most important friend. But I think you need to give me some time to sort out my thoughts."

She tried to ease the tension, but her voice trembled. Tan Yuze nodded, forcing a smile: "So, are we still friends?"

Xu Li nodded, tears welling in her eyes. "Of course." He released her hand, turned and left, his figure appearing particularly lonely in the setting sun.

Xu Li watched his retreating figure, her heart filled with guilt and disappointment. The graduation season in June carried a touch of sadness, and the campus was permeated with the atmosphere of farewell.

The campus in June was shrouded in a faint sadness, and the air was filled with the scent of parting.

The branches and leaves of the sycamore trees swayed gently in the breeze, rustling softly as if telling a story of youth. The corridors of the teaching building were empty, except for the occasional crisp sound of high heels, the teachers bustling about with graduation preparations.

Xu Li sat in the last row of the classroom, staring blankly out the window. Her thoughts were like wild horses, galloping across the wilderness of memory.

She recalled the days she spent with Tan Yuze—those sun-drenched afternoons, those moments in the classroom arguing heatedly over a difficult problem, those days walking side by side on the school paths after school—all flashed before her eyes like scenes from a movie.

Tan Yuze seemed unusually anxious today. His desk was ransacked, as if it had been ransacked, with stationery and books scattered all over the floor.

He rummaged through the drawer, muttering to himself, "How could I not find it? I definitely put it in there." Xu Li snapped out of her reverie and asked softly, "What are you looking for?"

Tan Yuze seemed to be startled awake, and he suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with panic, before regaining his composure: "It's nothing, I was just looking for a book." Xu Li looked at his flustered appearance and felt a sense of unease welling up inside her.

She had a premonition that something was going to happen to Tan Yuze, and that she would play an important role in it.

The night before the graduation party, the streetlights on campus lit up early, like countless twinkling stars falling to earth, adding a touch of gentle romance to the summer night.

Xu Li strolled alone along the tree-lined path on campus. The evening breeze gently brushed against her hair, carrying a slight coolness and a faint fragrance of flowers.

She was playing with a small agate stone in her hand, a birthday gift that Tan Yuze had given her last week.

The agate shimmered with a faint light under the moonlight, much like the deep affection that occasionally flickered in Tan Yuze's eyes.

Xu Li felt uneasy, vaguely sensing that Tan Yuze might do something at the graduation party. She recalled Tan Yuze's unusual behavior in the past few days: he always looked at her with a complicated expression during breaks between classes.

He started appearing frequently in the places she frequented. When he occasionally bumped into her, he would suddenly become flustered and his face would turn bright red, as if he were avoiding something or expecting something.

Whenever she joked and laughed with other boys, he would look at them with a scrutinizing and slightly hostile gaze, as if trying to see right through them.

These seemingly minor details subtly hinted at something, filling Xu Li's heart with uncertainty. Before she knew it, Xu Li had arrived at the school's back playground.

The lighting here was dim, with only a few old-fashioned streetlights casting a yellowish glow, adding a touch of mystery to the open space. Xu Li walked to the flagpole in the center of the playground, looked around, and suddenly heard a soft footstep behind him.

She turned around abruptly and saw Tan Yuze standing a few meters away, nervously fidgeting with the hem of his clothes, his face showing a mixture of tension and anticipation. "Xu Li, can we talk?"

Tan Yuze's voice sounded weak and trembling in the night. Xu Li's heart raced instantly, and she felt her throat tighten: "What are you talking about?"

Tan Yuze stepped forward, took out an exquisite box from his pocket, and gently placed it in Xu Li's hand: "Actually, there's something I've always wanted to tell you. This... is for you."

Xu Li took the box and felt it was slightly warm. She carefully opened it, and what came into view was a silver ring with a small sapphire set in the band, sparkling with a dreamlike light under the lamp.

“Xu Li, I’ve liked you for a long time.” Tan Yuze’s voice was a little choked up. “From the first time I saw you, I was attracted to you. Your smile, your eyes, your every move fascinates me.”

"I know I may not be good enough, but I really like you and hope you can give me a chance." Xu Li's heart felt like it had been hit by a boulder, and ripples spread through it instantly.

She gazed into Tan Yuze's deeply affectionate eyes, her heart filled with conflict. She knew Tan Yuze was a wonderful guy; his kindness, his sincerity, and his persistence moved her, yet her heart remained unable to reciprocate his feelings.

She thought of the person she once liked, and of the memories buried deep in her heart. Those memories were like an invisible wall, separating her from Tan Yuze.

"Tan Yuze, I'm very grateful for your kindness, and I cherish our friendship," Xu Li said softly, her voice slightly choked with emotion. "Tan Yuze, I hope you can understand."

Tan Yuze's body trembled slightly. He looked at Xu Li, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes: "What if, I mean what if, I keep waiting for you?"

She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "There's no need. You should go find your own happiness. Don't wait for me."

Tan Yuze fell silent, his eyes becoming complex, filled with disappointment, pain, and a hint of relief: "I understand."

At this moment, time seemed to stand still, and the air became heavy.

Looking at Tan Yuze's dejected expression, Xu Li felt a pang of guilt. She didn't know how to comfort him, and could only let her tears fall silently.

The graduation party was a lively affair, filled with flashing lights, music, and laughter, creating a sea of ​​joy.

The auditorium was decorated in vibrant colors, with balloons and ribbons hanging in the air, creating a festive yet slightly melancholic atmosphere.

The students were all dressed to the nines, their faces radiating youthful energy, completely unaware of the emotional storm that was about to break.

Xu Li stood backstage, nervously adjusting her dress. She kept replaying her conversation with Tan Yuze from the previous night, her heart filled with unease and guilt.

She didn't know if Tan Yuze would bring up that incident again at the party, nor did she know how to face him.

Just then, Tan Yuze appeared behind her, a forced smile on his face, but a hint of sadness hidden in his eyes.

"Xu Li, are you ready? It's time to go on stage." Tan Yuze's voice sounded unnaturally calm. Xu Li nodded, took a deep breath, and tried to calm herself down.

She knew that whatever happened, she had to face it. The evening's programs continued one after another, with singing, dancing, crosstalk, and skits filling the air with laughter.

Finally, the gala reached its climax, and the host announced: "Next, please welcome Tan Yuze to perform a special song for us—'If I Could'."

Tan Yuze walked onto the stage with his guitar, and the spotlight shone on him, making him the focus of the entire audience.

He looked at the students below the stage, his eyes searching for a particular figure. When his gaze fell on Xu Li, a complex emotion welled up inside him.

He took a deep breath and began to play the guitar, the melodious tune echoing in the auditorium.

He sang with great passion; every note seemed to flow from his heart, brimming with emotion.

The students in the audience were all captivated by his singing and fell silent, immersed in the moving melody.

Xu Li stood in the crowd, looking at Tan Yuze on the stage, her heart filled with guilt and emotion.

She knew that this song was sung by Tan Yuze for her, a reaffirmation of his affection for her. When the song ended, the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

Tan Yuze stepped off the stage and approached Xu Li, his eyes filled with anticipation: "Xu Li, I want to know your answer."

The students in the auditorium cheered, "Together! Together!" Xu Li's heart raced. She looked into Tan Yuze's expectant eyes, tears welling up in her own.

She knew that at this moment, she had to make a decision, a decision that could change their future relationship.

"Tan Yuze, I am very grateful for your kindness, and I cherish our friendship."

Xu Li said softly, her voice slightly choked, "But there's someone in my heart, someone I once deeply loved, and I can't let go easily. I hope you can understand."

Tan Yuze's body trembled slightly, and his eyes dimmed for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. He nodded gently: "I understand, Xu Li. I respect your decision."

The atmosphere in the auditorium instantly became awkward, and the jeers gradually subsided. Xu Li looked at Tan Yuze's dejected figure, her heart filled with guilt.

She knew that although she rejected his confession, she would never forget this pure affection, this emotion that blossomed in her youth.

After the graduation party, the campus returned to its usual tranquility.

Moonlight spilled onto the tree-lined path, creating patches of silvery-white light. Xu Li walked alone on her way back to her dormitory, her heart heavy with mixed feelings.

She kept turning back, as if expecting something, or perhaps afraid of something. Her heart was filled with guilt and self-reproach, feeling that she had hurt Tan Yuze.

Just then, Tan Yuze caught up from behind, his eyes filled with a complex emotion: "Xu Li, I want to talk to you alone." Xu Li nodded, and the two walked silently towards the lake on campus.

The lake shimmered under the moonlight, like countless shards of silver sparkling. They sat side by side on a bench by the lake, neither of them speaking, only the occasional chirping of cicadas breaking the silence. "Xu Li, I know you like Mu Mo."

Tan Yuze finally broke the silence, his voice calm but tinged with sadness, "I know you two were together before. I just want you to know that I won't give up on my feelings for you."

“I will wait for you, until you let go of him, until you have me in your heart.” Xu Li felt a surge of emotion and gently held Tan Yuze’s hand.

"Tan Yuze, I cherish our friendship and don't want this to affect our relationship."

Tan Yuze nodded and gently patted Xu Li's shoulder: "I will wait for you, but I also hope that we can remain friends."

After all, I don't want to lose you as a friend. Xu Li nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.

She knew that although she had rejected his confession, she had developed a lingering attachment to him and a precious affection for Tan Yuze.

On the eve of graduation, the campus was filled with a strong sense of farewell. Students gathered together to take photos, exchange contact information, and wish each other well.

Laughter and cheerful voices mingled with sobs echoed through the school building corridors. At this moment of impending farewell, everyone was trying their best to remember this period of youth in their own way.

Xu Li and Tan Yuze also joined the group taking photos. Standing in front of the campus's iconic building, they struck various funny poses with other students, capturing this unforgettable moment.

Xu Li glanced at Tan Yuze from time to time and noticed that although there was still some loneliness in his eyes, he was trying to smile, for her sake and for the end of their campus life.

On the last day, after the graduation ceremony, Xu Li went to the back playground of the campus alone.

She sat on the steps by the playground, gazing at the familiar field, her heart filled with reluctance.

This place held countless moments of her laughter and tears, and also witnessed the emotional entanglement between her and Tan Yuze. Tan Yuze came to her side and sat down quietly.

Neither of them spoke, they simply stood side by side gazing into the distance. After a while, Tan Yuze broke the silence: "Xu Li, no matter what the future holds, I will be here waiting for you."

Xu Li turned her head and looked into his firm eyes, a warm feeling welling up in her heart. She gently took his hand: "Tan Yuze, thank you, I will always remember this feeling."

At that moment, Xu Li suddenly realized that although she could not reciprocate Tan Yuze's feelings, this affection had become one of the most beautiful memories of her youth.

Like a seed, it took root and sprouted in her heart, becoming an indispensable part of her growth. The graduation bell rang, and the sycamore leaves on campus gently drifted down in the breeze.

Xu Li and Tan Yuze walked out of the school gate side by side, heading towards an unknown future.

Although their story is not over yet, this summer has become an eternal memory in their hearts.

In the days to come, Xu Li doesn't know if she will be able to let go of her obsession and accept Tan Yuze's feelings.

But she knew that no matter what the future held, this youthful crush would forever remain in her memory, becoming one of the most beautiful footnotes in her life.

Tan Yuze will carry this affection with him as he moves forward, seeking his own happiness on the path of life, waiting for a response that may never come, all for the pure and beautiful feelings he once had.