Morning Light and Temptation
The first light of dawn was breaking; it was not yet seven o'clock, and a gap in the clouds was already waiting downstairs. My fingertips unconsciously twirled the strap of my schoolbag, and my gaze swept over the entrance to Unit 3 for the third time; it was still empty.
At exactly seven o'clock, footsteps sounded.
As dawn broke, his school uniform stood out crisp and white, highlighting his tall, slender figure. Golden light fell on his shoulders, outlining his cold, sharp features with exceptional clarity, and even the rhythm of his walk was chillingly precise.
"Good morning." He stopped in front of her, his voice slightly hoarse from just waking up.
"Good morning," Yunxi replied softly, following half a step behind him.
The way to school involves crossing two intersections. Silence spread between the two, but with an indescribable tension that was more pronounced than the night before.
He controlled his pace perfectly, always keeping her up easily. As they passed the pancake stall, the aroma of hot oil and noodles wafted towards them, and he paused slightly: "Have you had breakfast?"
"I've already eaten," Yunxi nodded. Her mother had heated up the milk early in the morning.
"Hmm," he responded, his gaze lingering briefly on her face, as if confirming something. Then, he casually took out a clear food storage container containing sandwiches, neatly arranged. "The housekeeper made these," he said casually, "always too many."
He then opened the box and began to eat, his movements fluid and natural.
But a chord in Yunxi's heart was plucked. If he had said he hadn't eaten, would this extra sandwich have been handed to her? This thought made her ears burn slightly.
She stole glances at him. He ate quietly, his jawline moving slightly with each chew, appearing exceptionally clear in the morning light.
“Third Middle School is very strict,” Shi Xu suddenly spoke, his gaze still fixed ahead, “especially on the second-year students.”
"Yeah?"
“The head of the teaching department is surnamed Wang, and he hates two things the most—” He glanced at her sideways, “being late and being improperly dressed.”
His gaze drifted almost imperceptibly to the first button of her shirt—the one she had unbuttoned because she felt constricted.
Yunxi's face instantly flushed, her fingers frantically fastening her buttons, even her neck turning pink.
"Thank you for reminding me." The voice was as soft as a feather.
"You're welcome." Shi Xu withdrew his gaze.
But his fingers, gripping the food container, tightened almost imperceptibly for a moment.
The school gate gradually became lively. Several boys saw Shi Xu and waved from afar, "Brother Xu!"
Shi Xu merely nodded slightly, his steps unwavering. The curious gazes then naturally fell upon Yun Xi behind him.
She lowered her head uncomfortably.
"Don't worry about it." His calm voice came from ahead. He didn't turn around, yet he seemed to know everything.
At the fork in the tree-lined road, time seems to stand still.
“We’re here.” He looked at her. “Class 3 of Grade 11 is at the end of the second floor.”
Yunxi was taken aback: "How did you know?"
She remembered that she had never mentioned her class.
The air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Shi Xu watched her quietly, his eyes deep and unfathomable. Just when she thought she wouldn't get an answer, he suddenly leaned closer.
A crisp, clear air instantly enveloped her, like a pine forest after a snowfall. The clouds held their breath, frozen in place.
His voice brushed past my ears, deep and clear:
"Your photo is on the honor roll."
The warm breath brushed against my ear, bringing a slight shiver.
After speaking, he straightened up, reverting to his usual aloofness, as if his earlier closeness had been merely an illusion. Only he knew how much self-control it took to keep his deeply hidden emotions from showing in that instant.
"If you're on time after school, you can wait here." He nodded slightly and turned to walk towards the senior high school building.
Yunxi stood still, her heart pounding wildly, the heat around her ears lingering.
honor roll?
She did submit a photo, but it was just a blurry ID photo. Why would he go out of his way to look at it and even remember her class?
Is this really just a coincidence?
Watching his figure disappear around the corner of the stairs, Yunxi clearly realized that every angle of Shixu, this seemingly snow-covered solitary peak, might hide unknown secrets.
The morning light was just right, but she felt as if she were walking step by step into a gentle mystery.
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