Sudden Realization

A little after seven in the morning, the people in the dorm gradually got up. They all had first-period classes, and it was the first class of the semester, so they couldn't be late.

Duan Xu was the last to get out of bed. Shen Yanlang was in the bathroom, while Zhou Zhou and Xiao Xu were on the balcony.

He waited for Zhou Zhou and Xiao Xu to finish washing up before going out to the balcony himself. Just then, Shen Yanlang came out.

Shen Yanlang glanced at Duan Xu. Duan Xu wore a simple white T-shirt, black pants, and white sneakers. Paired with his delicate features, he looked somewhat youthful.

Like a high school student.

Duan Xu, who had not fully woken up yet, instantly snapped wide awake!

There it was again, there it was again! He heard it again!

Shen Yanlang stood beside him. The balcony was small, just big enough for two people, but Shen Yanlang was an alpha and tall and broad. The moment he stood there, the space felt cramped; if they weren't careful, their arms could even brush against each other.

Duan Xu trembled almost imperceptibly. He tried his best to remain calm as he squeezed out toothpaste, turned on the tap, and brushed his teeth.

Shen Yanlang did the same, but while brushing his teeth, he glanced at him.

Is he afraid of me?

No, I'm not afraid... like hell I'm not!

Duan Xu sped up. He finished brushing in no time and even washed his face, then rushed back inside as though someone were chasing him.

Heh...

Shen Yanlang had found it strange at first, but then he realized it was rather interesting.

Duan Xu sat down and fell silent for a moment. Had he just been laughed at?

"Which buildings are your classes in?" Zhou Zhou asked as he searched his bookshelf for textbooks.

Xiao Xu was taking out his textbooks too. "I'm in Dehong Building."

Duan Xu said, "Boyi Building."

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Yanlang came in after washing his face and said, "I'm in Boyi Building too."

Duan Xu: "..." This was deadly!

"Then Xu-ge and I are on the same route." Zhou Zhou went straight over to Xiao Xu's side and patted him. "Come on, we'll go together."

Xiao Xu paused slightly and glanced at Zhou Zhou. "Want to go to the cafeteria together?"

"Sure!" Zhou Zhou had no objections. "Let's eat first. We have classes all morning—if we don't eat, we'll starve to death."

Duan Xu was unwilling inside. If possible, he only wanted to eat with Zhou Zhou and Xiao Xu, then head to class with them.

But he had no reason to refuse.

So, after the four dormmates got ready, they left together for the cafeteria.

On the way, Zhou Zhou walked beside Duan Xu and nudged him with his elbow. "You and Yan-ge have classes in the same building, so you can walk together later."

"I..." Duan Xu gave a dry laugh. Just as he was about to refuse, he heard Shen Yanlang say, "Sure."

Sure for what? Not sure!

In reality, Duan Xu gave a quiet hum of agreement.

How reluctant.

Duan Xu: "..."

If you can tell I'm reluctant, then refuse!

No matter how much Duan Xu roared inwardly, he didn't dare yell at Shen Yanlang. He was afraid he wouldn't live to see the plot begin.

That was right, the plot had yet to begin, though it would soon. As for his part, it came at the end of this semester, by which time the protagonist gong and protagonist shou would already be together.

"Yan-ge, did you notice? So many people have been turning around to look at you." Zhou Zhou looked at him with envy.

Hearing that, Xiao Xu turned to glance at Zhou Zhou, pursing his lips without saying anything.

Shen Yanlang merely gave a calm hum. "I'm used to it."

Zhou Zhou: "...Such a humblebrag."

As soon as he said that, Shen Yanlang couldn't help laughing softly. In that instant, everything else seemed to fade, leaving only that intoxicating smile.

Everyone around them stared in a daze, let alone his three nearby dormmates.

No matter how afraid Duan Xu was, he had to admit that Shen Yanlang's looks were heaven's most satisfactory creation—flawless, just as expected of the protagonist gong!

After breakfast, Xiao Xu and Zhou Zhou headed in the opposite direction, leaving Duan Xu with no choice but to go with Shen Yanlang.

While they ate, he had heard Shen Yanlang's inner voice too—and only Shen Yanlang's.

Moreover, he discovered that hearing Shen Yanlang's thoughts required two conditions. One was that Shen Yanlang had to be within three meters of him; the other was that Shen Yanlang had to be within his line of sight.

He had tested it too. If Shen Yanlang was within three meters but disappeared from his sight, he would only stop hearing him after three minutes.

No wonder he hadn't heard anything after getting into bed last night. Shen Yanlang had been out of his sight, and Duan Xu had spent a long time lost in thought.

But now Shen Yanlang was in sight, less than a meter away.

I haven't done anything to offend him, and I'm handsome too. So why is he afraid of me?

Duan Xu: "..."

You are handsome, but you're the protagonist and I'm cannon fodder. If I'm not afraid of you, who should I be afraid of?

It took five minutes to walk from the cafeteria. Shen Yanlang glanced at Duan Xu from time to time, as if trying to figure something out.

He isn't introverted, and it's not that he doesn't like talking. He looks all right too.

If possible, I'd still like to make a friend.

After all, we'll be living together for four years. It won't be comfortable if we don't get along.

Hearing those words, Duan Xu froze. Right, Shen Yanlang was correct. They would be living together for four years. He had originally wanted to avoid offending the protagonist gong, but now it seemed like he was constantly testing the edge of offending him.

It was like being struck over the head with a club, and Duan Xu's thoughts immediately cleared.

Avoiding Shen Yanlang was impossible. They were roommates, after all. On the contrary, his strange attitude would only make Shen Yanlang suspicious.

He only needed to avoid the protagonist shou and keep himself from getting entangled with him. There was absolutely no need to be so timid and hesitant like this.

Looking on the bright side, the protagonist gong was his roommate. If they built a better relationship, perhaps they could even become good brothers. If that happened, his ending could not possibly be too bad!

Ah, he really was too clever!

After making up his mind, Duan Xu's fear of Shen Yanlang vanished without a trace. He even pressed his lips together and smiled.

Shen Yanlang happened to see it and raised an eyebrow.

What is he thinking about that makes him so happy?

Duan Xu's smile stiffened for a moment, then slowly faded as delight surged inside him.

He could still hear Shen Yanlang's thoughts. If they couldn't become good brothers with an ability like this, it would be such a waste.

But he couldn't change too obviously. He had to take it slowly.

Duan Xu racked his brains for something to say that would not seem too abrupt. Before he could think of anything, Shen Yanlang spoke first. "Do you have classes third and fourth period?"

Duan Xu paused, then immediately replied, "No. Why?"

"I don't either." Shen Yanlang lifted his eyelids slightly. "Want to have lunch together?"

This was like someone handing him a pillow when he was sleepy. Duan Xu nodded. "Sure!"

Shen Yanlang's gaze flickered, and the corner of his lips lifted slightly. He really changes from one moment to the next.

Duan Xu: "..."

Sorry, I came to my realization too late. It won't happen again. Duan Xu silently told himself.

*

When Duan Xu returned to the dorm after class, Shen Yanlang was already there. He looked up at Duan Xu but said nothing.

Duan Xu walked past him, put his books away at his desk, then pulled out his phone and took the initiative. "Yan-ge, let's add each other as friends. It'll be easier to keep in touch."

Shen Yanlang was turning on his computer. He raised an eyebrow slightly, then picked up his phone and displayed his QR code. Without saying anything, he held it a little closer to Duan Xu.

He calls me rather nicely.

Duan Xu: "???"

What the hell was that supposed to mean?