Epiphany

Just after seven in the morning, the people in the dorm gradually got up. They all had class first period, 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 until Zhou Zhou and Xiao Xu had finished washing up before heading 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, was instantly wide awake!

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

Shen Yanlang stood beside him. The balcony was not large, just big enough for two people, but Shen Yanlang was an alpha with a tall, broad frame. As soon as he stepped over, the space felt crowded, and if they were not careful, their arms could even brush against each other.

Duan Xu trembled almost imperceptibly, doing his best to remain calm as he squeezed toothpaste onto his brush, turned on the tap, and began brushing his teeth.

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

Is he afraid of me?

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

Duan Xu sped up, finishing brushing his teeth in no time. He even washed his face before hurrying back indoors as though someone were chasing him.

Heh...

Shen Yanlang had found it strange at first, but then 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 rummaged through the bookshelf for his textbooks.

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

Duan Xu said, "Boyi Building."

The moment he finished speaking, Shen Yanlang walked in after washing his face. "I'm in Boyi Building too."

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

"Then Xiao Xu and I are on the same route." Zhou Zhou immediately went over to stand beside Xiao Xu 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've got classes all morning—we'll starve to death if we don't eat."

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

But he had no reason to refuse.

So, after the four of them got ready, they left the dorm together for the cafeteria.

On the way, Zhou Zhou walked beside Duan Xu and nudged him with his elbow. "You and Brother Yanlang have classes in the same building. You can walk together later."

"I..." Duan Xu gave a dry laugh and was just about to refuse when Shen Yanlang said, "Sure."

Sure what? It wasn't okay!

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

What a reluctant answer.

Duan Xu: "..."

If you could tell I was reluctant, then refuse!

No matter how loudly Duan Xu roared inside, he did not dare shout at Shen Yanlang. He was afraid he would not live to see the plot begin.

That was right, the plot had not started yet, but it would soon. His part would take place at the end of this semester, when the male lead and the protagonist shou were already together.

"Brother Yanlang, did you notice? So many people have been turning around to look at you along the way." Zhou Zhou looked at him enviously.

At 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 said, "...What a humblebrag."

As soon as he said that, Shen Yanlang could not hold back a laugh. In that instant, the world seemed to lose all color, leaving only that intoxicating smile.

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

No matter how afraid he was, Duan Xu had to admit that Shen Yanlang's face was heaven's most satisfactory creation—flawless and perfect. He truly deserved to be the male lead!

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

During breakfast, he had heard Shen Yanlang's thoughts too, and only Shen Yanlang's.

He had also discovered that hearing Shen Yanlang's thoughts required two conditions. First, Shen Yanlang had to be within three meters of him. Second, Shen Yanlang had to be within his line of sight.

He had tested it as well. If Shen Yanlang was within three meters but disappeared from his sight, it took three minutes before he could no longer hear him.

No wonder he had stopped hearing him after getting into bed last night. Shen Yanlang had not been in his field of vision, and he had spaced out for quite a while.

But now Shen Yanlang was right there, 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 male lead and I'm cannon fodder. Who else would I be afraid of?

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

He's not introverted, and it's not like 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. That was right—Shen Yanlang was right. They would be living together for four years. He had never intended to offend the male lead, but now it seemed like he had been constantly testing the limits of what would offend him.

Duan Xu felt as though he had been struck over the head, and his thoughts suddenly became crystal clear.

Avoiding Shen Yanlang was impossible. They were roommates, after all. His strange attitude would only make Shen Yanlang suspicious.

All he needed to do was avoid the protagonist shou and not get entangled with him. There was no need to be as timid and hesitant as he had been.

Looking on the bright side, Shen Yanlang was his roommate. If they built a good relationship, maybe they could even become close friends. If that happened, his ending could not possibly be too bad!

Ah, he really was brilliant!

After making up his mind, Duan Xu's fear of Shen Yanlang vanished completely. 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 before slowly fading, though inwardly he was delighted.

He could still hear Shen Yanlang's thoughts. If they could not become close friends with such an ability, then this skill would truly be wasted.

But he could not change too obviously. He had to take it slowly.

Duan Xu racked his brains for something to say that would not seem too abrupt, but 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. What's up?"

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

This was like being handed a pillow just as he was getting sleepy. Duan Xu nodded. "Sure!"

Shen Yanlang's eyes shifted slightly, and the corner of his mouth tugged upward. He really changes from one moment to the next.

Duan Xu: "..."

Sorry, I came to my senses too late. It won't happen again. Duan Xu silently said to 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 passed by him, went to his own desk to put away his books, then took out his phone and took the initiative. "Brother Yanlang, 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 out toward Duan Xu.

That sounds rather nice when he calls me that.

Duan Xu: "???"

What the hell was that?