The pavement shimmered faintly with leftover drizzle, and the wind carried the scent of wet grass and cafeteria oil. Jiang Xiao Shuai adjusted his backpack strap and didn't look at Guo Cheng Yu, who walked beside him a little too casually.
"You didn't have to come," Xiao Shuai muttered.
"I wanted to," Cheng Yu replied without hesitation. "You've been working all day. Consider this your free bodyguard service."
"I don't need protection."
Cheng Yu shrugged. "You don't need lip balm either, but I've seen you hoard three brands."
Xiao Shuai shot him a glare. "Don't go through my drawers again."
"Can't help it," Cheng Yu said with a smirk. "You label everything like a mini control freak. Very Director-core."
Xiao Shuai rolled his eyes, but the corner of his mouth twitched.
They walked in silence for a while comfortable, even if Xiao Shuai's heart ticked a little louder than usual. Their steps fell into rhythm, shoes slapping softly against the wet ground. The breeze picked up.
"I thought you were going out with Chi Cheng and the guys tonight?" Xiao Shuai asked, feigning casual.
"I was," Cheng Yu said. "But I ditched."
Xiao Shuai turned to him. "Why?"
Cheng Yu looked at him, all playful charm stripped away. "You were still on my mind."
Silence.
The only sound was the wind brushing through the trees and Xiao Shuai's very loud heartbeat. He turned his gaze forward again, trying not to let it show.
"Then go back to your dorm," he mumbled. "Your mind can rest now."
"No," Cheng Yu said. "I want to stay in it a bit longer."
A soft drizzle began again, misty and cool. Xiao Shuai squinted up at the sky. "Seriously? Rain again?"
Before he could move, a jacket settled over his shoulders.
Xiao Shuai froze.
Guo Cheng Yu stood in front of him now, slightly closer than necessary. His hoodie was off, revealing a loose tank beneath that clung to his frame. His hair was damp, eyes unreadable.
"You keep giving me yours. It's my turn."
Xiao Shuai's fingers gripped the fabric. "It's just a jacket."
Cheng Yu's voice dropped. "Not when it's you wearing mine."
That did it. Xiao Shuai's face burned.
"You're such a flirt."
"I know," Cheng Yu said softly. "But with you... it's never just for fun."
He took a step back, giving space but not distance.
They continued walking, slower now.
Xiao Shuai spoke up again, voice barely above a whisper. "You ever stop teasing?"
"Only when I'm scared you'll run."
"I won't," Xiao Shuai replied, surprising even himself.
Cheng Yu smiled to himself.
And in the final stretch before the dorm gate, their hands brushed again this time, neither pulled away.