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The Difficult One Next Door
墨書 Inktalez
On the first day of school, being late made me want to crawl back into bed and start over. I sprinted to the bus stop, and just as the doors were about to close, I squeezed in. In the next moment, the strap of my backpack got caught tightly in the door.
I was stuck like a piece of cured meat hanging on the door, half inside the bus and half outside, looking utterly ridiculous. The stares from those around me felt like arrows piercing through me; I wished I could just disappear on the spot.
Just when my face was burning hot enough to fry an egg, a hand reached out and deftly freed my backpack strap from the door. I stumbled into the bus, nearly crashing into the person in front of me.
“Lin Wan, are you planning to perform acrobatics at the opening ceremony?”
That infuriating voice—I didn’t even need to look up to know who it was: Lu Yu.
He leaned lazily against the handrail with one hand in his pocket, looking down at me with that familiar smirk that was three parts mockery and seven parts amusement.
I opened my mouth to retort when the driver slammed on the brakes. I lost my balance and stumbled right toward him. He frowned but didn’t move away; instead, he reached out and steadied my arm. The bus was crowded, and he pulled me closer to him, creating a small safe space around me with his arm.
“Clumsy,” he murmured.
Then, without hesitation, he lifted my heavy backpack filled with new books off my shoulder. “Tsk, did you pack rocks in here?”
“Mind your own business,” I mumbled softly, still feeling heat radiating from my cheeks. He chuckled lightly but didn’t say anything more; he simply kept me shielded in front of him, separating me from the throng behind us. I nestled into the space he created, catching a faint scent of soap from his uniform that oddly calmed me.
Yes, this is how it is between Lu Yu and me. He’s the neighbor boy living across from me, a senior who’s popular and accomplished—handsome, top of his class, athletic. And then there’s me, Lin Wan, who seems like an accessory in his life; since childhood, we’ve been inseparable—more accurately put, I can’t seem to escape being his “errand girl.”
A significant part of my high school life has revolved around bringing Lu Yu breakfast, saving seats for him, passing messages, and occasionally helping him “politely” decline overly enthusiastic admirers. Why? “It’s on your way,” “You’re free anyway,” “I can’t be bothered.” After so many times, I’ve grown too tired to argue.
Today was no different. After finally enduring until school ended, I packed my things and prepared to sneak away when his voice called out from the doorway: “Lin Wan, wait for me.”
Next thing I knew, I was holding his basketball while he strolled leisurely beside me. The setting sun stretched our shadows long as we walked side by side.
“Hey,” he suddenly spoke up, his voice carried by the wind and slightly scattered. “Did someone confess to you today?”
My heart skipped a beat as I stopped in my tracks to look at him. He stood against the light; his expression was hard to read, but I could feel his gaze on my face.
“How did you know?” I asked in surprise.
He didn’t answer but kicked a small stone by his feet before switching topics. “What did you say?”
“I…” I hesitated for a moment. “I said high school students should focus on their studies.” It was a universal shield taught to me by my mom.
Lu Yu scoffed lightly and turned away, quickening his pace and leaving me with an awkward view of his back. “At least you know how to be sensible.”
After taking a few steps forward, he seemed to remember something and slowed down for me to catch up. Then without further ado, he pulled a strawberry-flavored lollipop from his pocket and shoved it into my hand.
“Here you go.”
“What for?” I stared blankly at the candy in my hand.
He glanced away, not meeting my eyes, his tone still casual and carefree. "Here’s a reward for you to study hard."
With that, he quickened his pace and walked ahead, leaving me standing there alone, clutching the Strawberry Lollipop, my heart a mix of emotions.
What does this guy mean? He bullied me when we were kids, now that we’ve grown up, he’s concerned about whether I have anyone confessing to me, and now he inexplicably gives me candy.
Watching his tall figure disappear at the end of the alley, I unwrapped the candy and popped the pink piece into my mouth.
Mmm, it’s a bit sweet.
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