#(heya)

[Section 1]

Staff: Goodbye boss, see you next week! MC: Mm, have a good rest and have fun on the weekend!

After bidding the staff goodbye with a smile, I picked up my phone and cheerfully sent a message to that person.

MC: I’m off work! Are you at school? I’m coming to hang out with you~ MC: Hmm, better poke him a few more times, just in case this guy hasn’t checked his phone again…

By the third poke of my fingertip a voice message popped up beside his profile picture.

Shaw's voice message: “I’m not at the history building. Come here.” Shaw's voice message: “Knock when you arrive I’ll come get you.”

I stared at the real-time location that appeared on my screen momentarily dazed.

The art academy? What’s Shaw doing there?

I sent another message to ask, but there was no reply. Pouting, I decided to just go and see for myself.

Passing through small groups of people, I arrived at the art academy.

From outside the drama department’s rehearsal room, I vaguely heard voices and instinctively looked over.

A group of boys and girls in rehearsal outfits were gathered around a tall figure, bowing to him in unison.

I curiously looked toward the “center of attention,” but a pillar was blocking most of that person’s figure.

Boys and girls: Please, Shaw! ?.? (Shaw's voice): I refuse. MC: Huh?

How is it Shaw?! I widened my eyes in surprise and quickly walked toward them.

The boys and girls left with disappointed faces, and Shaw spotted me, raising his eyebrows slightly.

Shaw: You’re here? I was just about to go meet you at the door. MC: Hehe, what were they doing just now? Were they all confessing to you or— mmph!

Before I could finish, a knuckle rapped against my forehead, and Shaw pursed his lips in exasperation.

Shaw: Tone down that imagination of yours. Shaw: Remember my senior, the one with the surname Wang? She used to be the core member of the school’s drama research club. Shaw: They’re putting on a mythology-themed stage play this time. They wanted to invite her as a consultant, but since she’s too busy, she recommended me instead. MC [shocked]: So you turned them down?

Shaw: I didn’t refuse the consultant job. It’s easy work—just helping them review the script, costumes, and props.

Shaw, on stage acting, and in a mythology play no less? I instantly grew excited and grabbed his arm.

Shaw [slight irritation in his voice]: They even want me to play a role too. Tch, not happening. MC: Please, Shaw!

Shaw [surprised]: Wait, you’re joining too?? MC: Why not? I bet they invited you because you’re super handsome and look great on camera, right?

Shaw squinted at me, half-skeptical of my flattery.

Shaw: Handsome my foot. I’ve got no acting experience... You just want to see me make a fool of myself, don’t you? MC: As if~

I quickly shook my head, tugging at his sleeve with a mock pitiful look.

MC: Who says you don’t have acting experience? Every time you play the info broker and pretend to be someone else to fool people, you’re flawless at it! MC: Since you already agreed to be their consultant, why not just take one more step? MC: Pleaseee, I really want to see you on stage, Shaw!

Shaw [surprised]: …..

Shaw visibly shivered at my overly sweet tone, goosebumps rising as he shot me a sharp glance. Then, as if something had just occurred to him, a sly glint flashed in his eyes.

Shaw [oh he's definitely scheming smtg]: I’ll act in the play, but you have to agree to one thing. MC [with great enthusiasm]: As long as you’re willing to perform, I’ll do anything!

Shaw smirked, prying my hand from his sleeve and locking it firmly in his palm.

Shaw [takes his time to think of a role]: You said it. Then you’ll be my exclusive logistics assistant.

I blinked in confusion. Logistics staff were common in a theater crew, but exclusive logistics… I suddenly had a bad feeling about this.

MC [regretting her decision]: Uh, can you at least tell me what exactly your exclusive logistics assistant is supposed to do?

Shaw straightened up, a soft laugh escaping as he raised an eyebrow, his gaze bright and teasing.

Shaw [sexy whispering]: You’ll find out when the time comes.

—

[Section 2]

Unfortunately, the first official rehearsal was scheduled on a weekday.

To catch a glimpse of Shaw’s performance, I rushed to the small theater at the art academy as soon as I finished my work, even though he’d told me to arrive at eight.

By the time I arrived, the play was already underway.

Under the stage lights, a female actor stepped gracefully into the center, dressed in a snow-white robe and holding a longbow, her expression solemn.

Actor A: In the hunting grounds of the gods, seek out the prey that stirs your heart.

As her voice fell, several “hunters” dashed out from the wings.

They were still dressed in practice clothes, yet their agile movements made it easy to imagine how striking they would look once in full costume.

The scene might not have matched the grandeur of a professional stage, but it was filled with raw passion and purity, drawing the audience in effortlessly.

I clapped softly a few times, all the while letting my gaze wander across the stage in search of Shaw’s figure.

MC [confused]: …Wait, wasn’t he supposed to be playing a hunter role?

I looked around—no sign of Shaw among the attendants or the actors playing the celestial beings. Could it be… he hasn’t appeared yet?

Suddenly, at the back of the stage, one of the background “trees” gave a small shake.

MC: Eh?

The trunk continued to tremble slightly, causing the branches and leaves to rustle along with it—as if some poor soul had been bitten by mosquitoes but couldn’t move, desperately trying to endure it.

Looking closer, I caught sight of a familiar streak of blue-purple hair peeking out from between the branches.

MC [laughs]: Pfft….

I couldn’t hold back my laughter anymore.

While the deities on stage continued to dance with the hunters, Shaw’s “divine tree” swayed and shifted along with the hunting scene—silent, yet blending in with uncanny naturalness.

Director: Alright, cut! Take twenty minutes, everyone, then we’ll move on to the next scene!

The actors dispersed for their break, and I quickly hopped onto the stage.

MC [coquettishly]: Shaw~ I came to visit you.

At the sound of my voice, the “tree” turned its head.

A few paper leaves were hanging from his hair, with several strands of grapevine twined around his hands. Only the clothes hidden behind the tree trunk—a plain T-shirt—matched the others.

A faint blush crossed Shaw’s face, but it quickly faded back into his usual expression.

Shaw [trying to play it cool]: Didn’t I tell you to come at eight? Why are you here so early? MC: Because I wanted to see you sooner!

Curious, I reached out and poked the leaves on his head.

MC: But… why are you playing a tree?

Shaw: What else would I play? Shaw [stating the facts]: I told you, I don’t have any acting experience. Of course I’d pick a background role. No lines, minimal movement—perfect. MC [speechless]: …..

Shaw looked at my frustrated yet speechless expression with great satisfaction. He stretched lazily and sat down on the floor.

Shaw [stretches himself]: Why are you standing there like an idiot? Sit down.

As soon as I sat down next to him, his arm—without the slightest hesitation—landed right in my lap, as if it belonged there.

MC: ?

Shaw: Pinch. MC: Pinch what?

Shaw [teasingly]: Isn’t logistics work all about helping me massage my shoulders and legs? When we finish the next rehearsal segment, don’t forget to run to the store and get me two bottles of cola. Shaw: Oh right, and bring a bottle of mosquito repellent too. It’s scorching in this venue... hiss.

Shaw’s stream of orders was suddenly cut off by a sharp intake of breath.

He glared at my fingers resting on his arm.

Shaw [sighs + in a lazy voice]: ...I said pinch, not dig your nails in.

I kept bickering with him, but still eased up my strength and began helping him relax his arm.

MC: Oh really? It’s my first time doing logistics, you know—still not very skilled. MC: Didn’t know being a background character was this exhausting. I saw you sneaking little movements just now.

Shaw [exhausted]: I already went through two full scenes before you even showed up. Been hauling heavy props back and forth nonstop—more Sisyphean than Sisyphus himself. So if I moved a bit... Shaw [acting all smug]: Right now, I’m the divine tree from mythology, okay? Ever heard of it? Zeus himself granted me powers—of course I can move.

I couldn’t help but laugh, the little bit of annoyance I’d been holding onto already melted away by his lazy tone.

I gently ran my fingers through the damp ends of his hair, and my voice unconsciously softened.

MC: So, besides cola and mosquito repellent, do you want me to bring anything else? Maybe some snacks... Director: Shaw….. Excuse me, sorry to interrupt!

Before I could finish, the director suddenly walked over with the script in hand.

Director: Could we borrow you for two minutes? There’s a plot issue we’d like to discuss with you.

Shaw clicked his tongue in mild annoyance and waved his hand dismissively.

Shaw [giving orders]: Logistics, take notes for me.

—That’s not what logistics is supposed to do!

—

[Section 3]

Director: Ahem, well, here’s the thing, Shaw. After watching the rehearsal, we felt that with your... uh, outstanding looks and presence, it’s a real waste for you to only play a background role. Director: Coincidentally, our next scene is the banquet of the God of Wine, and we need a character with a certain aesthetic appeal. Would you be willing to switch roles?

Shaw lifted his gaze. His expression remained unchanged, but his eyes grew noticeably darker.

Shaw: Switch roles? Are there lines? Director: Ah, yes, a few lines, but not many, and you don’t have to do any complicated movements…

As he spoke, the director handed the script to Shaw. He glanced over it briefly before handing it back.

Shaw: This isn’t a background role. I’m not doing it.

Shaw rejected the director’s proposal without the slightest hesitation.

As someone who’s spent years around theater groups, it was the first time I’d seen a background character speak to a director like that.

I was secretly stunned, yet somehow it felt entirely reasonable—

Because he was Shaw, and Shaw could do that.

Watching the director walk away, clearly troubled, I couldn’t help but poke his arm.

MC: Shaw, do you really hate saying lines that much? Shaw: Exactly. I said I’d only be a background character, so I’ll stay a background character. MC: But being just a background is so unnoticeable. If you hadn’t moved just now, I wouldn’t have even found you... MC: But if you had a few lines and a bit more screen time, at least I could spot you from the audience.

At those words, Shaw’s expression suddenly shifted into something subtle and unreadable.

He pressed his lips together and lowered his gaze, staring at me as if trying to see straight through my thoughts.

Shaw [surprised]: ...You didn’t notice me just now? MC: Yeah, I was wondering why you weren’t on stage. Who knew you’d be playing a tree...

Shaw let out a quiet snort, lowering his head with a faint smile.

Shaw [made up his mind]: Alright, I get it. Shaw: No need for the pinching. I’ll go change. Go grab me some cola and mosquito repellent.

As he spoke, he stood up and started walking toward the backstage dressing room, leaving me completely puzzled.

MC: Wait—what exactly do you ‘get’?

Shaw didn’t look back—he simply lifted a hand and waved, signaling me to wait until later.

Could it be that he’d changed his mind and decided to take on the role the director mentioned?

Sending me away now… maybe he was planning to surprise me, huh.

When I returned from the supermarket, full of anticipation, the lights in the small theater had already dimmed.

—

[Section 4]

At the center, a white marble table was piled high with fake fruits and wine glasses, surrounded by stone pillars entwined with grapevines.

A few seconds later, the stage lights came on again—the banquet of Dionysus had been perfectly set.

The god of wine, Dionysus, stood in bright, flowing robes. Surrounded by the other deities, his gaze was hazy as he raised his cup before the table.

God of wine: Both gods and mortals cannot escape the same riddle: Is it love that nourishes life, or life that gives birth to love?

The God of Wine is the main character.

The lighting, the positioning, the lines—everything centers on him.

But my gaze passed over him and fell on the person behind the God of Wine.

MC: Shaw…

In this scene, Shaw was no longer the tree. He had changed into a grape-colored Greek robe, adorned with entwined golden branches, transformed into the attendant of the God of Wine.

A wreath woven from bountiful fruits sat askew among his tousled blue-purple hair.

A soft blush tinged his cheeks as he leaned, slightly tipsy, against a statue.

Shaw had no lines. He was still just part of the background, yet this time, he somehow became the one presence on stage no one could look away from.

God of wine: So, what kind of wine would you like to taste? God of wine: The aged brew of fate, bitter at first but sweet after? God of wine: Or the honeyed new wine of love——even if it carries a single drop of deadly poison?

Shaw kept his eyes lowered, his gaze occasionally drifting in sync with the God of Wine’s lines, a lazy, indifferent smile lingering in his eyes.

When the God spoke of love’s sweetness, a trace of thoughtfulness flickered across his face;

but when divine words turned to the deadly traps of desire,

he curled his lips with amusement, a subtle, undefinable danger flashing in his eyes.

Then suddenly, as if by accident, Shaw turned his head toward the audience—

and locked eyes with me, unerringly.

His gaze carried an intensely provocative defiance, so sharp it made my heart jolt, breath catching in my throat.

He parted his lips slightly, silently mouthing the same line the God of Wine was reciting—

Shaw [in a low husky voice 🫣]: Tell me, what kind of wine will you choose to drink?

I no longer cared which wine those gods had chosen.

My entire world had narrowed down to nothing but Shaw’s defiant smile

and those piercingly bright eyes that felt like a jolt of electricity.

I knew exactly what my choice was.

—

Although Shaw only played a background character, with that impossibly good-looking face and his impeccable silent acting during the banquet scene, he still gained a bit of popularity on the campus confession wall.

After the official performance of the stage play, thanks to its fresh concept and solid, well-crafted script, it became a big hit at the cultural festival.

Adam: Guys, look what I’ve found again!

The next second, a link popped up next to Adam’s profile picture.

I clicked on it—and sure enough.

[I’m still thinking about The Gods even after getting back to the dorm. That background actor with the blue-purple hair was way too handsome—can someone help me find his contact info?]

Within seconds, the post had replies.

[Another one has fallen.]

[Ignorance is bliss.]

[Ignorance is bliss +1]

[Fine, I’ll be the kind one here. He’s a legend from the history department—won’t say the name, but ask around and you’ll know.

This guy’s got a terrible temper, rarely attends big lectures, always wandering around outside. Basically, don’t expect to bump into him on campus.]

Seeing that, I couldn’t help but press my lips into a smile.

And just then, an even more outrageous comment popped up.

[Just to add—don’t even think about dating him. Rumor has it he’s been kept by some rich lady for ages. Tsk tsk, total pretty boy!]

I finally couldn’t hold it in and burst out laughing.

MC [burst out laughing]: Hahahahaha!

Everyone in the Isolated group chat was gleefully spamming reaction stickers.

Suddenly, a slender hand reached out and snatched the phone from my grasp.

I looked up—only to see a certain so-called “pretty boy” tapping the voice message button with a cold expression on his face.

Shaw [with gritted teeth]: Don’t you all have anything better to do? Shaw: If anyone hits a wrong note during tonight’s live rehearsal, just wait and see.

The once lively stream of notifications fell dead silent in an instant.

Shaw handed the phone back to me, and I pouted.

MC: You sent that voice message using my account.

Shaw: Why not?

He leaned over the sofa, bracing himself with one hand as he looked down at me, voice lowering.

Shaw [AHHH HE'S LOW SEXY VOICE x1]: What, does the sugar mama want to keep our relationship underground now? MC [blushing hard]: Nonsense!

My face flushed red in an instant. I reached out to push Shaw away, but he caught my wrist.

With a firm tug, he pulled me close—so close that we could see our reflections in each other’s eyes.

I instinctively tried to look away, but Shaw wouldn’t let me. He leaned in, his face following mine, refusing to let me escape.

Shaw [x2]: What are you getting flustered for? Weren’t you very entertained watching me get roasted just now?

MC [flustered]: I—I wasn’t laughing at you... MC [changing the subject]: Everyone was just reading posts praising how handsome you are.

His direct gaze unsettled me, and I couldn’t help trying to regain the upper hand—my words came out a bit faster.

MC: If anyone’s flustered, it’s you, isn’t it?

Shaw: Me? What would I be flustered about? MC: I’ve noticed it already. These past few days, every time Adam and the others share a confession wall post praising you, you get super awkward. MC: But when fans praise Shaw, you don’t react like that at all. MC: Could it be because the students are praising your looks, while the fans praise your talent? And you want to win people over with— Ow! Shaw, you hit my forehead again!

I covered my head, glaring at him in protest.

Shaw didn’t flinch under my indignation—instead, a faint, helpless smile curled at the corners of his lips.

Shaw [sighs]: Because you’re too dumb. Shaw: Why would I care about winning them over? Even if they praise me a hundred times, it means nothing to me.

As he spoke, a subtle flicker of something expectant stirred in his eyes— and all at once, I seemed to understand.

He never cared about the outside world.

The only thing he cared about was...

A warm, tender feeling welled quietly in my chest. I leaned in—and gently kissed the corner of his lips.

I’ve long been conquered by Shaw.

He froze for a moment, the corners of his lips involuntarily curving upward—

but he quickly forced it down, masking it with a casually smug tone.

Shaw [in a husky voice x1]: That’s it? Shaw [x2]: Go study how everyone else compliments me.

How could someone be this petty and this greedy?

Staring into his eyes, brimming with mischief, my heartbeat quickened.

I cleared my throat on purpose.

MC: I’m not copying them. I have my own way.

Our breaths mingled once more, and in the space between that fragile closeness, I softly murmured the line that had originally been written for Shaw to speak in The Gods:

MC: What hath night to do with sleep? MC: Night hath better sweets to prove.

Shaw smiled in satisfaction, and softly echoed the final line.

Shaw [OH MY GOD HIS ENGLISH VOICE IS CHEF KISS!!]: Venus now wakes, and waken Love.

—