#liwei

You walked up to your desk by the window, and put the bouquet down on it. It's vibrant colors stark against the more natural and grey colors in your room. Staring at it, you still couldn't push down the anxious thoughts. Maybe you were overthinking things. It was just a gesture, a weird one, sure—but people sent flowers all the time. Right?

But still, how was he able to find out where your dorm room was? Your friends wouldn't tell a stranger, but what if he presented himself as a friend? No way though, they.. they're not that gullible, right?

Sitting on your chair and leaning back, you rub your temples harshly— you sighed. Maybe you're reading too much into this. Li Wei’s just… awkward. He was friendly in class, with the occasional side glances at you and the staring you feel burning at the back of your head when he doesn't get a seat next to you, always offering to help and chat. Lots of people were like that. He probably didn’t mean to be so intense.

Still, the memory of his desperate plea in the library made your stomach twist, were people usually that... desperate? You let a thought surface up again, maybe he was lonely? But the way he has people throwing themselves at him—!

Haah....

Maybe a shower would help you clear your head. Yeah, that’s what you need. A shower, some tea, and maybe a distraction like a movie. You grabbed your things and headed to the bathroom, shaking off the creeping unease.

The hot water was grounding, the steady stream drowning out your thoughts for a while. But as you stepped out and wrapped yourself in a towel, a flash of memory surfaced—his wide smile, the way his eyes lingered on you a little too long.

You’re just being paranoid, you told yourself, clutching the towel tighter. He’s not dangerous. Just… weird, odd, strange! Lots of people are.

You let yourself relax in the shower a bit longer than usual, you needed this.

Returning to your room, you noticed something odd. The bouquet wasn’t where you left it. You stopped in the doorway, heart pounding.

"Haha..." you laughed nervously, stepping closer. It was now on the corner of your desk instead of the center, like it had been moved ever so slightly. You could’ve sworn you didn’t touch it.

You stared at the bouquet for another moment before shaking your head. I must’ve been tired when I put it there.

Your eyes darted to the locked window. It was shut tight. The door? Also locked. You exhaled shakily. Yea, I’m tired. That’s all.

Meanwhile, outside your dorm building, Li Wei had settled himself on a bench under a streetlamp. He was wearing a black hoodie and some sweatpants, making him hard to see from afar unless you were to really stare right at him.

His phone was in his hand, but his gaze flicked up to your window now and then. His ever-present smile was in place, yet his fingers gripped the phone tightly, knuckles pale.

"She’s just shy," he muttered, tapping the side of the phone against his palm. "It’s cute, really. But why does she keep looking at me like that? Like I’m…"

He paused, jaw tightening before forcing himself to exhale.

No, you liked him. You just didn’t realize it yet. He’d show you—he was perfect for you.

You were even staring at him in his volleyball match! Granted you didn't really come to the other ones he played in but— you.. you like him right? If you don't, maybe he'll have to try a more... violent pushy method.

His inner frustration bubbled, threatening to crack his calm facade. It wasn’t fair, really. He’d done everything right, hadn’t he? He’d smiled, kept things light. Wasn’t he patient enough? Sweet enough?

The sound of his ringtone broke his thoughts. He answered without checking the caller ID, his tone sharp. "What?"

"Whoa, dude, you okay?" a voice crackled on the other end. It was Jian, his volleyball teammate.

Li Wei closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. "Yeah, fine. Just tired. What’s up?"

"Just checking in, man. You missed practice again. Coach isn’t thrilled."

"Mm," Li Wei replied absently, his focus drifting back to your window. The faint glow of your desk lamp illuminated your silhouette. "I’ll be there tomorrow."

"Sure. Oh, hey, still coming to the team dinner this weekend?"

Li Wei’s lips twitched into a smile. "Of course."

Jian laughed. "Good. Don’t ghost us again, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," Li Wei muttered, hanging up. His patience was thinning, and his usually playful demeanor teetered on the edge of breaking. But he swallowed it down, standing up from the bench and slipping his phone into his pocket.

As he pocketed his phone, his gaze flicked back to your window. His smile returned, but his jaw clenched so tightly his teeth ached.

"Tomorrow," he murmured to himself, forcing the tension out of his shoulders. "Tomorrow, she’ll see. She just needs a little more convincing" What an oblivious doe you are.