Chapter 12: You’re the First One Who’s Led Me Astray

I never would have imagined the word skipping class would come out of Zhi Nian’s mouth.

If Zhi Nian knew what I was thinking at this moment, she’d probably blush and quietly scold me, ‘Don’t stereotype me anymore’.

If anyone’s to blame, it’s the young Zhi Nian for being too conservative.

The reason we fell out back then was because she refused to tell me she was being bullied.

When our views diverged, naturally we parted ways.

But now… it’s still too early to say.

We’re starting fresh, and my judgment of Zhi Nian needs to build up little by little—I can’t jump to conclusions.

Maybe Zhi Nian really can surprise me.

Back in the classroom, my phone buzzed with a message—a reminder. Several more messages followed quickly after.

Heh, is she afraid I’ll stand her up? I don’t think I’ve ever blown her off, have I?

Thinking back on all our interactions, I may have been late sometimes, but I always showed up within the expected time.

If it were someone else, maybe they’d be annoyed by Zhi Nian’s fussiness, but I’m pretty used to it.

Maybe it’s just my personality?

I’m roughly a laid-back person, though my mom often complains I don’t have the energy someone my age should have.

I may have been a total delinquent in middle school, but I never skipped class, and my so-called ‘friends’ always mocked me for that.

Anyway… let’s give it a try. I’m curious about how it feels to skip class.

It’s like plucking a forbidden fruit, a sense of guilt spreading in my heart.

I can’t tell if it’s excitement or an addiction.

* * * * *

“Mm… my stomach really hurts…”

“Alright, rest up. If you need to ask for leave again this afternoon, just message me.”

After receiving the leave slip, I stepped out of the office with my tail happily raised and ears perked.

Strictly speaking, this isn’t really skipping class; at most, it’s pretending to be sick and asking for leave.

But to me, faking illness and sneaking out of class feel equally serious and equally thrilling.

Walking down the now-empty hallway after class started, I ignored the glances from inside the classroom and calmly headed for the stairs, then towards the small shop off campus we had agreed on.

When I sent the invitation, I couldn’t help but worry that Gu Fan would refuse and recalling that moment made me a bit nervous.

But since Gu Fan agreed to skip class with me, he must really care about me, right?

Although there are rumours that Gu Fan used to be a super bully, from what I’ve observed these days, his daily behaviour isn’t much different from a good student.

And such an outstanding Gu Fan is actually willing to do bad things with me…

“Hehe.”

I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Quickly scanning my surroundings, I toned down my expression.

After handing the leave slip to the guard and leaving school without trouble, I slowed my pace hesitantly, staring expectantly at the small shop’s entrance.

But… no one was there?

Had Gu Fan hesitated?

That can’t be— I’d sent him several reminders just now, and we agreed on a meetup time in the empty classroom too.

Could it be that he regretted it?

Or maybe he got annoyed by my nagging like some old lady, and out of spite decided not to come?

No, no… that can’t be. Gu Fan isn’t that careless.

If he said yes, he’ll definitely show up. There’s no way he’d disappoint me.

I gripped my backpack straps tightly, lowering my head, pressing my lips together and grinding them, my tail impatiently flicking the ground.

Nothing around me could hold my attention; the sweet smell of milk tea drifting from inside the shop only made me feel sick.

This feeling… I’ve had it before.

When I was little and Gu Fan invited me out to play, I was always early, but he was always right on time.

Being punctual is good, but it always left me feeling empty inside, like I had given so much but was casually brushed aside.

“Phew—”

“Whoa!”

Lost in thought, a sudden gust of air hit my cat ears, and the unexpected tingling made me jump on the spot.

I quickly turned my head and found Gu Fan smiling at me.

“Ugh… Gu Fan! Why are you bullying me?!”

I was genuinely angry — scaring me like that without warning.

I bared my teeth in a rare show of ferocity, trying to sound fierce.

But Gu Fan was unbothered, as if everything was going exactly how he expected.

“Sorry, sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. Want me to make it up by petting your head?”

“Huh?!”

Was Gu Fan about to show his true ‘big boss’ side?

I froze. The smile on his face seemed to hold endless mischief.

At that moment, I finally understood why others thought Gu Fan was a bully.

“N-No way. I’m not the type of catgirl who wants to be touched, and cats aren’t even the same species as catgirls.”

I sounded way too nervous and weak, like I was making excuses instead of sounding tough.

I tugged at my shirt hem, lowering my lashes, trying to hide the flicker of doubt in my eyes so Gu Fan wouldn’t find another chance to tease me.

If we weren’t so distant, I might’ve actually given in to him—after all, with these cat ears, being petted really does feel nice.

“Hmph, alright, I won’t tease you anymore.”

Gu Fan said, then calmly walked into the milk tea shop.

The clerk behind the counter handed him two plastic bags, each holding a cup of milk tea.

“Hey, when did you buy these?” I quietly asked, following behind him.

“I already ordered them in the classroom. Phones are really convenient.”

“Ah…”

Looks like I was pretty clueless. I’ve used a phone for over three years, but besides calling and texting, I barely know how to use its other functions.

“By the way, do you mind drinking milk tea?”

“It’s fine, I actually like it.”

I tend to like anything sweet.

Gu Fan inserted the straws and handed me a cup of red bean milk tea. It felt warm and comforting when I held it with both hands.

“I wasn’t sure when you’d get here, so to be safe, I ordered a warm one. If you don’t like it, you can have my cold one.”

“What do you mean by ‘that’?”

I didn’t quite catch what Gu Fan meant in the first half of that sentence, so I only responded to the second part.

“No, no, red beans are delicious, and warm milk tea is great too. It’s good for the stomach.”

To prove my point, I took a few big sips—then stuck out my tongue because it was too hot.

“Heh, drink slowly, it’s freshly made and still pretty hot.”

“Mm.”

After my little embarrassing moment, I felt shy to say much else and just nodded quietly.

That small moment passed, and my mood softened with the warmth of the milk tea.

I followed Gu Fan, wandering aimlessly through the streets.

Our pace was slow and casual, naturally matching each other’s strides and distance without effort.

I took advantage of this quiet time enjoying my milk tea to secretly observe the boy beside me.

The shade of the roadside trees scattered sunlight into patches of light that danced across Gu Fan’s face, flowing gently like a paused video resuming.

I wanted to blow all those little spots away in one breath.

Speaking of which, Gu Fan really seemed calm… Is this his first time skipping class?

For some reason, I found myself strangely fixated on ‘first times’.

I wasn’t sure if everyone felt that way—being the one to lead someone else into an uncharted experience, or maybe sharing the thrill of trying a forbidden thing together…