The afternoon sun slipped gently through the window of the Sang family home, painting warm patterns across the living room floor. The house was unusually quiet.
Sixteen-year-old Sang Zhi sat at the dining table with her homework spread out in front of her. Her pencil tapped lightly against the page as she stared at a math problem she had already solved ten minutes ago. Her mind wasn't on studying.
She was waiting.
From outside the house came the faint sound of footsteps and laughter. Sang Zhi instantly looked up.
The front door opened.
Her older brother, Sang Yan, walked in casually, tossing his backpack onto the couch.
Behind him stood someone Sang Zhi had never seen before.
He was tall, wearing a simple white shirt and dark jeans. His expression was relaxed, yet his eyes carried a calm warmth that made him look gentle and approachable.
"This is my friend," Sang Yan said lazily as he pointed behind him. "He's staying here for a bit."
The boy stepped forward politely.
"Hello," he said with a small smile.
Sang Zhi felt something strange happen in her chest. It was as if the air suddenly became lighter, and her heart beat a little faster than usual.
"This is my sister," Sang Yan added.
The boy nodded kindly.
"My name is Duan Jiaxu."
Sang Zhi froze for a moment.
She quickly stood up, trying to act normal, though her fingers nervously gripped the edge of the table.
"H-Hello…"
Her voice came out quieter than she expected.
Duan Jiaxu smiled gently, the kind of smile that made people feel comfortable without even trying.
"You're in high school?" he asked.
She nodded quickly.
"Study hard," he said in a light teasing tone. "Your brother definitely didn't."
Sang Yan immediately protested from the couch.
"Hey! Don't ruin my image in front of my sister."
The room filled with laughter.
But Sang Zhi barely heard it.
For some reason, her attention stayed on the boy standing near the doorway.
She had no idea that this ordinary meeting—this small moment in an ordinary afternoon—would quietly plant a secret deep inside her heart.
A secret she would carry for many years.
A hidden love.