25. 'Slipped'

*Qin Shan POV

When Song Meng asked me if he could help me with the winter project, I think my heart stopped beating for a second. He wants to help me now? After all he has said, all has revealed to me he still chooses to help me with something. I'm impressed.

He meets me - or rather surprises me during the beginning of third class and we get started. For such a dark and gloomy guy, he seems to have some really great ideas that will really brighten up the artwork. And what surprises me the most is that he is actually very proficient at sketching. I find myself pausing just watch his pale, nimble fingers dance across the canvas in an enticing way.

Too soon class is over and we look at the sketch on our canvas.

"Looks like like I'm going to have to come back tomorrow." Song Meng exclaims in mock disappointment.

"I'm looking forward to it." I automatically say then cringe back. Shoot. That was something that I was thinking and now, well, now he knows. I try to cover my mouth but it is too late.

He doesn't press so we exit the classroom. Outside it is snowing. In November. In Hong Kong. Wow. The small droplets make me sigh in delight. They are so beautiful and I can not resist the urge to go and just let loose for a little bit.

Song Meng watches me in amusement for a few minutes before coming over to join me. He looks truly happy and I find myself smiling wider and wider. The small little puffs of ice swish around and fall lightly. While other kids are running between classes trying to get inside, we embrace the cold.

The gazebo in this time is icy, it looks almost magical. I step onto the hard wood and nearly slip on the ice.

"Woah" I say as I notice I am suddenly in Song Meng's arms.

"You need to be more careful." He says with mock annoyance. I smile.

"Yes sir." He smiles too.

The view from the gazebo is lovely, overlooking the campus, we see an icy scene. There are few people out and the sun is just starting to peek through some of the clouds. I want to capture the moment so badly.

Song Meng seems to feel the same

"Do you want to take a picture with me?" He asks shyly and I give him a look.

"Sure!" I say and we take multiple selfies with our phones. His face shows rare signs of warmth as we progress through our mini photo shoot.

"These are really good." I can't help but say as I stare at the pictures on his phone. "Make sure that you send all of them to me okay!" I say and he nods, amused.

"Let's go back now so you don't catch a cold." Song Meng looks over at my not to heavy clothing and takes hold of hand, guiding me back through the icy courtyard. His hand is really warm - what a contrast to the icy world around us.

"You're wearing less than I am" I murmur quietly but he hears me and grins. His smile makes me feel a little bit warmer just by itself.

We seperate and go to the dorms.

I can't stop thinking about Song Meng when I get inside. Huan is already there and is making instant noodles for herself while scrolling through something on her phone.

"ShanShan, you and Senior Song are all over the campus forum you know." She looks up at me and gestures to her phone. I go to the campus forum immediately and am stunned, there are pictures of us walking together and frolicking in the snow. I can't help the warm blush that comes to my cheeks.

'New Campus Couple?!' is the title of one post. I look at it and see that some of the girls in other dorms have been starting this gossip about us. Surprisingly, I find out that I don't really mind. 'Snap out of it' I say to myself. 'You and Song Meng are not together.' I repeat that over and over to myself and every time, I begin to feel that I want to be with him more.

"W-we aren't a couple." I say to Huan who has been analyzing my reaction. She looks incredulous then rolls her eyes.

"Well you better start dating soon then." I flush and then counter

"Yes, you and Senior Wu He as well then." She blushes and I know that her teasing is done for for the day.

"I wonder if Song Meng has seen the news on the forum." Huan murmurs, a look of anticipation in her eyes.

"Gosh I hope not. But he's not the type to be interested in things like that." I say looking a little bashful. He really isn't but I want to know his reaction.

"Sigh, good night Huan." I say. Today has been a long day and I want rest.

The next morning---

I text Song Meng and ask to meet him in front of the building for our first class. After a few minutes, there is no reply. I end up waiting in front of the building until just a few minutes before class starts before deciding to go in and text Wu He instead.

"Wu He, is Song Meng doing okay? Why isn't he at class or answering my texts?" His response comes quickly.

"He isn't feeling well today." Huh? I guess vampires get sick then too.

"Thank you, can I visit him later?" I respond as quickly as possible.

"Sure ;)" Wu He texts back. I laugh at the winky face emoji.

"Okie" I reply and then go sit in my seat and try to survive the rest of class.