Away

Chen Kaori did not have the chance to ask Su Lianghao as he became nowhere to be found.

She looked at the hand being offered to her then she saw classmates starting to occupy the dance floor.

'Chen Kaori, this is what you want, right?' she asked herself.

'But, aren't you determined to give up your fantasy of being with him?' she answered her thought.

"Chen Kaori..." He Zifeng snapped her from the thoughts. "...I'm sorry for making you feel those things. Could you give me a chance to make up for it? Can I start with this dance?"

Chen Kaori looked up from his hand to his face.

His face still had an awkwardness to it, but his expression was gentle, in contrast to his usual coldness.

She slowly gave her hand, landing her palm on his.

She could swear she saw a hint of smile on his face before he led her to the dance floor.

They bowed to each other, then the music started.

As if it was the most natural thing, He Zifeng held her by the waist, his other hand still clasping hers.

They danced as rehearsed, by it felt like they had been partners all along.

"He Zifeng..." she whispered to his ear when the steps allowed her.

"Hmm?" he acknowledged.

"A-after the dance, I promise to stay away from you." Chen Kaori did a good job in keeping her voice from breaking.

He Zifeng was shocked that he stopped moving.

Chen Kaori bowed towards him, indicating it was the end of the dance. She then tried to slip her hand away from his, but he suddenly tightened his grip on her.

"No..." he barely said.

Chen Kaori looked around, a bit conscious as people dispersed from the dance floor.

People will notice their awkward moment once they are the only ones left.

He Zifeng noticed her uneasiness and dragged her all the way to the garden adjacent the hall.

"He Zifeng, my wrist hurts!" Chen Kaori complained, trying to free herself from his grip.

He Zifeng pulled her towards his face.

"Chen Kaori, how dare you say that!" he said with gritted teeth.

"I mean it!" she snapped back at him.

"You just failed to be my date! Now you wanna ignore me! How petty can you be?!"

He expected her to be teary-eyed, to break down and admit she was wrong to say what she said.

Instead, she looked calm the next moment.

However, her eyes are sad even without the tears he was expecting.

"Petty? I wanna stop being petty. That's why I'm staying away from you. This is what you wanted, right? To get rid of me...annoying little me. Then maybe you could finally court someone to be your girlfriend. At least people will stop misunderstanding." she explained.

He Zifeng's frown deepened. "How...what...what about my parents? They would still wanna invite you to come over. Are you gonna reject them because I live there?" he tried to reason out.

"Don't worry. I know how to politely reject an invitation." Chen Kaori had a sad smile.

'He Zifeng, even if your parents wanted me for you, it will not work if you don't want me.' she continued in her mind.

"No! I cannot accept that! If you ignore me, I will pester you!" he cannot keep his cool.

"He Zifeng, you are not patient when it comes to this. I know you'll give up soon, if you even try to do what you say. If that's all you will say, I'll be on my way." Chen Kaori turned away from him, taking advantage of his loosened grip.

Suddenly, a pair of shaking arms wrapped her arms and torso.

"You cannot go away."