He's too distant, what to do?

A week smoothly passed as Zhang Wang Lei immersed himself in his role as a student. He doesn't know where it came from but he's enjoying browsing his academic books and actually studying them. He didn't know that a day will come when he will actually enjoy the torture of studying.

"High school is a breeze compared to college...ha...Eung!" He arched his back and listen to the beautiful music of his bones cracking. Crossing his arms above the table, He watched the other students as they cross the huge quadrangle of the school. Currently, it is homeroom and they were tasked to do self-study.

"Excuse me. Can I know what activity you did yesterday at Philosophy?"

Zhang Wang Lei's ears perked up as he heard the familiar soft deep voice. A small smile bloomed on his lips as he turn around. A young man stood silently in the seat beside him while clutching the straps of his messenger bag.

"Charles! Of course, wait a minute—" He grinned and took a black notebook, he offered it to the now sitting Charles. "We did some activity exercises in Lesson 4, we answered the assessment on pages 45-46. All of the activities are written there." Zhang Wang Lei watched how Charles look at him indifferently and said thanks and sorry for disturbing him. He waved his hand dismissively.

"Ah, It's okay, you're absent yesterday. It's understandable."

"....thanks."

Charles took out his own notebook and began to copy the content of the black notebook. Zhang Wang Lei three a quick glance before speaking again. "Why were you absent yesterday? I mean....ah..." Don't he sound nosy? The wrong question, try another one.

"Ahm, do you need a copy of all of the activities yesterday aside from philosophy? I have one." Zhang Wang Lei asks, about to take out his notebook and give it to Charles. Charles shook his head and refuse his offer.

"No need. I have already asked the teachers. Mr. Chang was not there and was absent so, I couldn't ask for the activity yesterday." Zhang Wang Lei slowly nodded, hissing in his teeth. Putting his bag in the previous position, he sat awkwardly but as if not being able to stand it, he spoke again,

He slurred his words as he realized Charles was not even paying attention to him and was simply nodding in agreement. "Great. You can ask me anything, you still have a favor from me, right? So, okay. I won't disturb you. Ah...good luck...." Zhang Wang Lei sighed, stepped back, pulled out his phone, and made the decision to play once more.

'It's been more than a week and he's still too distant to me. He's way close off than I thought.' Zhang Wang Lei inwardly sighed as he tried to focus on the game but was unable to.

[There's no time limit in this mission so, you could take your time in planning and getting a 100% rating.]

'There's a time limit in some world?'

[Yes.]

He pursed his lips and thought about the interactions between him and Charles. It's way too obvious that most of their conversation is one-sided, especially the enthusiasm.

A few minutes later, The teacher came in and the classes started. Charles gave the notebook back to him after the class ended. As their next subject is Physical Education, they're now heading to the locker to change into their gym clothes and head to the quadrangle.

"Ahhh...physical education...My muscle is still sore..."

"Same... I can't believe Ms. Wang made us run 3 times around the QUADRANGLE! Just how big the quadrangle is?!"

"Urgh.... I feel puking just remembering the torturous exercises."

The majority of the students are unhappy with the substitute teacher they had last Monday. Zhang Wang Lei strongly agrees that what they did was torture rather than exercise. But he had to admit it because he's still excited about the sports game that was announced today, and it's not just him who's excited and looking forward to it; almost the entire class is.

"Are we going to play dodgeball?'

"Badminton maybe? I saw some pulleys with rackets in it earlier."

"Ohhh... I hope we play dodge ball so I can legally smack Ling's face hehehe..."

"Same! I'll aim at the treasure trove bwahahah!"

"Yiee, so excited. I want to let out some steam since earlier gwaahh!"

Of course, amidst the excited chatter among the crowd and the boys. They're still some people who don't look forward to it but dreaded it, for example, Charles.

"Hmmm...I want to really play the game but I'll sweat and my asthma will... Urgh! Fudge, should I just excuse myself?" Charles mumbled, harshly tugging his own gym clothes. He's afraid that they'll say he's weak and high maintenance or such kill joy! He really wants to swear at himself for having such an annoying body.

"The clothes will get torn if you do that you know..."

As soon as he felt a warm person putting pressure on his back, his body tensed up. His pallid cheeks receive a warm airbrush that travels into his shoulder blades. A larger hand covered Charles' own hand and took the workout clothes out of his hand as he felt his hand being gradually pulled away from the clothing.

He raised his head and noticed an unpleasant face. He has no idea what this Zhang Wang Lei business is about, but it is quite annoying! Charles's cheeks grew crimson from a combination of rage, embarrassment, and irritation. He can't help but glare at the oblivious person who's dusting his clothes. How dense is he? Charles thought as he received the straighten somehow gym clothes.

As he was about to remove his school uniform, he felt a focused gaze on him. Seemingly knowing who it is, he threw a sarcastic remark.

"Haven't stared enough?" Zhang Wang Lei hummed, diverting his eyes away, speaking innocently. "Oh, sorry. I was admiring your body. Sorry." Zhang Wang Lei turn around and faced his own locker, removing and changing his clothes. While Charles felt his jaw drop in astonishment.

How...how...can he say it casually? Isn't it too weird to admire another man's body, openly?! Ah, seriously. Why does he care? Let him be if he wants to admire every man's body, ah. Charles let out a frustrated sigh as wore the gym clothes, hanging his uniform in his locker.

"Annoying..." Actually, Charles has no idea why he finds the lively Zhang Wang Lei so repulsive. On the other hand, the other doesn't give off bad vibes or have a bad personality; the guy is actually kind and sheepish. Zhang Wang Lei exudes a bright and warm aura that makes you want to gather around him and befriend him. With others, Charles can have a lengthy conversation and even crack a few jokes, but when it comes to him, things are awkward and still.

He knows it is his fault, not Zhang Wang Lei's. Should he initiate the conversation next time? Be nicer to him or at least pretend- Ugh. Why is he even bothering to consider it? He should stick to the present and just not make their relationship sour. After fixing up and assembling his things in the locker and went to the quadrangle first.