Chapter Twenty: Confession

In their third period class, the teacher, with a stern figure with a passion for science, gazed at Yue with a glint of admiration in his eyes. "Yue, can you demonstrate the excellent understanding of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. I believe you can help the class visualize the concept more effectively."

Yue, caught off guard by the unexpected spotlight, nodded hesitantly. The teacher then turned his attention to Alex. "Alex, please join Yue at the front. Let's have a collaborative demonstration."

As Alex made his way to the front, whispers rippled through the class. The unexpected pairing of Yue and Alex for a physics demonstration fueled the intrigue that had already surrounded them since the morning. Haoran and the others exchanged excited glances, sensing that this would add another layer to the ongoing drama.

Yue, standing by the whiteboard, shot a quizzical glance at the teacher. "What are we doing, sir?"

The teacher, smiling, handed both Yue and Alex a couple of small spheres. "We're going to illustrate gravitational attraction. Now you two... stand facing each other and hold these spheres at chest level."

As Yue and Alex positioned themselves, the class watched in anticipation. The teacher explained, "Now, imagine these spheres represent celestial bodies, and you're going to demonstrate how gravitational force pulls them toward each other."

Yue, trying to maintain his stoic demeanor, held the sphere in front of him. Alex, standing opposite, mirrored the action. The teacher continued, "Now, slowly move the spheres closer together."

As the spheres inched closer, the class held its collective breath. The symbolic demonstration of gravitational attraction took on a metaphorical significance, capturing the attention of everyone in the room.

The teacher, seizing the teachable moment, elaborated, "Just like these spheres, celestial bodies in space experience a force of attraction. This force is what keeps planets in orbit around the sun and the moon around the Earth."

Yue, engrossed in the lesson, glanced at Alex, who was fully focused on the demonstration. Their synchronized movements, though initially awkward, began to convey a sense of unity and harmony, unintentionally reflecting the unseen gravitational pull that seemed to connect them.

The teacher concluded, "Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation applies not only to the cosmos but also to the connections we form. The force that brings people together can be just as powerful."

A wave of surprise rippled through the classroom at Teacher Li's unexpected question. She couldn't resist a sly grin as she continued, "Now, I've heard some intriguing rumors lately. Yue and Alex, care to enlighten us? Is there any scientific love brewing between you two in the realm of Newton's Law?"

The room fell into a momentary hush as Teacher Li's question hung in the air, and the students eagerly awaited Yue's response. The rumors about Yue and Alex had been circulating through the grapevine, fueled by sightings and whispered conversations. All eyes were on Yue, who maintained his calm facade despite the unexpected question.

Yue, with his characteristic cool demeanor, looked directly at Teacher Li. "Teacher, I believe the law of universal gravitation doesn't account for personal relationships. It's a scientific principle that explains the attraction between masses, not individuals."

A collective murmur rippled through the classroom, but Teacher Li, undeterred, pressed on. "True, Yue, but sometimes scientific laws intersect with the complexities of human experience. For instance, if you were to apply Newton's law metaphorically, considering the gravitational pull between you and someone else, what would you say?"

Yue's hazel eyes flickered for a moment, a subtle hint of surprise at the directness of the question. "Metaphorically, I suppose gravitational forces between individuals can exist, but that doesn't necessarily equate to a romantic connection."

A few students exchanged glances, interpreting Yue's words in various ways. The rumor mill, now fueled by the live interaction between Teacher Li and Yue, continued to churn. The class, though ostensibly studying physics, found themselves unwitting participants in the unfolding drama.

Alex, standing next to Yue, couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, Teacher Li, if you want a metaphor, let's just say gravity brought us together. But don't read too much into it; we're just friends."

Amid the lingering whispers and sidelong glances, Alex couldn't resist injecting a dose of humor into the situation. Raising his hand with a theatrical flair, he quipped, "Well, if there's any scientific love in the air, Teacher Li, maybe it's because Yue and I are just irresistibly attracted to each other's intellect. You know, the gravitational pull of our genius brains."

The class burst into laughter, and even Teacher Li couldn't stifle a chuckle. The tension dissipated, replaced by a lighter atmosphere. Alex's playful remark managed to navigate the delicate terrain of the rumors, offering a comedic spin that left everyone in stitches.

Returning to their seats, Yue and Alex settled into their routine, a mix of shared glances and subtle camaraderie that had become their trademark. The classroom, still buzzing with the aftermath of Teacher Li's unexpected inquiry, simmered with a newfound energy.

Yue raised an eyebrow at Alex, his signature expression of mild amusement. "Well, that was unexpected. Newton's law and our supposed gravitational forces? Really?"

Alex grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Hey, it's Teacher Li. She's always been a bit quirky. Gotta keep things interesting."

Yue scoffed, "Interesting, or nosy? I can't believe she dragged us into this gravitational drama."

Alex nudged him playfully, "Come on, it's not every day our friendship gets the spotlight. We're practically celebrities now."

Yue rolled his eyes, "Hard pass on that. I'd rather not be the talk of the school."

Alex chuckled, "Too late for that, my friend. The rumor mill is in full swing. 'Yue and Alex, the gravitational buddies.'"

Yue smirked, "Sounds like a terrible superhero duo. We need better marketing."

Alex pointed a finger at him, "Maybe we should embrace it. Get matching capes, strike heroic poses. You know, lean into the whole gravitational force thing."

Yue shot him a deadpan look, "Absolutely not. I'm not parading around in a cape for the sake of a school rumor."

Alex sighed dramatically, "Fine, ruin all my superhero dreams. But seriously, this is nothing. I've handled worse than this rumors."

Yue sighed, relenting a bit, "Same as me I've survived worse. But I'd rather not be the protagonist in Teacher Li's impromptu romantic saga."

Alex grinned mischievously, "Who knows? Maybe it'll boost our social status. We could become the power couple of high school physics."

Yue gave him an incredulous look, "Power couple? In physics? Seriously, Alex?"

Alex laughed, "Hey, you never know. We could be pioneers in a new kind of scientific celebrity."

Break arrive and Alex scanned the crowded lunch area, searching for Yue among the sea of students. Haoran, Feng, and Xiao were engrossed in their conversation, enjoying their meal, but Alex couldn't spot his man.

Frowning, Alex asked the group, "Hey, have any of you seen Yue around? I can't find him anywhere."

Haoran looked up from his lunch, "Yue? Nah, haven't seen him. Maybe he's off studying."

Feng chimed in, "Yeah, Yue's like a lone wolf during lunch. He's probably enjoying some quiet time somewhere."

Xiao added, "You know how he is, man."

Alex smile, "True, true. I guess I'll just have to find him, kay thanks guys bye!". As Alex continued his quest to find Yue, he couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity about where his friend chose to spend his lunch break.

Alex entered the classroom, spotting Yue calmly enjoying his simple lunch of chocolate milk and bread. However, the atmosphere shifted when a girl from a lower grade bravely approached Yue with a determined look on her face.

Confessing her feelings, the girl said, "Yue, I've been meaning to tell you something. I really like you, and I was wondering if you'd consider going out with me."

Yue, maintaining his composure, looked at her and replied, "I appreciate your honesty, but I'm not looking for a relationship right now. Let's just remain friends."

The girl, slightly disappointed of Yue's response, nodded but the determined girl, unwilling to accept defeat, turned back and declared, "I won't give up that easily, Yue.". However, Alex, witnessing the scene, couldn't hold back. Stepping forward, he declared, "Yue can't date anyone; he's already taken."

Yue shot Alex a surprised glance, not expecting his friend to intervene. The girl looked confused, "Taken? By who?"

Alex, in a somewhat childish but possessive manner, chimed in, "He's mine. You can try, but you'll never succeed."

Yue, caught in the middle of this unexpected rivalry, couldn't help but roll his eyes at Alex's protective antics. "Alex, you're making it sound like I'm some kind of prized possession."

Alex shrugged, "Well, aren't you?"

Yue sighed, "Let's not turn my love life into a battleground, okay? I can handle it."

As the girl walked away, seemingly undeterred by Alex's claims, the two friends exchanged a glance. Alex, with a mischievous grin, remarked, "You know, it's kinda fun having someone fight over you."

Yue shot him a deadpan look, "This isn't a game, Alex."

This unexpected twist left the girl bewildered, and she retreated, leaving Alex and Yue in a peculiar situation. As the door closed behind her, Alex turned to Yue, raising an eyebrow, "What? It was the quickest way to get her off your case."

Yue sighed, "You have a knack for making things interesting, don't you?"

Alex grinned, "Just spicing up our high school drama, Yue. Just spicing it up."