Chapter 2: Where Feelings Linger

Spring had passed, giving way to the sweltering summer winds. The Dan Vu High School campus, under the scorching sun, still retained the vibrant energy of student life. The lush green leaves seemed to sway in the breeze, as if dancing merrily with each other. Like any other morning, the atmosphere around was bustling with the laughter and chatter of students. But Minh Hoang still felt that there was something special about today.

Today, everything was as usual, but he couldn't stop thinking about Thanh Khai. The gentle "thank you" from yesterday, though just a short sentence, held a deep meaning in Minh Hoang's eyes. "Thank you." It was the phrase that made his heart suddenly race, but it was also the only thing that kept him from forgetting Thanh Khai.

He couldn't stop thinking about him. No matter how cold Thanh Khai was, no matter how sharp-tongued he was, to Minh Hoang, he was still the only person who made his heart flutter. Minh Hoang knew that he couldn't control his emotions. But perhaps, in these moments, he didn't want to control anything, just wanted to live in this feeling.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out, pulling Minh Hoang back to reality: "Minh Hoang, come over here for a moment!"

Ngoc Han, his close friend who was always by his side, was waving from the end of the hallway. Minh Hoang was startled, then immediately stood up and walked towards her.

"What's the matter, Han?" Minh Hoang asked, trying to keep his composure as he walked.

Ngoc Han looked at him with a knowing smile, her face showing that she knew everything. "You secretly like Thanh Khai, don't you?"

Minh Hoang blushed, hurriedly turning away. "You don't have to say it so loud."

Ngoc Han's smile grew even brighter. "I know. Don't hide it anymore, I've seen it all. But... how are you going to get him to notice you?"

Minh Hoang lowered his head, his eyes full of sadness. "I don't know, Han. He's too perfect, too far away... I'm just an ordinary student, how can I get him to pay attention to me?"

Ngoc Han patted him on the shoulder, her eyes full of encouragement. "You may not be perfect, but I believe you can get him to notice you. Never give up, Minh Hoang. If you don't try, how will you know?"

Minh Hoang looked up at Ngoc Han, managing a faint smile. "Thank you, Han. But I don't know if I have the courage to try."

"Of course you have the courage," Ngoc Han replied, her eyes shining with confidence. "As long as you're determined, everything will be fine."

Her words were like a glimmer of light in the darkness, igniting hope in Minh Hoang's heart. He knew that if he didn't try, he would never have a chance. However, his heart was still full of worries. Would Thanh Khai ever see him as someone special? Could he understand the secret feelings that he had hidden for so long?

Just at this moment, Thanh Khai, who was standing nearby, quietly observed the conversation between the two. Although he always maintained a cold expression, there was a strange concern hidden in his eyes. It was truly impossible to understand Thanh Khai, as his eyes always seemed to be looking outwards, but they seemed to see through everyone around him.

As soon as Ngoc Han turned away, Thanh Khai approached Minh Hoang, making him jump. "I want to ask you a favor."

Minh Hoang raised his head, his eyes surprised. "You need my help?"

Thanh Khai didn't answer immediately, but instead reached up to smooth his hair, his cold face revealing a hint of gentleness. "Copy my notes for me one more time. I didn't have time to do them yesterday."

Minh Hoang's heart suddenly beat faster. Once again, the request from Thanh Khai was like a drug that he couldn't refuse. He hurriedly nodded, sat down and began to write for him.

Thanh Khai sat down next to him, saying nothing more. The atmosphere between the two was quiet, but full of warmth. Minh Hoang felt like he was living in a dream. With each passing second, he felt his feelings for Thanh Khai grow stronger. Even though those feelings were not reciprocated, he still couldn't stop dreaming of a day when Thanh Khai would turn to look at him the way he had looked at him.

When the notes were finished, Thanh Khai stood up, uttering a short sentence: "Thank you."

Minh Hoang watched him, feeling his heart pounding. Thank you. It was his words, though simple, but it was the most precious thing to Minh Hoang.

He sat there, watching Thanh Khai's figure gradually disappear behind the door. Although he didn't know what the future held, Minh Hoang had decided that no matter how painful it was, he would continue on this path. Because love is a journey, and he would not give up, no matter how difficult it may be.

Today, like any other day, but in Minh Hoang's heart, everything had changed. He was no longer just someone who silently watched Thanh Khai, but now, he had begun to take action. He would do everything to be able to get closer to the person his heart had chosen.