Introduction

Lui and Rose had been inseparable since their first day at Shanghai Secondary School. With the bustling city wrapping around them, they found solace in each other’s laughter, dreams, and adventures. From their secret hideout behind the old willow tree in Huaihai Park, where they concocted elaborate stories about their futures, to weekend afternoons spent exploring the vibrant streets of the city's markets, life was an endless tapestry of shared experiences.

Rose would often joke that she didn’t need a diary, for every laugh, every tear, and every whispered secret was woven into Lui’s memory like shimmering silk threads. Lui, with his easy smile and quick wit, was the peacekeeper, always ready to soothe Rose's worries with tales of their upcoming escapades. They were a perfect duo—her fierce determination complemented his laid-back charm, and together they were a force to be reckoned with.

As the years went by, they promised each other something important, something that made their bond even deeper: they would always protect one another from heartbreak and disappointment. Little did they know, the world outside their little bubble was preparing to challenge that vow.

Chapter One: A Beginning in Shanghai

The school bell rang, echoing through the hallways like a herald of freedom. Students poured out of classrooms, their voices merging into a vibrant chorus. Lui leaned against a nearby wall, grinning as he spotted Rose.

“Race you to the front gate!” he shouted, taking off before she could respond.

“Hey, no fair!” she called, but the spark in her eyes said she relished every moment of competition. She sprinted after him, laughter bubbling from her lips.

They reached the gate in record time, panting and giggling. As they caught their breath, Rose nudged Lui playfully. “I’m going to beat you next time! Just you wait!”

“Next time, huh? But remember, you’re going to have to train hard!” Lui winked, puffing out his chest in mock pride.

“Train hard? You mean I just need to keep up with your slacking!” Rose teased, playfully shoving him.

“Oh please, I’m the fastest runner in this school!” he declared, folding his arms dramatically.

Rose rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but laugh. “Okay, Mr. Speedy, suppose we take a break and head to the tea shop? I heard they have a new flavor that’s supposed to be delicious.”

“Only if it’s the one with that beautiful jasmine scent! You know how much I love that,” Lui replied, an eager smile spreading across his face.

They walked side by side, weaving through the throngs of students and the delightful chaos of the city’s streets. The air was thick with mingled scents of street food and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, which reminded him of the cherry blossoms that draped the park in a soft pink blanket every spring.

“You know,” Rose began, her voice serious for a moment, “I really do treasure our friendship, Lui. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Me neither, Rose. You’re like the sister I never had,” Lui said, feeling the warmth of her sentiment. “Promise we’ll never let anything come between us?”

“Promise.” The word hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their childhood vows.

As they reached the tea shop, the bustling ambiance faded slightly, but the warmth of their bond lingered, cloaking them in an unbreakable shield against all that lay ahead. Together, they stepped inside, blissfully unaware of how the tides of change would soon test the very fabric of their friendship.

The morning sun poured through the window of Rose’s bedroom, illuminating the walls plastered with pictures and posters of their favorite pop stars and movie icons. Rose lay on her bed, her heart heavy as she flipped through her favorite magazine, pretending to be absorbed in its pages. In reality, she couldn't ignore the gnawing sensation in her stomach—the sensation created by the whispers and jeers of her classmates at Merry Dream High School, where she felt more like a ghost than a girl.

"Lui, you ready for school?" Rose called out, her voice tinged with a false cheerfulness. Today was supposed to be their regular routine, but something felt profoundly different.

From the other room, Lui replied, “Just a minute! I’m still looking for my tie!”

Rose tucked her hair behind her ear and took a deep breath, willing herself to put on a brave face. She admired Lui’s confidence; he was brilliant, charming, and everyone adored him. Yet, as she caught her reflection in the mirror, her heart sank. She felt invisible next to him. She swallowed hard, trying to push back the tears that threatened to emerge.

When they finally arrived at school, the bustling corridors of Merry Dream High echoed with laughter and chatter. Students milled about in cliques, their dynamics visible like a living organism. Lui walked ahead, confidently waving to friends and engaging in banter. Meanwhile, Rose lagged a few steps behind, her shoulders hunched as she felt the weight of numerous stares.

“Hey, Rose! Why are you so slow today? Come on!” Lui called back to her, flashing an encouraging smile.

Rose forced a smile as she ran to catch up with him. “Sorry! Just thinking about the math test later.”

“You’ll ace it. You always do!” Lui assured her, ruffling her hair, a habit he’d had since their secondary school days.

But as classes commenced, Rose's sunny demeanor began to evaporate. During lunch, she sat at a table with Lui, as always, but her heart fell as the table next to them erupted with laughter. The girls were whispering and shooting her sidelong glances.

"Look at Rose, she thinks she’s so special just because she knows Lui!" One girl sneered, her voice dripping with mockery.

“Yeah. What a loser! She must be desperate,” another joined in, their laughter filling the air like poison.

Lui, oblivious to the comment, continued an enthusiastic conversation, occasionally glancing at Rose, who was now pushing her food around her plate.

“Are you okay, Rose?” Lui finally asked, after noticing her discomfort. “You’ve hardly touched your lunch.”

“Yeah, just tired, I guess,” she replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Let’s… let’s study later?”

“Of course!” Lui replied, his smile genuine. “I’ll help you with everything. You need to catch up with me!”

As the days turned to weeks, the bullying intensified. Rose’s heart ached silently as the relentless jeers punctured her spirit. She found solace only when she was with Lui, even though a part of her felt like an imposter. Despite the torture she endured, her feelings for him grew deeper, more complicated. It was unthinkable to her that someone so perfect could share the bond they had.

One quiet night, Rose and Lui had a sleepover at her house. The familiar atmosphere of laughter and late-night conspiracy filled the room, momentarily drowning out Rose’s insecurities. They sprawled on her bed, surrounded by an assortment of snacks and old movies, the light dim yet filled with warmth.

“Remember when we made that project together in secondary school?” Lui chuckled, his eyes sparkling with memories. “I think we almost blew up the science lab!”

“Yeah, and Ms. Liu nearly fainted when we spilled that chemical!” Rose joined in with a laugh, but beneath it, her heart raced.

The laughter faded into comfortable silence. Rose’s gaze fell on Lui, who was looking at his phone, oblivious to her inner turmoil. Her heart screamed to say something—anything—that could change their dynamic. But fear kept her silent.

“Lui?” she spoke tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Hmm?”

“Do you… do you think things will always be like this?” She bit her lip, hesitant.

He looked up, meeting her eyes, a serious expression settling on his face. “I hope so, Rose. We’re best friends for life, right?”

She nodded, but deep down, she feared that her feelings would change everything. The moment of vulnerability hung in the air, thick with unspoken words.

Just then, ,Lui leaned in closer and gave her a light, affectionate peck on the cheek, catching her off guard catching her off guard. “Good night, Rose.”

Rose froze, her heart racing erratically. “G-good night, Lui.”

As Lui gave her a tight hug, Rose’s brain spun with warmth and confusion. The soft touch of his lips lingered on her skin, igniting a whirlwind of emotions—embarrassment, longing, hope. She buried her face in her pillow, muffling the excited squeals that bubbled within her.

The echo of basketballs dribbling on the hardwood court faded as the final whistle blew. Outside, the sun hung low, casting long shadows over the school grounds. Rose tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her heart heavy as she walked toward the school gates. She felt the absence of Lui like an empty space in her chest, knowing he was still inside, basking in the glory of his team’s win.

SCENE: SCHOOL HALLWAY

As she passed the lockers, a group of girls from her class spotted her, their laughter ringing like sharp bells in the air.

“Look! It’s the loser!” one of them shouted, her voice dripping with disdain.

Rose kept her head down, but the girls closed in around her. They shoved her, laughing as she stumbled. The crowd thickened, a swarm of mocking voices growing louder.

“Can’t even stand up for yourself?” another girl taunted, pushing her again. “What a pathetic little mouse.”

Rose felt her heart race, panic gnawing at her insides. Just then, a hand grasped her shoulder, and without a moment’s hesitation, they shoved her toward the girls’ restroom.

SCENE: GIRLS' RESTROOM

Soon, the girls had her cornered, and she tried to plead with them, but they pulled her into a stall and pushed her head into the toilet. The cold water splashed against her face, her body shuddering as she gasped, desperately trying to pull herself out, but they held her down, laughter echoing around her like a cruel melody.

“Help! Someone help me!” Rose cried, but her voice fell on deaf ears. The hallway was empty, no one to hear her silent screams.

SCENE: MATH CLASSROOM

A little while later, during math class, things went from bad to worse. She was called to the front to solve an equation. Her hands trembled as she stared at the board—an empty mind stared back at her. She froze, the room erupted in snickers.

“Can’t even do basic math?” Mr. Thompson, the teacher, sneered, his face twisted in disdain. “For that, you’ll get a detention.” He handed her a slip, followed by a swift slap on her wrist with a ruler that made her gasp in pain.

As the school day dragged on, Rose found herself locked in a classroom with a few boys. They had been daring each other, egging one another on, until it escalated into something threatening. “What’s wrong, Rose?” one of them taunted, “You’re not scared, are you?”

Rose’s heart raced as they closed in on her, laughter spilling over into something more sinister. Just as she felt the warm rush of panic envelop her, the door swung open, and a tall tattooed figure with white hair stood at the threshold—Kai.

“Get away from her!” Kai shouted, his voice cutting through the room like a knife. In an instant, he launched himself forward, fists flying. The boys scattered like roaches in the light.

“Go!” he shouted to Rose, who already felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. “I’ll handle this!”

She didn’t know how to respond; all she could do was watch in astonishment as Kai fought off the boys. When they finally fled, she found herself gasping for air, clinging to the wall for support.

“Are you okay?” Kai’s tone was a bizarre mixture of urgency and concern. “We need to talk.”

Taking a deep breath, Rose nodded. “Can you keep this a secret?”

“Of course,” he replied quickly, his eyes serious. “What happened?”

That afternoon, as the sun dipped low in the sky, they bumped into Lui at the school gates. He had just returned from his basketball match, the sweat glistening on his brow, exhaustion etched across his face.

As soon as he saw Rose, it was as if the world around him faded. He dashed over, concern replaced exhaustion. “Rose! What happened?” His eyes scanned her, catching sight of her disheveled hair and the pain lingering in her gaze.

Before she could respond, he noticed Kai standing close. The air thickened with tension. “What are you doing with her?”

In one fluid motion, Lui threw a punch, catching Kai off guard. The blow landed hard. “Don’t touch her!”

“Stop it!” Rose screamed, tears streaming down her face as she rushed between them. “Please! It’s not what you think!”

Lui halted, breathing heavily, the fire of confrontation flickering out in an instant. She could see the confusion and anger in his eyes, but also the concern for her. “What happened, Rose?” he asked again, his voice colder, more husky than before, but still searching.

“I... I got hurt in gym class,” she lied, the truth lodged in her throat like a stone. It felt wrong, but she couldn’t risk his outrage or Kai’s secrets.

Lui’s eyes narrowed, pondering her words, yet he seemed to take her at her word. They had promised to always be honest, but something felt different now.

Kai watched the exchange with a mix of emotions swirling within him. Jealousy shot through him as he sensed the bond between them, the unspoken promises tethering them tighter.

“Alright,” Lui finally relented, but Rose could see him straining against the truth. “Just tell me if anything else happens. You’re not alone, okay?”

“Okay,” she whispered, but the weight of her lies began to press heavier than ever.

As she walked home with Kai and Lui , they exchanged silent glances. Secrets hung in the air between them, each afraid to let the truth slip.

By the time she reached her house, Rose felt weary. Not from physical exertion, but from the burden of a thousand unspoken words and hidden truths. She just wanted to escape to a world where shadows didn’t follow her.

But as the sun set, painting the sky in shades of crimson, she knew that darkness had come for her.