Chapter 2

The omega looked up from the small of his phone, and his eyes met Yuxuan’s as he gave a subtle, and elegant nod. His voice was soft, gentle, yet deep, and carried a sweetness that was almost like a quiet song in the otherwise busy lecture hall.

“Of course,” he said, and the way he said it made the empty chair next to him seem more welcoming than usual, as if it had been waiting just for Yuxuan. Yuxuan moved closer and pulled back the chair. He sat down, feeling the calm presence of the omega beside him, and for a moment, the world seemed quieter, even though the other students were talking and walking around. He cleared his throat and decided to begin the conversation carefully, knowing that everything he said now would set the tone for what came next.

“I’m Yuxuan,” he said, directed towards the omega, letting his words reach the quiet space that existed between them. "Can I ask your name?"

“Xiaozhen,” the omega replied, and his voice was soft, polite, and deliberate. Every syllable was clear, gentle, and refined, like someone who had learned how to speak without needing to fill silence with extra noise. He introduced himself with his first name, not mentioning his family name.

Yuxuan listened carefully to the calm sound of Xiaozhen’s words and felt that each word had a weight that made the conversation feel more important than just an ordinary greeting.

“Nice to meet you,” Yuxuan said, trying to sound natural and easygoing, though he felt a small tension in his chest because he was unsure if he should continue speaking or wait for Xiaozhen to say something else. When no further words came from him, Yuxuan decided to ask a question to continue the conversation, something simple but necessary to understand more about him. “I don’t think we’ve met before,” he said, and he added carefully, “What do you study here at the university?”

“Art,” Xiaozhen said, and his voice remained calm, soft, and sweet, the gentle tone making the answer feel graceful and precise. He did not add anything extra unless it was asked, and the clarity of his single word carried more information than many sentences could have. Yuxuan leaned slightly forward, encouraged by the gentle voice and the polite presence of Xiaozhen.

“Art? That is your major?” he asked, letting his curiosity guide the next words, because he wanted to understand what he valued, what his days might be filled with, and how he had chosen to spend his time at the university.

“Yes,” Xiaozhen replied simply, and the calm, sweet sound of his voice reassured Yuxuan that Xiaozhen would answer all of his questions politely, if only he asked.

Yuxuan smiled faintly, and he thought for a moment about what to ask next. “Do you have any other subjects? Perhaps a minor?” he asked, and he tried to sound like he was just making conversation, though in truth he wanted to know everything he could about Xiaozhen without being too forward.

Though the question was too obvious, this class was his minor subject otherwise why would an art student be in a business lecture. Xiaozhen’s eyes remained gentle as he responded, and his voice was measured, soft, and warm as he said, “Business, as a minor. The class I am in right now.”

The calm precision of his words made Yuxuan think about how carefully he must have planned his time and how deliberate his choices seemed to be, even though he said nothing more than what was asked.

Yuxuan nodded, thinking through the information he had just received. “So your focus is art, but you also have business as a minor,” he said slowly. “That seems very balanced. You must be able to manage both carefully. I wouldn’t know where to begin if I tried to do the same thing.”

Xiaozhen’s voice answered softly, sweetly, and politely, “It requires foresight. Flexibility is necessary.” The words were simple, but they carried an elegance that made the idea of balancing two different fields sound natural and even effortless, as though Xiaozhen had always known how to handle both without struggle.

“I see… you must have already been here for a while. You are a senior, correct?” Yuxuan asked, his curiosity continuing to guide his questions and his words.

“Yes,” Xiaozhen said gently, and the tone of his voice made the single word feel like a complete answer, quiet but carrying the weight of experience.

Yuxuan leaned forward slightly, interested. “I guess that makes sense. Freshers like me are learning everything, professors, schedules, campus rules… and you already know all of it. It must feel very different.” Yuxuan paused for a moment and then asked, “And do you enjoy your studies? Is art everything you hoped it would be when you chose it as your major?”

Xiaozhen’s gentle, sweet voice answered simply, “Yes. I enjoy it. It is what I expected and more.” Yuxuan could not help but smile faintly because even though the words were minimal, the calm confidence and elegance in the voice suggested a person who knew what they wanted and had found satisfaction in pursuing it. He continued, “That’s really good. I hope I can find something I care about as much as you do someday.”

Xiaozhen replied softly, almost like a song, “You will. Time allows understanding and clarity.”

Yuxuan let a short silence pass between them, absorbing the sweetness and elegance of Xiaozhen’s responses. Then he asked another question, gently, naturally, and carefully: “And the business minor… mostly theoretical, right? Do you think it will help you in the future?”

Xiaozhen answered in his calm, measured, sweet voice: “Mostly theoretical, yes. It provides understanding. It is supportive, but not the central path.” Yuxuan nodded and said, “Right, that makes sense. Art is the focus, and business is just in case. Very balanced. I think it’s smart to have both.” Xiaozhen responded gently, “Correct. Balance is necessary.”

Yuxuan leaned closer, curiosity guiding his words. “Being a senior, how do you handle responsibilities? Is it easier now, or more challenging?”

Xiaozhen answered in his gentle voice: “Both. Experience makes some things easier, but it brings new challenges. Balance is required for both.” Yuxuan smiled faintly, thinking about how calm and polite the omega’s words were, and he said, “I hope I can feel as composed as you do someday.” Xiaozhen replied, sweetly and gently, “You will. Clarity comes with time, for everyone.”

The conversation continued with Yuxuan asking carefully, naturally, exploring everything he wanted to know, and Xiaozhen responding politely, elegantly, gently, and always with that sweet, soft tone. Every answer gave enough information, nothing more, and yet Yuxuan felt like he was learning far more about Xiaozhen’s personality and choices than many would have said in paragraphs of words. The words of Xiaozhen carried presence, intelligence, and grace, and Yuxuan realized that even minimal conversation, asked and answered properly, could be enough to build understanding, connection, and trust in the quiet, elegant way that he always spoke.

The lecture hall was buzzing softly as students settled into their seats. Yuxuan arranged his notebook and pens neatly, glancing at Xiaozhen beside him. Xiaozhen opened his own notebook with careful movements, placing it in front of him. There was a quiet elegance in the way he prepared for the lecture, as if every motion had been measured beforehand. Yuxuan watched him for a moment, feeling oddly calm in the presence of such composed focus.

Yuxuan reached for a pen in his backpack, and he took out his notebook. He opened up his notebook, ready to take notes.

Meanwhile, Xiaozhen couldn't find his own pen in his backpack. He looked at Yuxuan, and his hand moved smoothly to take the pen Yuxuan had. He did it without touching Yuxuan, holding it delicately between his fingers.

“I’ll return it,” Xiaozhen whispered softly, his voice gentle, sweet, and calm. Yuxuan only nodded, offering a small smile. There was no need to speak further, the soft words alone felt meaningful. Xiaozhen placed the pen on his notebook and began writing, his movements precise and fluid. Yuxuan returned to his own notes, occasionally noticing the rhythm of Xiaozhen’s hand.

The professor’s voice filled the hall, explaining the day’s lesson. Students wrote hurriedly, flipping pages and scratching notes, but Xiaozhen remained composed. Every movement seemed intentional, elegant, and purposeful. Yuxuan couldn’t help but steal glances at him, feeling a subtle sense of ease just from observing his calm presence.

Minutes passed. The professor continued, students raising questions and responding. Xiaozhen wrote silently, never speaking again during the lecture. His focus was steady, and Yuxuan found himself mirroring the same care and attention, trying to keep pace without disturbing the soft rhythm that Xiaozhen created beside him.

Yuxuan noticed the small details: the smooth motion of the pen across the paper, the gentle pause before each line, and the calm tilt of Xiaozhen’s head as he glanced at his notes. Even without words, his presence felt thoughtful, composed, and quietly compelling. Yuxuan realized that watching Xiaozhen work had made him more attentive and careful with his own notes than he usually was.

As the lecture continued, Yuxuan felt the quiet rhythm of the classroom settle around them. Xiaozhen wrote with precise focus, every movement measured and calm. The borrowed pen rested securely in his hand, his writing smooth and uninterrupted. Yuxuan focused on his own notes, but he occasionally glanced at Xiaozhen, drawn to the effortless composure, the steady attention, and the subtle elegance that shaped even the ordinary act of taking notes. The room carried on, but a quiet thread of presence between them lingered, unspoken, steady, and gentle.

Liming leaned back in his chair, eyes fixed on Yuxuan and Xiaozhen. He nudged Ruxin and whispered, “Dude, look at him. He’s staring like crazy. He’s totally caught.”

Ruxin smirked and leaned closer. “I know, right? He’s usually chill, but now… wow. Look at those glances.”

Linyan rested his chin on his hands and grinned. “Do you think he’s gonna say anything after class? Or just sit there frozen the whole time?”

Yicheng crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. “Why do you even care? It’s just some guy. Let him figure it out himself.”

Liming shot Yicheng a look and chuckled quietly. “You’re always so dramatic. Just watch. He’s interested in that omega, whether you like it or not.”

Ruxin leaned back and whispered, “It’s kind of hilarious watching him squirm. He’s trying so hard to stay normal, but the omega got him completely distracted.”

Linyan laughed softly. “Yeah, and the omega doesn’t even notice half of it. Just sitting there, doing his thing, being perfect like usual.”

Liming nodded, smiling. “I bet he doesn’t even realize how many times Yuxuan’s glanced at him already. He’s oblivious, and it’s funny.”

Ruxin smirked. “I wonder if he even knows Yuxuan’s next to him. Or if he’s just focused on notes. Either way, it’s entertaining.”

Yicheng muttered under his breath, clearly annoyed. “You guys are ridiculous. They’re not doing anything. Why make this a big deal?”

Liming ignored him. “Shut up, Yicheng. We’re just observing. It’s interesting.”

Linyan leaned forward again, whispering, “He’s biting his lip. Definitely thinking about what to say. You can tell. He’s calculating.”

Ruxin chuckled softly. “And he is completely calm. Doesn’t even bat an eye to Yuxuan. That’s why it’s so funny. He’s like a rock, and Yuxuan’s all over the place.”

Liming laughed quietly. “I love watching this. Yuxuan’s nervous energy. It’s perfect for an inside joke.” He took out his phone to secretly record Yuxuan.

Yicheng grumbled, “This is a waste of time. They’re just sitting there. Nothing’s happening.”

Linyan rolled his eyes. “You’re just jealous you’re not the center of attention for once.”

Ruxin nudged him. “Yeah, admit it. You’re curious too, even if you won’t say it.”

Yicheng scowled but stayed quiet, his eyes flicking back to Xiaozhen. Liming whispered, “Look at him write. Smooth, calm, collected. And Yuxuan can’t stop glancing.”

Linyan chuckled. “I’m betting he’s rehearsing what he’s gonna say after class. Probably overthinking every word.”

Ruxin smirked. “If he messes it up, it’s gonna be hilarious. But he won’t. Yuxuan’s too careful for that.”

Liming leaned forward, eyes gleaming. “You guys see the small stuff, right? Like how he adjusts his notebook? He’s subtle, but every movement is deliberate.”

Ruxin chuckled. “It’s a perfect combo. Yuxuan’s all nervous, the omega is steady. Makes the tension delicious.”

Yicheng muttered again, “You guys are insane. Just admit it.”

Liming smirked. “We’re not insane. We’re just waiting for the moment Yuxuan finally speaks.”

Linyan grinned. “Exactly. Every glance, every tiny gesture, it counts. And Yuxuan’s paying attention to all of it. Can’t blame him.”

Ruxin nodded. “Totally. And we’re the lucky audience watching it unfold. Pure cinema.”

Liming whispered, “I wonder if that omega even realizes he’s got an audience next to him. Probably not. That’s the funny part of it.”

Linyan chuckled softly. “He’s completely calm. Doesn’t even notice, but Yuxuan is making it so obvious he’s paying attention.”

Ruxin smirked. “It’s like a slow-motion build-up. Nothing explosive yet, but the tension is real.”

Yicheng groaned. “You guys are acting like this is some kind of movie.”

Liming whispered, “Well, it kinda is, isn’t it? We’re front-row seats.”

Linyan grinned. “Exactly. And it’s way better than any boring lecture. I’ll take this over notes any day.”

Ruxin laughed quietly. “Bet you can’t wait for him to finally say something. You know it’s gonna be epic when it happens.”

Liming nodded. “Yep. I’m ready to watch him stumble over words, all polite and careful like he always is.”

Linyan leaned closer, whispering, “And even if he doesn’t stumble, the way Yuxuan’s acting makes it fun enough. Every little glance is like a mini-drama.”

Ruxin chuckled. “Honestly, I think Yuxuan’s learning patience. Watching the omega quietly handle everything, he’s getting the message. Probably silently impressed.”

Liming smirked. “Yeah, it’s subtle. But you can tell he’s thinking, analyzing, waiting for the right time. Typical Yuxuan.”

Linyan whispered, “And the omega doesn’t even have to try. That’s what makes it so funny and entertaining at the same time.”

Ruxin laughed quietly. “Totally. Calm, collected, elegant… Yuxuan’s all over the place, and we’re just sitting here eating popcorn.”

Yicheng muttered one last time, clearly annoyed. “You guys are ridiculous.”

Liming grinned. “Exactly. That’s why we love watching this.”

Linyan leaned back, smiling. “Yeah. Front-row seats, best show ever. Can’t wait to see what happens after class.”

Ruxin nodded in agreement. “Same.”

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