Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Has he noticed at all?"

"We've been targeting him for so long; he must have noticed by now—?"

"Damn it, I told you we should've just taken him down. This is driving me crazy."

"All these half-baked attempts are pointless. We should do something big to teach him a lesson!"

"..."

Unrestrained, resentful voices reached his ears, showing no concern for whether he could hear.

Their arrogance showed no concern for whether he could hear.

At the same time, sharp, piercing gazes zeroed in on one spot.

Ye Jishu lay on the desk, his face expressionless as he peeked through the gap of his arm, which he had been using as a pillow to sleep, at the group of people whispering among themselves.

This was outright bullying.

But the target was none other than him.

As for the reason—

"I don't know what's so special about this guy. He barely says a word all day, just has good grades," one person said in a low voice, his expression twisted. "It's so unfair. That person actually said they have a boyfriend..."

Jealousy, rage, and bitterness.

These extreme emotions were all because "that person" had become Ye Jishu's boyfriend.

"If I'd known he was into guys, I would've made my move earlier. Maybe I could've—"

Jealousy turned into deep, gut-wrenching regret, and every word dripped with resentment. It seemed as if, given the chance to turn back time, even death would be worth it, just for the slimmest chance to be with that person.

But that was impossible.

Ye Jishu shot a glance at the speaker. Hmph.

A nameless extra in the book could never have even the slightest connection with the beloved protagonist.

Because this was a world within a novel.

...

Two weeks ago.

Ye Jishu's consciousness awakened, and he realized he was actually a character in a novel.

But reality didn't give him much time to process this, as the plot that flooded his mind was so intense it instantly grabbed his attention.

This was a mindless, wish-fulfillment novel with a popular protagonist.

Anyone who came into contact with the protagonist would quickly fall head over heels, unconditionally and without choice, even to the point of losing all sense of reason and dignity. With just a casual word from the protagonist, they wouldn't hesitate to lay down their lives.

Even if you have a boyfriend.

That doesn’t matter, because I like you for you.

For you, I’d go to any lengths, even if it means doing things most people wouldn’t dare.

And, to be honest.

Having a boyfriend...

Doesn’t that just make it more thrilling?

Stealing someone’s partner, with all the drama and twists, is exactly what thrill-seekers live for.

However, Ye Jishu’s role in this book isn’t tied to the protagonist or even the supporting characters. He’s barely a step above a nameless background character, which is—

He’s the official boyfriend of the book’s irresistible male lead.

The one being cheated on.

The one drowning in drama.

The one ruthlessly crushed.

A mere tool, existing only to heighten the forbidden tension.

Though he’s technically the protagonist’s boyfriend, in reality, he’s just there to spice things up and stir the pot.

"Maybe he likes me too... I just haven’t confessed yet..."

The guy in front was still lost in his own little fantasy.

But when he looked up, Ye Jishu’s icy, expressionless stare hit him like a bucket of cold water.

What’s with that look...?

Is that pity? Does he think I don’t stand a chance?

In an instant, his mind went blank, his temper flared, and his face turned red with rage.

"What the hell are you staring at?!—"

Just because he jumped in first, took control.

Nothing but a placeholder boyfriend, that’s all he is!

Furious, he lunged forward, ready to grab Ye Jishu by the collar and haul him up.

Next to his athletic frame, Ye Jishu looked frail and pale, like he’d never seen a gym. It was clear who’d come out on top, and the two guys behind him were already smirking, eager to see the show.

But as he reached out, Ye Jishu didn’t flinch—he just grabbed his wrist.

His face stayed calm, but with one quick twist, sharp pain shot through his wrist—!

Teeth grinding.

Muscles completely out of control.

No, no! As the guy screamed in agony, Ye Jishu calmly rose from his seat, watching as the other’s expression twisted in pain, his body gradually sinking, trembling uncontrollably, and finally sliding down to kneel on the ground.

In an instant, their perspectives and opinions flipped.

Ye Jishu slowly leaned down, his face close to the other's, and under the gaze of the other's pain-dilated pupils, he said, "Go find someone else to like. That’s my boyfriend."

Take it as advice.

A nobody falling for the campus heartthrob never ends well.

"..."

But the one being coldly stared at froze, staring at the face so close to his.

This...

From what he’d seen over the past few days, this person always seemed emotionless—like his facial muscles didn’t work. Even now, his expression didn’t change at all.

It was like—

Up close, he could see the other’s long lashes and pale, porcelain-smooth skin. His delicate features, usually hidden by his blank expression and cold aura, were now fully visible.

A tiny mole sat on the bridge of his nose.

For some reason, seeing this made his body heat up.

Before he could think, the words tumbled out.

"What if I like you instead? Would that be okay?"

"..."

"........"

When he realized what he’d said, his face twisted in embarrassment and anger, his back teeth grinding. "I—you—I was just—"

"Jishu."

Suddenly, a voice cut through.

The tension shattered instantly.

Ye Jishu turned his head toward the classroom door.

The speaker stood at the door.

His presence was striking, hitting you right in the eyes.

His slightly long, cascading black hair and the upturned corners of his eyes gave him an air of indifference, yet his teasing gaze sent a chill through the air.

In an instant, the murmurs grew so thick they seemed to cling to the skin.

The once-ordinary classroom now buzzed with restless energy because of him.

His presence was magnetic.

It was like common sense shattered, and your brain flooded with information—this face made your chest tremble and itch.

After all, it was a face so stunning it could make anyone stop breathing. A single glance from those eyes could make your head spin, leaving you desperate for just a few more seconds of their gaze.

"Is it him...?"

"I've never felt this way before—"

"If I go ask for his contact now, do you think he'll give it to me?"

"..."

However, despite the fervent gaze, the other person seemed completely unaware or indifferent.

Those jet-black eyes, which seemed to absorb all light, were now solely focused on Ye Jishu.

...Immediately, he felt a heavy weight.

Yet, the other person's gaze shifted downward, lingering on the spot where their wrists had touched, and then stopped.

"...!"

Driven by some intuition, Ye Jishu felt a sudden panic, like missing a step on the stairs, and quickly released the hand he had just grabbed, letting the other person, caught off guard in the rush, bump into the leg of the desk, letting out a pained groan.

Ah, my bad.

Ye Jishu insincerely apologized in his heart.

After all, the person who arrived was important.

This is the main character of the book.

—Yan Mei.

Even though there was a hint of annoyance in his eyes, the corners of his mouth still curved slightly, making it seem like he could say something, which is why most people, despite his humbling appearance, still fantasize about having a chance.

Of course, it's also why those side characters keep coming forward.

After staring for a few seconds, Ye Jishu suddenly snapped out of it and realized something.

Wait a minute...? Why is he at the classroom door? Shouldn't he be at the movie club's activity right now?

They're both first-year students.

Unlike him, who is lazy and prefers to avoid trouble, and hasn't joined any club, the other person joined the movie club right after enrollment, and the club organizes a movie night every Tuesday afternoon. At this time, he should be setting up the location with others.

He blinked, somewhat puzzled, and watched as the other person entered the classroom.

At a close enough distance, the person who shouldn't be here stopped, reached out, and brushed Ye Jishu's slightly long bangs, which he was too lazy to trim, to the side. In full view of everyone, the action was natural, not shying away from displaying their close relationship.

"..." Ye Jishu.

So close up.

Facing this face... could anyone really refuse a request?

Especially with the current demeanor.

It's as if he really likes him.

"Shall we go eat together?"

His voice was gentle too.

As he zoned out, the person before him shot an impatient look at the person on the ground, who blushed, then suddenly felt breathless for no apparent reason, and instinctively scrambled back a few steps, quickly putting distance between them.

Ye Jishu snapped out of it.

"Want to grab something to eat?"

"The weather's bad; looks like it's going to rain," Yan Mei continued to smile and said, "The film club's screening is open to non-members today. I thought we could watch it together. So, we can grab dinner first and then head over."

"...Just call me later."

He could feel the stares around them getting more intense.

Although the two had been together for several months, every time they were together, people couldn't help but stare, as if they still couldn't accept it, their hostile stares feeling like bugs crawling under his skin.

But he couldn't blame them.

Not to mention them, even Ye Jishu didn't really feel like he had a boyfriend.

Although he had already taken on the role of a boyfriend, he tried to avoid conflicts whenever possible. Take today's pointless provocation, for example—if it were a rival, he might have the energy to handle it, but with anyone else, it just felt like a waste of time.

"……You don’t want to go to the movie?"

Ye Jishu explained, "I never said I wouldn’t go."

"……Or you don’t want people to see us together?"

"That’s not it."

Yan Mei fell silent for a moment. "……Hmm, I understand. Then forget about dinner. I'll come to your dorm later?"

He didn’t refuse dinner, so why say that?

It still felt off.

It felt like his meaning wasn't conveyed at all.

Were those three questions implying different things?

What was Yan Mei thinking during those few seconds of silence? His smile seemed to waver, and his voice grew quieter……

Ye Jishu tried to understand the situation but still couldn't quite grasp it.

Was it because of that?

"Couples must be together" or something like that.

Although the plot was constantly interrupted by third parties, at least now their relationship was legitimate. And during these months of dating, because of Yan Mei, they spent twenty out of twenty-four hours together—is this what being in love is like? Although he had doubts, perhaps this was just the heat of passion.

He didn’t want to be an irresponsible boyfriend.

Even if he wasn’t even a cannon fodder suitor, he absolutely couldn’t lose face in front of others.

Perhaps it was a strange sense of competitiveness.

Thinking this, Ye Jishu suddenly resolved to use all his energy to show his thoughtfulness.

"Don't come over."

They're not in the same department.

Their dorms are pretty far apart, so it's a hassle to walk.

But—

"You don't...?"

The voice paused. "So, you don’t wanna meet up?"

"..."

It feels like they’re straying further from what he originally meant.

*Help me, help me.*

He had to make his stance clear right away.

"That’s not it," Ye Jishu said quickly.

Hearing this, Yan Mei stopped talking right away and stared at him intently.

"That’s not what I meant. I’ll go. I’ll go to dinner and the movie."

Hearing the affirmative reply, the person in front of him finally gave a faint smile.

"That’s good," the other said, "With you here, even a boring movie will be fun."

As the other’s tone lightened, Ye Jishu’s body, which had stiffened involuntarily, slowly relaxed.

Seems like he gave the right answer.

But what was that terrifying, heart-racing feeling just now...

Glancing at the ground, he thought he saw the other’s shadow twitch and distort for a moment.

Ye Jishu couldn’t help being startled.

But when he looked again, the shadow looked normal, as if the earlier glimpse was just an illusion.

"..."

He blinked.

*It must’ve been the light playing tricks on the shadow.*

The weather’s been really weird these past few months.

It’s been constantly overcast, with dark, heavy clouds looming overhead, making people feel stifled and even giving them a creepy, itchy chill.

Thinking this, he glanced at Yan Mei, who now looked relaxed.

The other still wore a faint smile.

He’s such a heartthrob.

Just being around him seems to chase away the gloom.

Just looking at such a handsome face makes you feel like being a nameless background character isn’t so bad.

It’s just...

I wonder how long this boyfriend thing will last.