Andy was a sophomore in college. His family was relatively well-off, but he had always been independent and self-reliant, managing things independently to make his college life even more comfortable.
The cold blue glow of the computer screen lit up his jet-black pupils, reflecting the conversation between him and his friend.
[You invested in such a high-end computer and dare say you don’t know how to take photos? Please don’t lie to me!]
Andy: [Just because I have a camera doesn’t mean I know photography.]
[...]
[Seriously, you’re the only one I can ask. Don’t hide your skills—I’ve seen the photos you took before!]
On the other end of the call, his friend thought: even if the photos weren’t stunning, Andy did know how to take pictures at the very least! Not to mention, judging by Andy’s camera, it was certain the shots would be crystal clear—perfect for capturing the handsome face of her bias!
Ultimately, the girl pulled out her ultimate move: [100 parallel per hour, deal?]
Andy raised his brows: [Are all fangirls affluent ladies or what?]
[... haha, you don’t get it. Things are way too scarce right now. Besides, I’m not buying your skills, I’m buying your lens—it looks like it’s worth every bit!]
One hour standing there and getting 100 parallel? Andy figured that was a good deal.
Without much hesitation, he agreed. His friend was overjoyed and quickly sent him the information.
Shining Path, Leonard.
Andy raised his brows again—no surprise it was a face that could make female students swoon.
He took a sip of water and accepted the easy job.
Meanwhile, tension was practically seeping into every trainee. After all, the performance was just two days away. Though the audience wouldn’t be too large, it was their first time on stage for many of them—facing countless watchful eyes and ear-splitting screams! On top of that, the event would be livestreamed, and the viewership wouldn’t be small at all!
"Aghhh, I can’t even swallow my food!" Justin groaned, ruffling his hair in frustration.
Joshua glanced at Justin’s empty tray but didn’t comment.
He pushed a piece of broccoli toward him with his fork and reassured, "Don’t worry too much."
Justin bit down on the vegetable, mumbling incoherently through his mouthful, "Your comfort would sound more sincere if you gave me a piece of meat, Joshua."
After spending time together, Justin had long since discovered Joshua’s "true colors"!
Joshua secretly stuck out his tongue, but at that moment, a shadow suddenly loomed over him. He instinctively looked up, only to find Leonard staring down at him, his narrow eyes half-lidded.
Justin frowned slightly, while Joshua looked a little puzzled. "What’s wrong?"
His tone was calm, neither angry nor afraid. In fact, Joshua always spoke to him in that same casual manner within the group, which only irritated Leonard even more.
In a low voice, Leonard said, "Will wants an early rehearsal. You’re still not done eating?"
With that, he sat down beside them, crossing his long legs.
Joshua gave him a doubtful look. "Are you waiting for me to go with you?"
Leonard immediately scowled, raising his voice: "Of course not!"
He suddenly spoke so loudly that gazes from all directions turned their way. Yet even so, he remained in his seat.
Justin couldn’t help but find him an eyesore. But before he could say anything, Leonard abruptly smirked. "You’re Justin, right? No need to look at me like that—it’s as if you’re some mad dog guarding its master."
Justin furrowed his brows. He wasn’t particularly sharp-tongued, so instead of replying, he glanced at Joshua and lowered his eyes in silence.
Leonard raised his brows. He hadn’t even had time to dwell on the oddness of it when Joshua suddenly said in a low, steady voice: "Leonard, if you’re not waiting for me, you can go ahead first, or sit somewhere else. But don’t bully my friend."
Leonard ground his teeth. "Friend?!"
"He’s your friend?!" He wanted to ask, Then what about me?—but no matter how he thought of it, saying it out loud would only make him lose face.
His expression darkened. "I want to sit here. It’s not like this place is your house!"
Justin quickly spoke up at the right moment. "Joshua, I’m fine. Don’t let this affect the team’s harmony..."
Leonard: "..." Something about this felt strangely off, though he couldn’t pinpoint what.
Nine: "..." Green tea bitch!
Nine hadn’t expected Justin to have such talent. That is very good, Justin. Let’s be teammates and keep Leonard as far away from Joshua as possible!
Excited beyond measure, Nine didn’t bother telling Joshua about Justin’s true nature. Besides, he figured Joshua was too naïve to notice the strange undertones in Justin’s words and behavior anyway.
Seeing that Joshua had finished eating, Justin stood up, carrying his empty tray. He waved at Joshua as he left. "See you tonight—practice hard!"
Joshua smiled and nodded. "Practice hard."
Leonard also shot to his feet, snapping irritably, "Hurry up already! How can you be this slow just from eating a few bites of rice?"
Joshua was long accustomed to Leonard’s attitude. He said nothing, simply rising to his feet. But just then, a sharp pain suddenly shot up from his leg, jolting through him like electricity.
Joshua stumbled, his body pitching forward—straight into Leonard.
Leonard’s eyes widened before he could think; his arms shot out and caught Joshua securely.
He stood solid as a rock, not budging an inch, even holding him. Joshua’s entire face landed against Leonard’s chest—it felt as hard as stone!
Joshua winced inwardly, but the pain in his leg made his body tremble.
Looking down at Joshua’s dark crown of hair, Leonard felt his heart hammering violently, so loud that he worried Joshua might hear it and thought he was some freak.
He cleared his throat, trying to sound fierce. "Can’t you even walk properly? What’s this—did you fall on purpose..."
But his voice trailed off, growing softer the more he spoke.
Joshua lifted his head. Leonard caught sight of his slightly reddened nose tip, the corners of his eyes tinged pink, and he was faintly misted with tears.
What is this guy made of, cotton? Everywhere soft, everywhere blushing?
"What the hell—you’re the one who fell into my chest. Don’t start crying!" Leonard stammered, then raised his voice as if that would help him regain his aura of dominance.
Joshua pressed his lips together. "I’m not crying."
He tested his footing against the floor—the pain was gone this time. Struggling lightly, he said, "Let go. You’re squeezing me so hard I can barely breathe."
Leonard didn’t believe it could be that bad, but seeing Joshua’s flushed face, he finally released him, muttering under his breath, "So weak..."
Joshua ignored him entirely and walked ahead. Leonard quickly followed. Yet as they passed a glass door, the reflection overhead caught his foolish grin—he looked like a stupid puppy.
His expression immediately dropped, his face switching in an instant.
Fine. He wasn’t all that mad at Joshua anymore. As long as Joshua took the initiative to apologize, he’d forgive him, and things would return to normal between them!
But throughout the entire practice, Joshua didn’t spare Leonard a single glance. Even when Leonard occasionally offered a hint or two, the dense fool seemed utterly oblivious!
Not until the very end did Will’s powerful voice ring out:
"Alright, we’ve worked hard all this time. Tomorrow will be the final rehearsal for the stage. Don’t get too nervous—give it your all. If you try your best, you’ll have no regrets!"
Whatever each of them was thinking, the day of the performance was already drawing near. Their dreams, their efforts—the chance to shine under the dazzling stage lights and become the brightest stars!