SQHY - Lovestruck

[Chapter 3]: Persistent Pursuit and Mounting Frustration

The days blurred together as Zhou Shi Yu continued her determined pursuit of the enigmatic Wang Yi. Despite the constant rebuffs and indifference, she refused to give up, her heart steadfast in its unwavering affection.

During the lunch breaks, Zhou Shi Yu would position herself strategically, hoping to catch Wang Yi's attention as she made her way to the cafeteria. She'd offer a bright smile and a cheerful greeting, only to be met with a curt nod or a brief, disinterested response.

"You know, Zhou Shi Yu, I'm starting to think Wang Yi is immune to your charms," Seng Meng Yao teased one day, as they sat together in the bustling cafeteria. "She seems to have an impenetrable icy shield around her."

Zhou Shi Yu sighed, her gaze drifting towards the table where Wang Yi sat with a small group of her friends. "I know, Yao Yao, but I just can't give up. There's something about her that I can't stop thinking about."

Shen Meng Yao shook her head, a sympathetic smile playing on her lips. "I admire your persistence, but you've got to be careful. If Wang Yi keeps rejecting you like this, it's only going to end up hurting you more."

"I know, I know," Zhou Shi Yu conceded, her fingers nervously picking at the sleeves of her uniform. "But I just feel like there's more to her than she's willing to show. I want to be the one to break through that icy exterior and see the real Wang Yi."

Shen Meng Yao gave her friend's hand a gentle squeeze. "Just promise me you won't let this consume you, okay? I don't want to see you end up heartbroken."

Zhou Shi Yu nodded, her resolve renewed. "I promise, Yao Yao. I'll be careful, but I'm not giving up. Not yet."

With that, she turned her attention back to her lunch, her mind already whirring with new strategies to get closer to Wang Yi.

Over the following weeks, Zhou Shi Yu's pursuit became increasingly creative and persistent. She would linger outside Wang Yi's dance classes, hoping to catch a glimpse of the taller girl in action. During group projects, she would volunteer to partner with Wang Yi, only to be met with the same cold indifference.

One particularly memorable incident occurred during their literature class, where the professor had assigned a partner reading exercise. Zhou Shi Yu held her breath as the names were called, praying that she and Wang Yi would be paired together. Lady Luck, it seemed, was on her side, and the two girls found themselves seated side by side, their eyes locked in a momentary, awkward exchange.

"Well, this is a surprise," Wang Yi murmured, her voice low and measured.

Zhou Shi Yu felt her heart flutter, and she mustered a nervous smile. "Y-yes, it is. I'm, um, I'm looking forward to working with you."

Wang Yi simply nodded, her attention already focused on the book in front of them. Zhou Shi Yu took a deep breath and began to read, her voice wavering slightly as she tried to remain composed.

As they worked through the assigned passage, Zhou Shi Yu found herself acutely aware of Wang Yi's proximity. She could feel the warmth radiating from the taller girl's body, and the faint scent of her perfume only heightened Zhou Shi Yu's senses.

Occasionally, their fingers would brush against each other as they turned the pages, and Zhou Shi Yu would feel a jolt of electricity course through her. Each time, she would steal a glance at Wang Yi, hoping to catch a glimpse of a reaction, but the other girl's expression remained stoic and unreadable.

When the class finally ended, Zhou Shi Yu found herself rooted to the spot, unsure of how to proceed. She desperately wanted to strike up a conversation, to find a way to connect with Wang Yi, but the words seemed to elude her.

"Well, I suppose that's it for today," Wang Yi said, her voice snapping Zhou Shi Yu out of her reverie.

"Oh, um, yes, I guess so," Zhou Shi Yu replied, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Wang Yi paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the smaller girl. "You know, you've been rather persistent in your attempts to... get to know me better."

Zhou Shi Yu felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry, I don't mean to be a bother. I just..."

"No, it's fine," Wang Yi interjected, raising a hand to silence her. "I'm just... curious, that's all. Most people tend to give up after I've made it clear I'm not interested in socializing."

Zhou Shi Yu's heart raced, and she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. "Well, I'm not most people," she said, her voice surprisingly steady. "I really do want to get to know you, Wang Yi. There's just... something about you that I can't seem to shake."

Wang Yi regarded her for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Hmm, we'll see," she murmured, before turning and making her way out of the classroom, leaving Zhou Shi Yu once again rooted to the spot, her mind racing with a mixture of elation and uncertainty.

As the days turned into weeks, Zhou Shi Yu's efforts to connect with Wang Yi only intensified. She would linger in the hallways, hoping for a chance encounter. She'd volunteer for extra-curricular activities, always ensuring that Wang Yi was on her team. And whenever they had a class together, Zhou Shi Yu would go out of her way to sit as close to the taller girl as possible.

Yet, despite her unwavering determination, Wang Yi remained steadfast in her icy indifference. She would acknowledge Zhou Shi Yu's presence with a brief nod or a curt response, but any attempts to delve deeper were quickly shut down.

Zhou Shi Yu's friends, while supportive, couldn't help but express their concern. "Zhou zhou, I know you really like her, but this is starting to border on obsession," Shen Meng Yao said one day, her brow furrowed with worry.

"I know, I know," Zhou Shi Yu sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "But I just can't give up, Meng Yao. There has to be a way to get through to her."

Meng Yao reached out and squeezed her friend's hand. "I understand, Shi Yu, but you have to be careful. Wang Yi seems determined to keep everyone at a distance, and I don't want to see you get hurt in the process."

Zhou Shi Yu nodded, her gaze drifting towards the distant figure of Wang Yi, who was making her way across the courtyard. "I know, Yao Yao. But I can't help the way I feel. There's just something about her that I can't let go of."

As she watched Wang Yi disappear from view, Zhou Shi Yu felt a twinge of frustration and longing. Her efforts thus far had been met with nothing but cold indifference, and she couldn't help but wonder if she was fighting a losing battle.

But even as doubt crept into her mind, Zhou Shi Yu's determination remained unwavering. She knew that Wang Yi was more than the icy façade she presented to the world, and she was determined to be the one to uncover the warmth and vulnerability that lay beneath.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Zhou Shi Yu squared her shoulders and made her way through the crowded halls, her eyes fixed on the path ahead. She may have faced setback after setback, but she was not about to give up – not when her heart had already been captured by the enigmatic beauty that was Wang Yi.