CHAPTER 5

9.9K 423 106
                                    

The next day, Harae started her day with a morning jog around the campus. Tantiana is open every Saturday for class schedules, and the students are also free to enter, even for a workout routine.

Yesterday's night was not that big of a deal, but Harae felt like the situations exhausted her so much. From her usual failed family reunion to being a pretend girlfriend, and lastly, a new friend for her.


Yier Chen Zhong. As they spent time together for a longer time, Harae can now admit that his face is actually familiar. For sure, she has seen him around the campus too, but she has never looked at him for long.

That guy is sure rich. Beside him owning Cherry High, his obviously expensive outfit and million-worth wristwatch tell everything.


Harae wasn't insecure. If anything, she is curious how Yichen handles too much wealth.

Was it for a willing cause? Or is he forced to?


Anyway, her first proper interaction with the male was nicely wrapped up when she saw Yangyang wandering around alone.

They never left anything between them except for the deep conversation they had.


After a few minutes of rest, Harae decided to visit the sports arena.

From there, she checked if anyone from the billiards was in—she actually hoped to see Jeno, but no one was actually there.


Next is the bowling space, in which she had a small talk with three of the varsity players.

Harae was then walking towards the table tennis space when she heard a loud play from the basketball court.

Curious, she walked back to where the path leads to the court. It's still quarter to six in the morning, and as far as she knows, the basketball varsities doesn't have a training schedule yet.


Still, Harae wanted to see the bored human who chose to spend the early morning playing basketball.

The first thing she noticed was the morning bush of raven hair, followed by fairly white skin. The guy is wearing a jacket and sweatpants, shooting the ball directly into the basket.


Harae watched, amazed. If it weren't for the familiar face, she would come up to ask if he's interested in becoming a varsity.


"Good morning", he greeted with a bright smile.

"It's just you", Harae responded.

"Yeah, just me. Why? You wish it was someone? A crush from the varsity maybe?"

"Yeah, except I have none."

"Really", Chenle tucked the ball in his hand and hip, properly facing her. "So, why are you here so early?"

"Jogged around"

"Ah", he nodded and nudged at the ball. "You play?"

"No", she chuckles. "You can play all you want. I'm leaving anyway."

"Rae"


Harae faced him again with a raised brow.

STRAWBERRIES & CIGARETTESWhere stories live. Discover now