[ Chapter 17 ]

I carried my lunch tray carefully, weaving through the crowded cafeteria. The chatter was deafening, the smell of fried rice and mystery casseroles clinging to the air. I slid into a seat across from Chen Yuxi, who immediately leaned forward, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

“You won’t believe what I just imagined,” he said, eyes wide. “Lan Zhan. You and Mo Longyan. Together. BL-level perfect. I’ve been thinking about it all morning.”

I nearly choked on my green tea. “That…sounds…very…creative,” I managed, keeping my expression flat while my jaw twitched.

Chen slapped the table with glee. “The way you two just exist—quiet, mysterious—it’s like a romance novel already written!”

Before I could reply, movement caught my eye. Mo Longyan had entered the cafeteria, balancing a tray of food and a few books. He gave a casual wave. I returned it with equal calm.

Chen’s head whipped around so violently I thought he might snap his neck. “WAIT. You know him?!”

I shrugged. “We’ve…met a few times.”

Chen almost fell out of his chair. “What?! Details! Did you talk? Did sparks fly? Don’t tell me—”

“Chen,” I interrupted, steady. “Eat your lunch.”

“But—”

“Focus,” I added, firm.

At that moment, Mo slid into the seat beside me. “Hello,” he said quietly, setting down his tray.

Chen froze, then muttered under his breath, “He looks…normal. But also…damn.”

Mo glanced at me. “Lan Zhan. Are you still planning to attend the Paranormal Literature Club tonight?”

I blinked. “I was…considering it.”

Chen shot upright. “Paranormal club?! And you didn’t tell me?!”

Unbothered, Mo continued, “Qiao Yijun, who is the president, invited us. Six o’clock. You can come too, if you’d like.”

“A friend invite?!” Chen’s voice cracked as he nearly dropped his fork. “Lan, this is destiny! Ghost stories! Creepy legends! Maybe even—” He spread his arms dramatically. “Accidental ghost summoning!”

I raised an eyebrow. “I hadn’t…planned on summoning ghosts.”

“Details!” Chen waved me off like I was being ridiculous. “You’re going. Imagine the suspense! The hauntings! The romantic tension! Perfect!”

Mo took a calm bite of his food. “If you both attend, I’ll come too. It could be…entertaining.”

Chen jabbed a finger at me triumphantly. “See?! Even Mo agrees! You’re trapped!”

Internally, I sighed. Outnumbered. Overwhelmed by sheer cafeteria chaos.

And yet…between Chen’s wild commentary and Mo’s quiet steadiness, I caught myself suppressing a faint smile. Somehow, the absurdity pressed warmly against my chest.

Mo Longyan POV

I had no intention of being part of a spectacle.

But Lan Zhan’s presence created a gravitational pull. Chaos followed.

Chen Yuxi was practically vibrating, talking faster than should be humanly possible. Lan Zhan, though—calm. Untouchable. A quiet center in the storm.

I arched a brow at him. He answered with a subtle nod. Steady. Precise. Terrifyingly composed.

This, I realized, was normal for him.

For the rest of us, it was a comedy show.

Lan Zhan POV (Back at the Table)

Chen’s voice blurred into static. My focus drifted between him and Mo. Somehow, between Chen’s gossip, the mention of the Paranormal club, and Mo’s calm gaze, the cafeteria felt…strangely amusing.

Collected. Composed. Still untouchable.

And, apparently, now the center of Chen Yuxi’s endless imagination.