Love Me, Please Look - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Lights, Music, and a Little Bit of Courage

Qi Junhe led Zhang Shixu back to the center of the auditorium, just as the music from the previous dance faded out. People stepped aside, eyes drawn to the striking pair walking into the spotlight.

For a moment, it felt like the whole room held its breath.

Qi Junhe’s gaze locked onto Zhang Shixu’s with such intensity, it was as though no one else existed—just the two of them suspended in that glowing space.

Earlier, Qi Junhe had arranged with a few members of the student union to dim the lights at the right moment. Now, all the surrounding lights went dark, save for a few soft beams that bathed the two of them in golden-white glow.

Under the warm lights, they looked like stars—radiant, untouchable, and somehow fated.

Qi Junhe’s white suit fit him flawlessly, highlighting the quiet strength in his posture, the kind that belonged to someone sure of themselves, yet gentle.

As their fingers touched again, it felt less like a dance and more like a reunion—like two people who’d been waiting to find each other.

Zhang Shixu suddenly felt as if the world had muted itself. Only the faint scent of fresh flowers and sweet fruit wine lingered in the air, and only Qi Junhe stood before him.

The music swelled, and they began to move. Their steps were smooth, almost dreamlike. With every turn, every gentle closeness, something unspoken flickered between them.

Qi Junhe’s hand settled naturally around Zhang Shixu’s waist—supportive but never demanding. Zhang Shixu rested his hand on Qi Junhe’s shoulder, where only minutes ago, his tears had fallen.

It was as if an invisible thread connected them—allowing them to move apart and come back together, never truly breaking contact. Their eyes met again and again, each glance like a silent exchange of emotions too fragile for words.

Qi Junhe’s expression was soft but deep—part curiosity, part admiration. His smile seemed to draw Zhang Shixu in without effort.

Time slowed down, stretched out into something tender and infinite. Each movement of their dance seemed to echo in Zhang Shixu’s heart.

He kept watching Qi Junhe, almost unable to look away. It was hard to believe this was their first proper conversation—he felt as if he’d known him forever.

Everyone else stood back, mesmerized by the sight of the two. But no one dared interrupt. It was clear this moment belonged only to them.

Their quiet connection formed something delicate and rare in the center of that loud, colorful party—something personal and secret.

As the final note of the music drifted away, Zhang Shixu suddenly leaned in and whispered, just loud enough for Qi Junhe to hear, “Thank you. I really needed this.”

Applause erupted around them. But for Zhang Shixu, it all felt a bit too much.

Blushing for what felt like the first time in public, he grabbed Qi Junhe’s hand and quickly pulled him away from the center of the crowd.

By the time he’d caught his breath, they’d somehow ended up at the school’s Swan Lake, quiet and secluded. Qi Junhe still held his hand, as if it had never occurred to him to let go.

Realizing this, Zhang Shixu awkwardly released his grip. “Thanks again… really.”

Qi Junhe frowned slightly, not enjoying the sudden formal tone.

“You’ve thanked me more than enough tonight,” he signed.

Zhang Shixu chuckled, spotted a bench, and brushed the dust off it. “Okay, no more thank-yous. Just sit.”

Qi Junhe joined him without hesitation.

After a moment, he lifted his phone and showed Zhang Shixu the open chat screen between them.

“Can I message you?” he asked quietly.

Zhang Shixu’s eyes flicked to the phone—his profile picture was a sleepy-looking Muppet cat, his display name just the letter “z.” Qi Junhe’s was completely minimalist: white icon, simple name.

“You had this open already?” Zhang Shixu asked, amused. “Been thinking about it for a while?”

Then he remembered the earlier moment—the group of Omegas asking for his contact.

“You were watching that whole time, huh?”

Qi Junhe nodded, his ears slightly pink.

Zhang Shixu teased, “Well, you looked like you needed my WeChat more than they did.”

Qi Junhe didn’t deny it, but his blush deepened.

Zhang Shixu laughed, fully amused now.

He checked the time—it was nearly 10 p.m. “Dorm curfew’s coming. We should head back.”

The summer night was warm and humid, and the bench, though quiet, wasn’t exactly comfortable. A cool shower and bed sounded better.

Qi Junhe stood up and walked alongside him.

“You live on campus too?”

Qi Junhe nodded again, simply.

Zhang Shixu glanced down. “Your ankle okay? You danced like nothing was wrong.”

“It’s fine now,” Qi Junhe signed.

Zhang Shixu raised a brow, curious. “If you don’t speak, how do you talk to your roommate?”

Qi Junhe answered with a small smirk. “My mom got me a single room.”

Zhang Shixu nodded, suddenly understanding. It probably saved a lot of complications.

They walked the rest of the way in silence—comfortable, though heavy with lingering thoughts.

Qi Junhe watched the road, seemingly lost in thought. Zhang Shixu, on the other hand, was battling mixed emotions—regret for tearing up during the dance and confusion over the fluttering feeling still in his chest.

Before long, they reached his dorm. Zhang Shixu quickly waved, muttered a goodbye, and took off—leaving Qi Junhe standing there, a bit stunned.

He hadn’t even gotten to say “good night.”

Back in the dorm, Zhang Shixu’s roommate Zhang Yan was already in. He looked fresh from a shower and was multitasking—toweling off his hair and video chatting with his girlfriend at the same time.

“You’re back?” Zhang Yan said, glancing over his shoulder. “Hey babe, my roommate just came in. Gotta go. Love you~”

Zhang Yan’s girlfriend Luo Jia was a Beta from the neighboring university. They were a stable, easygoing couple.

As Zhang Shixu grabbed fresh clothes for a shower, he asked, “Chen Nan and Jin Heng still not back?”

Zhang Yan climbed into bed, texting as he spoke. “Nope. They disappeared somewhere—who knows where.”

Zhang Shixu didn’t press further. He headed straight to the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Qi Junhe returned to his single dorm. His mother had finally agreed to it after some persuasion, and now it was a quiet refuge.

He showered, dried off, and lay on his bed, phone in hand, eyes fixed on his chat with Zhang Shixu.

He started typing: Want to come to dinner with me tomorrow? It’s Sunday…

Then paused, frowned, and deleted it. Too sudden.

Just as he was hesitating, a message popped up:

z: Sleep early. Good night. 🌙

His heart jumped. The phone nearly slipped from his hands.

Qi Junhe quickly replied:

Qi Junhe: Why are you still awake? Good night. 🌙

Zhang Shixu responded:

z: Just finished showering. My roommates aren’t back yet. Might be locked out, actually.

Qi Junhe sent a chubby cartoon rat sticker.

Qi Junhe: Let them be.

z: Yeah.

A pause.

Then, carefully, Qi Junhe typed:

Qi Junhe: Would you be free tomorrow? Want to come have dinner at my place? My mom’s been asking.

He hesitated after sending it, worried the invitation might be too much.

Zhang Shixu didn’t respond right away. A few minutes passed.

Then:

z: Okay. 🟩

Qi Junhe beamed, fingers trembling slightly as he typed his reply:

Qi Junhe: Great. I’ll wait for you at the north gate at five. Good night. 🌙

z: Good night.

Feeling warm and dazed, Qi Junhe stared at the chat a while longer before finally messaging his mother, Xu Xinyi.

xxx: Why are you still awake? Missing your mom? Good night, my son. ❤️
xxx: [Money Transfer] ¥5200.00

Qi Junhe: “…”