Thirty-seven

Yibo's Pov.

"You can have the front." I told Xichen, preparing to head to the back seat.

"I'd be more comfortable in the back." He informed, rubbing his arm awkwardly.

"Alright, that's fine." I told him as I returned to the front. Zhan pulled out of the driveway and headed for the school. The first few minutes of the ride were silent, that's when Zhan turned on the radio. I giggled at Zhan's goofy dancing behind the steering wheel. He broke a smile and continued his dancing. My giggles turned into full-blown laughter, I heard Xichen chuckling in the back too. I guess this wouldn't be as bad as he'd thought.

The rest of the drive was pleasant. We goofed around a lot, and Xichen seemed to be doing fine. Several eyes landed on us as all three of us stepped out of the car. Zhan is one of the popular hunks from the football team so I assume all of the looks are for him. I and Xichen took off after Zhan was swarmed by a group of girls. I felt jealousy eating me up inside but I had no choice but to let it go.

Xichen and I split once we got inside. He was off to find his group of friends, or acquaintances rather.

"Hey Yibo." I heard Cindy call from down the hall as I reached my locker. I was happy to see her. Boy, did I have a lot to tell her?

"Hi." I smiled, popping open my locker.

"You look happy, what's up?" She asked bouncing next to me. I explained what happened last night, excluding the parts I found embarrassing.

"I think... I think he might like me...maybe..." I admitted shyly. Last night seemed so much like a date, and he held me as we slept, those signs would point to it being true. There are some mixed signals but fewer of them were present. She stopped hopping and looked surprised.

"I might ask him." I muttered, still with the shy smile eating at my face. "What do you think?" I asked, curious about her view on the situation.

"It seems like the plan is working so far. I think we should stick to it... just to be safe." She said with a slight frown forming on her face.

"Why? You really think it'll help?" I questioned. To be honest I think asking Zhan now is better than following the plan... but I said I'd trust her, and that's what I'll do.

"I do." She replied with confidence.

We went to class and listened to the teacher speak about things she didn't even understand. I spent most of that time doodling in one of my school books. My mind casually sifted through thoughts from Zhan, to Xichen, to my dad. How would he react when I get home? Would he even notice I was out?

Today is Friday meaning I don't have school tomorrow. I don't have any plans, and I don't have anyone to hang out with. I guess the best I could do was spend the day in the park reading or something,because there is no way I'm going to stay the whole day under the same roof as my father.

"Alright, class dismissed." Our biology teacher announced collecting folders from her desk. All the students stood, leaving the room in a hurry. They groaned as she handed them their homework on the way out. I was fine with it as I didn't have anything else to do. During free period I went to my locker to collect my things for the next class. The halls were pretty flooded with raving students everywhere. Me and Cindy were chatting about the football game this evening. We were both excited to cheer for Zhan, even if it was only a practice match. She told me the real game is on Sunday at five.

"Speak of the devil." Cindy chuckled. I turned around to see Zhan strutting down the hall. Everything seemed to go in slow motion as I watched the perfect locks of his hair bounce with every step he took. Everyone parted leaving an open path for him. That was either due to his stunning appearance and popularity or the giant crate of trophies and awards he was carrying. Just as he got close to me I felt someone shove me forward. I lost my footing and all control over my body. I was sent crashing into him, making the excessive amount of shiny awards fall from his hands with one too many shattering across the floor.

Everything in the hall went dead silent after Zhan and I collapsed on the ground. I quickly pulled back to analyze the situation and it was not looking good. I've never seen Zhan look more frightened. The moment I realized how important those awards were I wanted to die.

I tried apologizing several times but nothing would come out. Every time I opened my mouth I would close it moments later. When Zhan caught the horrified look on my face he gave me a soft smile, trying to assure me it was alright when we all knew it wasn't.

Suddenly I noticed several eyes on me. Anyone could tell how uncomfortable I was from a mile away. I panicked. I pulled back from Zhan and stood from the floor. I Apologized, with the words finally being spoken, however my voice was trembling

making it mumbled. I grabbed my bag and

hurried off, trying to get out of everyone's sight. I can't believe that just happened. I still don't know whether that was my fault or not. I could've sworn someone pushed me.

I found myself outside the school. I'd definitely missed class by now. I have a feeling I'll be getting detention for this. I sat on one of the picnic tables at the outside lunch court with thoughts burning my mind. How would I handle this? Should I just go up to Zhan and apologize again? Will I get in trouble for breaking school property? Urgh, I don't know. I ran a hand through my hair, very frustrated.

"Hey, you okay?" I heard a voice ask as the person approached. I turned around to see Zhan and a couple of his friends, one being Cindy. She wore a look of pity.

"I'm sorry." I apologized loudly as I jolted from my seat.

"It's okay, really." He assured me with a warm smile. I turned my gaze to the ground, trying to hide my pained expression. I really am sorry though. I heard footsteps approaching but didn't dare look up. Next thing I know I felt a hand ruffling my hair. I now couldn't help but to sneak a peek. Zhan had a goofy yet charming smile on his face. The smile spread to mine, making me feel much more at ease.

"Dude, let's head back in before we all get

detention." Zhan chuckled, swiping his hand off my head. Cindy smiled at me and came over to my side.

We all went back in and just as I thought I was called to the office. I was given detention as I figured, but thankfully the others were spared, probably because they'd actually gone to class. The rest of the day was exhausting. I didn't have to go to detention today as school was just about over.

I was really excited to see Zhan's practice match. On my way to my locker, I spotted Ji Li, Cindy, Yubin, Zhao, and Meng grouped in the hall.

"Hey Yibo, we were just about to head out to the field to watch the practice match. Come with us!" Cindy insisted. The others didn't seem to care much, in fact they seemed to be fine with it. I knew Cindy would find me and bring me to watch the match anyway though, so I wasn't worried.

I quickly stuffed my books in the locker and ran over to them, ready to head out. On the walk there Meng, Zhao and Cindy were gossiping about girl stuff, topics I wanted no part in. I just watched the sunlit hills through the glass as we walked down the hall. I was snapped out of my daze when I realized I'd bumped into Yubin. He looked back at me with a strange expression, I apologized and he continued walking.

The fresh summer spring air rushed across us as we opened the large doors heading to the football field. There were already players running around in the green grass. I looked over them, trying to find Zhan and it seemed he hadn't come out yet. We took the top seats on the bleachers to get a better view of the game. The turn out was surprising, considering this is a simple practice match. I can't imagine how many people will show up to the game on Sunday.

"Like, what's a practice match anyway?" Meng asked, holding her hand to the sky, examining her nails.

"A practice match is when two nearby schools get together and have a friendly match to warm up for an upcoming game." Cindy explained.

"I hear the coaches are even old buddies." She added. I didn't know that, it'll make the game more exciting seeing friendly rivals square off.

"I wonder if Austin will be here." Zhao

asked with excitement.

"He's part of the other team, so of course. Cindy rolled her eyes.

"Who is... Austin?" I questioned, leaning over meeting Cindy's gaze.

"He's one of our friends from another school." She answered. Ah, I get it now.

"Do... you have a crush on him, Zhao?" I asked teasingly.

"I DO NO-" She began to shout before being interrupted.

"She has a crush on any and every football jock." Cindy jabbed, and chuckled. Zhao pouted at her and gave her a playful punch to the arm.

"Oh look, there he is!" Zhao shouted, standing up from her seat. I looked over to see who she was talking about. It was a guy with smooth blond hair walking across the field.

"Austin?" I asked, making sure I have this correct. Cindy nodded and Zhao clapped while excitedly running in position. I chuckled and turned my sight back to the field, that's when I saw Zhan walk out. His smile was brighter than the sun, it could be spotted from miles away.

"Woo! Go Zhan!"Cindy cheered.

"Yeah!" Ji Li and Yubin followed up. He searched for their voices amongst the crowd, it took him a couple of seconds but he spotted us. His smile grew brighter which I didn't think was possible at his point.

The coach blew his whistle, signaling all the players to the field. They all jogged over to their respective sides. The coaches pep-talked them, boosting their morale. The teams shouted in response and ran to the center of the field.

The first ball was in play and the other team started strong, charging straight for the goal. It was close but our side just managed to get it back with one of the players charging one of theirs. I guess they weren't prepared as the ball was smashed right from their hands. The guy stole the ball and made a swift play passing it between two other players. They scored a point. The game continued on like this for a while with our team dominating the other. I never imagined myself getting into it since I'm not much of a sports guy, though I was probably only into the game because Zhan is playing. He was a total beast on the field. Everyone on the opposing team didn't dare try to tackle him when he was charging for their base.

The game ended and to no one's surprise, our side won. Ji Li and Yubin were shouting like typical jocks the whole time. The girls were just squealing, excited to watch all of the hot guys run around. I knew for a fact that Meng had no clue as to what was even happening during the game. She looked like she didn't know when to cheer and when she did it was fake.

I found myself getting jealous whenever they mentioned how hot Zhan was. Cindy grinned at me whenever someone brought it up. I just wanted to facepalm but didn't want to draw any attention.

The bleachers started to empty as the players headed off the court. We all had a good time hanging out, it was surprisingly fun. I just hope the real game will be this good

As we stood from the bleachers Cindy whispered something in my ear.

"Phase two of operation Zhan commences now." She informed me. Is that what she's calling it? I was suddenly feeling uneasy.

"I'll give you the details when we're alone." She quickly added before catching up to the rest of the group. I lagged behind them, running over the thoughts in my head, I was getting very anxious.

We got back inside the school and the building was emptying with the people who came to the practice match.

"I'm gonna stay here a little longer, I have a few small things to take care of." Cindy said, waving to her friends. They nodded and said their okays and byes before leaving the school. Soon enough the halls were empty, that's when Cindy leaped over to my side.

"Alright as I said earlier, we're moving to the next phase of operation Zhan." She repeated.

"Couldn't you have given me a heads up like this morning or something? I'm gonna be late for work." I whined.

"You don't sound very dedicated... Are you sure you even want Zhan?" She asked raising a brow, holding her hips.

"I do!" I shot up. I'd gladly do this for him, I just wish I was informed ahead of time.

"Hmph, then don't complain." She swung her head to the side smugly.

"Okay... so what am I doing?" I inquired.

"Remember how I told you Zhan hates doing laundry? Well when he leaves you'll enter the boy's locker room, take his uniform from his locker and wash it." She instructed. Yeah, I've even witnessed his distaste for laundry, so I can sort of understand this part of the plan.

"I'll keep watch for any passing faces, so just focus on your job." She reassured.

"That sounds easy enough." I replied scratching my cheek.

"See? There's no need to be such a whiner." She teased, pointing her finger at me. As I headed over to the locker room I ran into no other than the man himself.