What is the nature of our relationship?

Chen Zhixuan took the initiative first. As soon as he grabbed the ball, he swayed left and right, but A-Jian’s defense was airtight, his eyes blazing as if he were about to devour Chen Zhixuan whole. Yet, Chen Zhixuan was a seasoned streetball veteran. Seeing such a defensive stance, he prepared for a strong drive—only by breaking through head-on could he instill fear in his opponent. After that, the next few plays came effortlessly.

Chen Zhixuan backed up, stopping two steps beyond the three-point line. Facing A-Jian, he said, “I’m going to shoot right here.” With that, he launched a clean three-pointer from just beyond the arc. On the sidelines, Chen Feng couldn’t help but sweat nervously for Chen Zhixuan. The basketball traced a perfect arc and swished through the net. “Nice shot!” Chen Feng shouted excitedly, standing up.

A-Jian seemed momentarily stunned, not expecting Chen Zhixuan to sink such a long shot so effortlessly, but he muttered defiantly, “Try coming at me!” Chen Zhixuan replied coolly, “If you shot from where I’m standing, I’d shut you down.” Chen Feng, loving the spectacle, booed loudly from the sidelines. Resigned, A-Jian moved to the top of the key. Since they were taking turns, it was now his move.

Holding the ball, A-Jian mimicked Chen Zhixuan’s initial swaying, but his movements lacked the latter’s grace and fluidity. Chen Zhixuan seized the moment and struck—an interception. The ball was snatched cleanly. “Good play!” Chen Feng cheered again. Everyone on the sidelines, including Cheng Yuxin, also cheered for Chen Zhixuan.

“I’m going straight at you this time!” Chen Zhixuan declared boldly, dribbling toward the free-throw line. He turned his back, pushing forward with the ball, confronting A-Jian who seemed unprepared for Chen Zhixuan’s sudden burst. Almost losing his footing under the pressure, A-Jian managed to steady himself as Chen Zhixuan took a step back, giving him a moment to regroup.

Feeling underestimated, A-Jian crossed his arms tightly over his chest and braced himself against Chen Zhixuan’s advance. Chen Zhixuan pushed forward, then spun backward, slipping past the baseline. With a swift turnaround layup, he banked the ball in. The score was 3-0—remember, three-pointers counted as two. Chen Feng continued his enthusiastic support from the sidelines.

One play followed another, and at the end, Chen Zhixuan effortlessly shook off his defense and sealed the game with a powerful dunk. The final score: 6-0, a complete victory. A-Jian slumped in defeat, acknowledging his lack of skill and accepting the loss with grace. He even told Chen Zhixuan, “You’re really strong. I’m no match for you.” Chen Zhixuan chuckled inwardly, thinking, “Maybe I went a bit too hard on him, hehe.”

After the game, on the way back to the dorm, Cheng Yuxin and the others walked ahead, occasionally glancing back at Chen Zhixuan as if wanting to say something. Chen Feng caught on and said to Chen Zhixuan, “Xuan, I’m going back first to shower. Otherwise, the hot water might run out. Take your time.” With that, he dashed off.

“Xuan, I want to treat you to dinner tonight. You always pay for me, and I have something I want to talk to you about. Is that okay?” Cheng Yuxin approached Chen Zhixuan with a smile.

“Sure, I’ll head back to the dorm to shower first. I’m all sweaty. It’ll be quick—I’ll be ready soon. I’ll wait for you downstairs at your dorm later,” Chen Zhixuan said, all fatigue instantly vanishing.

“Okay, text me when you’re done, and I’ll come down,” she replied.

Chen Zhixuan ran toward the dorm, calling out to Chen Feng to take his time with the shower, making Cheng Yuxin cover her mouth to stifle her laughter.

Soon, after washing up, Chen Zhixuan met Cheng Yuxin at the restaurant. “Xuan, there’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, but I don’t know how to say it.”

“It’s okay, just say whatever’s on your mind. You can be yourself around me. Whatever you want to say or do, I’ll be here with you,” Chen Zhixuan reassured her firmly.

“I’ve been wondering… what exactly are we? And what will we become in the future?”