Haoyu didn't flinch. He didn't try to take it back. He didn't even look guilty. "Yeah."
Meng Nian exhaled, tilting his head slightly as he studied Haoyu. "You really don't get it, do you?"
Haoyu's fingers curled tighter around his cup. He hated when people spoke in riddles, especially him. "Then explain it."
Meng Nian leaned back, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Nah. You wouldn't believe me even if I did."
Haoyu's jaw clenched. "Then don't bring it up."
Meng Nian didn't respond right away. He took a sip of his coffee, as if weighing his next words. Then, after a long pause, he said, "You're right about one thing—I've graduated. I won't be at the school anymore."
Something about the way he said that made Haoyu's chest feel uncomfortably tight. He ignored it. Good. That means things can go back to normal.
"Great," he muttered, looking away. "No more weird run-ins."
