“Holding whom to what?”
Ada had found her.
Rui smiled. “Nothing.”
“You look like you’re freezing.” Ada wrapped her bright pink scarf around Rui’s neck.
“Thanks,” said Rui, her voice muffled by the soft wool. It smelled of green apples and citrus, the perfume Ada always wore. “How is he?”
“Yiran? I left him in his room an hour ago. He said he was going to nap. He’ll be all right. I think it’s just first-day nerves, plus he doesn’t know the fundamentals. Mai really shouldn’t have switched the program on him.”
Rui was surprised by her own relief. Maybe she was more worried about Yiran than she cared to admit.
“By the way,” Ada said with a broad smile, “we’re going for karaokewhen there’s no curfew to celebrate the new president of the Student Council. Your lovely presence is mandatory.”
“Right! I haven’t congratulated you yet.” Rui hugged her. “I told you it was going to be you. There’s no one better for president.”
“I did run a good campaign.”
“A flawless one.”
“If you insist.” Ada patted herself on her back. “Good job, me.”
“Good job, you,” Rui agreed.
“So, karaoke?”
Rui couldn’t hold a tune to save her life. “I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“Nope.” Ada laughed. “I feel like we haven’t been hanging out much recently because of your injuries. I’m glad you’re feeling like yourself again.”
But I’m not myself.Rui wanted to tell the truth, but instead, she rested her head on Ada’s shoulder.
“It was amazing to see you kicking that poor little rich boy’s butt,” Ada remarked.
Rui knew she wasn’t being mean. “Why do you call him a poor little rich boy?”
“Because he is one. It’s obvious he’s been living in Ash’s shadow. Having a famous and accomplished older sibling messes with your self-esteem.”
Ada had the ability to empathize with everyone. Sometimes, Rui wished she had it too. “You, my friend,” she said, “are way too kind.”
Ada pointed at a tall figure jogging toward them. “Speaking of Song er shaoye, is that him?”
Rui thought briefly of running away, but it was too late. Yiran was already in front of them.
“Shouldn’t you be resting?” Ada said.
“I couldn’t nap. Thought I’d take a walk for some fresh air.” He looked around. “This is a nice little park.”
“You should still get some rest,” Ada nagged. She glanced at her watch.“Crap. I’m about to be late for my first Council meeting as president. I’ll see you later, Rui.”
She ran off, leaving an uncomfortable space between Rui and Yiran.
Rui wanted to leave, but this washerspot. She didn’t want to lose it to him too.
“I’ve something to tell you,” Yiran began.
“Shut up and sit down.”
