Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts

The Sunday morning campus of Bai Mei No.1 High School lay blanketed in a rare tranquility, its usual cacophony of morning self-study sessions temporarily suspended. Mei Fang parked across the street before casually strolling through the gates with Xia Yuan—his nonchalant demeanor perfectly mimicking the countless students streaming in for weekend make-up classes.

For Mei Fang, this was a homecoming to his alma mater from another lifetime. For Xia Yuan—who had attended elite private schools since childhood—the provincial key high school represented entirely foreign territory.

"Not bad facilities for a county school,"Xia Yuan observed, tightening her scarf against the winter chill as they passed basketball courts where determined students practiced despite numb fingers. Though bundled in puffy jackets with only her eyes visible, the occasional double-takes from passing students made her grip Mei Fang's arm nervously.

"We've been made,"Mei Fang whispered, breath forming little clouds in the cold air.

"Impossible! I'm completely makeup-free today—totally different from my idol persona!"Xia Yuan protested while fussing with Mei Fang's zipper."If anyone's recognizable, it's you! Men don't wear enough disguises."

"Just act natural."Mei Fang delivered a playful swat to her backside."Stand straight—channel your inner high school girl!"

"P-pervert!"Flushing crimson, Xia Yuan retaliated with a half-hearted kick to his shin before scurrying ahead.

Their search for Peng Xue's classroom led them to the senior year building, where towering stacks of textbooks obscured most students' faces. After several failed attempts to spot their friend through the windows, Mei Fang intercepted a girl heading inside.

"Excuse me, is Peng Xue in your class?"

"Still charming schoolgirls I see,"Xia Yuan grumbled."That CEO aura of yours is lethal to small-town girls."

"I'm wearing a 200 RMB jacket!"

"It's not the clothes—it's the—"

Xia Yuan's complaint was cut short as icy hands covered her eyes from behind.

"Guess who?"

"Xiao Xue! Your hands are freezing!"

Peng Xue emerged grinning—her transformation into an ordinary high schooler was startling. Gone were the bassist's edgy outfits and dramatic makeup; instead, she wore the standard-issue bulky school jacket, her short hair neatly trimmed above the ears, rectangular glasses perched on a nose reddened by the cold. The only remnant of her musical past was a single silver earring glinting beneath her left earlobe.

"Didn't think you'd actually come, Boss Yuan,"Peng Xue teased, immediately zeroing in on the takeout bag."No way… Pan's Beef Noodles? You're a saint!"

"Don't call me that weird title!"Xia Yuan thrust the noodles forward like a peace offering."We queued forever for these!"

"Let's eat at the pavilion—can't stink up the classroom."Peng Xue began leading the way before suddenly stopping."Oh. Hi Mei Fang. Didn't see you there."

"Just a chauffeur today,"Mei Fang deadpanned."You've gotten… younger-looking."

"Meaning I looked old before?"Peng Xue's mock outrage couldn't mask her pleasure at the backhanded compliment.

Their banter continued through the meal, Peng Xue slurping noodles while catching up on half a year's separation. Her academic dedication had paid off—test scores now placed her comfortably within China's top 211 university tier, though reaching Xia Yuan's alma mater Pengcheng University remained a stretch goal.

When Xia Yuan unconsciously rubbed her chilled hands together, Mei Fang unhesitatingly captured them between his own, tucking the bundle against his chest.

"I'm not that cold!"

"Liar."

Peng Xue rolled her eyes."Save the PDA for your penthouse, lovebirds. I've got class soon."

"So quick? We barely talked!"

"Six more months till college,"Peng Xue promised, squeezing Xia Yuan's shoulder."Then I'll annoy you daily. Though…"Her expression turned wistful."You still want to do that band thing? With your career now…?"

"Of course! Our childhood promise!"Xia Yuan's eyes sparkled."I want to be a rock goddess!"

The reminder of their teenage pact softened Peng Xue's features."Then save me a spot. I'll earn my place properly."

Her gaze flickered to Mei Fang when mentioning musical achievements—his composition"Song of Peculiar Powers"had unexpectedly topped charts last year under her stage name "Mi Xue," dwarfing all her previous works combined.

"One of your songs outshone my entire discography,"Peng Xue admitted ruefully."Humbling experience."

"Only because it suited you,"Mei Fang deflected.

"Xiao Xue's voice carries stories,"Xia Yuan agreed before suddenly gasping."Oh! Your graduation present!"She produced a delicate rabbit-shaped silver bracelet."I know it's not your style, but—"

"—so it'll feel like you're always with me,"Peng Xue finished, slipping it on immediately."Predictable as ever."

Their farewell grew emotional near the classroom, Peng Xue suddenly engulfing Xia Yuan in a fierce hug.

"Thank you. For being the only one who visits."

"Best friends forever!"Xia Yuan chirped before adding conspiratorially:"And future star of Yuan Xia Music!"

"Aha! So this was a recruitment trip!"Peng Xue fake-glared before sobering."Seriously though… you shouldn't have brought him."

Xia Yuan blinked."You… still have feelings for A-Fang?"

"God, only you could ask that so innocently."Peng Xue massaged her temples."Telling you was my way of setting boundaries—doesn't mean the feelings vanished. Grow up a little, will you?"

The lecture continued—gentle but firm—about Xia Yuan's need to mature beyond her sheltered princess mindset. Peng Xue's final advice about guarding Mei Fang from opportunistic women left Xia Yuan pouting all the way back to the parking lot.

"She called me mentally 10 years old!"

"She means well,"Mei Fang chuckled before noticing Xia Yuan's sudden sparkle at seeing a student couple holding hands.

"A-Fang! Since Youxi's not here…"She wiggled her eyebrows."High school romance reenactment time!"

Oblivious that Lin Youxi had already drained Mei Fang's stamina that morning, Xia Yuan happily dragged him toward secluded corners for "super A-Fang energy replenishment"—an adventure that ended with them being apprehended by a suspicious dean who only released them after verifying their absurd "nostalgic college couple" story.

Meanwhile, back in Classroom 307, Peng Xue found herself unable to focus on her trigonometry workbook.

Dododo? Multiple times a night?

The mental image of meek-looking Mei Fang possessing such… endurance short-circuited her concentration.

Damn you Yuan-yuan! Why bring him here to tempt me!

She slammed her textbook shut.

Can't study today anymore!