When Our Hearts Beat in Unison

"Erikson, get up for school, you're going to be late!"

I mumbled as I rolled over, "Don't call me."

"Erikson, stop sleeping and get up now."

"I don't want to wake up, don't call me."

My blanket was yanked off abruptly: "Get up this instant!"

"Don't call me," I yelled with eyes open, "I said I don't want to wake up. Can't you understand?"

My mom stood by my bed, stunned. She asked in shock:

"Erikson, did you take the wrong medicine?"

"Why are you so irritable?"

"Why are you getting worked up about being called to get ready for school?"

I stood there, dazed and breathless.

My chest felt inexplicably tight, as if I couldn't catch my breath.

Yes! Why was I so agitated?

"Sorry, Mom, I'm getting up right now."

I rushed through my morning routine. At school, while heading upstairs, I saw Gamler from Class Five cornering Alicia at the stairwell.

Gamler said, "I'll help you study, you'll definitely get into college."

Alicia stood on the stairs, her delicate face frozen in surprise.

When she didn't respond, Gamler nervously fidgeted with his hands: "To be honest, I like you."

"I want to help you stay on the right path."

He stammered, "It's not just because you blocked that ball for me yesterday that I like you."

"Do you remember the first day of school? The sunlight was so bright during the flag-raising ceremony. You were late and suddenly cut in front of me. As I looked up, you turned around and smiled at me catch-off-guard. I was spellbound by your smile, and I've liked you ever since."

"It's not a sudden thing, I've liked you for a long time."

Back then, everyone knew Gamler had a thing for Alicia.

His affection was passionate and outspoken.

I vaguely recalled that during a lunch break when I went to the bathroom, I overheard Gamler and his buddy walking down the hallway.

Gamler was gazing affectionately at Alicia, who was asleep with her head on the desk.

His friend teased, "What do you like about Alicia? Besides being pretty, she's got a terrible temper. Why do you like her?"

Gamler just shrugged and smiled.

Looking at Alicia, his smile grew wider:

"No particular reason. I asked my heart, and it said I can't help myself."

"Nice use of a Lu Xun-style love line there, my friend."

I shook off the memory and looked at Alicia.

She stood on the stairs, her beautiful and delicate face framed by the breeze that fluttered the strands of hair on her forehead, revealing her fair, jade-like neck.Though she usually had a cold expression, her smile was as warm as spring, playful and captivating, impossible to look away from.

Yes, Alicia had always been radiant; she deserved the attention of exceptional people.

"I have a boyfriend," Alicia said, pointing at me.

Gamler turned around in surprise.

He couldn't believe Alicia had a boyfriend; he'd never heard of her liking anyone before.