Safe Harbor

Jiang Wuyu's world is a rainy day that never ends.

Before transferring to Nancheng No. 1 High School, he endured a long stretch of darkness. Years of beatings and torment destroyed his sense of security. He grew used to pain, to obeying, and to keeping his head down. Wearing an old school uniform that was always a size too big, he wrapped himself up tightly, trying to hide the terrible scars covering his body. He sat in the very back corner of the classroom. He made no friends and said nothing, like a wild plant on the verge of withering, ready to rot silently in the dirt at any moment.

He thought the rest of his life would wither away in fear, until he met Lu Yubai.

Lu Yubai was the celebrated star of Nancheng No. 1 High School. Born into a wealthy family, bold and dazzling, he was like a fire that could never go out, carrying his own light wherever he went. Everyone thought the two of them were like day and night, with nothing in common.

But somehow, that fire burned its way into Jiang Wuyu's life.

Lu Yubai didn't mind his oddness or care that he kept his distance. When someone mocked Jiang Wuyu for being a "mute," Lu Yubai kicked over their desk. When someone tried to shove Jiang Wuyu, Lu Yubai stepped in front of him, his eyes cold as ice.

Lu Yubai never asked what Jiang Wuyu had gone through before, and never looked down on him or offered him pity. He simply brought Jiang Wuyu a bottle of warm milk every day, spoke to him as naturally as if nothing were wrong, and used his tall frame to shield him from every curious and hostile gaze.

Then, one late-autumn evening, Jiang Wuyu suffered a sudden trauma response. He curled up in an empty corner, trembling all over, his arms wrapped around himself.

Lu Yubai found him. He didn't rush him or try to pull at his clothes. He simply took off his school uniform jacket, still warm from his body, gently draped it over him, then crouched down to meet his eyes.

"Jiang Wuyu." Lu Yubai said his full name, his voice soft and steady, like an anchor that could not be moved. "Don't be afraid. From now on, I'm here. No one will ever lay a finger on you again."

From then on, Jiang Wuyu knew that no matter how fierce the storm outside grew, he had a safe haven where he could find shelter.

"You've been hurt so many times, but I promise that from now on, Wuyu, you'll have a life free of worry."

Theme: Stay positive.