The Return of the God Level Assassin Chapter 1297: BREAK BETWEEN CLASS

Previously on The Return of the God Level Assassin...

Bai Ze reflected on his embarrassing fumble with a box of figurines during a bookstore outing with Xia Li, an incident that sparked laughter and drew them closer, leading to two more in-person meetings and continued gaming sessions. Sharing this with Luo Yan during their drive to university, Bai Ze admitted their budding connection, earning his cousin's warm approval. At his first class in Data Structures and Algorithms, Luo Yan reviewed the syllabus, determined to apply his past-life knowledge fully this time and avoid an untimely end after graduation. As the lecture began under the professor's calm welcome, Luo Yan later faced excited classmates who recognized him as Noctis from Yunyue's Arcadia Cup triumphs, politely deflecting their enthusiasm to meet Shen Ji Yun.

Once he parted from his classmates, Luo Yan exited the lecture hall and stepped into the building's central corridor. He quickened his steps toward the primary exit. As he proceeded, he fished out his phone and launched WeChat. Then he fired off a message to Shen Ji Yun.

[yanyan1213]: Brother Ji Yun, are you already there? I just got out of class, I'm on my way now.

The response from Shen Ji Yun arrived in seconds, even before Luo Yan could slip his phone back into his pocket.

[luckycloud]: No worries, take your time. I just arrived myself, so there's no rush.

A smile tugged at Luo Yan's lips as he read the reply. He increased his speed slightly, dodging through the crowd of students in the corridor. Finally, after shoving open the doors at the main entrance and emerging outside, he quickly noticed the tall, recognizable form of Shen Ji Yun waiting close by.

Right beyond the doorway, his footsteps came to a halt. He lingered there for a bit, simply gazing at his boyfriend.

Shen Ji Yun was propped against the building's solid concrete side, eyes on his phone. He sported a gentle light-gray crewneck sweater crafted from smooth, soft fabric. His ebony jeans hugged his frame snugly yet relaxed, paired with sleek black sneakers.

Luo Yan found it hard to accept that such an attractive guy was truly his partner. How much fortune could one individual possess? A grin spread across his face inwardly, and he approached the spot where Shen Ji Yun waited.

"Brother Ji Yun," he greeted while drawing near, his grin growing broader.

Shen Ji Yun glanced in the direction of the sound. A subtle, sincere smile lit up his face the moment he spotted Luo Yan. "Yan Yan."

Luo Yan closed the remaining distance to him. "How much time until your next lecture?"

"I have roughly an hour free," Shen Ji Yun replied, tucking his phone away.

Luo Yan beamed at the news. "I've got an hour as well," he mentioned. "Ideal match. Shall we hit up a cafe for a bite? Or maybe stroll around a bit?"

Shen Ji Yun gave a nod, obviously happy with the suggestion. "A cafe works fine," he stated, easing off the wall. In the process, he extended a hand and smoothly lifted the backpack from Luo Yan's shoulder, draping it over his own. "Let's head out."

A brief hesitation struck Luo Yan when Shen Ji Yun grabbed his bag. It was the effortless, instinctive gesture that caught him off guard. That natural ease sent a surge of tender warmth flooding his heart. He smiled once more, this time a gentler, more intimate one, and matched his stride alongside him.

***

They drove in Shen Ji Yun's vehicle to a quaint cafe located some distance from the school grounds, away from the hectic campus zone. The spot was compact and charming, boasting wide windows. The interior felt serene and bathed in soft glow. Shelves of books covered the walls, stuffed with secondhand volumes, giving it the vibe of a snug bookshop that doubled as a top-notch coffee spot.

This spot used to be Luo Yan's go-to cafe during his initial stint as a T University student. Actually, he'd even held a part-time job there. He felt thrilled that the place remained unchanged after more than eight years. It appeared just as before, untouched by the passage of time. The sole noticeable shift was the staff at the counter—the barista and the additional server.

"I had no idea a gem like this existed near the university," Shen Ji Yun remarked, scanning the peaceful interior. He selected a compact table nestled between a pair of bookshelves and took a seat.

Luo Yan settled into the seat across from him. "I stumbled upon it while browsing online some time ago and figured it seemed adorable."

It amounted to a minor fib. He wasn't prepared to reveal his full story to Shen Ji Yun yet. The details of his death and rebirth as this version of Luo Yan remained too personal for now. He recognized the need to disclose it someday. He'd committed to doing so, in time. But not at this moment. Not in the near future.

"So," Luo Yan continued, shifting the subject effortlessly. He gestured toward the front counter. "What catches your fancy? Let's place our order."

Shen Ji Yun rose from his seat. "I'll handle the ordering for both of us. Just let me know your pick."

"A matcha latte will do for me," Luo Yan responded, glancing up at him. "Thanks, Brother Ji Yun."

Shen Ji Yun inclined his head and headed to the counter. Moments later, he returned with a tray in hand. It held the matcha latte, a black Americano, and a plate bearing one slice of cheesecake.

Shen Ji Yun set the tray at the table's side. He removed the matcha latte and positioned it before Luo Yan, then placed his Americano similarly. Lastly, he picked up the cheesecake plate and pushed it directly in front of Luo Yan. He shifted the vacant tray to an adjacent table.

Luo Yan raised his gaze to him, curiosity evident in his expression. He's likely puzzled about the extra item.

"I figured it might appeal to you," Shen Ji Yun explained straightforwardly. Then he resumed his seat.

Luo Yan eyed the cheesecake and grinned inwardly. Such consideration. He grasped his fork and sampled a portion. The creamy cheese and sugary delight melted on his tongue, broadening his smile. "This tastes amazing," he commented. Next, he sliced off another bit and extended the fork toward Shen Ji Yun. "You need to sample this, Brother Ji Yun."

Shen Ji Yun stared at the fork extended before him, topped with the cheesecake morsel. A light, rosy tint warmed his face. He bent forward and accepted the bite.