High school classes were always dull, with only physical education providing a glimpse of the students’ youthful vigor. Boys practiced on the pommel horse, while girls played volleyball. Suddenly, the PE teacher left for some unknown reason, and the playground erupted in laughter and playful chaos. “Zuo Dong Qin!” someone suddenly called out loudly. Dong Qin, who was picking up a ball, turned around to see the female sports committee member looking at her with a haughty expression. “You were supposed to fetch materials from the storage room last time, but you didn’t go. Now I’ve caught you. Go to the storage room and get ten soft mats; the teacher said we need them for sit-ups right away!” Dong Qin dropped the ball and said calmly, “You’ve got it wrong. I was the one who delivered the volleyball last time; it shouldn’t be my turn this time.” The female sports committee member’s eyes widened in shock, “So, you’re saying it’s my fault? Are you too precious to do anything for yourself?” Dong Qin glanced indifferently behind her, where the male sports committee member was looking at her with a hint of sympathy. It was no secret that the female sports committee member had a crush on the male sports committee member, but it was rumored that he had a special interest in Dong Qin, which had led to the female sports committee member sabotaging Dong Qin several times behind her back. “Let me help!” The male sports committee member rushed over to offer his assistance. Before Dong Qin could refuse, the female sports committee member’s eyes turned red with jealousy. “Stay out of girls’ business!” “Fine, I’ll go,” Dong Qin said, fearing a further commotion might alert the teacher, and she walked away. Behind her, the two sports committee members continued to argue. Weren’t they quite a match in some ways? Dong Qin thought, at least they would never run out of things to talk about when together; both were so loud.
The sports equipment storage was behind a small grove, a rather secluded spot. It was a popular haunt for young couples, and on her way, Dong Qin encountered more than two pairs of love-struck students. They were all eager to make the most of their youth before it faded. Love was fiery, but its consequences were severe. The number of girls secretly having abortions, hiding from both parents and school, was increasing. Life seemed less valuable than nothing in the eyes of these young lovers. Why didn’t they use condoms? Dong Qin wondered as she passed yet another couple, intrigued by the question. They were such a convenient, safe, and clean option, even enhancing the experience. She always carried two or three packs in her pocket whenever she went out with a purpose.
