Jīn Xìnxīn, better known as Faith, was a nineteen-year-old girl of mixed heritage—Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and American. Both her parents were mixed themselves: her father was Korean-Chinese, while her mother was Japanese-American. With such diverse bloodlines, her features stood out wherever she went.
Her family had moved around Asia constantly, following her parents' demanding careers—her father, a renowned surgeon, and her mother, a successful businesswoman. It wasn't until Xinxin reached the 11th grade that her parents finally decided to settle down in her father's hometown: bustling, relentless Beijing.
Because of her parents' busy schedules, Xinxin naturally took on the role of the family's anchor, caring for her younger siblings. Most days, she was left at home with her seventeen-year-old brother, Daiyu, and her five-year-old baby sister, Jia, while her two other sisters studied at a boarding school. At just nineteen, she was both a sister and a mother figure—responsible, mature, but still yearning for her own sense of freedom.
In high school, Xinxin had been a bright student, but never quite fit in. Despite having Chinese blood, she didn't look particularly Chinese, which set her apart instantly. Her shaky Mandarin only made matters worse. While boys seemed to be fascinated by her exotic looks, the girls in her class grew jealous and cold, their perception of her shifting from "just another transfer student" to "the campus slut" almost overnight.
But Xinxin never cared. She wasn't one to hold grudges or waste time on petty rumors. She focused on finishing high school and, once it was over, she never looked back.
Everything changed when she entered university. She had been accepted into a prestigious program for Financial Studies, and her first day was etched into her memory like a permanent scar.
She remembered sitting on a bench, map in hand, trying to figure out her way around campus when a shadow fell beside her.
"You don't know how many perverts out there are trying to peek under your short skirt," a low voice muttered.
Startled, she turned. The boy beside her was watching a group of students play soccer on the field, his tone casual as if he hadn't just said something outrageous.
Confused, she stammered, "W-who are you?"
He chuckled at her reaction, the corners of his lips tugging upward. "Hey, 3-A's Jin Xinxin. I'm Zhang Yixing, class 3-B. We were schoolmates—you don't know me?"
Schoolmates? The word felt strange. Xinxin could barely recognize her own classmates back in high school, let alone students from other classes. She had always kept her head down, never mingling, never seeking friends. Not because she was shy, but because she had learned the hard way—making friends meant losing them when her parents decided to move again.
"How do you know me?" she asked, folding her map and slipping it into her bag. She had no plans of making friends in college either.
His laughter deepened, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Are you kidding me? You transferred into our school and stole all the attention. And now you're asking me how I know you?" He shook his head, still smiling.
Her chest tightened. The last thing she wanted was a reminder of her past reputation. With caution, she asked, "Which course are you in, Zhang Yixing?"
He leaned back against the bench, grin widening. "Same course, same class. Call it destiny."
Xinxin sighed softly, forcing politeness into her tone. "Okay then. Nice to know you." She stood, bowed, and walked away quickly.
But before she could escape, Yixing caught up. He draped an arm over her shoulders, leaning close enough for his breath to brush against her ear.
"Hey, Xinxin," he whispered, "be my friend."
And just like that, Zhang Yixing became the first friend she had made since moving to China. He was kind, genuine, and unlike anyone she had ever met. His sincerity showed in everything he did, and before long, they were inseparable—sharing meals, studying together, walking side by side through every corner of campus.
Through her first year of college, Yixing had been her anchor, her constant. She thought their bond was unshakable, that nothing would change between them.
But as they entered their second year, Xinxin would soon realize—
Nothing ever stays the same.
Damn it, Zhang Yixing.
××××××
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Zhang Yixing 》 With his irresistible dimples, Yixing is carefree and often lost in his own world. Lighthearted and playful, he rarely takes things too seriously—except when he's studying, where his sharpness and wisdom shine through. Most of the time though, he's simply a whimsical dreamer, or as he likes to call himself, the world peace unicorn.
Jīn Xīnxīn 》 A mixed-blood girl who tries hard to blend in as just another ordinary Chinese student. But one glance at her, and it's obvious she doesn't quite fit the mold. Her striking looks set her apart, and her Mandarin—awkward and a little unnatural—only adds to the distance. On top of that, the constant attention she receives from boys makes her a magnet for envy, earning her more dislike than friendship among other girls.
//As for how Xinxin looks—you can imagine her however you like. But honestly? It might be easiest to picture her as yourself.//
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[Jung Joonyoung]
Jīn Daiyu 》 At seventeen, Daiyu is Xinxin's supportive younger brother. Ever since the day Xinxin introduced Yixing as her new best friend, Daiyu instantly grew attached to him. Their personalities clicked effortlessly, and it didn't take long before they became close. What sealed their bond even more was their shared passion—fanboying over AOA together like it was their sacred ritual.