The library was vast, but most students stayed near the entrance. Deeper inside, where less popular books were stored, there were a few spots, but they were rarely occupied. The books there were complex, often incomprehensible to students.
Inside, the shelves were different. Many book titles were unfamiliar, but that didn't bother Shuangyu—he could read anything.
Looking around, he spotted a book on the top shelf.
"'Minor Logic'… Logic? Interesting. I'll take it."
Then he realized the horror.
He was too short.
As the shortest in his class, he couldn't even reach the second-highest shelf of the two-meter bookcase.
"Damn!"
Undeterred, he stood on tiptoes and stretched with all his might, but it didn't help.
"Argh…"
Shuangyu kept stretching, as if he could trick his height.
At that moment, a jade-white hand pulled the book from the shelf.
— Wanted this book? — a soft voice with a faint fragrance came from behind.
Shuangyu froze. It was a girl's voice. His body tensed before his brain could react.
He slowly turned. Before him stood a girl with long, night-black hair, just centimeters away. Her scent overwhelmed his senses.
The closeness of her face—snow-white, with perfect features but cold as an icy mountain—paralyzed him. He stood frozen, unable to think.
— This book? — she repeated.
Shuangyu finally snapped back, but his voice trembled with tension.
— Y-yeah… — he managed.
— Here, — she handed him the book.
— Th-thanks… — he replied automatically.
— You understand books like this? — she asked.
Shuangyu was thrown off.
— W-well… probably… I understand… — he mumbled.
Noticing his nervousness, the girl asked:
— Are you afraid of me?
— Uh… n-no… why would I be… — he replied, tensing even more.
— Do you know who I am? — she continued.
— Uh… sorry… you… — he began.
The girl looked at him with faint amusement. She found it entertaining.
"He doesn't even remember a classmate."
— I'm your classmate, Kawanai Maino, — she said quietly.
Shuangyu froze, stunned.
Seeing his reaction, Maino suddenly wanted to tease him—a rare urge for her.
— R-really… sorry… I have a bad memory… sorry, — he muttered.
— How rude… not remembering a classmate, — she said.
— Uh! Sorry, really, sorry! — he panicked.
Maino, for reasons she didn't understand, wanted to keep talking—unusual for her.
— If so, apologize properly. Come with me, — she said.
Before Shuangyu could process, he followed her.
— R-really, sorry… please don't be mad… — he asked weakly.
— Do I look mad? — she replied. Her soft voice showed no anger.
— Well… — he began.
— You barely remember anyone from class, do you? — she asked.
"How does she know?"
— Why… — he started.
— Just a guess, — she replied.
"She tricked me," he thought.
They reached the end of the library, where a room stood by a large stained-glass window, surrounded by shelves. Maino opened the door.
— Come in, — she said.
Nervous and feeling awkward, Shuangyu forgot his sister's key rule: "Never enter a room alone with a girl."
The room matched the Gothic style, with a stained-glass window letting in colorful light. In the center was a red wooden table with a computer, four chairs, and by the window, a long cabinet with documents and a coffee machine.
— This is… — Shuangyu began.
— The library office. I'm the librarian. This is my place, — Maino replied, starting to sort documents and books.
"Cool… But why is a student the librarian?"
— You can apply to the school. It's been done before, — she answered, as if reading his mind.
"How does she know what I'm thinking?"
— Uh… why did you bring me here… for what apology? — he asked, realizing he was alone with a girl.
— Read your books here. It's better than outside, — she said.
— Uh… but… this is for an apology… Kawanai-san… — he began.
— Remember the start of the school year? — she said quietly, continuing to sort books.
— Start of the year? — he echoed, confused.
"He doesn't remember… Fine," she thought.
— Never mind… As an apology, read here. The room's big, it's rarely used, and I'm not always here. Plus, the library's often full, right? — she said.
— Uh… why… But I haven't apologized… — he objected.
— Don't overthink it. You barely remember anyone from class, — she replied.
"I remember Suzuki-san!" he thought.
— But… really, sorry… — he repeated.
— Then, as a proper apology… call me Maino, — she said.
— Huh?! Is that okay? — he exclaimed, surprised.
— Don't want to apologize? — she asked, looking at him with an expressionless gaze.
Shuangyu grew even more nervous.
— M-Maino-san… — he managed.
Her usually impassive face briefly flashed a faint smile, which Shuangyu didn't catch. Maino picked up coffee beans.
— Want coffee? — she asked.
After classes, it was time for his assigned duty, and despite his frail health, Shuangyu had to take out the trash. After tossing two bags into the dumpster, he made his way across the school courtyard. Most students had already left, and the field was empty. The sky was painted in hues of orange and blue as the sun slowly set.
But there was one figure on the field.
A girl.
She was running.
By normal standards, there should be few students at school at this hour—usually only members of the student council stayed behind to handle their responsibilities.
But for Hong Shuangyu, this was of little consequence.
From a distance, he noticed a girl in a sports uniform practicing her running.
The setting sun cast her shadow onto the plastic track. Why was she still training? Was it because of youth, dreams, effort, or an unwillingness to give up?
Hong Shuangyu didn't know. He needed to hurry home, or his sister Xuan would not spare him.
A sudden feeling sparked a rare joy in Hong Shuangyu. The orange sun enveloped the entire school in an aura of youth.
Students on duty, training, chatting, frolicking...
Was this... youth?
Watching the girl running around the stadium, Hong Shuangyu couldn't help but ponder.
Haha... what am I even saying... acting like an adult... time to go home...
But just as Hong Shuangyu was about to leave, the girl on the field fell.
And she fell hard.
Hey-hey-hey-hey-hey-hey!!!
The girl was practicing sprinting, and sprinting involves the maximum speed a person can achieve. It was precisely because of her excessive speed that she fell. Many had experienced something similar. From afar, Hong Shuangyu could see that the fall looked serious.
That must hurt a lot... should I go help? But she's a girl...
Hong Shuangyu was still mulling over unnecessary thoughts, but the girl's condition didn't look good.
From a distance, he could see a large abrasion on her knee from scraping against the track, with blood flowing from the wound at an alarming rate.
Seeing such a scene, Hong Shuangyu realized there was no time for idle thoughts.
"Hey... are you okay, classmate?"
Running over, he asked. The situation seemed more serious than he had thought.
The girl, clutching her knee with both hands, was trembling all over. Upon closer inspection, the wound indeed looked severe.
"It hurts... it hurts so much..."
The intense pain made the girl tremble, and tears streamed from the corners of her eyes.
Noticing someone approaching, she looked up.
Short chestnut hair, a girl radiating youth and energy.
The so-called athletic girl.
But her injury left Hong Shuangyu no time to bask in the aura of youth.
"It hurts so much..."
The pain seemed so intense that the girl couldn't speak.
Hong Shuangyu panicked because his chronic symptoms began to resurface.
An injured girl, and no other classmates nearby.
This meant Hong Shuangyu would have to support her.
In the end, this meant close contact with a girl who, after intense training, exuded a distinct feminine scent.
Realizing this, Hongami Yu unable to cope with his weakness, and his condition flared up.
The girl didn't know what Hong Shuangyu was thinking. The intense pain made her tremble so much that she couldn't utter a word. She had never experienced such a serious injury or such pain before. The thought that this injury might prevent her from participating in the upcoming competition made Luxing Xin cry, and tears poured down like rain.
Hong Shuangyu, still in the grip of his condition, finally noticed the girl crying in front of him. Flustered, he realized now was not the time to be afraid.
Taking a deep breath, he exhaled all his fear and resolutely placed the girl's arm over his shoulder.
Snapping out of her daze, Luxing Xin looked at the boy in front of her, who was shorter than she was.
"Classmate Hong Shuangyu?"
The soft feminine body and her scent made Hong Shuangyu freeze for a moment. He didn't even hear Luxing Xin's words.
His pupils dilated, and sweat instantly beaded on his forehead.
The fear was still hard to overcome.
Trembling, Hong Shuangyu took another deep breath.
"Can you... move? Let's... hurry to the infirmary."
Looking at the boy shorter than her, Luxing Xin suddenly felt her pain and sadness ease slightly.
Could he... support me? He's trembling all over...
Luxing Xin suddenly wanted to laugh, but it wasn't out of mockery.
The pain prevented her from smiling, and she only managed to respond to Hong Shuangyu with maximum effort:
"Mhm..."
The severity of the injury caused Luxing Xin's blood to stain her socks red. Hong Shuangyu, already low on strength, took five minutes to reach the infirmary while supporting the nearly immobile Luxing Xin, even with all his effort. Fortunately, the infirmary was not far from the stadium, and the school was well-equipped in this regard, with more than one medical facility.
Upon reaching the infirmary, Hong Shuangyu, disregarding school etiquette, flung the door open and shouted with his last bit of strength:
"Teacher... quick... save her!"
The sudden shout startled the on-duty nurse, who was at her station.
"What happened?"
Teacher Fujiwara rose from her chair and approached the door.
Seeing the situation, she immediately gave clear instructions based on her experience:
"Quickly, get her to the bed!"
Saying this, Fujiwara headed to the cabinet for medical supplies.
Hong Shuangyu, having exhausted his strength, made a final effort to get Luxing Xin to the bed before collapsing onto the floor, breathing heavily.
Fujiwara quickly brought everything needed.
Disinfection, bandaging—her deft movements made the seemingly serious wound appear less frightening.
After finishing, Fujiwara sat on a chair and said:
"Good thing you came in time. The wound looks serious, but it's not critical. However, there seems to be a fracture, so she needs to go to the hospital urgently. I've already called an ambulance. But, Yu... you don't look so good yourself. It's surprising you managed to get her here."
As a frequent visitor to the infirmary, Hong Shuangyu had long known Fujiwara, and she was well aware of his condition, especially given someone's "request."
Hong Shuangyu, still not fully recovered, sat panting heavily. Due to physical exhaustion and the aftermath of his fear, he felt completely drained.
Hearing Fujiwara's words, he snapped out of it:
"It was urgent... no time to think..."
Hong Shuangyu shook his head, understanding that Fujiwara wasn't referring only to his physical state.
"Rest a bit, or you'll collapse too."
Before Fujiwara could finish, the unsteady Hong Shuangyu fell.
"Sigh, here we go again," Fujiwara sighed, supporting her forehead.
Hong Shuangyu felt uncomfortable all over, as if something was tightly gripping him, and his arm was numb from pressure.
Overcoming the intense discomfort, he opened his eyes.
Xuan was hugging him from behind, her legs tightly wrapped around him, as if locking him in place.
Hong Shuangyu sighed and quietly called:
"Sister... sister... time to get up."
"....."
No response.
"Sister... time to get up..."
This time, Hong Shuangyu spoke a bit louder.
"Mhm..."
Xuan stirred behind him and then hugged him even tighter.
Being squeezed even more, Hong Shuangyu felt worse. Frowning, he took a deep breath, gathered his strength, and knocked his head backward:
"Wake up!!!"
"Ow~~~"
Clutching her forehead, Xuan sprang out of bed.
"That hurt~~~"
Getting up, Hong Shuangyu grabbed his school uniform.
"Xuan, get out, I need to change quickly."
Xuan was still sitting in the corner, holding her forehead.
"Uuuu~~~~"
"Get out, I'll be late!"
Xuan, with teary eyes, turned to Hong Shuangyu:
"What's the big deal? I've seen your body anyway—your sister knows Yu's body better than anyone!"
Xuan stood up and continued with a serious expression.
"Get out, and next time sleep in your own room!"
As he spoke, Hong Shuangyu pushed her toward the door.
"But... what if something happens to Yu..."
"What are you even thinking about... The most dangerous thing is sleeping with you—I could barely breathe!"
"Hey~~~~"
Before Xuan could finish, Hong Shuangyu slammed the door shut.
Sighing with relief and rubbing his slightly aching head, he began changing.
That day, when he came to, he found himself already in the hospital, with Xuan by his side.
In the end, he had fainted anyway, and upon waking, he and his sister returned home. Strangely, Xuan didn't say anything about his close contact with another girl.
A few days passed, and now it was morning. After changing, Hong Shuangyu left his room.
Xuan was already humming, preparing breakfast.
Sitting at the table and waiting for Xuan to finish breakfast, Hong Shuangyu turned on the TV to the news channel.
"Recently, several people have gone missing in our city, including..."
Things seem unsettled lately.
"Breakfast's ready!~"
Xuan brought the food.
"Eat it all, every bit!"
Hong Shuangyu looked: eggs with a perfect yolk-to-white ratio, golden-crusted toast, and his sister's signature milk.
A perfect breakfast. The only issue was whether Hong Shuangyu could eat it all.
"Here~ your lunch is ready too, eat that as well! ❤~"
"No hearts!"
"Hey~ it's more love this way!"
Hong Shuangyu decided to ignore her. Time was short; he needed to eat quickly.
"I'm off!"
Putting on his shoes, he left.
"Come back early!~"
Xuan waved until Hong Shuangyu's figure disappeared from sight. Then her smiling face turned expressionless, and she slowly returned to Hong Shuangyu's room...
Slowly making his way to school, Hong Shuangyu entered the classroom and immediately buried his face on his desk. Time was a bit tight, and for someone incapable of running like Hong Shuangyu, it was a physical challenge.
Barely sitting down, his desk neighbor Suzuki greeted him:
"Good morning, Yu!"
"Morning~" he replied weakly.
"Yu, you look tired again today? Everything okay?"
"Fine... just rushed a bit."
Suzuki glanced at the clock... almost twenty minutes remained before class...
"Yu, you really have it tough."
"Mhm~" he responded, not lifting his head.
At that moment, a figure passed by.
A cold voice sounded:
"Good morning... Yu-san..."
"Huh?"
Hearing the voice, Hong Shuangyu abruptly lifted his head.
Before him stood Kawanai Maino, cold and seemingly fragile, with a faint smile and a hint of anticipation as she greeted him.
"G-good... good morning, Maino-san."
Hearing Hong Shuangyu's response, Kawanai gave a barely noticeable smile, nodded, and walked away.
"Wow? It's rare for Kawanai to greet someone. Yu, are you close with her?"
Suzuki, watching Kawanai walk away, asked Hong Shuangyu.
"Huh... not really... just acquaintances."
"I see..."
"Alright, class is starting! Back to your seats!"
Time flew by, and the teacher was already in the classroom.
For Hong Shuangyu, another dull day began.
Barely making it to lunch, Hong Shuangyu tackled the bento prepared by Xuan. The morning breakfast still lingered as a slight heaviness in his stomach.
Sigh, I'll have to eat slowly; I can't throw out the bento Xuan worked so hard on.
Taking out his bento, Hong Shuangyu suddenly decided:
"I won't eat in the classroom today."
Grabbing his bento, he leisurely stepped outside and began wandering around the school.
Where should I go to eat?
The school was vast, with plenty of places to rest, and its landscaping was breathtaking.
It felt like he walked for a long time but still hadn't found a suitable spot.
Then the library came into view.
"Right, there are nice spots near the library!"
Hong Shuangyu was about to head there with his bento when a figure appeared behind him.
"Hong Shuangyu-san?"
Startled, Hong Shuangyu turned sharply but didn't realize the person was already very close.
As a result, the bento slipped easily from his hands, its contents spilling onto the ground, and the aroma of food spread around.
Disaster... Xuan will flip out...—that was his first thought.
"Sorry!"
"Sorry!"
They both said at the same time.
"No-no, I should apologize, I didn't mean to scare you!"
The person in front of him hurriedly explained, and Hong Shuangyu recognized her with surprise.
It was a girl. No, rather, a girl in a wheelchair, with her left leg in a cast.
Luxing Xin.
The same classmate he had helped a few days ago.
"It's you?"
"Really, I'm so sorry... you helped me, and I... sorry..."
"It's fine... it's my fault; a normal person wouldn't have dropped it."
Hong Shuangyu scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Ha~ don't say that about yourself! By the way, here's a gift to thank you for your help. Though, of course, it's awkward that I ruined your bento."
On Luxing Xin's lap rested an elegant three-tiered bento box.
"...This is...?"
"A bento I made myself. I wanted to give it to you, and now that your bento got ruined by accident, try this as thanks and compensation!"
Luxing Xin looked as if everything was going according to plan, but the naive Hong Shuangyu didn't notice.
"But..."
"No refusals! It's thanks and compensation, and I'm confident in my skills!"
Before Hong Shuangyu could respond, she cut him off.
...
In the end, Hong Shuangyu and Luxing Xin found a nearby bench.
Opening the bento, a dazzling light burst forth, and Hong Shuangyu shielded his eyes from the glow of the colorful food.
"What... is this..."
A bento worthy of a Michelin-star chef. Each dish was perfectly balanced, arranged with impeccable precision, and the aroma of the dishes and sauces blended into an enticing scent. Even without seeing the bento, the smell alone made his mouth water.
Did you put something in it?!
"Hee-hee... just whipped it up quickly."
Luxing Xin rubbed her head shyly.
Whipped up quickly... and this... Taking a piece of beef into his mouth...
In that moment... Hong Shuangyu felt as if he were transported to the pastures of Australia... lying on a cow's back, enjoying the breeze from the Pacific Ocean.
This is too delicious! Are you a kitchen goddess?
"So, so, is it good?"
Luxing Xin looked at him expectantly.
"You really should become a chef... this is too much..."
Hong Shuangyu could only give such a banal high praise.
"Hee-hee~ lots of people say that, but it's just a hobby, just a hobby!"
Just a hobby?!
Hong Shuangyu, who usually ate little, was so inspired by the food that he ate half of the three-tiered bento for the first time, and Luxing Xin had to finish the rest.
"Thanks for the treat..."
Sated to the point of immobility, Hong Shuangyu said this with unprecedented sincerity.
Thanks to all the foods in the world...
"Hee-hee~ see, I told you I was confident in my skills!"
"It's really incredibly delicious... you definitely need to be a chef..."
"Maybe I'll think about it later; I have other goals now."
"That's a pity..."
Luxing Xin packed away the boxes, clapped her hands, and said:
"Then let's head back to class; you'll help push me?"
"Huh? Sure, but I'm not very strong, so I might push slowly..."
"No problem, there's plenty of time, take it easy."
"Oh... what class are you in..."
As Hong Shuangyu prepared to push the wheelchair, he suddenly realized he didn't know what class Luxing Xin was in.
At that moment, Luxing Xin froze, her head slightly lowered.
Slowly, she turned the wheelchair, looking at him with a grim expression.
"Uh... uh... what's... what's wrong?"
Sensing something amiss, Hong Shuangyu spoke in a trembling voice.
Luxing Xin's lips moved.
"..."
"What..."
"I'm in your class."
The world stopped.
Sweat beaded on his forehead, and Hong Shuangyu's entire body trembled. At that moment, he realized the only way to handle this awkward situation...
Get on his knees.
As he was about to kneel and apologize, Luxing Xin shouted:
"This is too much! Hong Shuangyu, you don't even know I'm in your class, and you just addressed me so casually! This is too much! Am I that unnoticeable? We've been in the same class for so long, fine, maybe not my name, but at least recognize me! That's so rude!"
Luxing Xin, with an indignant expression, puffed up her cheeks.
"S-sorry..."
Kawanai had reacted similarly before. He'd need to memorize everyone's names and faces in class.
Otherwise... it'd be like this...
"Seriously!"
Luxing Xin puffed her cheeks and turned away, clearly offended.
"Sorry, really, I'm so sorry!" Hong Shuangyu could only bow at a ninety-degree angle in apology.
Luxing Xin glanced at him.
"Fine, for such rudeness... start by remembering my name. I'm Luxing Xin, remember it well!"
"Yes!" Hong Shuangyu nodded seriously, trying to commit it to memory.
Seeing his seriousness, Luxing Xin couldn't hold back and laughed.
"Hee-hee~ you're so funny, I'm not that mad, don't worry so much."
"No... still, I'm sorry... because..."
"You barely know anyone in class, do you?"
Well, I know Suzuki... and now Maino... and why are you saying the same thing she did?
"...No words."
"That's too much!"
"Sorry..."
"Alright, let's head back to class."
"Mhm..."
Slowly pushing the wheelchair, Hong Shuangyu didn't notice the faint blush on Luxing Xin's face as she sat in it.
Luxing Xin tightly clenched her hands, as if making a decision.
"Uh... hey... Hong Shuangyu-san..."
"Huh?"
"I... heard from Teacher Fujiwara that you... are afraid of girls, right?"
Luxing Xin asked with slight nervousness.
"...Um..."
Hearing her words, Hong Shuangyu instinctively stopped and stepped back a couple of paces.
Luxing Xin slowly turned the wheelchair to face him.
"Actually... I want Hong Shuangyu-san... to help me with my rehabilitation training..."
Luxing Xin said with slight embarrassment.
Wait... what's this?
"W-why?"
Alright...
Alright...
"Listen, in this situation... have you ever thought about it?"
Luxing Xin suddenly adopted a serious tone.
"If you keep going like this, what will happen to your life? How will you get married, have kids? It's a big problem!"
"..."
Why is she going so far... but, true, true.
"But..."
"No buts! So come with me to training! In a way, it's recovery for both of us. Take responsibility for yourself!"
"Well... I still need to ask my sister's opinion..."
"Huh? Hong Shuangyu-san has a sister?"
"Yeah, so..."
"Don't hesitate! Does your life have to be controlled by your sister?!"
"...So why..."
Alright...
"Actions speak louder than words! Right now, grab your phone... no, forget it! Come with me to training right now!"
"Hey..."
"I..."
"So, Hong Shuangyu-san agrees? Then after class, we go straight to the hospital!"
"Hey..."
"It's settled! No time to waste! I'm heading back to class! See you later!"
Without giving Hong Shuangyu a chance to respond, Luxing Xin sped off with astonishing speed.
Isn't she in my class... and how does she handle the wheelchair so fast?
Powerless to object, Hong Shuangyu slowly trudged back to class.
**Part 6: After Classes and at the Hospital**
Returning to class, he saw Luxing Xin already there, surrounded by a crowd of classmates.
She seemed quite popular in class.
Noticing Hong Shuangyu's gaze, Luxing Xin gave a slight smile with the corners of her mouth.
...
Barely making it through the end of classes, Hong Shuangyu, influenced by recent events, didn't want to head home immediately and needed to decline Luxing Xin's training offer. But talking to her right after class would draw attention, so he decided to wait.
Strangely, Luxing Xin didn't approach him immediately after class either. She sat at her desk, greeting others, as if waiting for something.
Hong Shuangyu pulled out a book to pass the time.
As expected, when the classroom was nearly empty, Luxing Xin deftly and quickly wheeled over to his desk.
"Hee-hee~ Kept you waiting! Let's go!"
"Hey, Luxing Xin-san... I really need to ask my sister's opinion, or it'll be tough for me..."
"Huh... alright..."
Seeing Hong Shuangyu's troubled face, Luxing Xin looked disappointed.
"So... sorry..."
"But! Let's try it today, just to see how it goes! Just once! If it doesn't work out, I won't bother you again!"
Luxmall Xin looked at him with such hope at that moment.
"Uh..."
"..."
"F-fine, okay."
Unable to find a reason to refuse, and her gaze was intimidating, Hong Shuangyu agreed.
Arriving at the hospital, Hong Shuangyu sighed involuntarily. It seemed he'd never escape hospitals.
Even before moving to this city, after that incident, he spent a lot of time in a hospital. Though he was discharged and moved here right after, discharge didn't mean full recovery. His condition was incurable, and in this city, he regularly underwent check-ups and occasionally received treatment at this hospital.
Looking at the white walls, inhaling the sharp smell of antiseptics, Hong Shuangyu suddenly felt an odd sense of calm.
I must be addicted to hospitals...
Following Luxing Xin, he checked in at the reception and arrived at the doctor's office.
"Oh, you're here? How's the leg today?"
A kind, middle-aged doctor asked Luxing Xin.
"All good! I'm here for rehab today!"
"Great, then head to the rehab room. The nurse is already there. Is this your brother helping with training?"
Hey, hey, that's harsh! Do I look that young? Though... fair point.
"Hee-hee~ not my brother, my classmate who's accompanying me for some reason~"
"Got it, then go ahead. I have other patients. Will your classmate be okay in the rehab room?"
"No problem~ Thanks~"
Without letting Hong Shuangyu get a word in, they left the office and headed to the rehab room.
"Let's go, Hong Shuangyu-san!"
"Yeah..." he replied weakly.
Pushing Luxing Xin's wheelchair toward the rehab room, he suddenly heard a surprised voice:
"No way... Yu... with a girl?!"
The voice trembled with astonishment.
A tall nurse with a shocked expression stared at Hong Shuangyu and Luxing Xin.
...
"Got it! But still, it's unbelievable that Yu got within a meter of a girl! Even I couldn't get close to him at first, and even now, not quite."
"Well, it's school, so..."
This tall nurse, Asao Kei, was the one who primarily cared for Hong Shuangyu after he arrived at this hospital.
"Mhm, mhm, now I get it. But really, is everything okay? If Yu passes out, little sister Xuan will chew me out again."
...If Xuan were here, she'd probably already be scolding.
"Anyway... let's try... I can't keep going like this forever..."
"Well then, go for it! I'll be nearby, so even if Yu faints, no big deal."
Asao Kei thoughtfully pressed her fingers to her lips.
That's very much a big deal—take your job seriously!
By coincidence, Asao Kei, who previously cared for Hong Shuangyu, was now the nurse responsible for Luxing Xin's rehabilitation training.
"Then let's not delay—start!"
"Why do you look like you're having fun?"
The so-called rehabilitation involved walking exercises with equipment. Usually, a nurse assisted, but now Hong Shuangyu was to replace the equipment and take on her role.
"Sigh... what am I even doing..."
"Come on, Yu, you got this!!" Asao Kei shouted, waving her fists, clearly enjoying herself.
"Let's do this, Hong Shuangyu-san!"
Luxing Xin, also excited, looked at him and extended her hand.
...I think I've met two idiots...
"First goal—ten meters. I'm worried Yu won't last long."
"Don't underestimate me!"
"Really? Then show me!" Asao Kei raised her hand.
Hong Shuangyu looked at Luxing Xin's hand and took a deep breath.
Gotta try...
Slowly approaching her hand, he felt his heart pounding, sweat forming on his temples. He kept breathing deeply to ease the tension.
Finally, he placed her arm over his shoulder.
The girl's scent and proximity made his body tremble instantly, a light shudder running through him.
Luxing Xin, watching him, started to worry.
"Are you... okay? If you can't handle it, don't push yourself..."
"Ha... haven't started yet... it's fine..."
Luxing Xin, still a bit uneasy, nodded.
"Alright... let's start..."
"...Let's go..."
Luxing Xin's weight onto Shuangyu, her body half-pressing against his.
At that moment, his mind seemed to short-circuit, his head filled with chaos.
"Ah...
Asao, sensing something wrong, rushed over.
"Hey, if it's too much, give up, don't torture yourself," she said with concern.
"I can... still... keep going..."
Hong Shuangyu didn't want to give in. From the start, he realized he needed to cure this condition. If he kept going like this, not only would work but life itself become a problem. Understanding this, he decided to take training seriously.
"Then... let's start walking."
"Okay..."
Luxing Xin took a step, no longer in casts or bandages, slowly relying on her leg.
Hong Shuangyu followed her rhythm. Though his body was weak, Luxing, being a girl, Xin wasn't heavy, so her weight wasn't pose much of a challenge.
Luxing Xin also pushed forward. Her injury meant she needed to recover as soon as possible. For her, those competitions were something she couldn't give up on.
Both struggled to take a few steps and stopped. Luxing stopped—Xin paused due to pain in her leg—but Hong looked worse.ShuangyuangYu looked worse.
Sweat dripped from his forehead, his strength fading, his body trembling uncontrollably.
"Yu?" Luxing Xin called.
"Ah..."
With a faint sound, Hong Shuangyu fainted.
Asao caught her in time to prevent Luxing Xin from falling, and Xin grabbed Shuangyu to keep him from collapsing.
"No luck... but he tried, right?" Asao said, winking.
She took Hong Shuangyu from Luxing's arms Xin's arms and lifted him.
"Wait here, you can train with the equipment, and I'll deal with this kiddo."
"But..."
"I'll be back soon~"
Not giving Luxing a chance to respond, Xin a chance to reply, Asao seemed to gleefully carry Hong Shuangyu away.
And it was a "princess carry." in her arms."
"Sigh..."
Watching Asao leave, Luxing Xin started to regret a bit. Now, she might not be able to ask Hong Shuangyu for help, though help was just an excuse.
**Part 8: A New Morning**
With that familiar discomfort, Hong Shuangyu opened his eyes. It was morning.
Glancing at the bedside clock:
5:50.
Too early.
Yesterday, he vaguely recalled that, perhaps during training, his condition flared up again, and he fainted again.
Sigh... so embarrassing... fine, time to wash up...
Waking up, he noticed his hair was greasy, clearly not washed yesterday. For someone fastidious like him with his cleanliness obsession, it was unbearable. Plus, he'd slept long enough, and there was plenty of time.
As he tried to get up, he stood, a familiar weight held him down. Looking down...
As expected.
Xuan was sprawled across his stomach, fast asleep. He wanted to flick her forehead, but considering how she cared for him, Hong Shuangyu decided to spare his sister.
Quietly lifting her off, he off, covered her with a blanket, wiped the drool from her mouth, and, as he left, lightly flicked her forehead.
"Mhm... nuh..."
Xuan, slightly disturbed, frowned and let out a cute moan.
Feeling refreshed after a shower, Hong Shuangyu happily approached the sink to wash up.
Standing before the mirror, he looked at his frail body. Raising his arm, he tried flexing his bicep, but, as expected, nothing happened.
Sigh...
At that moment, a figure appeared behind him.
While Hong Shuangyu lamented his weakness, he was suddenly enveloped in a bear hug, with someone's head nuzzling into his neck, exaggeratedly inhaling.
"Waaah! Who?! ...Xuan, what are you doing?!"
"Mhm~ my sweet brother suddenly vanished, and all my 'brother energy' drained away, so brother's gotta recharge it... *inhale*... ahh, Yu's scent after a shower!"
"Are you a creep?! It's just shower gel! If you're hungry, go eat!"
Hong Shuangyu struggled desperately to break free.
"Nuh-uh... *inhale* *inhale*~"
"Let go! You don't need it, but I'm starving!"
Hearing this, Xuan lifted her head, with a slight blush, and said shyly:
"Yu's hungry? ...Then eat your sister! I'm full of 'sister energy'!"
She spread her arms, as if inviting him into an embrace.
"Eat you?! What?!" Hong Shuangyu shouted and fled the bathroom.
It was still early for school, and Hong Shuangyu waited slowly.
Sitting on the couch, he recalled yesterday's events. His performance yesterday left him feeling helpless. He was determined to cure his condition, but it seemed far from simple. And why was Luxing Xin so insistent that he accompany her? It was unclear.
Alright, one step at a time. Come on, Yu!
Hong Shuangyu, rarely showing positivity, cheered himself on, clenching his fists with a serious expression.
A figure appeared behind him again. Before he could react, he was tightly hugged and toppled onto the couch.
"Sister! Let go!"
"Nuh-uh, sister's still sleepy, let sister hold Yu a bit longer to sleep!"
"Sleep in your room!"
Xuan didn't respond, only giggled, nimbly climbing onto him, wrapping her arms and legs around him like an octopus.
"So heavy! Get off!"
His sister's soft body pressed tightly against him. Only with Xuan did Hong Shuangyu's condition not flare up. Their behavior might look romantic to outsiders, but for Hong Shuangyu, it was just his annoying sister.
Looking at his sister's sleeping face, he sighed and gave in.
Fast walking was exhausting for Hong Shuangyu, let alone running. Oversleeping, the main reason for tardiness, played its role perfectly.
Damn it! I'm late!
His pale face was covered in sweat, his legs—moving slightly faster than a normal walk—looked like running to others, but for Hong Shuangyu, it was his maximum speed.
Waking up, he realized it was later than usual. In his haste, he noticed Xuan hadn't even woken him, though she'd made breakfast.
"Yu was sleeping so sweetly, couldn't bear to wake him~"
Damn you!
Refusing Xuan's offer to drive him, Hong refused, as there wasn't enough time for Xuan to drop him off and still get to her school to her own school. Their schools were in opposite directions, since Hong's school didn't have high school grades.
But the situation was worse than he expected. Not giving up, Shuangyu took it as a race during PE class.
...
In the end, he was late. Even the duty teacher was surprised.
Hong Shuangyu, one of the most punctual students in school, was known to every duty monitor. Fortunately, seeing his pale, exhausted face, the teacher let him off for the first time.
Barely making it to class, he shuffled to his seat under the odd curious gazes of classmates.
Sigh... today's a tough day.
Sitting down, he started listening to the first lesson—literature, which was another ordeal for him. Exhaustion and the lesson's monotony made him feel sluggish.
...
During classes, unable to bear the fatigue, break.
"—uangYu, you okay? You were late today... not sick?" his neighbor Suzuki asked, sitting beside him with concern.
"Mhm... just overslept... ran to school... tired..." he replied, sprawled on the desk, looking like "I'm nearly a wreck."
"Hey~ Yu was late, that's rare! Your no-tardy streak is broken," Suzuki said regretfully.
"Yeah... but the duty teacher... let me off... so the record... still holds..."
Gradually, Hong Shu couldn't hold on and fell asleep.
Suzuki, seeing Yu asleep, didn't disturb him, just watched quietly.
When Hong Shuangyu woke, the next teacher had already entered. Suzuki had woken him up.
Half-asleep, he reached for his textbook and noticed a note under his sleeve.
"It's from Lu-xin... Yu-kun, are you close with her?" Suzuki whispered.
Hearing nearly the same question as yesterday, Hong Shuangyu frowned, sensing something odd, but remembered she'd asked about someone else.
"Well... sorta... just acquaintances."
Noticing his frown, she fell silent.
Opening the note, he read a few words:
"Lunch at the same spot. :) Luxing Xin."
What's up?
Lunchtime brought the school to life. There were few restrictions during lunch; students could eat anywhere except off-campus.
The school cafeteria resembled a restaurant, befitting its elite status, but many preferred other campus spots.
Yesterday, Shuangyu and Hongshu Luxing ate on a bench by a tree on the lawn en route to the library.
Taking Xuan's bento, he headed there slowly.
Not that school food was bad, but he was used to Xuan's cooking, tailored to his diet and portions, plus it saved money. For two siblings without parents, they couldn't couldn't splurge.
Arriving, he saw Luxing Xin already there, with a luxurious bento.
Today's bento's safe... shame I can't try hers... a bit disappointing.
"Hey..."
Approaching, he noticed Luxing Xin staring thoughtfully at her bento.
Seeing him, she looked up:
"You came!
Sit, I made a bento today too!"
She looked thrilled.
"Hey... I brought my bento today... so I might not be able to eat yours... sorry."
"Huh? No-no, I knew you'd bring yours, so I made just a few small dishes, see?!"
Luxing Xin opened the top tier of her three-tiered bento. The aroma instantly sparked his appetite. The top tier indeed held only a few exquisite dishes in small portions.
"Oh, that's how it is... so the other two tiers are for you?"
"Yup! Don't underestimate a girl's appetite! Plus, it's recovery time, gotta eat well!"
Luxing Xin raised her hand, mimicking a bodybuilder's pose, signaling she needed to eat a lot.
"Then why'd you call me? The... note...?"
Sitting beside her, he quietly said "itadakimasu" and started eating Xuan's bento.
"Why can't I call Hong Shuangyu-san without a reason?" Luxing Xin suddenly asked, sounding hurt.
"N-no, not that... just... why the note..."
Why did she get upset?
"You were sleeping, so I didn't want to disturb you. Plus, you don't usually like chatting with others.
Speaking, Luxing Xin offered him her bento.
"Here! Try it! I'm confident today too!"
She handed him a piece.
"...Thanks... I'll dig in..."
Taking a bite of the appetizing chicken, he savored it.
True... unbelievably delicious... how does she do this...?
"Tastes..."
"Delicious, right? Hee-hee, right!"
"Want some, I can make it every day if you want!"
"How...?"
"Too much... too much for me, I have my bento..."
"No big deal, I'm just sharing a bit, it's no trouble!"
"But... but..."
"But nothing less! Men shouldn't be so hesitant! Think of it as payment for your help, deal?"
"...Help? By the way..."
Hong Shuangyu suddenly remembered.
"Today... I probably can't go with you to training..."
"Huh? It's fine, no training today. Why not?"
"Because... I haven't asked my sister..."
"Sister?" Why ask your sister? Hong Shuangyu, are you a siscon?"
"Hey... siscon?" he exclaimed, puzzled.
"What's that?"
"Doesn't seem like it." Fine... okay, let me know when you decide.
By the way, you were late today—everything okay?
"Mhm... no big deal... just overslept, ran, got tired..."
"Got it, then let's head back to class, you'll push me.
."
The bento was finished, and lunch time was almost over.
Luxing packed up her boxes and got into her wheelchair.
Pointing forward, she said:
"Let's go!"
"..."
---
The day passed. After classes, Hong Shuangyu headed straight home. Just one day's delay, but it felt like ages since he'd been home. Home was definitely better.
Returning, he saw Xuan wasn't yet. He'd have to wait.
Shower first.
...
After showering, unsure what to do, Shuangyu sat in the living room, drying his hair with a towel, Hong Shuangyu sat in the drying area.
"Well... since there's nothing to do, I'll do homework."
Taking out his assignments, he started.
The door lock clicked. Without thinking, Hong Shuangyu knew it was likely Xuan.
He stood and went to greet her.
After all, his sister worked so hard... every day dealing with him and student council duties at her school.
Opening the door, he saw Xuan with a bag and groceries, looking tired, her head bowed.
"Welcome back, sister... sis—"
Hearing his voice, Xuan's eyes sparkled.
She dropped her bags and leaped at Hong Shuangyu with incredible force!
"I'll gobble Yu up!!!"
~
"Eat first, Yu!
"Hey?!" "What?! Eat?!"
"I~ want~ Yu~!"
"What nonsense! Why eat me?!"
"No way! First, Yu! My brother energy's at zero!!"
She Xuan shook him, sniffing loudly.
"Hee-hee~ Yu fresh from the shower..."
"Eat yourself!!!"
Hong Shuang slammed her forehead hard.
"Uuu~~~ that hurt so much, Yu..."
Xuan crouched on the floor, teary-eyed, looking up at him.
Hong was immune to such tricks by now. ShuangYu had long grown accustomed.
...
After some commotion...
---
"Yu! Dinner's ready!~"
"Coming..."
Three dishes and a soup, perfectly balanced, with ideal flavor and aroma.
"Itadakimasu..."
"Eat lots, it's got sister love!~"
Ignoring Xuan, he wondered how to bring up the training with Luxing Xin.
"Yu, got something to say?"
"Huh... how'd you know?"
"Hm~ Your sister can tell what's on Yu's mind right away!"
"..."
"Miss Asao told your sister? About yesterday...?"
"Yup!~"
"Of course!~"
"So... sister... I want to train with Luxing Xin... can I? Not sure about the results..."
Hearing this, she Xuan set down her chopsticks, her playful demeanor gone serious.
"You're serious, Yu?"
Hong Shuangyu, a bit scared by her gravity, nodded earnestly:
"Yes."
Hearing his answer, she smiled softly, with a gentle smile, with a touch of indulgence:
"If it's decision, Yu's choice... do what you think is right."
"Thanks, sister!"
Hong Yu!" ShuangYu beamed.
"But!~"
Xuan's tone suddenly turned stern again.
"If you can't handle it, Yu, give up absolutely give up!
Don't force yourself! Got it?"
Startled again by her shift, nodded gravely again.
"Yes!"
Seeing his agreement, smiled again.
By Hong's reckoning, Xuan shouldn't have allowed him to do something risky, but oddly, she didn't object. It puzzled him, but since it worked out, he'd keep going.
---
Returning to school and telling Luxing he got permission, Hong noticed she seemed even happier, as if her injury barely bothered her anymore.
For the next month and a half, Hong Shuangyu accompanied her to training at least three times a week. The early results weren't as smooth as hoped.
He usually fainted within ten steps, and even after nearly a month and a half, he could only manage ten steps while supporting Luxing. But Xin's injury unexpectedly began healing.
Her recovery progressed surprisingly fast.
"Come on! Keep it up, Yu!"
Today, as usual, Asao cheered from the side, clearly amused but ready to help.
"Don't give up!"
Leaning on her soft female body, Hong felt his mind explode. ShuangYu's mind reeled.
His body shook trembled, sweat poured, fear from deep within engulfed him.
"Come on! Yu! Ten steps!"
Taking one step beyond his usual—eleventh—he couldn't bear the fear, gently pushed Luxing Xin away, and collapsed.
Before fainting, he saw them approaching, and felt an instinctive dread.
A month and a half later. Hong's treatment yielded little progress, but Luxing's injury healed unexpectedly fast, astonishing even the doctors.
In the end, Luxing's rehab succeeded, while ShuangYu's treatment flopped.
But it wasn't entirely fruitless.
The only, almost imperceptible result was that his fear toward Luxing Xin diminished slightly compared to other women. Though he often ate with her at school, he always kept his distance.
This small effect let him spend more time with her than with other girls, whom he couldn't couldn't stay alone with in a room.
The failure hit Hong Shuangyu hard, leaving him even more dejected.
The sound of chalk, the teacher's dull lectures… Hong Shuangyu was in no mood to listen.
His resolve to cure his condition, a month and a half of effort—and no results.
"Hong Shuangyu-san, stand up and answer the question," the teacher suddenly said.
But the dejected Hong Shuangyu hadn't been paying attention to the lesson.
"Yu… the teacher's calling you…" Suzuki whispered softly.
"Huh…?"
"Yu… the teacher's asking you to answer…"
"Uh…"
Snapping out of his daze, Hong Shuangyu hurriedly stood and looked at the board.
"…"
The teacher, arms crossed, stared at him with a look that said, "If you don't answer, you're in trouble."
"Hong-san…"
Assuming Hong Shuangyu wouldn't respond, the teacher began.
"The answer is the square root of two."
The teacher checked the book.
Glancing at Hong Shuangyu, he said:
"Pay attention next time. Sit down."
Hong Shuangyu sat down with relief.
…
After class, Hong Shuangyu wanted to rest.
A figure appeared before him.
With a faint scent of shampoo.
Kawanai Maino, the librarian.
Her face, as always, was cold.
"Yu-san… don't you want to come to the library… you haven't been there in a while…"
Her voice was cold and quiet, the last words barely audible.
The sudden proximity made the already dejected Hong Shuangyu tense up.
"Ha… uh… I haven't had time lately… but if I get some… I'll go…"
He stammered.
Kawanai Maino didn't seem to notice.
"Mhm…"
Nodding, she walked away.
Hong Shuangyu let out another sigh of relief.
Due to his training with Luxing Xin and their shared lunches, he'd been visiting the library less often.
Today, I'll have lunch there.
After grueling classes, Hong Shuangyu declined to eat with Luxing Xin.
No matter how you looked at it, despite the training, she had become the closest girl to him at school, but his condition hadn't gone away. It was better to avoid girls.
After eating Xuan's bento in the cafeteria, he hurried to the library.
He grabbed a random book but noticed the library was overcrowded. Exams were approaching, and seniors were studying. Yet here he was, a third-year himself, calmly reading.
But Hong Shuangyu wasn't too worried about his grades. It wasn't that they were bad; rather, he was confident in himself.
Walking through the hall, he couldn't find an empty seat.
Reaching the office at the end of the library, he hesitated.
Should I go in? I might end up alone with Kawanai Maino.
That's a problem. Last time, he'd accidentally gone in there.
While he was deliberating, the door opened.
Kawanai Maino.
Seeing Hong Shuangyu, her face changed ever so slightly.
"Come in…" she said quietly.
"Uh… er…"
Before he could respond, she returned to the office.
Hong Shuangyu, gritting his teeth, entered.
"Sorry…"
Nothing had changed in the office. Kawanai Maino sat at a large desk with a book that had no title.
"Sit wherever you like…"
Saying this, she returned to her reading.
Hong Shuangyu, seeing her reaction, relaxed a little.
Kawanai Maino didn't seem to like small talk.
For him, that was ideal, given his fear of women.
Calming down, he began reading his book.
The office was silent, with only the soft rustle of pages and a faint aroma of coffee.
After half an hour of reading, Hong Shuangyu felt tired.
His mood had improved from reading, but the office's atmosphere was too cozy, too quiet, making him drowsy.
Deciding to return to class to nap, he began gathering his things.
"Leaving…?" Kawanai Maino asked quietly.
"Mhm… I'm tired… want to sleep…"
"Then sleep here… it's quiet, no one will disturb you… there's a couch…"
Kawanai Maino pointed to the couch.
"Uh… better not…"
"I have things to do… sleep, I'll wake you… or you'll hear the bell yourself…"
Not giving him a chance to reply, she left.
Kawanai Maino seems… authoritative…
Well, fine… this place is perfect for sleeping.
Setting his book aside, he took off his shoes, lay on the couch, and quickly fell asleep.
…
Twenty minutes later…
Hong Shuangyu was still asleep. He needed a lot of sleep, often napping during breaks and lunch, and going to bed early at night.
Kawanai Maino returned.
Entering with a book, she saw the sleeping Hong Shuangyu.
Her face changed ever so slightly.
She continued reading.
…
Silence settled in the room. The rustle of Kawanai Maino's pages and Hong Shuangyu's soft breathing blended with the atmosphere.
But suddenly, Kawanai Maino set her book down and stood up.
Quietly approaching the couch, she leaned over Hong Shuangyu.
Watching him, she observed his body gently rising with each breath.
After a few minutes of watching, she sat down, bringing her face closer to his.
Their faces were mere centimeters apart, his breath brushing against her face.
Kawanai Maino slowly touched his face with her finger.
"…"
Hong Shuangyu, sleeping deeply, didn't react.
Seeing this, she grew bolder.
Her finger traced his face, then lightly pinched his nose.
Hong Shuangyu frowned but continued sleeping.
Kawanai Maino smiled.
Her smile was striking… obsessive.
Known in class as "cold," such an emotion on her face was unthinkable, yet the change was subtle.
Kawanai Maino, as if unable to hold back, with an expression hiding an inner fire, leaned closer.
She quickly bent down and kissed him.
A smile spread across her face, noticeable to others.
"Sigh, a kiss with you…"
But it wasn't enough. She leaned in again, touching his lips.
Their lips lingered, not pulling away.
After some time…
Kawanai Maino pulled back.
Holding her cheeks, her smile widened.
But she wasn't planning to stop.
Continuing, she left dozens of kisses on his face.
Then she realized his glasses were in the way. Too absorbed, she hadn't noticed them.
But she was surprised he slept with glasses on.
Carefully, so as not to wake him, she slowly removed his black glasses.
But the moment the glasses were off…
The atmosphere.
An indescribable aura, surging from Hong Shuangyu, filled the room.
It seeped into every pore of Kawanai Maino, stimulating her mind.
Hidden desires intensified, beckoning, breaking free…
A cloud, a cloud!
Her body…
Her desire, amplified, made her tremble.
The glasses slipped from her hands.
Kawanai Maino looked at him with eyes full of desire, love, heat, obsession, lust…
A clouded gaze, a trembling body, her face flushed and sweaty, saliva dripping, stripping her of dignity.
Like a zombie, she reached for Hong Shuangyu.
A familiar bell rang in her ears.
Hong Shuangyu stirred, his consciousness slightly clearing.
The bell grew louder.
Sitting up, he realized class was about to start.
Stretching, he felt refreshed but noticed a strange sensation on his face.
Touching it, he found nothing.
"Awake…?"
Kawanai Maino sat with her back to him, looking at him.
"Mhm… slept great, thanks, Maino…"
"No problem… it's time… go to class…"
Kawanai Maino didn't turn around, continuing to look at her book.
"And you, Maino?"
"…"
"I'll go soon…"
"Got it… then I'm off… thanks…"
Feeling something odd but unable to pinpoint it, he closed the door and left.
After he left, Kawanai Maino stood up.
As she moved, a few drops of dark red blood fell onto the book.
Her lips… no, her entire mouth was covered in blood.
Blood flowed down her chin and lips, with clear bite wounds visible.
Just moments ago, about to give in to her instincts, Kawanai Maino had stopped herself with incredible force, biting her lip to stay lucid.
But her lip wasn't enough. Then she bit her tongue.
A moment of clarity allowed her to pick up the glasses and carefully place them back on Hong Shuangyu.
The atmosphere vanished like a storm. Kawanai Maino collapsed to the floor, exhausted.
Breathing heavily, blood streaming from her mouth, she was sweaty, radiating youthful femininity but in a chaotic state.
Looking at Hong Shuangyu, she touched his face.
The bell rang.
Kawanai Maino panicked. Thinking quickly, she withdrew her hand, hurriedly standing.
Sitting with her back to the couch, she held a book, lips tightly pressed.
Fortunately, Hong Shuangyu noticed nothing.
After lunch, as soon as the final bell rang, Hong Shuangyu grabbed his backpack and prepared to leave.
There was a commotion at the classroom door.
A classmate said:
"Hong Shuangyu-san, the student council president wants to see you."
At the door stood an elegant figure, her golden hair flowing like a cascade.
Her presence created an aura of untouchability.
Why her?
Surprised, Hong Shuangyu stepped out.
Seeing him, Shichijo Tamaki's eyes sparkled.
"Senpai, may I have a word?"
"Sure… I guess… but not for long…"
The president's aura intimidated him; he didn't know how to handle such people.
Along the way, students whispered, speculating.
"Sigh… I wanted to avoid girls…"
I need to start living a low-profile school life…
Soon, they arrived at the president's office.
"Come in, sit down."
Opening the door, Shichijo Tamaki said.
Hong Shuangyu instinctively looked around. No one else.
"Coffee or water, senpai?"
"Uh… water…"
Hearing this, Shichijo Tamaki, who was preparing coffee, paused.
"Alright."
She poured water from the cooler.
"Here you go."
"Thanks…"
Shichijo Tamaki sat down and began staring.
"…"
"Uh… why did you call me?"
Her gaze made him uneasy.
"Sorry, I got lost in thought," she softened her tone. "First, I want to thank you, senpai, for your help earlier."
She grew more serious.
"Uh… no need for that… it was just an opinion…"
"But that opinion was important to me."
"…"
"And also… senpai, you didn't respond to my request."
"Request?"
"Yes, I asked before, but you left without answering. I haven't had time since, but today I want to know your decision."
Hong Shuangyu recalled that after helping her, Shichijo Tamaki had invited him to join the student council.
"That… about joining?"
"Correct. What do you think, senpai?"
Such a high-profile role… of course, I'll refuse!
"Uh… I don't know why the president wants me… but I don't think I have any talent for management… so I'd rather not…"
Phew, that sounded formal… but a solid refusal.
"I see…"
Shichijo Tamaki pondered.
"But I believe you have talent, senpai. I want you to be vice-president. With your help, I can make school management better. Won't you reconsider? If not, you could try, and if you don't like it, you can quit. How about that?"
The offer sounded tempting, but Hong Shuangyu didn't want to join the student council.
Suddenly, he felt a sense of unease, like before that incident. It usually meant his peculiarity would attract girls' attention, but Xuan always saved him.
"Uh… I still don't want to… so…"
"Tch."
Shichijo Tamaki made a shocking sound.
It wasn't the sound that stunned him, but who made it.
Obvious irritation from the perfect, elegant president was unimaginable.
"Actually, senpai's just afraid of the hassle and attention, right?"
Shichijo Tamaki seemed like a different person. No longer strict, she exuded a commanding, almost delinquent-like energy?
Hong Shuangyu couldn't describe her now, but he knew he had to run. The situation was terrifying.
"Uh… yeah… so… it's late… I'll g—"
"I won't waste time; I'll be direct."
Shichijo Tamaki cut him off.
She stood, approached, and leaned in.
With a shy, girlish smile, completely unlike her usual coldness.
"I love you, Yu-san, so, so, so, so much. Marry me?"
An icy chill pierced Hong Shuangyu.
He jumped up and bolted for the door.
But someone was faster, appearing behind him.
Bam!
His body was pinned against the door, unable to move.
A soft body pressed against his back. Shichijo Tamaki gripped his arms, preventing resistance.
"Hm? Yu, why run?"
The way she addressed him changed.
"P… president… why… won't you let go…"
Hong Shuangyu trembled, his words jumbled from fear.
"And why is Yu running?"
Shichijo Tamaki whispered in his ear.
"L… let go…"
"Alright."
Unexpectedly, she agreed.
Click.
The door was locked.
Freed, Hong Shuangyu grabbed the handle.
As expected, it was locked.
Turning, he pressed against the door.
What do I do, what do I do, what do I do…
"So scared?"
Shichijo Tamaki looked at him mockingly.
"So… your answer, Yu?"
"C… can I… think about it…"
Fear made him tremble, his words faltering.
"Of course not~ You'll run, and I won't get another chance, since your sister will interfere."
"I… won't run… so…"
"Nope~"
Seeing his fear, Shichijo Tamaki felt pleasure, as if toying with her possession.
Hong Shuangyu lost the ability to think. Fear stripped him of the composure that might have helped.
Now, he was entirely at Shichijo Tamaki's mercy, like a toy.
"I… I…"
…
"I… agree…"
In a final flicker of consciousness, he decided to protect himself. Things would be sorted out at home.
Hearing this, Shichijo Tamaki froze unexpectedly.
"Hahahahahahaha!!!"
As if hearing the joke of the century, she burst into laughter.
Approaching, she brought her face close to his.
Her smile vanished, replaced by mockery and madness.
"I don't believe you~"
As if after desperate resistance in despair.
Hong Shuangyu collapsed to the floor, tears streaming, his body shaking.
"Please… let me go…"
One last plea.
Shichijo Tamaki lifted his face with her hands.
"Yu, you know, since childhood, I take what I want. If it's not given, I take it by any means. No one can refuse me, no exceptions. You… are mine!"
Mad words from a girl's lips.
"No… don't…"
Their faces, centimeters apart, touched.
Shichijo Tamaki roughly kissed him, holding his face.
Hong Shuangyu weakly resisted but couldn't even clench his teeth.
His mouth was overtaken, trembling in her embrace.
Their heavy breathing echoed.
After minutes of "capture," saliva dripped to the floor.
Shichijo Tamaki stopped, her face flushed, looking at Hong Shuangyu with a crazed smile.
"So this is what kissing your beloved feels like… Yu, it's my first time… happy?"
But Hong Shuangyu was on the verge of fainting, his eyes dull.
"Hm? About to collapse? Nope, we're just getting started~"
Her smile grew madder.
"Yu, you're so cautious, you didn't even drink my water. But~ think I'll let you go?~"
With a twisted smile, she pulled out a packet of white powder.
Forcing his mouth open, she poured it in.
The powder dissolved instantly, absorbing into his body.
Hong Shuangyu, nearly unconscious, felt changes and weakly struggled.
But it only deepened his despair.
Hong Shuangyu felt his body burning from within. The white powder Shichijo Tamaki had forced into his mouth dissolved quickly, spreading a strange warmth through his body. His consciousness, already clouded by fear and despair, grew even murkier. He tried to resist, but his limbs felt heavy as lead, refusing to obey.
"Yu, don't be scared," Shichijo Tamaki whispered, her voice sweet but laced with terrifying obsession. "This will just help you relax… and accept me."
She leaned closer, her breath brushing his face. Hong Shuangyu, trembling, tried to look away, but her hands firmly held his chin, forcing him to meet her eyes. They burned with an unnatural fire—a mix of desire, madness, and absolute confidence in her control.
"W… why… you…" his voice was barely audible, words broken by ragged breaths.
"Because you're mine, Yu," she replied, smiling. "I knew it the moment I first saw you. Your weakness, your shyness… it all makes you perfect. I can't let anyone else take you."
Hong Shuangyu felt his strength fading. The powder seemed to amplify his weakness, making his body even less responsive. He tried to recall something that could help, but his thoughts jumbled, slipping away like sand through his fingers.
Suddenly, the office door burst open with a crash.
"Tamaki, enough!" a sharp, commanding voice rang out.
Shichijo Tamaki froze, her face twisting with irritation. She slowly turned her head toward the door. Hong Shuangyu, seizing the moment, slid down the wall, barely clinging to consciousness.
Standing in the doorway was Xuan. Her usual playful, carefree expression was gone, replaced by cold determination. She wore her school uniform, but her stance exuded menace, like a predator ready to pounce.
"Xuan…" Hong Shuangyu managed, his voice trembling with relief.
"How dare you touch my brother?" Xuan stepped forward, her eyes blazing with fury. "I warned you, Tamaki. Stay away from Yu."
Shichijo Tamaki slowly straightened, her smile returning, but now it was cold and haughty.
"Oh, Xuan-san," she drawled mockingly. "I didn't expect you to come running so fast. But, you know, it's too late. Yu already agreed to be mine. Right, Yu?" She glanced at Hong Shuangyu, expecting a reaction.
Hong Shuangyu didn't respond. His breathing was labored, his eyes half-closed. Xuan, noticing his state, clenched her fists.
"What did you do to him?" her voice dropped, almost a growl.
"Nothing serious," Shichijo Tamaki replied, shrugging nonchalantly. "Just helped him… relax. He's so tense, you know. Now, Xuan-san, be a dear and leave. This is between me and Yu."
Xuan didn't answer. Instead, she strode forward, closing the distance between her and Shichijo Tamaki. Before Tamaki could react, Xuan grabbed her by the collar and slammed her against the wall.
"Listen carefully," Xuan hissed. "If you ever come near Yu again, I don't care that you're the student council president or some princess. I'll crush you."
Shichijo Tamaki, despite the pressure, didn't lose her composure. Her eyes narrowed, and she responded with the same cold mockery:
"You think you can threaten me, Xuan? You're just his sister, clinging too tightly to her brother. Maybe you're the one afraid he'll choose someone else?"
Xuan froze for a moment, her face flickering, but she quickly regained control. Releasing Shichijo Tamaki, she turned to Hong Shuangyu, who was barely standing.
"Yu, let's go home," she said softly, supporting him by the arm.
Hong Shuangyu nodded, his body still trembling. He felt helpless, but Xuan's presence gave him the strength to keep going. They moved toward the door, but Shichijo Tamaki's voice stopped them.
"This isn't over, Yu," she said, her tone calm but laced with hidden menace. "You can't hide behind your sister forever. I'll find a way to make you mine."
Xuan turned, her gaze dripping with disdain.
"Try it," she snapped. "And you'll regret it."
With that, she led Hong Shuangyu out of the office, leaving Shichijo Tamaki alone.
At home, Hong Shuangyu collapsed onto the couch, still feeling weak and dizzy. Xuan, without a word, brought him a glass of water and sat beside him. Her face was serious, but her eyes were filled with worry.
"Yu, are you okay?" she asked quietly, watching him closely.
Hong Shuangyu nodded, but his voice was faint:
"Yeah… probably… just… dizzy…"
Xuan frowned. She took his hand and squeezed it, as if trying to transfer her strength.
"That Tamaki… she crossed every line," Xuan said, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. "I knew she was interested in you, but I didn't think she'd go this far."
"Sister… how did you know where I was?" Hong Shuangyu asked, trying to distract himself from the memories of the office.
Xuan gave a faint smile, but it was bitter.
"Asao Kei called me. She saw you go off with Tamaki and got suspicious. She knew I wouldn't let anyone hurt you."
Hong Shuangyu nodded weakly. He felt guilty for ending up in such a situation again, making Xuan worry.
"Sorry, sister… I didn't mean to…"
"Don't apologize, Yu," Xuan interrupted, her voice softening. "It's not your fault. You can't control how others feel about you. But I promise, no one will dare touch you again."
Hong Shuangyu looked at her. Her words carried such certainty that he felt a wave of relief. Xuan had always been his shield, his support. But deep down, he knew he couldn't rely on her forever.
"Sister… I need to get stronger," he said quietly. "I don't want you to always have to save me…"
Xuan looked at him with surprise, but then her expression softened. She ruffled his hair, like she did when he was younger.
"You're already strong, Yu," she said. "You just don't see it yet. But I believe in you. And if you want to get stronger, I'll help you. Just don't rush, okay? Take it step by step."
Hong Shuangyu nodded, feeling warmth spread through his chest. For the first time in a long while, he felt hope.
The next day, Hong Shuangyu returned to school, but his mood was subdued. The events with Shichijo Tamaki had left a deep mark, and he tried to avoid any situations that might draw attention. He decided to steer clear of girls, especially those who showed interest in him.
In class, Suzuki greeted him as usual, with a smile.
"Good morning, Yu! You look better than yesterday," she said, but then frowned. "Though… something's off. Everything okay?"
"Mhm… yeah, fine," Hong Shuangyu replied, avoiding her gaze. He didn't want anyone to notice his anxiety.
Suzuki looked at him skeptically but didn't press. Instead, she changed the topic:
"By the way, Luxing Xin was asking about you. She wanted to meet for lunch. You going?"
Hong Shuangyu froze. Luxing Xin was the only girl he felt somewhat comfortable with, but after yesterday, he wasn't sure he was ready to interact.
"I… I'll think about it," he said evasively.
Suzuki nodded, but her gaze was curious.
Classes passed in a haze. Hong Shuangyu tried to focus, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Shichijo Tamaki. He feared she'd find another way to approach him. Fortunately, she was nowhere to be seen—perhaps busy with student council matters.
At lunch, Hong Shuangyu decided to meet Luxing Xin after all. He felt he owed her an explanation for stopping the training and didn't want her to think he was avoiding her.
On the same bench under the tree, Luxing Xin was waiting. Her leg was almost fully healed, and she no longer used a wheelchair. Seeing Hong Shuangyu, she grinned widely.
"Hong Shuangyu-san! You came! I was starting to think you'd run off again," she teased lightly.
"Sorry… it's just… things have been tough lately," he replied, sitting beside her.
Luxing Xin looked at him closely. Her smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.
"Yu-san, you don't look great. Something happened?" she asked.
Hong Shuangyu hesitated. He didn't want to talk about Shichijo Tamaki, but something in Luxing Xin's sincere gaze made him open up.
"Just… someone… made me feel bad," he said quietly. "I… don't want to talk about it, but… it made me think I'm too weak."
Luxing Xin listened silently, attentively. Then she placed a hand on his shoulder, making him flinch.
"Yu-san, you're not weak," she said firmly. "You helped me when I was in trouble, even though you were scared. You tried hard during training, even when it was tough. That's not weakness. That's strength. And if someone hurts you, that's their problem, not yours."
Hong Shuangyu looked at her, his eyes widening slightly. Her words were simple, but their confidence made him feel better.
"Thanks, Luxing Xin…" he murmured.
She smiled, this time softly and warmly.
"No problem. And, by the way, if you want to train again, I'm always ready. Not for me, but for you. So you can get stronger, like you want."
Hong Shuangyu nodded, feeling a new resolve forming within him. Maybe he hadn't overcome his condition in a month and a half, but that didn't mean he should give up.
After lunch, Hong Shuangyu decided to stop by the library to grab a book for homework. He hoped it would be quiet, a place to distract himself from his thoughts.
But upon entering, he immediately noticed Kawanai Maino at the counter. She looked up, their eyes meeting. Her cold face, as always, showed no emotion, but something in her gaze made Hong Shuangyu wary.
"Yu-san… it's been a while," she said softly, her voice barely audible.
"Mhm… yeah… just… been busy," he replied, his heart beating faster.
Kawanai Maino slowly stepped out from behind the counter and approached him. Hong Shuangyu instinctively stepped back, but she stopped at a safe distance.
"You… look tired," she said, her eyes studying his face closely. "Did something happen?"
Hong Shuangyu didn't know how to respond. He recalled the strange feeling from napping in her office but brushed it off. It was just a dream, nothing more.
"No… everything's fine," he lied. "Just… looking for a book."
Kawanai Maino nodded, but her eyes didn't leave him. She slowly raised a hand, as if to touch him, but stopped halfway.
"If… you need help… come here," she said, her voice oddly gentle. "It's… safe here."
Hong Shuangyu nodded, feeling awkward. He quickly found the book he needed and hurried out, not looking back. But even from a distance, he felt her gaze on him.
After classes, Hong Shuangyu decided to visit the hospital for a routine check-up. He didn't want to tell Xuan to avoid worrying her, but after yesterday's incident, he felt it was best to check his condition.
At the hospital, Asao Kei greeted him with her usual broad smile.
"Yu! How's it going, kiddo?" she said, clapping him on the shoulder.
Hong Shuangyu winced but didn't protest.
"Fine… just… here for a check-up," he replied.
Asao Kei looked at him closely, her smile fading slightly.
"You look like you got hit by a truck," she said. "What's up? Wanna spill to Aunt Kei?"
Hong Shuangyu sighed. He knew Asao Kei wouldn't let up until she got the truth.
"Just… someone… made me feel bad," he admitted, looking down. "And… I feel guilty I couldn't handle it myself."
Asao Kei sat beside him, her tone growing serious.
"Yu, listen. You're not to blame for someone acting like an idiot. And strength isn't just about fighting back. You battle your condition every day, and that makes you stronger than most. If someone crosses the line, there'll always be people to back you up. Like me or your sister Xuan."
Hong Shuangyu gave a faint smile. Asao Kei's words echoed Luxing Xin's, boosting his confidence.
"Thanks, Kei-san…"
"No prob, kiddo!" she clapped his shoulder again. "Now let's check you out. And don't you dare hide if something hurts!"
Back home, Hong Shuangyu felt a bit better. The check-up showed the powder from Shichijo Tamaki left no serious effects, though the doctor advised more rest. Xuan, learning about it, was furious, but Hong Shuangyu asked her not to interfere. He wanted to handle it himself.
At dinner, he watched Xuan humming while preparing dessert. Her care was always his anchor, but he knew it was time to take responsibility for himself.
"Sister," he began as they sat at the table. "I want to try training with Luxing Xin again. Not for her, but for me. I want to get stronger… not just physically, but… inside."
Xuan looked at him, her eyes widening slightly. Then she smiled, this time with pride.
"Yu, you've grown," she said. "I'll support you. But remember, I'm always here if things go wrong."
Hong Shuangyu nodded, his resolve strengthening. He knew the path wouldn't be easy, but for the first time in a long while, he was ready to take a step forward.
Months passed. Hong Shuangyu continued training with Luxing Xin, and though progress was slow, he noticed small changes. His fear of girls didn't vanish, but with Luxing Xin, he felt more at ease. She became his friend, her support keeping him from giving up.
Shichijo Tamaki never approached him again. Rumors said she'd gone abroad after some student council scandal, but Hong Shuangyu didn't care for details. He was glad that chapter was behind him.
Kawanai Maino remained an enigma. He sometimes caught her glances in the library, but she never spoke about what happened in her office. Hong Shuangyu chose not to dwell on it, focusing on his journey.
Xuan remained his biggest support. Her overbearing care sometimes annoyed him, but he knew he wouldn't have made it without her. She even started teaching him to cook to be more independent, though her lessons often ended in kitchen chaos.
Suzuki and Asao Kei were there too, cheering him on every step. The school, once a battlefield, became a place where he learned to be stronger.
Hong Shuangyu gazed at the sunset from his room's window. The orange light reminded him of that day at the stadium when he first saw Luxing Xin. Back then, he thought youth was something distant, but now he understood that youth was his struggle, his small victories, and his resolve to keep going.
"I'll do it," he said quietly to himself, clenching his fist. "Step by step."