Qin An finished his daily workout, faint muscle definition now visible beneath his skin. After showering, he found Qin Yage pacing outside his door, hugging a pillow. Her twin ponytails swayed back and forth.

"Yage? Something wrong?"

At his voice, she jolted like a startled rabbit.

"You barely touched your chopsticks at dinner. Feeling unwell?"

Qin Yage shook her head silently, clutching the pillow tighter until its fabric crumpled beyond counting.

Qin An gently brushed her bloodless-pale cheek. "Can’t sleep alone?"

She first shook her head, then nodded shyly.

*Asking to sleep with Brother? No way I’d say that out loud!*

Qin An opened the door and led the quiet girl inside. Before he could speak, she flung herself onto the bed, burrowing under the quilt until only her bare feet peeked out.

Qin An just smiled. Silence felt right now.

He turned off the light and climbed into bed wearing only shorts.

Like a seasoned hunter catching a familiar scent, Qin Yage immediately pressed against his back, arms circling his waist. Her hands grew restless—first tracing the faint outline of his eight-pack abs, then drifting upward like a curious child exploring new territory.

Slowly, her slippery fingers brushed two small peaks. She instinctively pinched.

Qin An’s body jolted as if electrocuted.

He spun around instantly. Qin Yage flinched—but unlike before, she didn’t bury herself in his chest. Instead, she held his gaze, her face flushed crimson.

Qin An simply pulled her close, stroking her back with rhythmic gentleness, like petting a kitten. Soothed by his warm, steady hands, Qin Yage soon drifted off.

Her long lashes trembled. Her whole body shivered in restless sleep. Qin An held her tighter, willing her peace.

Midnight. Heat seared through Qin Yage’s body. Her throat felt like cracked earth, parched and smoking.

She tried to get water, but her limbs turned leaden. Dizziness swallowed her thoughts. Rising took immense effort. Her steps faltered near the door—and she collapsed with a thud.

Qin An jolted awake. The space beside him was empty.

He spotted his sister on the floor. Rushing over, he felt her burning skin. Delirious murmurs spilled from her lips.

*Fever.* She’d been acting strange since returning from Happyland. The shock must have triggered it.

Medical care here was unreliable—hospitals might lack night staff, or refuse treatment. The distant clinic could cost her mind before arrival.

He carried her to bed, then grabbed his wound-disinfecting alcohol. He dabbed it gently across her face and neck. Her skin was so smooth his fingers glided like on ice.

Still worried, he dampened her pajamas too. Then he fetched a basin of cold water, wrung out a towel, and laid it on her forehead—handling her like fragile treasure.

Hours passed. Her fever cooled slightly, but Qin An kept rewetting the towel. Again and again.

He finally slumped into sleep from exhaustion.

Morning light spilled in. Qin Yage rubbed her eyes awake. First, she saw her brother slumped at the bedside, asleep. Then the half-empty water basin beside him. Finally, the nearly drained alcohol bottle on the table.

Her fingers touched the fallen towel. Understanding flickered in her eyes.

His sleeping face looked so young—almost pinchable.

But her gaze fixed on his lips. Pale. Chapped.

"What does a first kiss feel like?" she whispered, tracing his mouth.

"Hey... my brother’s first kiss should be mine, right?"

"Hmph. If not... I’ll bite you dead!"

"Only I get to touch Brother’s lips."

Slowly, she leaned closer. Forehead to forehead. Nose to nose. Her heart hammered like a thief’s.

Their lips met.

A smile bloomed on Qin Yage’s face—as if she’d tasted the world’s sweetest candy.

"Good morning, Brother."