My name is Hua Shu. I was just an utterly ordinary high school student at ClearWater Academy High School. If I had to say something special about me, it would be that I have a well-behaved younger sister—she's one of my few points of pride.

Whenever someone mentions my sister, I feel incredibly happy. Oh, and I also have a childhood friend—Miko Li, who's gentle, kind, and understanding. She's been my friend since childhood, and we've always taken care of each other. I was quite content with this ordinary life, but everything was shattered last weekend by a Gemini meteor shower. Changes came too fast, like a tornado—I was caught in its whirlwind and had no time to escape.

So now, I'm walking in the middle school building of ClearWater Academy, wearing the same red-and-white summer uniform as my sister—just like a pair of sisters. But due to some irresistible agreement, she's the older sister, and I'm the younger one.

"She's not even taller than me, yet I have to call her 'older sister'... seriously..." I muttered under my breath.

"Who told you to wear high heels, little sister~?" Xiao Ling shot back. Ah, I accidentally said my thoughts out loud. But I'd give Xiao Ling full marks for that comeback. Why, as a mere middle schooler, am I allowed to wear high heels on campus? Well, in Japan, it might be acceptable, but here it's strictly forbidden. I can strut around the hallways so brazenly only thanks to Uncle Li. He simply changed Miko's medical certificate to my name and had a meal with the head teacher to solve this little problem. Adults' world is so complicated—they seemed so chummy after just a few meetings. But that's all in the past. Now, I'm about to enter a new class as a transfer student.

First time transferring schools... it'll be hard to blend into a strange group, I guess. Whatever, at least I have my sister with me. I heard Class 7's homeroom teacher is a college graduate teaching music—and she's a beauty. Hopefully, my middle school life won't be too boring this time...

"Little sister, you were so hyper last night I couldn't sleep well. I'm a bit sleepy now," I yawned, complaining to Xiao Ling.

"Who made you tease me all day and then not take responsibility at night! And! What are you supposed to call me? Did you forget?" she snapped back.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm an irresponsible man~" I deflected, spotting the homeroom teacher's office ahead. "That's the office up ahead, right? You go to the classroom first. I'll join you after talking to the teacher." Honestly, I refuse to call Xiao Ling "older sister"—it's too embarrassing. I'll just avoid addressing her directly at school. Haha, clever me.

I approached the office—both familiar and strange. Nostalgic, but the teachers inside weren't the ones from my year. How things change... I sighed inwardly and pushed the door open.

"Reporting in~" I called casually as I entered.

"You're so rude! Your report was too quiet, and you barged in before I allowed it. Out! Go report again pro—"

The moment I stepped in, I heard a familiar voice scolding me. Before I could place it, she'd already berated me. I chuckled inwardly—this teacher seems tough. My third year of middle school is going to be rough.

Just as I turned to leave and report properly, my homeroom teacher turned to look at me. Her words faltered strangely. When I saw her face, I almost burst out laughing. Instead of leaving, I closed the door behind me.

"Well, aren't you a feisty beauty!" I teased.

"Hua Shu! It's you?" she exclaimed, jumping up to hug me.

"You're the one who wears panties inside out! Get out and report properly before hugging me~" I said, stroking Xier's cheek before plopping into her office chair. So she's my homeroom teacher? Yesterday I was with my teacher... ahem, shared hardship with her. What a coincidence! Today's the perfect chance to get back at her for the panties incident—I've been putting up with it all day!

Xier laughed, stepped out of the office, and called "Reporting in!" loudly when no one was around. Then she rushed in and hugged me tightly, overjoyed.

"Since when did you become such a strict teacher, Xier~?" I teased.

"Oh, hush. Yesterday, the head teacher told me a girl who loves wearing high heels was transferring to my class. I thought she was a delinquent and planned to give her a warning. It was our math teacher's idea."

"Huh? A delinquent? Yeah, that's me! I love bullying homeroom teachers. What are you going to do about it?" I patted Xier's head playfully.

"Then I'll punish you!" Xier pinched my chest.

"Hey, hey, morning self-study is almost over. Let's go to class."

"Alright. But I never expected you to be a middle schooler. Yesterday, with your outfit, I thought you were my age."

"Actually, I should be in second year of high school, but something happened—I couldn't continue. Plus, my leg's injured, so I have to wear high heels. That's how it is. You can think of it as me coming here specially for you~"

"I see. Tell me more later. And in class, you have to respect me!"

"Sure thing. No problem."

Hand in hand, we walked to the classroom. Xier's smile never faded—she was clearly thrilled to be with me. Near the door, I let go of her hand, letting her enter first to maintain order.

"Class, we have a new transfer student today. I hope everyone gets along well, promotes class unity, and progresses together!"

Applause erupted. Students began whispering.

"Transferring in third year? How weird. I wonder what she's like."

"I heard from my dad she's a girl who took a year off due to a leg injury. It's not healed yet."

"A cripple? I thought a beauty would transfer. Tch." A slouching boy scoffed.

"Don't talk nonsense! I warn you, my sister is a total beauty!" Xiao Ling pointed at him angrily.

"Huh? Xiao Ling's sister? I didn't know you had a sister."

"Woah, Ling-chan's sister? She must be super cute too~" Xiao Ling's deskmate said, stroking Xiao Ling's cheek. Strangely, Xiao Ling blushed today.

Tap, tap, tap.

I entered the classroom at Xier's call. The moment I stepped in, the room fell silent. Clearly, I wasn't what they expected—maybe they thought I'd hobble in on crutches. But I had to speak.

"Ahem... I'm the new transfer student, Hua Shu. I hope we can all get along harmoniously."

Ugh, I get nervous around strangers. Did I just say something weird? Anyway, I scanned the room for my sister. She said there was an empty seat behind her.

"Bro—ahem... over here, little sister!" Xiao Ling waved at me. Should I respond...?

I walked to her seat anyway—I prefer familiar company. Then I headed to the seat behind her.

Huh? Someone's sitting there. Why did she say it was empty...? I saw a familiar girl sitting behind Xiao Ling. Her desk was bare, and she stared at me with a creepy smile.

"Hua Shu, take your seat. Why are you standing?" a classmate pointed at the girl, urging me to sit...

What? Sit on her lap? That's weird. But... her face looks familiar. It's almost like my own...

"Hua Shu-chan~ Finally meeting you. Sit down quickly~ Let's get nice and close~ Hehehe."