Around midnight, an eerie wind began to blow outside the apartment window.

My phone’s weather app predicted light to moderate rain tonight, with brief thunderstorms and sudden strong gusts.

That’s just how it is in this southern coastal city.

Our weather here is never up to us. It’s either dry high-pressure systems from inland temperate zones or Pacific typhoons. They rise and fall, together dictating our skies.

Summers are hot and rainy. The downpours don’t cool much; instead, they bring oppressive humidity.

But when rain first starts, it’s refreshing. It’s like the sky dousing the scorching earth, cooling everything down. Even my mood lightens.

Only the thunder is annoying—rumbling in bursts. The volume shifts, intervals unpredictable. It’s impossible to brace yourself mentally.

In most light novels or anime, the male lead uses girls’ fear of thunder to win one over on stormy nights.

For example, a tsundere heroine might try to leave him. But when thunder strikes, she’s so scared she dives into his arms, sobbing. Eventually, she’s won over by his tenderness.

But what if the male lead fears thunder?

Like me…

I’m not ashamed to admit it.

I’ve feared thunder and lightning since childhood. The deafening noise and blinding flashes bring sudden, unprepared terror. I always worry that power might strike me.

What humans fear most is the unknown.

Later, after reading Journey to the West, I learned thunder and lightning were made by Lei Gong and Dian Mu. Then, in middle school physics, I understood it’s just normal cloud discharge. With lightning rods on the roof, there’s really nothing to fear.

Though I’m still a bit unsettled by stormy nights, I can face them calmly now.

Hmm, better close the open window. This is just too scary!

*Creak.*

Sure enough, closing it muffled the noise.

*Knock knock—*

Just then, rhythmic knocking came from the door.

“Who is it? What’s up?” I rushed over and asked cautiously.

“Fan, it’s me… I…” Jiang Muqing’s voice came from the other side.

“It’s late. Whatever it is, talk tomorrow. Go sleep now!” I replied naturally.

“But… I’m scared…”

Just then, a thunderclap boomed outside, making her voice tremble.

“Scared of thunder? You’re a high schooler now, still so timid. Haha, go find my mom. She’ll hold you while you sleep.” I tried to sound relaxed to comfort her.

“Auntie’s snoring is louder than thunder… I can’t sleep at all…” She sounded genuinely upset.

Is Mom too tired lately? I never heard she snores. I wondered.

*Rumble—*

Suddenly, a muffled thunderclap startled even me. Then, rain poured down.

“Why won’t you open the door…” Jiang Muqing seemed scared too. She started sobbing.

“You’re not carrying anything, right…” I felt sympathy but worried she might harm me. I asked anxiously.

“What thing?” She sounded confused.

“Sharp objects or something.”

“Because of that day… does Fan hate me now?” Understanding my meaning, she seemed even more upset.

“No, just… a bit shaken…” I chuckled awkwardly.

“Fan is scared of me…” She sounded surprised.

“A little.” That was undeniable.

“…”

Jiang Muqing fell silent.

“Actually… it’s not you I fear. It’s just… what you might do… so…” Afraid she’d overthink it, I stammered.

*Sob—*

Her soft sobs mixed with the rain, oddly rhythmic.

…

Hearing her cry, my mind went blank. Finally, I couldn’t take the pressure. I opened the door.

But the plot twist that followed was astonishing.

As soon as the door opened, her sobs stopped instantly. In the darkness, she leaped toward me.

I had to catch her, or her weight would’ve knocked me over.

Feeling her body, I looked up. She wore a white T-shirt. Thin bra straps peeked under the loose neckline. My hands felt cool thighs—no other fabric below.

“Fan, I like you.” She said it with deadly seriousness.

“I know. You’ve made it obvious.” Holding her, I struggled to straighten up.

“Ever since you grabbed me that time, I’ve been set on you. I’ll like you forever.” She clutched my head tightly, her chest pressing so hard I could barely breathe.

“Mm, I can see that.” I said flatly.

“And I never knew Fan was so amazing. I love how serious you look in the kitchen.” She wriggled excitedly, her front bouncing against me without restraint.

“That’s just necessity. Stop squirming.” She really has no modesty.

“Auntie’s great too. After marrying Fan, no mother-in-law worries!” She was lost in daydreams.

“You’re thinking way too far ahead.” I tried to put her down, but she clung to my neck.

“Fan, say you like me!” Jiang Muqing demanded.

“I like you. Get down!” My heart remained unmoved.

Just then, she placed a hand on my chest, feeling around.

“Say it again!” She seemed dazed.

“I like you,” I told her.

“Again!”

“I like you.”

“One more time?”

“I like you…”

“I want to hear it again…”

“I like… you, ha…” So sleepy.

Her slender hand felt my chest. Her head rested against it. Was she listening to my heartbeat? Exhausted, it should be slow—under 80 beats per minute.

“Why is it still like this?” Her mood suddenly dipped.

“What’s wrong?” I didn’t understand.

“…”

The restless storm quieted. Her deathly silence left me wondering. She took tight breaths in my ear, as if steeling herself.

“Shall we do it?” She asked calmly.

“Do what…? I just want to sleep.” I complained impatiently.

“Whatever you want to do.” Her serious gaze told me she wasn’t joking.

I… Even my thick-headed self knew what she meant. Do it? Can you just do it whenever? What time is it? Can’t we wait for class tomorrow? If Mom catches us, she’ll kill me.

“As long as Lu Fan likes me… I’ll do anything…” She held my shoulders, straightening to show her youthful curves.

…

“Do… homework? I could ask about those problems, but it’s too late. Tomorrow! Studying late is inefficient.” I reasoned sensibly.