Oh no, this had gotten way out of hand. Hearing Shen Yining’s words, Nangong Shiyu felt utterly helpless. He shot Xia Zixin a pitiful glance, hoping she’d let him off the hook. But when their eyes met, all he saw in hers was the sharp gaze of a hunter locking onto prey.

In that instant, Nangong Shiyu understood. From the very start, Xia Zixin had planned every detail.

“Wait, you can’t be serious?” Nangong Shiyu waved his hands frantically, frozen in place.

“What choice do we have?” Xia Zixin replied with a smile. “If we don’t kiss right here, she won’t believe I’m your girlfriend.”

No, this wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

As Xia Zixin leaned closer, Nangong Shiyu pressed his hands against her shoulders. “Hold on—why does it have to be a kiss?”

“Because we’re a couple, aren’t we?”

“You’re actually going to kiss me?”

“Of course. Otherwise, your classmate won’t buy it.”

“But… why does she need to believe it at all? Why prove anything to her?”

“Because she might think I’m just a hired actress you brought to trick her.”

Come to think of it, their whole plan for the comic con today was to make Shen Yining give up on him. How had it spiraled into this?

Nangong Shiyu’s gaze drifted past Xia Zixin’s shoulder. He caught sight of Shen Yining standing there, cheeks puffed in frustration as she glared at them. He shook his head helplessly.

Sacrificing his long-treasured first kiss just to fool her felt impossible.

Shen Yining had won this round. The act had failed.

“Sigh… fine. Shen Yining, listen—actually…”

Just as Nangong Shiyu prepared to confess the truth, a soft, fragrant touch brushed his lips. It was fleeting, yet unforgettable.

By the time he snapped back to reality, countless resentful stares from onlookers were burning into him—as if they’d tear him apart any second.

The kiss was already over. Just a quick peck, really.

Nangong Shiyu stared blankly at Xia Zixin. Her face was flushed crimson. They locked eyes, silence stretching between them.

“…”

“…”

“I… I liked Shiyu first!” Shen Yining’s voice shattered the quiet. “First kisses, eye contact… why are you so good at this? How many times have you two kissed already?” Her voice trembled. “Why did it turn out like this? My first crush, someone to daydream about… it should’ve been like a dream. But why…?”

She stepped backward, retreating further from Nangong Shiyu.

He almost chased after her—but Xia Zixin’s warning glance held him back. He watched helplessly as Shen Yining vanished into the crowd.

“The mission… was a success, right?” Xia Zixin whispered in his ear.

“I guess so.”

Nangong Shiyu took a deep breath, staring at where Shen Yining had disappeared. He wasn’t sure if this was right or wrong. She must be heartbroken. But this pain was necessary—for her, and for him. Soon, she’d stop waiting pointlessly, and he’d escape her suffocating care. Peace would return.

“Didn’t expect it to end so fast. I thought it’d drag on.”

“Thanks to my brilliant strategy.” Xia Zixin grabbed his wrist, tugging him away. “Now that it’s done, you’re spending the afternoon with me.”

“You’ve got the nerve,” Nangong Shiyu muttered, avoiding her eyes. “That… that was my first kiss.”

“Mine too, little brother.”

His face twitched. “What?”

“Exactly what it sounds like.”

So their kiss had been both their firsts?

A restless unease flooded him. Xia Zixin’s hand still gripped his wrist, making his cheeks burn. His heart fluttered like a trapped bird—butterflies gone wild.

At a bustling comic con, the girl who’d just shared his first kiss was dragging him through stalls. The scene was…

Too embarrassing.

“Wait, Xia Zixin—” Heart pounding in his throat, Nangong Shiyu yanked her to a stop.

“Hmm? What is it?”

It might seem trivial, but he had to ask. If he didn’t, facing her later would be impossible.

“You’re… just my sister, right?”

This question mattered deeply.

He didn’t even understand his own feelings when he asked it. But if she harbored romantic feelings, he couldn’t look at her the same way again.

“Why ask that all of a sudden?” Xia Zixin tilted her head, studying his averted gaze.

“Just answer.”

He forced down the anxious thumping in his chest, meeting her eyes. He saw her only as family—not a lover. If she felt otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to act around her.

“Sigh. You’re hopeless.”

Xia Zixin stepped close, gently ruffling his hair. Curious onlookers turned their way again.

“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry, okay? I’m your sister. And you’ll always be my little brother—and sister.”

Relief washed over Nangong Shiyu.

Good. That was all he needed.

“If that’s all you needed to hear?”

“Perfect. Totally fine.”

He nodded, a relieved smile spreading. Then he clasped her wrist, pulling her into the crowd.

“All clear now. Let’s go have fun. I’ve been to this con tons of times—I’ll show you the best spots.”

“Mm~♪”