Brother patted my hand, then suddenly dashed out the door. I couldn’t react in time—could only watch him vanish through the doorway.

I stood up and ran outside. The moment I stepped out, Brother’s figure disappeared down the hallway.

I suddenly realized becoming a girl wasn’t a good thing. I couldn’t catch up at all; after just a few steps, I was already panting heavily.

"Huffing... Brother... wait for me... huffing... coughing... cough cough cough..."

Breathing felt labored. My stamina couldn’t keep up. This body was as fragile as a porcelain doll—like a vase, only for show with no real use.

I felt even more powerless than when I was a boy. But just thinking of Brother gave me a little extra strength.

...

"Huffing... finally reached the first floor." I leaned against the wall, completely drained from running. A trace of blood taste lingered in my mouth. My hand on the wall turned bright red. My panting wouldn’t stop.

Fortunately... I spotted Brother outside through the glass door. My heart unknowingly calmed.

I caught my breath where I stood, then slowly shuffled toward the exit. It wasn’t that I wasn’t anxious—my body simply couldn’t handle rushing anymore.

My hand pressed against the glass door. My half-parted lips almost called out "Brother"... but I pulled back.

Then I punched the glass. Sharp pain shot through my brain... and I collapsed onto the floor.

Red stains bloomed on the glass, but they didn’t block my view outside.

Brother was hugging that woman. No mistake—I’d never missee it! My beloved Brother held her tightly. What infuriated me most was the expression on her face.

What was this? A victor’s boast? A challenge to me? Or just her enjoying this moment?

Any of it was unforgivable... Why... why! Why did everything blur before my eyes? Why couldn’t I lift my hands? Why!

Wasn’t losing Brother punishment enough? Must he see me like this—ugly and broken?

My throat felt choked with stone. No sound came out. The world was just a blurry outline—but I knew that woman still stood with Brother!

I slammed my fist on the floor. The pain didn’t register; my numb arms barely helped me stand.

I didn’t know what to do. I wandered aimlessly. Time blurred—maybe a minute, ten, or half an hour...

Brother’s shout rang out behind me.

"Yuxuan! Yuxuan! What are you doing?"

I couldn’t let him see me like this. Above my hazy vision hung a red sign... If I guessed right, this was the women’s restroom.

I stepped inside. Maybe God felt he owed me? So he offered small mercies like this.

Listening to Brother’s voice outside the door...

"So you just needed the restroom? Made me worry for nothing, Yuxuan~ you’re such a troublemaker."

Tears filled my eyes again. I’d made him think that—so why did it hurt so much?

I’d chosen to avoid his care... then why did my heart ache to cry now?

Had becoming a girl made me this sentimental?

I didn’t know. All I heard was the drip... drip... of water hitting the floor.