Why did Senior Qingruo’s arm make her feel so attached?
It wasn’t nearly as soft as her own chest, yet Tiyi found herself clinging a little tighter to the tall Student Council President’s slim arm, clad in thin yet crisp fabric.
The feel of the material was really nice.
As they walked, the distance to the men behind grew wider. Soon, the thugs gave up tailing them entirely, turning back toward the market—likely seeking easier targets.
After all, these were just ordinary ruffians from Molov Town. Though the sky was overcast, it was still daytime, and they rarely dared trouble noble ladies. Seeing Tiyi and Qingruo’s refined attire and what seemed a sisterly bond with no interest in men, they sensed no opportunity and retreated.
Molov Town’s security was chaotic, but the Witch Hunt Order now patrolled everywhere. Though their main duty was hunting Witches, they’d also intervene if lowly thugs attacked honorable, pious noblewomen.
The Witch Hunt Order’s core purpose was safeguarding the Holy Church’s absolute authority and upholding the Empire’s class system.
“Senior Qingruo’s judgment was right…” Tiyi thought, blushing, feeling the warmth of her senior’s arm and its firm hold on her waist.
Walking with her waist held and arm linked was deeply embarrassing, but it avoided harassment and unnecessary trouble.
It wasn’t that she wanted to be treated like a “girlfriend.”
Really.
“I shouldn’t lose myself or feel guilty… This is just a formality, unrelated to my identity as a boy. Objectively, I fit the ‘girlfriend’ role better now. Forcing a swap would ruin the act. Senior Qingruo’s decision is correct.”
“Boys stay objective and pragmatic. So I won’t overthink… As long as I’m not actively wanting her arm or waist hold, there’s… no issue…”
“As for my body’s reactions…”
Tiyi stopped there. Delving deeper would only intensify the heat on her face. She rested her cheek on her senior’s fragrant shoulder, avoiding further thought—and didn’t mention the thugs had left. Served her right for this request.
They reached an elegant shop in a quiet alley lined with refined buildings.
“Tiyi, those men are gone. We can let go now.”
Tiyi and Qingruo finally separated.
Each carried the other’s lingering warmth. Their distinct feminine scents mingled faintly, like unopened blossoms and honey.
For a moment, neither spoke naturally. A brief, quiet stillness settled between them.
Tiyi felt a trace of reluctance—but told herself it was just her female body’s instinct. She couldn’t control it.
She gazed at Qingruo’s ample chest beneath her white hunting outfit, wondering what her senior thought… and how she felt.
Tiyi glimpsed a faint blush on Qingruo’s profile under her long hair, and the subtle rise of her chest.
Her senior’s fair skin would show blushes clearly—but surely hers was fainter than Tiyi’s own. After all, she was Qingruo.
“Tiyi, we’re here. Let’s go in,” Qingruo said, turning back, her eyes holding a captivating allure.
“Mm… huh?” Tiyi’s focus shifted from her senior to the shop.
Through the dark wooden-framed glass door, shelves overflowed with embarrassing items.
The sign outside read “Dailuodi”—a name that felt shamefully suggestive from a boy’s perspective.
“Let’s go.” Her senior took her hand, brooking no delay, and led her up the steps into the shop.
Entering a lingerie store for the first time, Tiyi tensed—though she knew she looked the perfect young lady for such a place.
Displays flaunted suggestive, bold styles everywhere, making her cheeks burn. It felt like stepping into a woman’s private garden.
Qingruo seemed calmer, but she still averted her eyes from the overly revealing pieces on mannequins, finding them hard to accept. Shame flickered across her face.
Such lingerie was meant for seduction—or marital intimacy—but held no meaning for Qingruo, who’d vowed lifelong celibacy and abandoned her womanhood.
“May I help you, beautiful ladies?” A young maid bowed, instantly recognizing their noble bearing and beauty.
“I, we…” Tiyi froze. What if they used professional terms? Sounding clueless would be awkward.
“We need everyday lingerie. Nothing too… bold,” Qingruo said firmly, her brow furrowed against the risqué displays near the entrance.
“As conservative as possible,” she added, eyes closing slightly in displeasure—words clearly meant for Tiyi.
“Ah, of course… this way, ladies,” the maid replied carefully, sensing Qingruo’s mood, and guided them to modest shelves.
These styles exuded purity and propriety.
To Tiyi, even plain underwear felt deeply shameful.
“Mm.” Qingruo nodded, satisfied.
*Good. As long as you’re happy,* Tiyi thought inwardly.
“This one’s nice,” Qingruo said, pointing like she was choosing for herself. Her slender finger landed on a white set with silk embroidery—pretty, with a cup-style bra and normal-cut panties.
“Your size, miss?” the maid asked.
Qingruo looked at Tiyi silently, waiting.
Tiyi’s body tightened with shame—she didn’t know her size!
