"That voice... sounds familiar!"

Yun Mingxin muttered to himself, suddenly recalling an expressionless face.

"Kujou Kana?"

*Why’s she here? And how did she even find my place?*

Baffled, Yun Mingxin forced himself upright, fighting exhaustion. He needed both hands to steady himself against the wall before shuffling forward.

*I’m wiped!*

Three minutes later, he finally opened the door.

Kujou Kana stood perfectly still, not a trace of impatience on her face.

Today, she’d traded her signature black-and-white maid uniform for sharp office attire—a rare sight. Her hair was neatly pinned up. The crisp, professional look paired with her icy expression and stunning features would’ve drawn admiration from anyone.

*So cool!*

The moment the door opened, Kujou Kana took in Yun Mingxin’s entire disheveled state. Her brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

She knew this condition all too well.

This was what happened when the body pushed past its limits. Without care, it could cause permanent damage.

Reality wasn’t anime.

Those Dragon Ball guys could train to near-death daily, sleep it off, and wake up stronger—total nonsense. In truth, breaking your limits once might knock you unconscious or even stop your heart.

The body locked itself down as protection. Forcing past that mechanism always came at a cost.

A flicker of worry crossed Kujou Kana’s eyes.

Without professional treatment, his recovery would take far longer—even if he healed at all.

"Uh, Miss Kujou... what brings you here?" Yun Mingxin’s voice was weak. All he wanted was to usher her out and collapse into bed. Honestly, staying conscious this long was a testament to his willpower.

*Thank goodness for draft chapters. At least my readers won’t suffer.*

"My deepest apologies for the intrusion," Kujou Kana bowed slightly. "After Snow Princess’s meeting with you and your award win, we forgot to inform you about the acceptance speech. I’m here to brief you on the details."

"We also need to confirm your preference: would you like to write your own remarks, or shall we provide a template? I have it with me."

"Snow Princess regrets she cannot come personally due to unforeseen circumstances. She asked me to convey her sincere apologies for the discourtesy."

"So... you came all this way just to deliver a speech draft?"

"Yes."

"Why bother coming yourself? It’d be easier to hand it to me at school."

"That’s absolutely unacceptable!" Kujou Kana’s expression turned stern. "Snow Princess is occupied. My sister Nana is... unreliable and unwilling. That leaves only me."

*(Somewhere, a certain airheaded sister forcibly benched by her sister: ...)*

"Thanks. Just leave the file on the table. I really must excuse myself now." Yun Mingxin yawned. "After you drop it off, please head back. I’ll properly host you another time." His energy was fading fast—the nap in the pavilion hadn’t been nearly enough.

"My apologies, but I must refuse."

Her reply stunned him.

"Huh?" Yun Mingxin blinked in confusion.

"Forgive my presumption!"

Before he could process her words, Kujou Kana moved. In one fluid motion, her slender arms lifted him. He found himself cradled against her chest in a princess carry.

Softness enveloped him. A natural, calming scent—not perfume—filled his senses.

*Is this... natural body fragrance?*

The thought flashed through his mind, instantly drowned by burning embarrassment.

*An eight-foot-tall guy being carried like this?! How am I supposed to stay calm?!*

"Put me down! This is insane!" He squirmed in her arms, his usually thick-skinned face flushing crimson. His struggles were useless—as if pushing against steel. Not a single movement disrupted her grip.

*How can such a delicate frame hold this much strength?*

The shock momentarily cut through his exhaustion.

Ignoring his protests, Kujou Kana strode toward his bedroom, her steps precise.

"Please stay still. You’ll only hurt yourself further."

"Then let me go!" Yun Mingxin snapped, humiliation sharpening his voice.

"I cannot comply."

She reached his room in seconds. Her gaze swept over the simple decor, and she gave a small, approving nod. *She liked this style.*

Gently, she laid him on the bed.

The instant he was free, Yun Mingxin tried to sit up—arching his waist to push himself upright.

A sharp, precise pressure struck his lower back. Strength drained from his limbs like water. He collapsed back onto the mattress.

Kujou Kana retracted her right index finger. In one seamless motion, she planted her left foot, flipped backward midair, and landed straddling his hips.

Yun Mingxin felt only the faintest pressure—no jarring impact. Yet her position caused unavoidable friction against his body.

A familiar heat stirred below.

*Not now...*

"What exactly are you doing? At least explain!" Trapped and helpless, he surrendered to asking.

"I will massage your acupressure points," she stated calmly. "Without it, your torn muscles and strained tendons will cause chronic pain in later years."

"I trained under a veteran Chinese medicine practitioner. Trust my expertise. This won’t hurt—it’ll only speed your recovery."

Yun Mingxin stared, dumbfounded.

*All this—the princess carry, straddling me like a crow—just for a massage?*

*Is this maid... too devoted?*

"No need, I—"

Before he could finish, Kujou Kana’s eyes sharpened. Her thumbs locked onto his elbows, pressing in a precise, rhythmic pattern.

"Hss—!"

A wave of tingling numbness surged through his arms, followed by cool relief—as if toxins were draining away. Her movements accelerated into blurs. Tension melted from his shoulders, neck, and spine.

Perched on his abdomen, Kujou Kana watched his face—twisted between comfort and pain—without faltering.

Suddenly, her hands cupped his face, turning it toward hers.