"Sister Waner, let me go! Didn't we agree not to do this anymore? We're not kids!" Chuyun finally wriggled free from that soft embrace, but before he could protest further, Lin Waner pushed him back.

"No~~~ way! I need a hug every day."

"Just let big sister hold you a little longer."

"I'm suffocating!! Sister Waner, release me!"

"Chuyun, stop squirming! Honestly."

"Mmm... I can't keep holding you like this..." A captivating blush spread from Lin Waner's stunning, rosy cheeks down her swan-like neck, while a faint dampness gathered below.

She bit her lip gently to clear her head, then released Chuyun.

Gasping and flushed, Chuyun leaned against the villa's iron gate. "Sister Waner, were you trying to kill me?"

"Hmph! I gave you a treat, and you complain?" Two rosy clouds bloomed on her flawless face as she pouted her tender pink lips slightly.

"No, no! Sister's the best."

"But we're grown now. You should be careful, Waner-jie. Luckily, no one saw us."

"Fine, fine. For such a little brother, you're awfully bold lecturing me."

"You're only a year older! Come on, Waner-jie, let's go. First day of school."

Chuyun smiled at her adorable pout and took her delicate, boneless hand. It felt incredibly soft and warm.

Walking side by side down the leaf-strewn path, the girl chatted with the boy holding her hand. Her breathtaking face glowed with a smile ready to overflow.

"Chuyun, when I visited your house yesterday, Shi Qi looked awful. Did she argue with you after I left?"

"Yeah. She came to fight with me soon after you went."

"Eh... really..."

"Waner-jie... I was going to ask you. What happened between you and Xiao Qi? She seems to hate you more than usual."

"Chuyun... are you saying I made Shi Qi like this?"

Lin Waner frowned slightly, pulling her hand from his. She stopped walking, biting her lip as she stared at him. Her eyes welled up instantly, glistening like a storm about to burst.

"Waner-jie... don't cry. I didn't mean that. If it upsets you, I won't ask." Chuyun fumbled to comfort her, flustered by her tearful, pouting face.

But the more he soothed, the harder she cried. Tears streamed like an open tap, unstoppable.

Why did I say that? Now I've made Waner-jie cry. Chuyun's heart ached watching her devastated expression.

She'd always been the one who cared for him most. Since childhood, she shared every treat and toy with him first. Once, her father joked, "You love Chuyun so much, why not give yourself to him?" To everyone's surprise, Lin Waner took it seriously, causing endless laughter later.

To Chuyun, fifteen years of companionship meant Lin Waner was more than a childhood friend—she was family.

And today, he'd made the kindest girl in his world cry. It was the first time he'd seen her tears. Her silent weeping, makeup smudged, filled him with guilt.

"Waner-jie, please stop. I was wrong to doubt you. Forgive me?"

Though he hadn't doubted her, calming her was all that mattered now.

After several long minutes, Lin Waner finally quieted under his comfort, though soft hiccups lingered. Chuyun sighed in relief—he'd never repeat this mistake.

"Chu... Chuyun, never... never say that again. It hurt so much... how could you doubt me?" Her tear-streaked face looked up at him, her once-bright eyes swollen and red as she sniffled brokenly.

"I'm sorry, Waner-jie. I never meant it. Hit me if it helps." Chuyun wiped her tears, then guided her soft hand to slap his cheek lightly.

"Pfft! Silly. How could I hit you?" Lin Waner burst into laughter despite herself, scolding him coyly.

"Hehe, don't be mad, Waner-jie. Your little brother was thoughtless." Chuyun relaxed as her laughter returned.

"Well... your words hurt. I need to punish you." She pinched the soft flesh on his waist, twisting gently. "And how was I to know Shi Qi hated me so much?"

"Ow! Easy, easy! I'm sorry, Waner-jie!" Chuyun yelped like a pig under her pinch.

"Hmph! Next time you hurt me, I'll do worse. Let's go to school."

"I won't! Wait for me, Waner-jie!" Chuyun hurried after her, reaching for her hand—but she pulled away and slapped his palm playfully.

"Disgusting! No touching today. Punishment for a naughty brother."

"..."

"Brat, hands off! Seriously."

"Waner-jie, slow down! I can't keep up!"

"Nyah-nyah! Catch me if you can, brat. I'll grant one wish if you do... hehehe..."

...

Amid their laughter and teasing, they reached school without realizing it.