"Sob... I hate you so much... sob..."

Xia Shiqi nestled in Chuyun's arms, her small face pressed tightly against his chest. Teardrops streamed down nonstop. Though it should have been pitiful, the smile curling at her lips made it strangely eerie.

"Xiao Qi, please stop crying. It’s all big brother’s fault. I’ll do anything you want, as long as you forgive me."

Chuyun held his sister close, his heart aching intensely. He felt the warm dampness of her tears soaking through his pajama top.

"Liar, liar! Sob... You always say that... sob... but never follow through... sob..."

"Xiao Qi, I mean it this time. Anything—just forgive me."

Chuyun gazed at his sister’s tear-streaked face, like a little kitten after a storm. His chest tightened with pain. He truly meant it; he wouldn’t hesitate this time.

"Sob... Really?"

"Really, Xiao Qi. I’m not lying!"

Xia Shiqi wriggled out of his embrace and sat on the soft bed in a duck-sitting pose. Her usually bright, limpid eyes were swollen red from crying, tiny teardrops clinging to her long lashes. She pouted deeply, huffing adorably, "Hmph, I still don’t believe you. Swear on it, or I won’t trust you."

"Huh?"

Chuyun froze. Why did she need an oath?

"Liar again! You say it’s true but won’t even swear. You’re tricking me! Sob..."

Like an angry kitten shaking its rump before pouncing, Xia Shiqi lunged at Chuyun and pounded his chest with tiny fists.

"No, no! Xiao Qi, I’ll swear—I’ll swear right now!"

Chuyun blurted out an oath as her little fists rained down.

"I swear, if I lie to Xiao Qi, may I be struck by lightning the moment I step outside."

"Is that enough, Xiao Qi?"

"No, no! Swear this way: if you lie, you’ll be a forever-single dog, stuck living only with your cute sister."

"Okay, okay..."

"I swear, if I lie to Xiao Qi, I’ll be a forever-single dog, stuck living only with my cute sister."

"Good enough this time?"

Though harsh, Chuyun wouldn’t deceive her anyway. It didn’t matter.

Xia Shiqi huffed proudly, "Hmph, I’ll temporarily forgive you since you swore. But next time? You’re dead!"

"Thank you, Your Highness Xiao Qi. I’ll never make you angry again."

"Hmph, you’d better remember that."

Chuyun gently gazed at his sister sitting duck-style on his lap. "Xiao Qi, get off me now. It’s six o’clock—we have school soon."

"No, no! Carry me out!" Xia Shiqi clung to him like a koala, her voice soft and sweet as she coaxed.

"Alright, I’ll carry you."

Chuyun sighed, watching his koala-like sister. Honestly, he enjoyed her clinginess—it felt like old times.

But as he stood with her clinging on, a sharp ache shot through his waist. His legs felt oddly weak.

"Eeek!!!"

Alone, he might have steadied himself. But with his koala-sister attached, they tumbled back onto the bed with a thud and her startled cry.

Chuyun’s eyes widened in horror. His pupils reflected Xiao Qi’s flushed, shy face.

So soft. So sweet...

Those words flashed in his mind the instant they touched.

Blushing, Chuyun gripped her shoulders and pushed her away. Xia Shiqi collapsed bonelessly onto his chest.

Oh no, oh no—how did this happen?!

Why was his waist so sore? Why were his legs so weak? Had Xiao Qi lying on him all night caused this?

Most importantly—why was it like this now?

Chuyun had countless questions, but no time to ponder. He stared at Xiao Qi, blushing like a ripe apple, limp on his body. He didn’t know what to say.

He couldn’t just claim it was an accident.

Though true, it didn’t excuse him.

He closed his eyes peacefully, awaiting her fury.

Please, Xiao Qi—spare my life. Or at least, leave me whole.

Minutes passed in silence. Chuyun opened his eyes. Xiao Qi still lay limp on him.

Strange—why wasn’t she angry? He’d taken something precious from a girl.

He should ask. If she’d forgive him, that’d be best.

Chuyun propped up her soft body. Her face, flushed like stained rouge, grew even shyer. After a pause, he began, "Xiao Qi, um..."

But a slender finger pressed against his lips, cutting him off.

Xia Shiqi gazed at him, her watery eyes mixing shyness and reproach. She pursed her petal-pink lips, her voice a soft, embarrassed whisper:

"Don’t say it out loud... I’m shy too."

"Just... take responsibility."

"Of course, Xiao Qi. I will."

This outcome stunned Chuyun. He’d expected worse. She’d only asked this simple thing, though it was an accident—he still felt ashamed.

"Go out now. I want to sleep a bit longer."

"Okay. I’ll call you after breakfast."

"Mm-hmm."

After Chuyun closed the door, Xia Shiqi’s eyes grew dazed. Her delicate finger traced her cherry lips.

What happened was a happy accident for her. She’d played alone many times before—but this was different.

Lost in thought, Xia Shiqi slowly sank onto the soft bed. Her slender hand slid down her flat, tender belly...