"Crap, I forgot my umbrella!" Lingyuan grumbled, scratching his head in frustration. Luckily, it was only a drizzle—he wouldn’t get soaked to the bone like yesterday.
*[No umbrella… and I left that free ice cream behind too.]*
The more he thought about it, the more he felt ripped off.
*[Why did I even walk home with the class rep?! And mopped the whole classroom after!]*
Trudging home, Lingyuan felt like a walking billboard of "sucker" hung over his head. His expression stayed utterly lifeless the entire way.
"I’m back," he called, opening the door. To his surprise, the house was pitch-black—nothing like Yanxi’s usual messy presence.
*[Is she pulling another prank?]*
Sighing internally, he flicked on the lights. The living room stood empty, but his bedroom door was tightly shut.
Hmm…
Lingyuan squinted slightly, his mind racing through countless possibilities.
"Yanxi? You in there? Up to no good again?"
He pushed the door open—and froze.
"Mmm… Brother’s home…" Yanxi rubbed her sleepy eyes, sitting up on his bed. "Sorry… I fell asleep waiting for you."
"Put your clothes on first," Lingyuan said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Clothes…?" Yanxi glanced down. She’d arrived in a Lolita dress but stripped it off while napping from the heat. Her tank top had slipped off one shoulder, leaving her half-naked before him.
"Mmm… don’t wanna move…" Kneeling on the bed, still drowsy, she murmured, "I want Brother to spoil me… help me fix this?"
"This isn’t really…"
"*Pleeease*… spoil me properly…" Her pleading voice would melt any heart.
"Fine. Don’t wiggle." Hands on hips, Lingyuan sighed in defeat. "Can’t win with you."
He stepped closer, adjusting her tank top. His fingertips brushed her skin—Yanxi shivered faintly.
*Itchy…*
"*Mmmh~*"
"What was *that* noise?!" Lingyuan jumped back. That sound only belonged in those… *adult* anime.
"Huh? What’s wrong?" Yanxi yawned, unfazed. "My bag’s got a comb. Brother, braid my hair?"
"Uh… sure."
Her hair was a tangled mess from sleep. Resigned, Lingyuan gently combed through the strands.
"You took *forever*," Yanxi murmured, eyes closed in bliss. "It’s almost eight. I’m starving *and* sleepy."
"Sorry. Walked to save money."
"*Seriously?* That’s nothing to skimp on! Just bill me if you’re broke." She pouted lightly. "My allowance can totally feed you."
"Don’t wanna be a freeloader. Besides, you’re treating me to BBQ tonight, right?" Lingyuan shrugged innocently.
"Freeloader? *My* stuff is *yours*. We’re family!" Yanxi suddenly spun around, eyes sparkling. "If I cosplay as a catgirl… would you like that?"
"Not really—"
"Not enough? Should I call you *Master*~?"
"*No*—"
"*Still* not working?!" Her brows knotted. "What *else* do you want?!"
"Just… be normal." Lingyuan set down the comb and grabbed a fresh hoodie from his closet. "I don’t get excited over real bodies."
"But *I* get excited seeing *yours*!"
"…I didn’t hear that."
"*Really!* Seeing your body makes me excited!"
"*Sucked in a sharp breath.*" "Enough. Get dressed. Weren’t we hitting that BBQ place?"
"*Hmph.* Telling the truth and he doesn’t believe me…" Yanxi grumbled, slowly pulling on her clothes.
"Which BBQ spot?" Lingyuan deliberately changed the subject.
"Wherever Brother wants. I’ll follow your lead." She smoothed her skirt, checked her reflection in a compact mirror, and nodded satisfied.
The crimson Lolita dress hugged her petite figure perfectly, its delicate lace adding a touch of allure to her natural beauty. No makeup needed—Yanxi was stunning as she was.
*Little Red Riding Hood?* That’s all Lingyuan could think.
"How do I look?" She twirled before him.
"Really cute."
"Mhm!" She beamed—then frowned seconds later. "That’s *it*?"
"Huh? What else?"
"Girls need *more* compliments! No wonder you’re single—zero EQ points!" Arms crossed, she huffed. "Lucky for you, I don’t hold grudges. Having a sister like me? You should be proud!"
Lingyuan stared blankly at his sister on the bed. "I just don’t care about real life, okay?!"
"*Heh.* I’ll win you over eventually." Her pout deepened. "I refuse to believe any guy feels *nothing* for girls!"
"Maybe." Lingyuan’s gaze dimmed. Sure, he’d joke with buddies about hot girls—but it was just admiration. True desire? None.
No one could replace *her* in his memories.
Years-old waves of emotion crashed over him—so vivid, it felt like yesterday.
"What’re you thinking about?"
Yanxi’s face suddenly filled his vision. The memories snapped like broken strings.
"Just… what to eat tonight." He forced a bitter smile.
"MEAT, obviously! Woo-hoo—lamb skewers, grilled pork belly, chicken wings…" Her mouth watered instantly. She practically vibrated to teleport to the BBQ joint.
"Order less. You always dump leftovers on me."
"*Pfft.* Gotta try everything! Can’t help it!"
Fully awake now, Yanxi bounced out the front door.
"Being with Brother is the best! No stiff manners… I wanna stay like this forever!"
