Don't Hide~

"No... Class rep... so many people are watching..."

"That's true, but it doesn't matter. Call it punishment~" Yixinxue pulled Lingyuan's head close again. "Without more kisses, how can we grow love's crystals?"

"This... seems to twist my meaning..."

Unlike before, Lingyuan didn't resist this time. He let that tender pink tongue slide into his mouth.

The sweetness of milk tea rubbed between their tangled tongues. Lingyuan's mind went blank. He simply closed his eyes, letting it all feel natural.

Yixinxue instinctively hugged him tighter.

Tighter. Even tighter.

"How could I ever give you to Yanxi?"

Yixinxue released Lingyuan with satisfaction. He gasped for air. She licked milk tea from her lips and shook her long hair proudly.

"No resistance this time. You're slowly falling into my arms."

"Resisting is useless..." Lingyuan avoided her gaze. Everyone's stares made him uneasy.

Knife-like eyes swept over him. They couldn't grasp why such an ordinary boy had a goddess-like girlfriend.

Many ground their teeth in envy. Worse, why did she kiss him when he looked so reluctant?

"Class rep... let's find somewhere quieter..." Lingyuan's mouth twitched.

"Oh, alright. I never expected a boy to be this shy~" Yixinxue chuckled. She was used to the spotlight.

"Holy crap, doing this in public, you—" Lingyuan paused. "People shouldn't see..."

He recalled mocking couples with his buddies, cursing "break up." Now, trapped by the class rep, he couldn't join in anymore.

Speaking of which... Lanfeng had a girlfriend too. How did he win over the vice-class rep? Absurd.

"What are you thinking?"

"Oh, nothing. Just Lanfeng's dating—" Lingyuan pointed. "Isn't that the vice-class rep?"

Yixinxue nodded. "That's Jingwen. What about her? Looks like a date~"

"Hiss—" Lingyuan frowned. "But... isn't she with Lanfeng?"

"Really?" Yixinxue's fiery red eyes widened. "When?"

"Dunno. Heard today." Lingyuan scratched his head. The guy beside Jingwen wasn't Lanfeng.

"Maybe her brother?" Yixinxue didn't care. She took Lingyuan's arm. "I know a park nearby! Old and empty! Perfect for bad things! Ah—perfect for walks!"

"Bad things?" Lingyuan resisted as she dragged him.

"Oh dear, no bad things! Just chatting~" Yixinxue coaxed. "Be good. There'll be a reward~"

"You're acting weird. Really just chatting?"

"Really! How could I lie?"

"Hmm... fine..."

Seeing Lingyuan follow doubtfully, Yixinxue felt smug inside.

[So naive. Wasting a private spot would be a crime.]

"Oh, you've never kissed anyone else, right?"

"Of course not. I said that yesterday..." Lingyuan asked timidly. "Aren't we skipping bad things?"

"Hmph, can't I ask? But you and Yanxi are step-siblings. Why do you feel so different?"

"Different?"

Yixinxue tilted her head. "You don't seem rich. But Yanxi—her grace, her manners—she's a true heiress."

"Grace and manners of an heiress...?" Lingyuan's mouth twitched.

She must not have seen Yanxi alone. No heiress—just a clingy little sister.

"I had family conflicts."

"Oh... sorry. I shouldn't bring up sad things."

"It's fine. I've lived apart for ages."

"Alone?" Yixinxue's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yeah. But Yanxi visits sometimes. She stores stuff at my place." Lingyuan thought of the figurine-filled cabinet. One could sell for a fortune...

"Can I visit your place at night~"

"!?" Lingyuan froze like wood.

He'd spilled a secret. Her expression...

"No..."

"I'll ignore that. It's not your choice~" Yixinxue waved, smiling. "Just informing you~ I'll tutor you there~"

In seconds, Yixinxue imagined countless scenes. Without Yanxi... oh right, Yanxi...

"What if we kiss in front of Yanxi?"

Lingyuan jumped. "Class rep, why that idea...?"

[I don't know about you... but I'm dead meat.]

"Eh? You're just siblings. Is there more?"

Lingyuan shrank back. "Logically yes... but showing off... hmm..."

Yixinxue leaned close, blinking fiery red eyes. "Admitting we're a loving couple?"

"... No."

"Tch." Yixinxue's voice turned cold. "I'll see how long you last. Being devoured by me is inevitable."

Silent, Lingyuan stared ahead. Yixinxue studied his profile, lost in thought.

Honestly, her heart ached sourly.

From afar, she'd seen Yanxi feed milk tea to Lingyuan. He'd accepted it naturally—no resistance, unlike with her.

Was she lacking?

Today's dinner replayed. She'd been less bold than Yanxi...

Suddenly, it clicked.

Was her possessiveness weak? Where was her old will to fight for honor? This wasn't the Yixinxue she knew.

Honor could be regained. But losing Lingyuan meant losing him forever.

"I understand."

"Understand what?"

A bad feeling surged in Lingyuan.

A slender, pale hand cupped his face. The icy touch raised goosebumps.

"Don't fear. I just love you. Seeing you with others hurts~ To fully own you, I'll need more courage and will~"