"What's so special about this tail?"

Strange gazes landed on Yanxi. Shyness and unease flooded her chest, painting her cheeks a soft crimson.

"This tail... the tail..." Yanxi stumbled over her words, flustered and unable to explain why pulling it was forbidden.

"Huh?" Lingyuan frowned deeper. "What's wrong with the tail?"

"Just don't pull it! Ever!"

The flush on her face deepened—a vivid, burning shame.

"Then hurry and change out of that outfit," Lingyuan shrugged helplessly. "Just bring the tail over later for me to pet. Been wanting a cat lately. Fatten it up—bet it’d feel amazing to stroke."

"No way!"

"Huh? You’re acting really weird tonight..." Lingyuan scratched his head, puzzled. He studied Yanxi’s costume carefully, then paused as realization struck.

"Aha! I get it! This tail must be—"

"Shut up!" Yanxi clamped a hand over his mouth instantly. She couldn’t bear to hear the rest.

Muffled protests came from beneath her palm: "It’s just us two at home. What’s there to be scared of..."

"Mmm~ Gege..." Yanxi’s voice trembled, eyes pleading. "Please... stop. Have some dignity..."

This catgirl outfit was unbearable shame for well-bred Yanxi. Only sheer willpower had made her wear it today.

Especially since outfits like this were clearly meant for... couples.

"Alright..." Lingyuan nodded. Yanxi finally released him.

"I’ll go change now..."

Watching her retreating back, Lingyuan clicked his tongue.

*Weird. She had no problem showing off to Yixinxue earlier...*

...

At 6:15 AM, the alarm jolted Lingyuan upright.

*Did I forget something important...?*

"Ta-da! Your highness, Gege!"

Yanxi kicked the bedroom door open. The violent crash shattered all remnants of sleep.

"Huh? You’re up early today!?"

"One day that door’s gonna break from your kicks."

After six months of Yanxi’s "wake-up calls," the wall already bore a sizable dent from the doorknob.

Yanxi beamed at her handiwork. "Then we’ll get an iron door! A solid kick’ll make an even louder bang—guaranteed to wake lazy Gege!"

"That won’t wake me—it’ll scare me to death!" Lingyuan stared blankly. *What kind of human thinks like this?*

"Anyway, up now~! Yanxi made super delicious breakfast!"

He’d slept early last night. These past two days of exhaustion made him feel like he’d aged years. Worst of all, ever since Yixinxue moved to the seat in front of him...

He couldn’t nap freely in class. Couldn’t even scroll his phone without worry. For a slacker like him, it was pure torture.

Dawn painted the sky pale and pure as he reached school, the air crisp and calming.

Yet Lingyuan’s brow stayed furrowed. From waking up, through breakfast, all the way here—he couldn’t shake the feeling he’d forgotten something critical.

But it just wouldn’t come to mind.

Yixinxue had already arrived, bent over her desk scribbling notes.

"Morning, Yixinxue," Lingyuan greeted.

"Oh! Morning, Lingyuan!" She looked up, warm smile blooming.

"Did you finish the weekend homework?"

"... ..."

Lingyuan froze mid-motion, hand hovering over his backpack.

*That’s what I forgot!*

"Hmm?" Yixinxue’s smile turned knowing. Of course he hadn’t done it.

"At least tell me you did one assignment?" Her voice held a hint of weary resignation.

"Well..."

Truth was, his backpack hadn’t been opened since he brought it home. It’d become habit—something he took for granted.

"...I forgot."

"I see..." Yixinxue nodded slowly, disappointment tempered with understanding. "Then as punishment, you’ll walk me home tonight."

"!?"

Her words struck like thunder overhead.

"Wait, Class Rep! Let’s talk this over—no need for punishments! I’ll do triple the homework, anything!"

"Nope!" Yixinxue lifted her chin proudly. "I’m collecting homework now. Bye!"

"... ..." Lingyuan slumped into his seat like a deflated balloon.

"Hey, did you hear? A new student’s joining our class today!"

"Really? Where’d you hear that?"

"From another class. Rumor says she’s a beauty rivaling Yixinxue!"

"No way?"

...

*A transfer student? At this time of year? Must have serious connections.*

Bored, Lingyuan slumped onto his desk. Well-rested but restless, he killed time by spacing out.

What were they even supposed to read for morning class? He had no clue—or where he’d buried the materials.

Yixinxue returned after collecting homework. Seeing Lingyuan daydreaming, she said, "Lingyuan, wipe the blackboard. The new student will be here soon."

"Huh? There really is one?" Lingyuan’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes. Go on." She waved him off.

"Fine." Grumbling internally, he shuffled toward the podium—just as the homeroom teacher entered.

The teacher’s unusually cheerful, face relaxed in a genuine smile.

"Lingyuan, leave the board. Return to your seat to welcome our new classmate."

*Seriously? I just picked up the eraser!*

Lingyuan trudged back, determined to see this "new student."

The teacher placed both hands on the podium, clearing his throat deliberately. "Today we welcome a new classmate. I trust everyone will treat her warmly and avoid unnecessary conflicts... Let’s give her a warm welcome!"

Amidst thunderous applause, every eye—except Yixinxue’s—widened in shock as Yiyingnan stepped into the classroom.

"Hello everyone~! I’m Yiyingnan, transferring from Slovia International School. Please take care of me~!"

Her gentle smile instantly won over the room. And beyond that—

"Whoa, she’s stunning!"

"Is it just me, or does she look like Yixinxue...?"

"Not just similar—they’re identical except for hair color! Even their red eyes match!"

...

The classroom erupted. Whispers flew as students glanced between the newcomer and Yixinxue.

"Actually," Yiyingnan added sweetly, "Yixinxue and I are twins. I’m her older sister~"

Her ruby-red eyes drifted to the farthest corner of the room.

*So you’re shielding her after all~*