"This doesn't feel right... and there's really no good way to do it either."

Though she said that, Li Mo ultimately went along with Liu Shishi's plan.

Liu Shishi had explained it wasn't about rushing things. Blunt probing would only put him on guard and risk exposure. They'd take it slow. Besides, she just wanted to test whether knowing Li Mo was a girl would make him pull away—not that she had any other intentions.

Still, it felt weird leaving this kind of thing to someone else.

"Just don't do anything extra..."

"Relax. I've got this down pat."

Liu Shishi gave Li Mo's shoulder a casual slap, then glanced downward and stood up. "I'll head to formation now. Catch you later."

"Oh..."

Watching her leave, Li Mo felt a little lighter. Venting to someone really did help. Having one person at school who knew her secret—but wouldn't spill it—wasn't so bad. As long as the real reason stayed hidden, maybe exposure wouldn't be...

*Whoa!*

She shook her head sharply.

What was she even thinking? Did she have some weird exhibitionist streak?

Not everyone was like Liu Shishi. One slip-up, and the truth could blow up online. Total social death.

*Ew...*

A chill shot through her body. She shook her head again, forcing the thoughts away.

But why did everyone—Liu Shishi, her mom—treat her like some lovestruck schoolgirl over Tang Zhe?

Seriously. She'd only been a girl for how long? Falling for a guy already? That'd make her feel... gay. Ugh.

She switched mental tracks, letting random thoughts drift.

Killing time alone always flew fastest this way. By the time she snapped back to reality, the senior class was already heading back.

She'd even skipped the principal's speech. Nice.

Time to ditch the extra uniform before her classmates spotted her. One or two might be fine—but a crowd? No explaining that.

Next step: wait for homeroom teacher to leave, then nap all day in class.

*Whoa!* She could sleep the *entire* day? Awesome.

"What're you scheming?"

*Yikes!*

A large hand clapped her shoulder. The guy probably thought he was being gentle, but Li Mo shuddered from head to toe.

"What to do later."

No need to guess—it was Tang Zhe. His greetings always came with bruising force. She was used to the jump scares by now. Honestly, thanks to him, her pain tolerance had skyrocketed.

"You're totally planning to nap in class. Bad news: not happening."

"Huh?"

Being read wasn't the issue. It was what came after. "What do you mean?"

During sports meets, students only behaved when teachers were around. Otherwise? Free time.

"You've got an event this morning."

"Huh?? When? What event??"

Her only race was the 1500m on the final day. Since when did she have another event??

"Wait—you didn't know? Besides the 1500m, you're signed up for high jump. Today. Morning."

High... jump?

Was he joking? Her athletic ability was basically zero now. And her height? No way she could clear a bar.

"Dunno. The PE rep filled empty slots with students who hadn't signed up for enough events."

Seeing Li Mo's disbelief, Tang Zhe explained again. He was pretty sure he'd mentioned it before.

*Damn it!*

This guy. Making a 160cm girl compete against towering athletes in high jump? He was a monster.

"...What time..."

"Starts at 10:30. Registration at 10:20."

Twenty minutes left.

"Got it... Gotta hit the restroom first..."

"Smoking? Hook me up."

"You smoke?"

Li Mo raised an eyebrow. After all this time—even at internet cafes—he'd never lit up. His clothes never smelled of smoke. She'd assumed he didn't.

"Rarely. Bought a pack ages ago but never opened it. Thought you might want one."

He patted his pocket, indicating the untouched pack.

"...I don't smoke. Just killing time on my phone."

She just... didn't want Tang Zhe smelling like smoke.

"Then I'm coming too. We can game."

Was this guy glue? Stuck to her like permanent adhesive!

After her earlier spiral of thoughts, being near Tang Zhe made her skin prickle. She craved solitude—but he wouldn't give her space.

No choice. She let him follow her to the gym's back restroom.

The boys' restroom.

Ugh.

"Yo, Brother Mo? Tang Zhe! Over here."

His friends were already inside, phones out, ready to game.

School rules were strict—even during sports meets. Phones were allowed only for photos/videos. Gaming meant hiding out.

Smoke hung thick in the air. Li Mo forced herself to ignore it. She'd fake a bathroom break and bail. Needed fresh air before her event.

"Here, Brother Mo. Light up."

Shen Yi didn't know she'd quit smoking for health reasons. He offered her a cigarette. Li Mo caught Tang Zhe's flicker of confusion—he remembered her refusal earlier.

"Quit. Gotta pee."

Caught in the lie, Li Mo's cheeks flushed slightly as she ducked into a stall.

"Respect. Quitting's hard. Tang Zhe? One for you?"

"Wanna game instead? I'm in."

"...Yeah."

Inside the stall, Li Mo still heard them.

"I quit too. Let's play. Oh—and this is for you guys. A peace offering."

"Haha, brother! Too formal! We accept!"

*Phew...*

Close call.

Li Mo counted seconds, flushed the toilet loudly, and stepped out. "Gotta register for my event," she muttered, slipping out alone.

Freedom!

The relief was instant—but short-lived. Stupid idea: might as well register now and get eliminated fast. Back to napping by noon.

But as she neared the registration area, her courage evaporated.

First: all athletes. Towering, muscular guys. They joked with each other, but she knew how they treated outsiders.

She instinctively shrank back.

Second...

A crowd already gathered! She'd humiliate herself in front of everyone!

M...maybe she could still back out...