Ever since that night, she’d harbored a trace of something different toward Tang Zhe.

During those days of self-isolation, she’d convinced herself it was just the suspension bridge effect—perfectly normal, bound to fade.

But to her surprise, those feelings hadn’t dimmed with time. Instead, they’d grown stronger. Especially today, after being utterly dazzled by Tang Zhe, she’d nearly lost herself completely.

*It was just that one time he saved me. As someone who only recently became a girl, I shouldn’t be reacting this intensely.*

Burning with embarrassment, she buried her face in her arms again, wrestling with why things had turned out this way.

*So what if Tang Zhe is a little handsomer, a little taller, a little more built? So what if he gives me a little more security, looks out for me a little more, tolerates my tantrums and clinginess a little more, and never actually gets mad at me? Why… why is this getting weirder by the second?!*

If it were anyone else, she’d have zero doubts—this would be textbook crush material.

Having lived nearly twenty years as a guy without a single romance, she never expected to experience a girl’s fluttering heart *before* ever feeling a boy’s first love… Hell, the latter had been completely skipped over!

*All his fault! That jerk! Why’s he so damn handsome? Why’s he so damn nice to me?!*

*…Though if I were still a guy, I’d totally be better-looking than him.*

"Hnngh…"

Tang Zhe, scrolling on his phone, suddenly felt an inexplicable chill crawl up his spine—as if a hostile aura radiated from beside him. He glanced over. Only Li Mo, fast asleep with her face tucked between her arms, breathing evenly.

*Is she cursing me even in her dreams? Am I really that unforgivable? Weird.*

*Whatever. Time to head out. Don’t want trouble later.*

Not that it was polite to think this way, but outside, dealing with Li Mo felt like playing both parent roles. He’d never coddle anyone like this before—but he just *wanted* to. Probably to keep her out of trouble. She’d pay him back anyway.

*…Should.*

"Ah."

Finishing his game, Tang Zhe sighed, stood up, pocketed his phone, and left the classroom.

*Huh? He’s leaving?*

Sensing movement, Li Mo peeked sideways with one eye. Tang Zhe was already gone. A pang of disappointment hit her—she’d half-hoped he’d wait for her to wake up and walk to lunch together.

Lifting her head, she caught his figure slipping out the back door.

She puffed out her cheeks, slightly annoyed. *Typical clueless guy. Hopeless.*

*The way he acts ice-cold with other girls? Even if he knew I was one, he’d probably still be this dense.*

Her stomach had been growling earlier, but now anger filled her up. Lunch could wait. Back to sleep.

"Yo! Knew I’d find you here. Thought you’d be gaming."

*Ugh. One leaves, another shows up?*

Just as Li Mo was about to flop back down, Liu Shishi appeared. Still annoyed from earlier, Li Mo didn’t want to talk—but she did have questions.

"Alone together so long… you two must be—"

"Shut it."

True to form, Liu Shishi plopped into Tang Zhe’s seat and fired off the first thing that made Li Mo’s blood boil. Cut off mid-sentence, Liu Shishi immediately made a bored face and pouted.

"But…"

"Hm? What?"

Liu Shishi blinked, surprised Li Mo actually responded. Now she was all ears.

"I’ve been… noticing Tang Zhe. But I’ve never felt like this before. Honestly, I thought it’d be impossible."

"Hmm? What kind of ‘noticing’? Childhood friends caring about each other is normal, you know."

Liu Shishi propped her chin on one hand, staring intently into Li Mo’s eyes like she could peel back her soul. Li Mo’s gaze faltered under the scrutiny.

"It’s just…"

*Just…*

Words jammed in her throat. Her face flushed crimson. After a long struggle, she blurted out the truth:

"It’s like… I want to know everything he’s doing, everything he’s looking at. I get… awkward with others, but not with him. And whenever I see him, my temper goes weird—I just wanna act spoiled, throw tantrums… *whine*… but I never worry he’ll get mad. And I… I…"

"You…?"

"I just want to stay with him longer!"

She shouted it like a battle cry, making Liu Shishi jump—then burst out laughing.

"Pfft! You’re *into* him! Congrats, girl—you’re in love."

"Ughhh—"

Li Mo dove face-first onto the desk like an ostrich. *So it’s true! No! I refuse!*

How long had she even *been* a girl? Falling for a guy—her childhood friend no less? If anyone found out, they’d call her a freak!

"Childhood friends, huh… How sweet…"

Unaware of the turmoil, Liu Shishi sighed dreamily, brimming with envy.

Her first real-life childhood-friends-to-lovers story. Sure, it seemed one-sided for now—but Tang Zhe clearly paid attention to Li Mo too. If he ever learned she was a girl? They’d be perfect. Like a drama. So romantic.

"No! I refuse! I’m not in love! And if I *were*, it’d never be him! It’d be some pretty, cute girl!"

Overwhelmed, Li Mo accidentally voiced her frantic thoughts aloud.

"You’re serious? Are you into girls too?"

Liu Shishi’s eyes lit up at that.

*Wait—‘too’?*

"Hold on. You’re definitely crushing on Tang Zhe right now. Are you bi? ’Cause I’m cool with that. How about you and me, Xiao Mo Mo? My passion will make you forget straight boys exist."

"I’m not into girls! Sorry! I was just rambling!"

*Better to admit I like Tang Zhe than get tangled with this terrifying lesbian.*

At least Tang Zhe *cherished* her. Liu Shishi would probably just… hurt her.

"Not all girls into girls are like me—I’m just extra passionate. But jokes aside," Liu Shishi’s tone turned serious, "I have to warn you about something important."

She leaned in, expression grave.

"For now… don’t let Tang Zhe find out you’re a girl."