In the gym—

“—!”

Yusuozaai suddenly sensed something and looked toward an empty spot.

Then, she wore a creepy, sinister grin.

“A fellow practitioner—and a big shot. Terrifying, truly terrifying.”

She shivered, hugging her shoulders, unsure if she was serious or faking it.

Yumo and Liyu had fully adapted to alternating workouts and self-study.

Workouts were no issue: Chen Xiang, a pro with pride, taught diligently despite grumbling.

For studies, they complemented each other subtly. Yumo, a science whiz, tutored Liyu in physics, chemistry, and biology. Liyu, though average, was better at Chinese and English, barely helping him. Their grades didn’t stall.

Ten days passed. Liyu’s head scar was stitched no more; water-safe at last, they could swim together. She hid it carefully under a headband, and Yumo tactfully never mentioned it.

Tonight was their first swim since training began. In the locker room, he changed into swim trunks—yes, underwear off too.

“Huh? Changing in front of me? Flaunting your junk again?”

Yusuozaai feigned fright. Yumo shot her a glare.

“What nonsense? You’ve camped in my room forever. My body must bore you by now.”

“I always avoid you when you bathe or change. I’m a modest maiden.”

“Wow, I believe you.”

Yumo changed swiftly, unbothered by exposing himself to Yusuozaai. He didn’t see her as a woman—or even human. More like a pest: a life-sized fly.

“Ahem! Anyway! Swimsuit episode time! Everyone’s been waiting! Inky, seeing your girlfriend in swimwear—how do you feel?”

“Promising future.”

Yumo summed it up in four words, walking calmly to the pool. Truly composed—no nerves for a “first swimsuit sight.” He couldn’t fool himself: if it were Jing Yiqiu, Tanglingxue, or Harusaki Chie, male instinct might kick in. But Liyu now…

(Only “promising future” fits…)

He thought this, reaching the pool edge—

“Ah—ahhh! Y-Yumo, you’re here…”

“Hm? Huh?”

Yumo’s first impression of Liyu in her tacky one-piece was simple.

Holy crap, huge!

Massive! Each one needing both hands to hold!

Well, not surprising. Just fat buildup. Chubby girls rarely have small chests; weight loss flattens them, unless naturally gifted.

“Mmm… don’t look…”

Liyu was so embarrassed she wished for a crack to vanish into.

Hearing Chen Xiang’s swim plan, she panicked like facing war. She tried dodging with “I forgot my swimsuit,” but Chen Xiang dragged her to pick a cheap one. She chose a full-cover one-piece—it backfired, highlighting her curves instead.

She looked… like meat floss stuffed in seaweed, fat bulges obvious.

She’d dreamed of shoujo manga beach scenes: sweet, shy swimsuit moments. Reality crushed that dream.

Yumo matched her imagination: black trunks, tall and lean, faint muscles on arms and abs.

And her…

“Ahhh… waaah…”

She felt his gaze—emotionless, assessing—then his verdict:

“Hm. Just as I thought. Promising future.”

“Eek!”

Devastation—————!

“Don’t look so crushed. ‘Promising future’ isn’t sarcasm. Literal. I’m already imagining your success.”

“Huh…”

“Even if you fail, soft and squishy is cute.”

“Mmmph!”

“Key point: I’m not wearing glasses. Can’t see well. Let me get closer?”

“No—no need! Auntie Chen Xiang’s calling for warm-ups!”

Whether serious or joking, her anxiety faded.

“You two, stop flirting. Actually dating early?” Chen Xiang snapped.

““No!””

“Then stretch properly. No slacking before swimming. Follow me: one-two-three-four, two-two-three-four—”

“Mom~ I’m here!”

“Huh? Yuxin, school’s out?”

“Class activity ended early—huh?”

Li Yuxin often swam here, a lovely sight. But today, an unexpected guest.

“Ah?”

“Ah.”

Siblings locked eyes.

Brother in black knee-length trunks.

Sister in girlish white ruffled swimwear.

Yumo loved black; Yuxin loved white—as if clashing on purpose.

Yumo raised a hand to greet, then dropped it. Words failed him.

“…Here to swim?”

“Mhm.”

“Oh.”

Their chat was that brief.

Yuxin covered herself, stepping back coldly. Yumo stiffly turned away.

Liyu saw it all.

(Are they really estranged? First time seeing this sister—they look nothing alike… Her coldness is scary…)

Shy Liyu wanted to hide, but Yuxin spotted her—the stranger beside Yumo.

“Who’s this?”

“Ah, h-hello! I’m Liyu, Yumo’s classmate. Learning to lose weight with Auntie… just… trying hard…”

Her voice faded. This middle-schooler was a beauty: slender in white floral ruffles, elfin-cute! Yet so cold to her brother. Liyu pictured future sister-in-law teasing—

“Oh! Got it. Can I call you Sister Liyu?”

“…Huh?”

Before Liyu reacted, Yuxin warmly grasped her hand. That sweet smile melted hearts.