Last night was a grueling ordeal. The burning pain from Tanglingxue’s bone injury kept her tossing and turning, while unease left her on edge. Yumo stayed by her side the entire time—wiping her sweat, helping her drink water, supporting her to the bathroom in the dead of night. He barely left her side.

She couldn’t recall what she’d done, said, or complained about in her half-asleep haze, or how much frustration she’d vented. But Yumo silently endured it all.

By the time she finally drifted into a hazy sleep, it was already deep into the night.

When she woke the next day, Tanglingxue had returned to her usual self. Everything from last night felt like an absurd dream, utterly unreal.

Sunlight filtered through the curtain gaps. The clock showed it was nearly noon. The weather was clear, and the muffled bustle of the hospital drifted in from outside the ward.

“Awake? Still in pain?”

“…Ah.”

Yumo greeted her, his eyes bloodshot and dark shadows under them. He placed a simple meal from the hospital canteen on the bedside table.

“Eat something. Need me to feed you?”

“No…”

Tanglingxue recalled him kissing her foot last night. Her heart skipped a beat. It bordered on harassment, yet strangely, she didn’t feel repulsed. Instead, it felt… romantic?

*Forget it. All ‘wave’, no ‘romance’.*

Regardless, Yumo had stayed up all night caring for her. That was more than enough.

“Thank you. I’ll repay this kindness someday,” Tanglingxue said earnestly.

“Just being your boyfriend already feels like winning the lottery—in every sense.”

“Mind if I ask something? You’re pretending to date me… What about Liyu?”

“I’m not the only one in a tight spot needing help.”

“Oh…”

With that, Tanglingxue understood.

But… a flicker of disappointment stirred. She wasn’t *that* special after all.

And Yumo—

*(I didn’t lie. Whether Liyu and I actually got together is another matter.)*

*(Well played, Inky. “No lies, but never the full truth”—you’ve already mastered the Demon’s art.)*

After a follow-up check, Tanglingxue’s elbow stabilized. It wouldn’t hurt as long as she avoided big movements—though riding a motorcycle was out of the question for at least two months. The doctor changed her bandages, prescribed medicine, gave daily care instructions, and discharged her.

“One last time—are you certain about this, Yumo?” Tanglingxue asked before leaving.

“My word is my bond.”

“…Alright. I’ll prepare at home and contact you in a couple of days.”

—

Two days after making the promise with Tanglingxue, she rested at home while Yumo chatted online.

*[You’re asking about motorcycle tips?]*

“Just curious.”

*[You’ve asked the right person. I do ride, and I’d say I’m pretty skilled.]*

“!?”

Inkline Pen’s reply surprised him.

*[But take it easy. Motorcycles are ‘flesh wrapped around iron,’ just like bikes—but way faster. The accident rate isn’t something to scoff at.]*

“I know that firsthand.”

Yumo mentioned his mother had been killed by reckless street racers—a truth, though the vehicle was a sports car, not a motorcycle. Since then, he’d avoided small motor vehicles. Unless it was an emergency, he only used bicycles or the subway.

Now, he had to touch the thing he hated most… to save the lives of those still dear to him.

*(Mom… what should I do?…)*

*Beep beep beep—*

*(A call?)*

*[Yumo?]*

“Teacher Lin?”

*[School’s officially on break. I’m here to hand over your assignments and some reminders.]*

“Shouldn’t our homeroom teacher handle this?”

*[Do you think he’d want to see you?]*

“Then I’ll trouble you. Where?”

*[The milk tea shop near campus. You know it?]*

“Got it. Heading out now.”

One hour later—

“…That covers the school’s winter break notices. And these are your assignments.”

Linqinglan finished her brief explanation.

“Thanks for coming all this way.”

Yumo stuffed the thick stack of papers into his backpack. It was heavy.

“Excuse me—your drinks are ready,” the server interrupted, tray in hand. “Mint lemonade?”

“Mine.” Yumo raised his hand.

“Passion fruit-grape swirl milkshake, extra sugar, with cream cheese…?”

“Ah, that’s mine.” Linqinglan took the large, colorful cup.

“…Looks cloyingly sweet?” Yumo couldn’t help remarking.

“Problem?”

“Whatever you like.”

Yumo sipped his icy lemonade. Linqinglan took a big gulp immediately, leaving a ring of cream around her mouth. Noticing his gaze, she quickly wiped it away and set down the calorie bomb awkwardly.

*Ugh. Getting caught loving sweets in front of a student is so embarrassing.*

To ease the tension, she glanced around—and realized the shop was full of young couples, high schoolers and college students alike. To outsiders, did she and Yumo look like…? *No, impossible!* Wait—this place even had a winter-exclusive couples’ cup, always sold out. She’d wanted to try it for ages but never had the chance…

“Server,” Yumo suddenly snapped his fingers, “bring one of those… couples’ ‘Love Love’ Mega Cups? Is that what it’s called?”

“Sure. Are you two…?”

“Yep. We’re together. Can’t you tell?”

Yumo casually intertwined his fingers with Linqinglan’s. The server nodded and took the order without question.

Linqinglan froze.

“W-what are you doing?!”

“You looked like you wanted it. Seemed like a good moment.”

“I did not!”

“Then you don’t want it?”

“…I do.”

“Problem solved.”

“But we’re teacher and student! How can you treat your teacher like this… like this…”

“You’re only six or seven years older. And the one who kissed her student first—acting shy now?”

“That was because—”

“Because what?”

“…………Nothing.”

Linqinglan deflated. She had two damning secrets in Yumo’s hands: dereliction of duty and assaulting a student. One text from him could ruin her life.

That was why she’d come willingly.

“Listen…” she lowered her voice, “you haven’t… told anyone about what happened between us, have you?”

“Of course not—wait.”

Yumo’s eyes darted playfully.

“…Let’s just say ‘not yet.’ What happens next depends on your attitude.”

“You—”

Linqinglan’s heart sank. *Here it comes—he’s going to make another outrageous demand—*

“I hope I can keep being your chemistry class rep… or lab assistant.”

His serious request caught her off guard.

“…I thought you’d ask to grope my chest or something.”

“Do you think I’m an animal!?”

“Aren’t you!?”

“Absolutely not! Let me be clear: I have zero interest in your body. Just a meat-covered skeleton. Not even worth a second glance!”

“Must you be so harsh…”

“Confident in your appeal, are we?”

“Well… I *have* noticed colleagues and students stealing glances…”

“Can I grope it then?”

“Absolutely not!”

“Then why bring it up?”

Yumo calmly sipped his lemonade. Fuming, Linqinglan imagined Yumo’s face floating in her cup, stabbing it viciously with her spoon while plotting revenge in her head.