"Come on in."

Mu Yue Ran unlocked the door and warmly ushered Ji Yueyi inside. Ji Yueyi cautiously poked her head in, scanning the room before stepping over the threshold with a soft, "Sorry to intrude."

This home wasn’t unfamiliar to Ji Yueyi—though last time, she hadn’t been a guest. Now, with time to truly observe, she noticed Mu Yue Ran’s minimalist decor: no flashy ornaments, just practicality woven into every corner.

Perched on the sofa, Ji Yueyi shifted her legs uneasily. This was her first time visiting someone’s home as a guest, and she wasn’t sure what to do with herself. When Mu Yue Ran handed her a cup of tea, Ji Yueyi accepted it with slight trembling, clutching it as she froze in place.

Seeing her tension, Mu Yue Ran burst out laughing. She plopped down beside Ji Yueyi, the springy sofa jolting Ji Yueyi closer. "Relax. It’s just me here."

"Um... am I bothering you, Jie Jie?"

Mu Yue Ran’s brows furrowed. She pinched Ji Yueyi’s cheeks from both sides, kneading gently. "Call me ‘Jie Jie’ one more time like that, and I’ll get mad!"

"Mmmph... I knooow," Ji Yueyi mumbled through squished lips. The last barrier between them crumbled under Mu Yue Ran’s affection. In just days, this woman had become the person Ji Yueyi trusted most in the city.

"Good." Mu Yue Ran released her, stretching lazily as she stood. Her lithe figure drew Ji Yueyi’s gaze, every curve hypnotic. That low, sleepy murmur—like a whisper against her ear—sent Ji Yueyi’s thoughts spiraling.

"Worked up a sweat today. Gonna shower first."

"Huh? Oh... okay."

Ji Yueyi blinked as Mu Yue Ran disappeared into her room, then reemerged with fresh clothes heading to the bathroom. Soon, the sound of rushing water filled the air, mingling with the soft rustle of fabric against skin.

Only when the water stopped did Ji Yueyi realize she’d drained her teacup. Her throat still felt parched. Her mind painted vivid scenes behind that closed door: Mu Yue Ran undressing, water tracing over smooth skin, the scent of osmanthus-scented shower gel clinging to steam...

*...Wait.*

*What am I thinking?! I’m such a pervert!*

Ji Yueyi jolted upright, hugging herself. Guilt warred with a wild urge to peek—to push open that door and see everything. *But Jie Jie gave me shelter... How could I betray her trust?*

Then, a new thought surfaced: *Back in the mountains, we always scrubbed each other’s backs. It’s normal!*

Convinced, Ji Yueyi stood. She swallowed hard, creeping toward the bathroom door.

Inside, Mu Yue Ran lay submerged in a deep tub, damp purple strands clinging to her forehead. A warm towel covered her eyes as she drifted in blissful exhaustion. This body’s quirks still surprised her—Past-Mu Yueran hated baths, rushing through showers in five minutes. Now? Skipping a day felt unbearable.

"Honestly, this body’s got *great* proportions."

She glanced down. Milky water lapped at snow-pale skin, two rosy peaks like plum blossoms on fresh snow. Freed from restrictive clothes, the fullness she usually hid left her breathless—even as her own flesh. Heat pooled low in her belly. Steam thickened the air, fogging her thoughts. Her hands slid slowly beneath the water...

"Jie Jie? Can I come in?"

Mu Yue Ran nearly drowned. Heart pounding, she cleared her throat. "What is it?"

*Why does she sound flustered?* Ji Yueyi wondered, but pressed on: "I’ll scrub your back!"

"No! Really, it’s—"

"You sweated a lot today! Let me help!"

The door swung open. Ji Yueyi clapped a hand over her nose, terrified her racing heart might burst through her chest.

Mu Yue Ran whirled away, eyes squeezed shut. Before her stood Ji Yueyi—wrapped only in a thin towel. Pale thighs pressed together, hiding shadows below. Bare feet padded silently on slick tiles. Above, curves usually hidden by baggy uniforms now glowed under the steamy light. That towel clung like a bridal veil, begging to be lifted.

"*Why aren’t you dressed?!*" Mu Yue Ran hissed, voice tight.

Ji Yueyi tilted her head, confused. "Clothes get wet. And... we’re both girls? Back home, we always bathed together."

"Is... is that so?" *Physically yes—but I’m NOT a girl down there!* Mu Yue Ran’s mind screamed. *How can any sane person resist this?!*

"Turn around, Jie Jie~" Ji Yueyi chirped, stepping closer.

*WAIT! HOLD ON!*

*Since when did you become this bold?!*