"Huff... huff..."

Yuchuge’s steady breaths whispered against Mu Yue Ran’s collarbone, warm and intimate. Mu Yue Ran shifted uneasily to the right, only to meet Ji Yueyi’s tranquil sleeping face. Just centimeters away, Ji Yueyi’s cherry lips glistened with a rosy sheen, like the sweetest apple begging to be tasted.

Mu Yue Ran swallowed reflexively, arms crossed over her chest. She stared up at the ceiling, her breathing slowing to a near halt.

“What torture is this...”

[Stop fighting it! Listen to your heart. Reach out with those wicked claws and turn them both into your plush toys!]

The System’s boisterous laughter echoed in her mind. Mu Yue Ran pictured it clearly: a popcorn bucket in hand, sipping soda pop, watching her like a movie scene, probably wearing a perverted grin.

“Shut up!” Mu Yue Ran snapped. “Easy for you to say. We’re all girls. They’re just insecure and cling to me. If I took advantage, how would I differ from those scumbag guys?”

Mu Yue Ran held firm to her own code. Despite the System’s scorn, her resolve stayed unshaken.

Then—a soft, doughy pressure pressed against her lower abdomen. Mu Yue Ran didn’t need to look. Yuchuge’s old habit had flared again. She froze, afraid to stir Ji Yueyi on the other side. A full-blown fight would erupt if she woke.

They’d been restless all day. Let her sleep.

Mu Yue Ran squeezed her eyes shut, forcing herself to ignore the cozy warmth.

“Namo Amitabha Buddha.”

Hands clasped, she cast aside worldly desires, seeking only dreamland enlightenment.

But prayers failed. Yuchuge grew bolder—a slender leg in white stockings swung over Mu Yue Ran, trapping her. Her upper body writhed, lost in some dream.

Mu Yue Ran felt her monk’s resolve crack. She inhaled sharply, slashing away filthy thoughts.

Calm. She was an ascetic crossing scorched earth, a sage bound for the Pure Land. She wouldn’t drown in this tender trap.

Slowly, Yuchuge’s heat faded. Instead, two unseen forces clashed before Mu Yue Ran—silent blades clashing in the dark.

Mu Yue Ran’s eyes snapped open. Ji Yueyi, ever alert, had woken like a beast defending its den. She strained to shove Yuchuge’s leg back, but Yuchuge’s sleeping body stayed rigid, unmoved by tugs.

Mu Yue Ran watched, speechless. Ji Yueyi’s eyes darted, tiny silver teeth bared—contemplating a bite but fearing to disturb her.

Mu Yue Ran patted Ji Yueyi’s head. Ji Yueyi startled, then calmed. She pulled Mu Yue Ran’s hand to her chest, tiptoed forward, pried open her arms, and burrowed into her embrace.

Ji Yueyi wriggled to find comfort, inhaling Mu Yue Ran’s sweet osmanthus scent. It intoxicated her, cleansing her soul.

Seeing Ji Yueyi’s bliss, Mu Yue Ran smiled, tugging the blanket higher. Her palm patted Ji Yueyi’s back, voice light as a hum: “Satisfied?”

“Mhm! Mhm!”

Ji Yueyi knew not to push. Scare Sister Yue Ran away? No. Even this plain moment was enough.

“About Yuchuge... I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”

Mu Yue Ran had to apologize. She didn’t know why, but silence felt wrong.

Ji Yueyi shook her head, nuzzling Mu Yue Ran’s fair arm, rubbing her cheek against the smooth skin. “It’s fine. I know Sister Yue Ran has her own path. I can’t force you to live for me.”

[Or you wouldn’t be the Sister Yue Ran I love.]

“And I know your heart holds great love. You can’t bear girls’ suffering—you saved me too. Without you? Who knows what I’d be.”

[Of course, I still get jealous. I must be number one in your heart. No one else gets close!]

Ji Yueyi nestled into Mu Yue Ran’s neck, arms wrapping tight around her back. In thin nightgowns, they pressed together. Their heartbeats, once uneven, slowly synced.

Listening to breaths and heartbeats weaving the night’s song, Ji Yueyi added softly: “But Sister Yue Ran—control yourself. No dangerous stunts. Or I’ll worry... so much.”

[I know that restless boy’s heart hides under your girlish face. You crave trouble—it’s thrilling, but risky!]

Mu Yue Ran’s fingers combed through Ji Yueyi’s golden hair, letting it flow like water. But unlike water, it didn’t slip away. Ji Yueyi was here. Always.

“Mhm. I promise.”

“Sleep now.”

Both closed their eyes. Only Mu Yue Ran drifted off. Ji Yueyi opened hers, gently brushing stray hairs from Mu Yue Ran’s forehead, stroking each strand.

Suddenly, Ji Yueyi locked eyes with bright pupils behind Mu Yue Ran. Yuchuge—awake, or never asleep?

Ji Yueyi raised a finger to her lips, blowing softly. Yuchuge blinked in understanding. Together, they enveloped Mu Yue Ran front and back, soaking in the hard-won warmth.

Life held pain and trials. But here, under the covers, they were happy.

Small. Ordinary. Yet it played out every day.