"Wake up..." That gentle voice echoed every morning.

"If you don’t rise soon... your sister will get angry." That familiar tone always told Mirror October it was time to wake. Not wanting to upset her, he—the model child in others’ eyes—naturally opened his eyes.

His gaze, clear as blood-red jade, held no confusion. Lying in bed, he seemed untouched by sleep. Truth was, he couldn’t sleep even with closed eyes; Mirror October had lost that ability long ago. Keeping normal habits was just a disguise.

"I’m awake." His reply was flat. Mirror October’s eyes dipped slightly toward the desk calendar... Unconsciously, it was already this day. No wonder his sister came earlier. "Stop lingering at the door. Go wake Ruosui."

He turned his head with a crackle, gaze settling on the open doorway.

No blood ties bound them, but years together meant he knew his nominal family’s quirks. The slender, pale boy in bed had messy black hair, delicate features, and striking crimson eyes.

His eyes narrowed habitually; a faint smile played on his lips—utterly ordinary. Like a neighbor’s big brother, he was easily accepted. This was Mirror October: a regular teen with a job tangentially tied to Superheroes.

Of course, in Liuhua Jing’s eyes, he was always the best.

Silky black hair flowed over her shoulders; an apron tied over casual clothes. Liuhua Jing watched her brother with a warm, gentle smile. Her expression mirrored his—cozy and happy, like their life.

"Rough night? You seem low on energy today." Leaning on the doorframe, she adjusted her glasses. Her brother was undeniably handsome, far prettier than any web drama star.

"Hmm. Something came up yesterday. Got back late."

"Work-related...?" A trace of worry flickered in Liuhua Jing’s voice. Mirror October’s job had a bad reputation; clients often picked on him.

Mirror October paused, then his smile deepened. Yesterday’s scene had been grand—shame he missed the Superhero Administration staff’s sour faces. By the way, his job was male host: entertaining, not selling himself. "Sort of. A very picky client."

Nothing to be ashamed of—he’d tried it. He’d quit soon, like past jobs.

"...Aren’t you waking Ruosui? She’s probably still lazing. Can’t let her sleep till noon today." Noticing Liuhua Jing still at the door, curiosity sparked in Mirror October. Deep in his eyes, a faint crimson glint flashed.

Ruosui Jing was their sister—a family of three with no blood ties.

The orphanage director who’d united them was gone. They clung to this bond, living a tranquil "mirror-flower-water-moon" life. But it would shatter soon. Mirror October knew: his nominal sister Ruosui Jing had gained Superhero powers.

Mirror October and Liuhua Jing silently averted their gazes.

"Ruosui’s already up..."

"Haha, rare! I’m last today." Mirror October forced an extra-warm smile—the same one he used as a host to charm clients with looks and gentle words. This fake warmth was his mask. Yet his sister hated him for it; his job’s reputation was foul... hidden or not.

"I’ll head down. October, hurry—don’t keep Ruosui waiting."

"Ah, don’t worry. I won’t." He wouldn’t keep her waiting. Not his sister. Not the future... Superhero. Staring into the mirror, lazy gentleness gave way to a sharp, chilling glint. His blood-red eyes pierced through barriers, straight to his core.

Dazed, Mirror October glimpsed his true self in the glass...

Clad in a blood-lined black coat, spotless white gloves, face hidden behind a mask with grotesque, high-cheekboned grin. Unmistakable—that familiar attire was his own. Everyone wore masks; he’d just crafted his.

Game over?

No! The game has just begun!

"Slowpoke! You idiot!!" Ruosui Jing’s cute face twisted with disgust, as if even glancing at him would taint her. Mirror October stayed silent, used to her rudeness. He quietly took his seat at the table.

His plate was empty. He sighed inwardly.

"Where’s my breakfast?"

"Who knows? Need it spoon-fed, young master?" Ruosui Jing’s lips curled in sarcasm. Seeing his helpless look thrilled her. She couldn’t stomach her nominal brother being a male host. Eating with him made her physically queasy.

"Where’s Sister Liuhua?"

"Upstairs. Wait." Though she disliked Mirror October, she respected Liuhua Jing. Ruosui Jing shut her eyes, turning away. Mirror October’s pupils contracted at her raw disgust.

Should he explain he didn’t sell his body? That he served all clients? He preferred "psychological counselor" over "host." But he dropped the childish thought—just a tantrum. Besides, he had big news to share today...