"Hah~"

I stretched out under the covers. You think I’m getting up now? Big mistake—I just shifted to a new position to keep lying there! It wasn’t about clinging to bed; I just loved lying down. But this morning, doubt crept in. The room’s fragrance was slowly overpowered by my own scent, revealing its original state. Had that person already gone back?

The clock’s hands pointed to eight. Had it really passed this time? My alarm should’ve rung at seven—someone must’ve turned it off. Grumbling, I rolled out of bed. I reached for my slippers, but they weren’t by my bedside anymore. No matter.

I turned my head right. The girl who should’ve been there had vanished—probably stolen by her?

"Bro! Knock knock knock! Open up now!"

Her voice echoed from the door again. Sighing, I shuffled toward it.

"Hah~ What is it?"

I yawned rudely right in front of her, earning an immediate glare. But today’s Chuwei was different.

She wore her long-sleeved junior high sailor uniform. She should’ve been in class by now—skipping school? Her look had changed drastically: twin buns replaced her usual twin tails, and she wore glasses instead of contacts. Why the switch? She looked way cuter than usual.

"Wait, you have class today, right? So this is skipping... isn’t it?"

"I’d never skip without permission! Unlike you!"

She dropped her bag in the hallway, hands on hips, face stern. She clearly had something to say. But I couldn’t process it—my straight-A, model-student sister skipping class? Absurd.

"So why aren’t you rushing to school? Wasting time here? Don’t forget you’re in your final year of—"

"Shut up! That doesn’t matter! I just need to ask you something—remind you..." She paused, correcting her tone. "Or I’d have left already."

What did she want to ask? Or tell me?

"Before that... are you sick? Did last night make you uncomfortable? Feverish?"

I kept staring at the buns on her head—they looked so grabbable, begging to be rubbed in my palms. But she’d never let me touch them.

"Nothing’s wrong."

"No fever? Then why so cute today? This isn’t like you. Good news? If you’re sick, I can get medicine or take you to the hospital—"

I reached for her forehead. No heat, but her face was flushed crimson. Worry gnawed at me—was this a symptom of something bad?

"Who cares! It’s fine!"

*Slap!*

My hand flew from her forehead to my chest. Sharp pain shot through my knuckles. Chuwei had slapped it away. We froze, staring at each other in shock.

I lowered my hand, watching her flustered face—a mix of shyness and panic. The panic? Probably from my weird move. The shyness? I couldn’t guess. Maybe I’d misread it.

"S-sorry..."

She dipped her head, bangs hiding her expression. Then she grabbed her bag and shuffled toward the living room. What’s going on in girls’ heads? I couldn’t figure it out. Days ago, she was rubbing my clothes (lol), now snapping and hitting me. If stealing my clothes meant affection, this hostility made no sense. Girls are impossible!

Anyway, set that aside. Since I’m up, time to brush teeth, wash face, eat breakfast, then study—

(Though let’s be real—I’d never study without supervision.)

I trudged to the bathroom door, hand on the knob. I turned it gently and pushed—

Blinding holy light flooded out!

Zixuan stood naked, back turned. Wet black hair clung to her snow-white skin. Her cheeks flushed pink. Steam curled around her, strategically hiding what mattered. Her handsome face twisted in shock and shame as she slowly turned.

Wait—who assigned this paladin?! Kick them out immediately!

One second. Two. Three. I snapped back, slammed the door shut, and slid down against it, heart pounding. My face burned. But in the shadows beyond the light, I spotted a sheath strapped to her thigh. I knew what was inside—scissors, obviously. Why wear it while bathing?!

"Eek~"

A forced, unnatural squeal came from inside. Zixuan was playing along with the "lucky pervert" trope—but it sounded more like coquettish whining than a real scream.

Silence.

"...You’re still out there, right?" Her voice was tiny, hesitant after the quiet stretch.

"Yeah."

"Um... sorry to ask, but could you find me clothes? My pajamas are washed, and I didn’t bring extras—"

Fine. I’d help. But let’s be clear—I absolutely won’t peek when I open the door again! No selfish motives here. Just pure kindness!

I needed clothes. Mom’s would fit Zixuan, but entering my parents’ room? No courage. My sister’s room was locked—just to keep me out. So I grabbed my tracksuit. I knocked. The frosted door cracked open, steam hissing out. A wet little hand reached through. I placed the tracksuit on it. The door shut.

Silence stretched. Then—*crash!* Something slipped and slammed to the floor.

"Aah!!"

"You okay?"

"N-nothing serious! But... could you come in? I think I messed up something bad..."

Huh?!