8 p.m. The sun slowly dipped below the horizon, twilight deepening—but the day’s heat still clung to the air.

The weather left people outdoors irritable, eager to rush home and sink into the cool comfort of air conditioning.

But just as An Li reached her door, she spotted someone utterly unexpected.

Or rather… she never imagined seeing *her* here.

"You…"

"I’m sorry, An Li," I said in a pitiful little voice. "I snuck out today… all by myself."

It wasn’t bravery. It wasn’t stupidity. It was… I couldn’t get back in.

That morning, I’d left full of confidence—certain I’d anticipated everything, left nothing to chance.

I’d just forgotten I didn’t have the room key.

An Li said nothing, but I saw the fire smoldering in her eyes. Silently, she opened the door and stepped inside. I followed, trembling slightly.

She closed the door, dropped onto the sofa, arms crossed, shooting me a sidelong glare. Her posture instantly reminded me of middle school—when I’d messed up and my homeroom teacher hauled me into the office for a scolding.

Except An Li was infinitely prettier than that teacher.

Sticking to "leniency for honesty," I jumped in before she could speak, using my crisp, childish loli voice:

"Don’t be mad! I knew my limits. I only fought after confirming I could win."

Honestly? I felt An Li didn’t need to restrict me. I’ve always known my bounds. At the hospital, I scouted from afar: Was the evil spirit’s core present? Was it fightable? I planned every move, ensured total safety before acting.

Even if the core *was* there—or swarms of them—I could’ve escaped easily. If an IV-dripping grandpa in a hospital bed can slip away, why should *I*, perfectly healthy, be scared?

Missing that one person in a costume? Pure execution error. Doesn’t invalidate my judgment. Like in a team fight where victory’s guaranteed by reading skill names—if you misclick your ultimate and lose, can you blame the commander?

"Besides, I—"

Just as I was about to mention my crucial discovery, An Li raised a hand. "You don’t need to say anything, Luo Xiaoxiao."

Her gaze was glacial. A faint sting pricked my heart.

"Yesterday, I told you: our relationship is surveillance and confinement. In short—you are my captive. I think you misunderstood."

Her icy tone froze me solid.

"You live only because you became a high-bloodline vampire—the world’s last. You’re something the Queen of Night would never relinquish. That’s why I was ordered to protect you… while keeping you controlled."

My lips trembled. "So… it’s *only* because of orders?"

And she called me a "thing"…

"Exactly." Her voice sharpened like frost. "Did you think I worried for *you*? I worry about losing control! If you escape—if you slip my grasp—then for me, for my superiors… it’s better you die than run free. Understand?"

"I’ve been too lenient. It’s time for stricter measures."

A buzz exploded in my skull. My legs turned weak; I nearly stumbled.

All these days together… An Li had a sharp temper, yes—but I’d always felt this life was warm. Cozy.

Even when I fumbled and got scolded… I truly cherished this two-person world.

But today…

"Oh."

The word slipped out numbly. Dazed, I shuffled toward the bathroom. I didn’t know where to go—just needed to hide.

Splash—

I splashed cold water on my face, then curled into the bathroom corner, knees hugged tight.

My chest ached. Tears welled in my eyes.

No. I won’t cry. I’m not a *real* little loli.

I swiped tears with my sleeve, patted my cheeks hard—forcing clarity.

Calm down. Think. An Li was right. Her kindness existed solely because of what I am now.

Was she kind? Absolutely. We were strangers. She saved my life. When I couldn’t eat, she stayed up late researching vampire lore just to find what I *could* consume.

…Suddenly, I realized how incredibly kind An Li had been.

…

"No way… Is she actually throwing a tantrum?"

The little figure who’d vanished into the bathroom hadn’t returned. An Li shifted uneasily.

Cold words came easily to her—they’d slipped out. Honestly? A bit harsh.

But society toughens you. Criticism builds resilience. And you’re a guy—a real man! Even if you’re stuck in a loli body now…

…You shouldn’t have gone full loli-mode *this* fast. At least wait a month.

Minutes ticked by. The bathroom stayed silent—no sound since that initial splash.

Now, An Li truly couldn’t sit still anymore.