The icy wind slipped through her hair, landing on her delicate skin and causing her to shiver.
The girl’s eyes were covered by a black silk ribbon, her hands and feet bound, leaving her only able to feel the warmth radiating from the person holding her through the thin fabric.
Xunian didn’t know where she was, only that the wind was strong and her body cold. She uncontrollably and greedily sought the warmth from that person, refusing to reject their embrace.
Such a familiar scent.
Why couldn’t she refuse this scent? Even her soul involuntarily leaned closer…
The person rested their chin on her shoulder, holding her tightly. Their warm breath evenly brushed over her shoulder, a faint, subtle fragrance lingering at her nose.
Lips as tender and vibrant as spring petals moved, softly calling out a name.
“Fira?”
As if a switch had been flipped, the moment she uttered that name, warm lips pressed against hers, transferring their breath, a sweet taste blooming in her mouth.
Weak from the kiss, her legs gave way, and her whole body collapsed into the warm embrace.
The person caught the almost liquefied Xunian, gently supporting her slender waist. Bodies intertwined, and their souls tangled together, reluctant to part.
“Mm…”
A burning hand covered her skin, senses amplified to the extreme, tears welling at the corner of her eyes, soaking the black silk ribbon over her eyes.
“Mm… no… not here…”
The cold surroundings clashed with the burning body, a sensation of ice and fire that made Xunian’s head spin.
Then she completely lost consciousness.
………
Her awareness slowly returned as Xunian opened her eyes.
The black silk ribbon was gone, but her head still throbbed, and her body was weak.
The surroundings were unfamiliar; she was lying on a hospital bed.
On the nightstand at the same height as the bed were some medicines, and a blue curtain separated this space from the outside world.
Sitting beside the bed was a long-haired girl with hair reaching her waist, her back facing Xunian. She wore a white blouse with a bow and a blue pleated skirt, resembling a school uniform.
This was… the Medical Office?
“You’re awake?”
The girl sensed movement behind her and turned around, revealing a face exquisitely beautiful as if sculpted.
Her high nose bridge, bright eyes shining like stars, and a perfectly placed tear mole at the corner of her eye made her look even purer.
Concern flickered in the girl’s eyes as she spoke softly, “I just happened to pass by the PE Storage Room and saw you fainted inside. Are you alright?”
Xunian was stunned for a moment before replying, “I’m fine.”
Though she said so, that tear mole reminded her eerily of someone—exactly the same spot.
What was happening to her?
Was it because she hadn’t rested well?
She doubted herself, rubbing her temples, trying to push away those unrealistic thoughts.
Wanting to force a change of focus, she glanced around and asked the girl in front of her, “Where is this place?”
The girl’s eyes showed confusion as she shook her head. “I don’t know either. It should be a school.”
Xunian was surprised. “You’re not a student here?”
“No,” the girl blinked, her confusion deepening.
So she was a Player.
“Anyway, thank you for saving me.”
Xunian thanked her, then propped herself up on the edge of the bed and got up, heading straight for the door.
“Wait!”
Her wrist was grabbed by the girl.
Xunian didn’t intend to bring her along, but remembering the help she’d received, she asked softly, “Is there something else?”
Blushing, the girl pointed at her collar and stammered, “Your… um… collar is undone.”
Xunian looked down. A clear red mark adorned her collarbone—a bite mark left by that mysterious person before.
The Duke’s Daughter…
Still like a little dog, so fond of biting.
A trace of speechlessness flickered in Xunian’s eyes as heat rose to her face, awkwardly straightening her collar.
“Thank you.”
With that, she turned and walked toward the door.
It seemed she had to go find the Duke’s Daughter and settle things now.
“Where are you going?”
The stunning girl followed, walking beside her in the corridor.
Xunian observed the hallway. It was no different from an ordinary school corridor, except…
Every classroom sign above the doors read First Year Class 1.
The corridor seemed endless. When Xunian looked back, the Medical Office had vanished.
Every classroom, both ahead and behind, was labeled First Year Class 1.
“How can they all be the same class? This is so scary…”
The girl next to her nervously clung to Xunian’s arm, warmth from beneath the clothes spreading to her arm.
Xunian glanced at her but said nothing. She generally disliked such close contact but didn’t dislike it either.
She let the girl hold her arm. “You don’t have to follow me.”
“But you just fainted. Aren’t you still not fully recovered…”
Xunian instinctively retorted, “I’m fine…”
The girl gently shook her hand, eyes pleading, her clear gaze cautious yet sincere.
Touched by her pitiful expression, Xunian’s words caught in her throat, and her heart softened inexplicably.
“…Fine, you can come along.”
Xunian reluctantly agreed.
The girl walked beside her, a sly glint flickering in her eyes.