A Brand New Me

"Eh? Again tonight?"

Ye Feng looked at Li Mucheng, who was wearing thin pajamas, and asked in confusion. If it had been the rainy day, he wouldn't have questioned it, but today’s weather wasn’t dangerous like yesterday. Yet here she was, standing at his door, asking to sleep with him.

"N-no... is it not okay, Teacher?"

Li Mucheng lowered her head, putting on a pitiful expression as she avoided Ye Feng’s gaze. But her feet, planted at the doorway, were inching forward into the room. What puzzled Ye Feng the most was how she kept her hands behind her back, as if clutching something.

Ye Feng glanced out the window before speaking. "But Mucheng, it’s not raining or thundering tonight. Besides, this is the guest room—since when does the host sleep in the guest room?"

"T-then... then come sleep in my room!"

"That’s not the issue here!"

Ye Feng pressed a finger firmly against Li Mucheng’s forehead, his tone stern. "What happened yesterday was an exception. Mucheng, you should go back to your own room and sleep. I have plans tomorrow."

Just as Li Mucheng, realizing her little scheme had failed, was about to leave dejectedly, she froze upon hearing Ye Feng mention his plans. She lifted her head, locking eyes with him.

Under the intensity of her gaze, Ye Feng instinctively took a step back, stammering, "M-Mucheng, what are you...? Whatever it is, can we talk about it after I get back?"

"Teacher, you’re always like this!"

Li Mucheng stepped forward, crossing the threshold into his room. With every step Ye Feng retreated, she advanced, leaving him no space to escape.

"Time doesn’t wait for anyone! There’s no such thing as ‘later’—if we keep dragging things out, it’ll be too late!"

"Uh..."

Cornered against the wall, Ye Feng braced his hands in front of him, watching as Li Mucheng’s expression darkened. "Mucheng, calm down, okay? I’m not pushing you away. It’s just... sharing a room right now is still too soon..."

Thud.

Before he could finish, Li Mucheng turned and shut the door behind her. Without another glance, she marched straight to his bed, completely ignoring his protests. Then, under his stunned gaze, she yanked the covers back and dove beneath them.

"Huh? M-Mucheng, you—"

"Mmmph..."

Muffled noises came from under the blanket before her voice finally cleared up.

"I... I don’t care! I’m sleeping here tonight. If Teacher doesn’t want to share the bed, then go sleep in my room!"

"......"

Hearing her words, Ye Feng knew she was dead set on staying. Even if he went to her room, she’d find some excuse to follow him.

"...Sigh."

With a resigned exhale, Ye Feng turned off the lights and slowly approached the bed. Sensing his movement, Li Mucheng peeked out from under the covers. Once she confirmed he was coming closer, she tucked something under the pillow before hiding again.

Rustle.

The moment Ye Feng lay down, Li Mucheng flung herself into his arms. Unfazed, he wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.

"Eep... T-Teacher?"

Li Mucheng hadn’t expected him to be so receptive. Just as she thought this night would become one to cherish forever, Ye Feng spoke first:

"You can stay, but no moving around. Stay like this, got it?"

"Mm..."

"Don’t even try. Whatever ideas you have, drop them. I’m in full control tonight—mmph!"

Before he could finish, Li Mucheng sealed his lips with hers. Every time he tried to turn away, she followed, relentless, until a misstep finally let him gasp for air.

"Hah... Mucheng, stop! I have to go to the amusement park tomorrow."

Ignoring him, she tried to kiss him again, but this time, he overpowered her, pinning her down. Left with no choice, she resorted to words.

"I’m not messing around! I just... I just... I’m jealous!"

Her voice grew quieter, but Ye Feng caught every word. He never imagined the usually proud Li Mucheng would say something so vulnerable.

"W-what? Jealous?"

"N-no! I didn’t say that! Teacher, you misheard!"

Realizing she’d slipped up, Li Mucheng flushed crimson and began lightly pounding Ye Feng’s chest with her fists. When that didn’t work, she buried her face against him, refusing to move.

"......"

"Mucheng?"

"T-Teacher... I... I have a request. Will you grant it?"

Gulp.

Ye Feng swallowed hard. Something told him this "request" was trouble. Still, he asked, "What is it?"

"I... I want to give myself to you completely."

Her fair cheeks burned red as she whispered the words against him.

"Ahem... Mucheng, you’re just tired. Let’s just slee—"

"Teacher!"

In one swift motion, Li Mucheng flipped over, pressing down on him. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, her breath scorching against his skin.

"I love you. So... let me give myself to you, okay? Please... Let tonight be the night I become someone new. I want to make up for all the mistakes I’ve made with you."

"......"

Ye Feng wanted to refuse, but no words came out. Finally, he relaxed beneath her.

"Mucheng... Are you sure you won’t regret this? Even if someday I—"

"I won’t! I’ll stay by your side forever! So... please be gentle with me."

Her shy plea shattered the last of his resistance. With a heavy breath, he pulled her close.

"Heh... Teacher... I love you~"