Chapter 26.2 [An Xinran] Part One
Juncheng An became my boyfriend.
Of course, it was only on the surface, or rather, in form.
To put it plainly, the way we interact hasn’t changed at all, and my only objective is to monitor him.
In terms of results, he got an excuse to reject other women, and I got a legitimate reason to monitor him. It’s a win-win proposal.
This matter is known only to him and me, the two of us. Of course, it’s not a secret that belongs only to us, it’s just that the fewer people who know, the better.
I didn’t tell Keling for this reason, and for another reason: to make her give up on Juncheng An.
As Keling’s older sister, I could see that she had developed feelings for Juncheng An. I could tell from our phone call earlier.
But Keling and Juncheng An are impossible. That person will not remain in this world.
The moment I first met him, I saw it.
How conspicuous he was amidst the crowd.
It was like a colored person mixed into a black and white picture. He and we were in different worlds, I couldn’t help but think.
So, since this romance cannot have a result, Keling must be made to escape from the whirlpool called Juncheng An before she gets any deeper.
“Juncheng! Xinran-jie! Let’s go eat!”
“Mmm. Ah, you guys go ahead. I’ll go buy drinks.”
“I want strawberry milk! What about Xinran-jie?”
“Xinran-jie?”
“Mmm? Ah, I won’t…”
“Lemon tea, I get it. You guys go to the atrium first, I’ll join you later.”
I wanted to say no, butt he still took it upon himself to say the name of my usual drink, then waved his hand and left first.
Hoo, he really knows me well. He is indeed my girlfriend.
“Mmm, it’s alright.”
“Seriously, why have you never told me? That Juncheng isn’t Zi’ai-jie’s boyfriend, but your boyfriend, Xinran-jie…”
“Mm, it’s okay. Although I’m a bit surprised, I’m fine. Xinran-jie, let’s go find a seat first, otherwise, we won’t have any seats later.” “Mmm.”
After Keling pulled me away from the classroom, I glanced in the direction Juncheng An had left. Just as he turned the corner, I saw him.
The side profile I saw felt very familiar. This familiarity is truly “disgusting.”
It makes me uncomfortable.
That attitude of seemingly knowing everything about me, and the sense of familiarity revealed in his words and actions.
It all makes me feel disgusted.
I suddenly remembered what my sister had said to me about Juncheng An:
“Isn’t it incredible? At first, we bumped into each other in the bathroom, and we were both flustered. But later, we gradually became familiar with him. Even though it was only for two days, we felt like our minds were connected, able to understand each other’s thoughts and feelings. So, Xinran, when you meet him, you’ll definitely feel a sense of familiarity.”
Although I know that his familiarity with these things is not acting, nor is it a deliberate effort to please, it’s because he has actually experienced them. He is indeed familiar with another me, so he knows my habits and preferences.
My sister also said that Juncheng An differs from her only in gender; other aspects, such as past experiences and personality, are basically the same.
How could they be the same?
They don’t have any similarities at all, he’s a complete stranger!
“Yo, you guys have already found a table, I’ll sit in the middle?”
“Yes! Having two beautiful women on either side of you, you should be happy! Do you have any complaints?”
“No, no. Here’s the strawberry milk Keling wanted, and for Xinran, lemon tea.”
“I don’t want it!”
I blurted it out unintentionally, giving in to my emotions.
But the irritation in my chest didn’t subside, instead, it became more intense. I know the origin of this irritation, but I can’t suppress it.
I’m anxious about the sense of normalcy I feel with Juncheng An by my side.
I’m really too immature.
I’m still playing the role of his girlfriend now, yet I’m showing such a rejecting attitude. Keling must find it strange.
Terrible, I need to explain quickly.
“What’s wrong? Xinran-jie? Did you quarrel with Juncheng?”
I wanted to explain, but the words wouldn’t come out once they reached my lips. It felt like my throat was blocked. Why is this happening?
“Speak! What did you do to my sister again! Did you force her to do something she didn’t want to do! You pervert! Freak! Stalker!”
“I didn’t, I didn’t…”
Juncheng An showed a wronged expression, spreading his hands helplessly. He must be so dejected because Keling scolded him.
Anyone would be sad if their beloved younger sisters suddenly treated them with such unfamiliarity, or even rejection.
I also thought about whether it would be better to treat him the way I treated my sister, but in the end, I unconsciously treated him as someone else.
“Sorry, I might not be in a good mood today.”
“Ah, wait, I’ll be right back!”
“Hey! Juncheng, where are you going!”
“To buy another drink!”
“Seriously, what’s wrong? Xinran-jie doesn’t dislike this drink… Wait, Xinran-jie, is it really for that reason?”
“Hoo, I knew it. How could Xinran-jie be so willful? That’s unscientific.”
“Keling, you’ve become so sharp-tongued.”
When I said that, Keling suddenly coughed violently, her face turning red as she waved her hands and explained.
“Cough, it’s all because of him! He’s usually so silly, making people want to remind him, so I… um, I don’t know how to put it, but there’s just a strange feeling—it feels like I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. It’s weird.”
As expected, this feeling isn’t mine alone.
Déjà vu? No, it’s not even déjà vu, just an illusion.
But if this déjà vu really comes from the memories of us in another world, like that ability called Reading Steiner—if we perceive memories from other worldlines—
Would we cease to be ourselves?
A great sense of fear enveloped me.
Perhaps this is why I’m repulsed by Juncheng An.
I heard hurried footsteps; he was back.
Juncheng An, who ran back hurriedly, bent over and adjusted his breathing, saying,
“Hoo, I’m back. Sorry, is your stomach still uncomfortable?”
Stomach, what is he talking about?
He suddenly reached out and handed me a red can.
“Here, hot red bean soup. I remember the vending machine next to the science building sells it. Luckily, I still have coins.”
“Why?”
“Uh, well, you haven’t been… um, for a while now, have you? So, cough, although it’s not brown sugar water, this should be better, right?”
“Eh? Xinran-jie, are you on your period? No wonder your mood is like this… Wait! How do you know Xinran-jie’s menstrual cycle! Damn it! What, what, what did you force Xinran-jie to do!”
“I didn’t!”
“You still say you didn’t!”
SF Light Novel
“He’s not even explaining anymore! You really did something wrong!”
“What else do you want me to do?”
Ahahaha…
Watching Keling and him argue incessantly, I actually felt my mood lighten.
“Xinran.”
“Ah, I’m alright. Sorry for making you worry. Let’s eat quickly, or the lunch break will be over.”
“That’s great! Xinran-jie, you’ve recovered your spirits!”
“Also, thank you for the red bean soup.”
“Well, take care of yourself.”
Even though in this world, the people who used to know him well no longer recognize him, and he has even lost his sense of belonging, he still accepts this reality and lives strongly in this world.
At that time, he could react immediately and cooperate with my lie, acknowledging me as his girlfriend. This shows how truly resilient he is, just like Zi’ai-jie.
The problem is me.
Honestly, what is there to be troubled about? I don’t need to care about these things at all. If I feel familiar, then so be it. I’m playing the role of his girlfriend, not his sister. Moreover, this sense of familiarity will help me play the part better, won’t it?
Surely the An Xinran who was his sister must have had a good relationship with her brother, after all, she could even tell him about her period.
But generally speaking, would ordinary siblings tell each other such things?
I wonder why I feel happy.
“Hmm? What’s wrong with you two?”
I only came back to my senses when I realized Keling and Juncheng An were both staring at me with their mouths half-open.
“Xinran-jie, you were smiling so nicely just now… Damn it! Stop staring at Xinran-jie!”
After being scolded a few words by Keling, Juncheng An also came back to his senses, awkwardly averting his gaze and lowering his head to eat, his face seeming to have turned a little red.
“Uh, sorry.”
Heh, this reaction is quite interesting.
For reasons I don’t know, I leaned close to Juncheng An’s ear and whispered.
“Looking at your reaction, it seems ‘Younger Sister Xinran’ has had some sort of incident with you? Hehe, even though she’s your sister, she has other feelings, doesn’t she?”
Because of my words, Juncheng An suddenly choked on his food, his face turning completely red as he desperately patted his chest.
The feeling of irritation was replaced by one of enjoyment. The corners of my mouth naturally curled up, bringing a sense of liberation, and then I let out a laugh.
I opened the red bean soup can in my hand and brought it to him. He snatched it and took a few large gulps, his expression becoming even more vivid.
“Mmm, it’s hot!”
“Is it?”
I took the can from his hand and took a sip, saying.
“You still find this temperature hot? You must have a sensitive tongue.”
“…”
“Xin, Xinran-jie…”
“What?”
I wondered why these two were looking at me in disbelief.
So it was indirect kissing.
Indirect kissing.
Ugh!!!
How could I, how could I do something like this!
“Cough, you drank the whole can. I’ll go buy another one.”
After saying the line that served as an excuse, I stood up and left the scene without waiting for their reply.
I feel my cheeks burning. My face must be really red right now.
Calm down, it’s just a small thing.
Since we’re boyfriend and girlfriend, this is just a minor detail.
Yes, that’s right, it’s just indirect kissing.
I pretended nothing was wrong and brought my lips to the can again.
See, just like this, it’s nothing.
I couldn’t help but stick out my tongue.
It was only when my tongue was cut by the edge of the can that I snapped back to reality.
What am I doing!
This, this is like I want to feel more of his lips.
I gently touched the tip of my cut tongue, a trace of blood staining my finger.
Although he said it was better to call him ‘Brother,’ I’ll just call him Juncheng from now on.
I can probably understand why Keling doesn’t want to call him brother.
