Chapter 8 : A Protagonist’s Duty to Meet Expectations

“A-He, look at me, Yamazaki Miki. I’m a beautiful girl, right?”

“…”

“You better not stay silent right now—give me a quick nod!”

“Alright, if you say so, then sure.”

“I’ll kill you, you know?” Miki raises a fist with a fake smile.

“Fine, fine, fine! Lady Miki is a rare, unparalleled, goddess-like, Venus-reborn super beauty!”

Surrendering instantly, Shangguan He showers her with praise. And it’s not empty flattery. Refined features, a graceful figure, a unique vibe—Miki could star in an idol group’s music video without looking out of place.

“Heh, well, not that amazing~” Sensing the sincerity in his words, a slightly smug Miki waves off the compliment with mock humility before steering the conversation back. “So, a beautiful girl like me barging into your room at the crack of dawn—what do you think I’m here for?”

Shangguan He thinks hard. A spark hits. He gets it. “You’re here to jump me?”

“Wow, A-He.” Miki’s jaw drops, and she claps mockingly. “Didn’t know your brain was that creative. Maybe you should draw Sorcery Battle?”

“Then what are you here for?”

“To wake you up, obviously.” Miki flicks her hair with a flirty air, brimming with pride. “A high school boy’s dream is getting woken up by a cute childhood friend, right? A beauty like me showing up with wake-up service? Man, I’m jealous of myself!”

“But didn’t we meet in junior high?” Shangguan He blinks. “Even by the loosest definition, a childhood friend needs to go back to elementary school at least, right?”

“Do you have one of those?”

“Nope.” He shakes his head.

“Well, then.” Miki claps her hands, spreads her arms like presenting a gift, and grins smugly. “Now you do.”

Thump-thump. Shangguan He clutches his chest. What’s with this tomboy? Oh no. His heart’s racing a bit. She’s unromanceable, damn it! This girl’s way too bold!

To shake off the flutter, he quickly says, “Alright, alright. So, are you gonna show up every day now?”

“Your parents asked me to, you know?” Miki grins, mimicking a recent chat. “Your mom was all, ‘Oh, my son’s living alone now, no one’s keeping him in check, his schedule’s probably a mess. Miki-chan, please look after him for me!’”

She pauses, eyeing him suspiciously. “But you’re up pretty early today, huh? Breakfast’s already made. What’s with the sudden change?”

“Is it possible I’m just a model citizen with impeccable habits?”

“Huh?” Miki scratches her head, confused. “But the sun didn’t rise in the west today.”

“Wait, is my reputation that bad?”

“Oh—! I get it! Young guy stuff!” Miki flashes a sly grin, waggling her eyebrows knowingly. “I understand, no need to explain.”

“No?” Shangguan He sweats. “What do you think you get? Don’t just make faces—spit it out.”

“Eh?! You really want a high school girl to say it?” Miki teases, “A-He, you’re so naughty~”

“Huh—?”

“Fine, fine, you asked for it.” Miki stands, strides over to a stunned Shangguan He, squats slightly, cups his ear, and whispers, “You had a wet… dream, right?”

Her tone is soft, almost shy, like a pure maiden. Though a real pure maiden would never say that. Her warm breath tickles his ear. Her words make his eyelids twitch uncontrollably.

“Don’t slander me! You need proof! Is it that hard to believe I got up on time?”

“Haha! I’ve watched you be a slacker for three years in junior high! You can fool your parents, but not me!” Miki hops back, brimming with confidence. “Want proof? Here’s proof!” She points to the balcony, where his boxer briefs sway in the breeze.

Shangguan He covers his face, explaining wearily, “I just wash my underwear daily. That’s not evidence…”

“You? A lazy dog like you?” Miki scoffs, unconvinced.

“Go check if you don’t believe me!”

“Check what? Your underwear? Wow, A-He! You’re telling a high school girl to ‘check out my boxers’?” Miki feigns shock, then pats her chest proudly. “Don’t underestimate Lady Miki, who aced health and phys ed for three years of junior high and half a semester of high school! It’s just biology! I don’t care!”

“…” Shangguan He silently gives her a thumbs-up. You win. Your brain’s all muscles and hormones.

Miki misreads the gesture, strides over, and pats his shoulder with a knowing look. “No need to be shy. Health class taught us it’s normal to have urges in puberty. Releasing them reasonably is necessary. Once a week shouldn’t disrupt your life. You can even use props to help. You know what kind, right… So, what’s your go-to ‘side dish’?”

“Hey! That last bit went from concern to harassment!”

“Come on, we’re so close, what’s wrong with sharing your side dish?”

“Huh?! You serious? Why do I have to spill first? You go!”

“No problem~” Miki sways coyly, cupping her face and batting her eyes at him. “My side dish… is you, A-He~” She stomps excitedly, like a tap dancer. “Ugh, you jerk! Making a high school girl say that! So embarrassing!”

Her flushed cheeks and playful wink urge him on. “Come on! Your turn!”

“…” Shangguan He’s sweating buckets. He’s speechless. Her acting is terrible! She’s definitely messing with him!

“Aw, don’t believe me? Fine, you don’t have to say.” Miki drops the act and shifts gears, facing him boldly by the table. “Ahem! Today’s the debut of Lady Miki in Yingcheng High’s spring uniform! Any thoughts? Speak up!”

“Why the sudden period-drama tone?!”

“Just give me your take! Hurry!” Miki’s expression turns awkward, her eyes glinting with expectation.