Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

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Author's note: It's getting harder to respond to everyone since my notifications is exploding continuously. Sad. If only I could split myself into three pieces 😂.

It was late in the night, and Cecil dragged her tired body to her room. Other than her fatigue, her tongue and teeth had also suffered.

While training, Hana would bring them food for them to taste test. At the same time, the food allowed them to replenish their energy.

However, all of Hana's food had been imperfect so far. Due to Hana's sensitive tongue, every food she made had the right amount of seasoning, alas, her cooking method was completely wrong.

If it wasn't undercooked, it was overcooked. If it was a meat dish, they would cut open to check if it was undercooked, they didn't want to get a stomachache after all.

Cecil finished her shower, flopping down onto the bed and she groaned out. She relaxed into her bed and closed her eyes, when she heard a knock on her door.

Too tired to even get up, she simply turned her head to the door as it was pushed open, seeing Xue standing there.

Though the dorms were open to everyone, and there was no curfew. Nevetheless, coming all the way to another dorm in the middle of night, it was bound to attract some attention.

Hence, those entering their rooms in the middle of the night was surprised see Xue walking through the courtyard, towards Cecil's room.

Cecil was surprised to see Xue, immediately bolting up from her bed as she winced.

"Xu-Xue, what are you doing here?" Cecil questioned.

Thankfully, her sleeping gown wasn't the one she always wore back in her mansion. It was pale peach in colour, and its sleeves were long and her gown was thick enough that it wasn't see-through.

Xue walked into her room, placing a small container on her bedside table.

It was an ointment.

He had personally went down to the clinic to find the healer, requesting for an ointment for bruises.

The healer recognised him in an instant and handed the ointment to him without another word. Advising him that it was better for the person to apply it before they slept.

Cecil stared at the ointment in shock, looking back at Xue.

"For your bruises."

"...I was planning to get it on my own tomorrow, but..."

"She said it was better to apply it before you slept."

Cecil nodded, she obviously knew that since she had basic knowledge in medicine.

Xue prepared to leave her room without another word, his expression remaining indifferent the entire time.

"Xue, wait."

He turned, eyeing Cecil curiously.

"Thank you very much for the ointment," Cecil muttered out, grateful. "Even though you didn't need to get it..."

Xue softened the look in his eyes as he gazed at Cecil, his lips curving into a small smile. Without another word, he left her room.

Cecil took the ointment, smiling softly at it. She gradually applied it to her bruises, making small pained noises and wincing as she did so.

After that, she placed the container back on the bedside table, drifting off to sleep. The smell of flowers and herbs surrounding her, due to the ointment.