Since Lila and Vanessa went to the same school, it was only natural for them to walk together.
But just as Vanessa took her first step, her expression suddenly froze.
Ethan noticed this and realized that something was wrong with her left kneeâit looked like she was hurt.
So, he asked Vanessa to stand still, and while she looked at him in confusion, he crouched down.
Ethan checked her injury first. It wasnât serious, just a minor scrape. Then, he started rummaging through his backpack.
He remembered seeing some band-aids when he packed his bag that morning, and it turned out they were just what he needed.
After quickly patching up the scrape on her knee, he looked up and asked, âCan you still walk? Do you need help?â
But what he saw was Vanessaâs face, a bit dazed, as if she was lost in thought. It wasnât until she heard his question that she snapped back to reality and quickly shook her head.
âIâm fine.â
Vanessa seemed eager to prove she wasnât hurt, so she took a couple of steps. But it was clear she couldnât walk normally, and she was struggling.
Ethan sighed when he saw this and said, âAlright, stop trying to tough it out.ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
With that, he firmly took her backpack and, with his other hand, gently supported her arm. The two of them slowly made their way toward the school.
âSorry, Iâm really causing you trouble,â Vanessa said.
Ethan shook his head and flashed a bright smile. âHelping each other out is what classmates do, right? Besides, if the roles were reversed, Iâm sure youâd help me without hesitation.â
Hearing this, even someone as proud as Vanessa couldnât argue anymore. But soon, she froze again, looking at the girl walking beside her with surprise.
âWait, do you know me?â
âUhâ¦â Ethan realized he mightâve said something wrong, so he just went with it. âOf course, Iâm a fan of yours.â
âHuh? A fan?â Vanessa was first shocked, but then she fell silent.
If there was anything about her that could attract fans, it had to be from back thenâthe time that held her most cherished memories, a place she could never return to.
A sharp pain tugged at the softest part of her heart.
Ethan had no idea that Vanessa was once again trying to bury her vulnerable self. He just suddenly felt like his steps were getting heavier, as if some invisible weight was dragging him down.
After that, neither of them spoke again, and they quietly made their way to school.
Once they changed into their indoor shoes, Vanessa tried to get her backpack back, but Ethan, ever the gentleman, insisted on walking her to her classroom.
Even someone as strong-willed as Vanessa couldnât refuse such a firm gesture of kindness. She sighed inwardly and gave him directions.
After Ethan dropped her off at her desk, he didnât linger. Before leaving, he reminded her, âVanessa, donât forget to see the school nurse later.â
Then, he left the classroom.
His confident and cool demeanor left a deep impression on Vanessa. But the next second, she froze again.
âWait, did I seriously not even ask for that nice guyâs name? Thatâs so rude!â
Just as Vanessa was feeling frustrated with herself, she noticed that the kind classmate had come back.
Before she could say anything, he scratched his cheek awkwardly and said, âUh, I just realized this is my class too.â
Vanessa was stunned. âWait, youâre a transfer student?â
âNo,â Ethan shook his head. âI sit right behind you.â
âHuh?â Vanessa was completely confused.
It wasnât until Ethan placed his backpack on the desk behind hers that she finally realized what was going on.
The next second, she shot up from her seat, her face full of disbelief.
âWait, youâyouâre Lila?!â
â¦
Meanwhile, letâs take a look at whatâs happening on the other side, where Lila is filling in for Ethan after their body swap.
A little earlierâ¦
After Lila and Ethan came to an agreement, she felt herself relax, and a wave of excitement filled her.
She wasnât confused at all about what was coming next.
Thatâs because her reliable partner, Ethan, had already written out a detailed plan for her. All she had to do was follow it.
With that in mind, Lila had plenty of time to take in her surroundings.
Even with her limited experience, she could tell this was a pretty fancy apartment. Could it be that Ethan came from a wealthy family?
As she pondered this, she followed the plan and headed to the bathroom for a quick wash-up, then went to the bedroom to find Ethanâs school uniform.
It was her first time wearing a boyâs uniform, and even though she was in a boyâs body now, it still felt a little weird.
Of course, she didnât wear her own school uniform much eitherâshe preferred the comfort of her sportswear.
âMaybe I should just wear sports clothes to school?â
It seemed like Private Lila was about to make a decision that went against her commanding officerâs orders.
But just then, she got a new message from Ethan.
âAbsolutely no sports clothes at school.â
âNo way⦠he predicted that?!â Lila was stunned.
Having her thoughts completely seen through, she had no choice but to obediently put on the uniform. This made her feel a bit shyâafter all, sheâd never seen a boyâs body up close before.
As she was pulling up the pants, she suddenly froze, realizing something.
Wait, if Iâm changing clothes, doesnât that mean Ethan is also changing my clothes on the other side?
Panicking, Lila quickly pulled up her pants and grabbed her phone to send Ethan a message.
[Please, just go to school in pajamas!]
The reply came almost instantly.
[â¦]
[Do you even realize what youâre asking?]
Thatâs when she found out that Ethan had already changed into her uniform. The deed was done, and she had no choice but to drop the idea.
Once Lila finished changing into the uniform and left the bedroom, she caught a glimpse of herself in a full-length mirror as she passed by. The sight in the mirror practically blinded her.
It was only then that she realized just how striking her partnerâs body was.
âThe guy in the mirror is so dazzling⦠and, wow, that part is really bigâ¦â Lila couldnât help but cover her eyes.
Of course, she was just overwhelmed by the sight and hadnât yet grasped the full gravity of the situation.
At this point, Lila was ready to head out.
But before leaving, she stopped by a cabinet in the living room. On top of it was a framed photo of a stunningly beautiful woman.
She clasped her hands together in front of the photo and said, âIâIâm heading out now.â
This wasnât part of Ethanâs plan, but it was something he had asked her to do.
Lila guessed that the woman in the photo was Ethanâs mother, especially since there was a child in the picture too, clearly a younger version of the body she was now in.
Given that Ethan had asked her to do this, it was obvious what had happened to the woman in the photo.
But then, Lila suddenly let out a small âhuh.â
She felt like the woman in the picture looked familiar, as if sheâd seen her somewhere before.
But after thinking about it for a while, she couldnât come up with anything.
So, Lila chalked it up to her imagination and didnât dwell on it.
Realizing she was running late, she quickly grabbed her bag and rushed out the door.