My Instant Death Doomed Firefly to a Lifetime of Regret

Gramr Imperial Academy Dorms

Warm lamplight bathed the room. Liuying's quarters neighbored An Ming's—a privilege he'd secured for late-night sparring sessions.

Summer breezes fluttered white curtains. Beneath them, Liuying hesitated in her gauzy nightgown, pale toes curling against polished wood before stepping inside.

"Evening."

An Ming's profile—clouds drifting at dusk, galaxies swirling at midnight—always soothed her.

"Evening." He blinked from his thoughts as she tiptoed to the table, chair creaking softly.

The Oak Log Roll sat between them. Liuying stabbed a forkful, cheeks puffing like a chipmunk's.

"S'good!"

Crumbs dotted her lips. An Ming's heart swelled… until he bit into his portion.

Bark. Rotting bark.

Liuying swung her legs blissfully. "Is… my eating messy?"

"Adorable."

"...!" Her blush deepened. "First cake. Thank you."

Hacks earned barely enough for rations. Dessert was a window-shopper's dream.

Yet as her laughter danced, the sawdust pastry tasted almost sweet.

[Age 13]

You and Liuying grew inseparable. Caesar finalized plans: Molten Knight by 16.

The Empire's knights incinerated star systems. None could quench this flame.

But today, Liuying faltered.

Seated cross-legged in the dojo, twin silver ponytails framing her face, she stared blankly at An Ming's drills.

"Liuying?"

He poked her nose. She jolted, combat instincts flaring then fading.

"Breaktime over?"

"Not yet." He sat beside her. "Out with it."

"Y-you read minds?!"

"Your face is a scroll."

She pouted, sunset eyes stormy. "An Ming… don't go to the Mountains."

Her grip trembled on his sleeve. "Don't… die."

No one understood Molten Knights' toll better than her.

"I'm… broken." She laughed through tears. "I never feared death. Until you."

"Selfish, stealing your dream—"

"Wrong." He brushed her cheek. "You were the dream."

"Me?"

Her pulse roared. A weapon. A hack. Could she… be wanted?

Hack Protocol Three: No emotions permitted.

Yet her heart disobeyed, hammering as she met his gaze.

"I'm… sick…"