I'm Lovelorn After My Ex Becomes My Stepbrother

It wasn't too complicated. It was just a bit spooky. We needed to run around in secret passages, dodging NPCs that acted as ghosts and ghouls.

After two rounds, I was pretty sure one of the culprits was Emily Smith, the little sister Thomas brought along.

Just as I was about to speak, a scream came from the end of the secret room. "Thomas, it's so dark here!"

I was about to suggest calling the staff to turn on the lights when I saw Thomas, anxious. "Honey, wait here for me. I'm going to check on her. Don't want her first outing to end in tears, or my mom will scold me."

I was a bit upset, but I could only say, "Go ahead. I'll find the last clue and then come find you."

Now, it was just Zachary and me, who were quietly flipping through a prop book.

I glanced over out of curiosity.

He suddenly said, "Your boyfriend sure is caring."

I thought to myself, "And there he goes, being sarcastic."

I turned back to continue searching for clues. "After all, he brought her here. He's just very responsible."

"So, leaving his girlfriend behind to prioritize someone else, that's your ideal romantic partner?"

Even though his voice was pleasant, it was somehow irritating.

At that moment, not wanting to be outdone, I said, "Well, we have friends here too. Privately, he's very romantic. Wall-pin, head-pat, forehead-kiss, he's got all the moves."

Although Thomas and I had just held hands since we confirmed our relationship, I didn't mind bragging a bit. After all, it would happen sooner or later.

After a fruitless search, I decided to go find Thomas. The system speaker announced there was just one minute left.

I had barely taken a few steps when the wall lamp flickered off.

It went pitch black. "A power outage?"

Then, a tall figure pressed me against the corner, his pleasant voice echoing in my ear.

"Like this?"

As I looked up, my hair was tousled roughly.

Then, I was enveloped in the delightful scent of pine, with a warm kiss landing on my lip. He even pressed down a few times.

In that instant, I was nervous.

I thought, "What is he doing!"

When the lights came back on, I couldn't bear to look at anyone, so I pushed Zachary away as I ran out.

*****

During the recap phase, I argued vehemently. Although we missed the last clue, I managed to reveal Emily's identity.

Everyone applauded. "True to your reputation as a debating champion!"

But the system voice still announced our mission had failed.

I frowned, and a bit annoyed. "Impossible. Could there be another culprit?"

Suddenly, it dawned on me, and I turned to look at the impassive Zachary, "Is it you...?"

The system voice timely revealed. "The mastermind is a vampire, holding all the clues. Thus, his score doubled, turning defeat into victory. The vampire clan wins."

Emily smiled sweetly beside him. "Zachary, thanks to you for carrying me through."

I touched my lip, got up angrily, and left.

Thomas came over to pull me back. "It's just a game, honey. You're taking it too seriously."

Always diplomatic, I felt more aggrieved the more I thought about it, shook off his hand, and said, "I have other things to do. You guys have fun," then ran off.

Thomas didn't follow, and neither did anyone else.

Feeling down, I received a call from Lauren, "Steffi, are you having fun?"

Instead of answering her, I wiped away a tear and asked, "Mom, are you and Mr. Mitchell really happy together?"

"Yes," she replied, "He really understands me. I haven't felt this peaceful in a long time."

I nodded. "Mom, your happiness is my greatest wish. Be sure to be happy."

For Lauren's happiness, I could bear losing just a first kiss.