I freeze in place, clutching my chest like it might keep my heart from clawing out of my ribs.
My fingers brush my necklace by accident—just a tiny touch.
But even that tiny buzz travels through the room.
His wristband lights up.
A sharp ping slices the air.
Valor jerks like someone pulled his soul backward. His glowing eyes blink, then flicker, then—snap.
He whips toward the mirror, panic flaring across his too-perfect alien face.
And just like watching a mask drop over a monster, his features start reshaping fast.
Silver drains into ocean-blue.
Harsh angles smooth out.
The antennae dim, curl down, and vanish under his skin.
His height shifts just barely.
His jaw softens into that gentle, confused-boy look he always tries to keep around me.
He touches his cheek like he's checking if he's fully "Jiang Yu" again.
Then, breathing hard, he murmurs, "Sorry… my default system took over."
His voice is small. Almost ashamed.
