Xu Yecheng stepped out of the bathroom after washing his face—only to see Zheng Wenxuan pressing the mask onto his own face.
Xu Yecheng froze.
Wait—that's…
He instinctively reached into his pocket. It was empty.
So that thing in Zheng Wenxuan's hand was…
"Don't!" he yelled.
But it was too late. Zheng Wenxuan had already smoothed the mask onto his face with a couple of pats.
Hearing Xu Yecheng's panicked shout, Zheng Wenxuan paused, confused. He peeled the mask off and waved it in front of Xu Yecheng's face.
"What is this? Is it yours?"
Xu Yecheng stood rooted to the spot.
That… wasn't supposed to happen.
He walked over, took the mask from Zheng Wenxuan's hand, and muttered, "Yeah, it's mine," before quickly stuffing it back into his pocket.
Zheng Wenxuan narrowed his eyes, suspicion dawning. "Why'd you buy this thing? It doesn't look like anything normal." A mischievous smirk spread across his face. "Wait—maybe *you're* the one with the weird kinks! What even *is* this thing for?"
"Uh…" Xu Yecheng hesitated, then forced a calm expression. "It's just a new kind of face mask. Nothing kinky about it."
"Really?" Zheng Wenxuan scratched his head. "But it's totally dry. How do you even use it?"
Xu Yecheng's brain raced. "You apply essence first, then stick it on your face. Done."
Zheng Wenxuan's eyes widened in mock revelation. "So you're one of those *refined* 'piggie boys,' huh?"
Xu Yecheng winced at the cutesy term dripping with absurdity. "Give me a break—I'm not refined at all."
Zheng Wenxuan studied Xu Yecheng's face. "Why so many pimples lately? Look at me—flawless skin."
"Been lazy, that's all," Xu Yecheng shot back with a grin. "But even without pimples, I'm still handsomer than you."
"Stop being such a narcissist," Zheng Wenxuan said, smacking Xu Yecheng lightly on the shoulder.
"It's objective truth," Xu Yecheng replied, heading back toward the bathroom—but his mind was already swirling with doubt.
"I won't argue with you, son," Zheng Wenxuan huffed dramatically, generously choosing not to continue the banter.
Xu Yecheng gave a small "hmph," entered the bathroom, and locked the door behind him. He pulled the mask from his pocket.
What just happened?
Logically, if Zheng Wenxuan wore it, his appearance should've changed too—right?
He unfolded the mask. It still felt soft and pliable.
Had it… stopped working?
But then how did *his* transformation happen earlier?
What even *was* this thing?
Frowning, he examined it closely—but found nothing unusual.
Should he try it on again?
He quickly dismissed the idea. What if it wouldn't come off this time?
Holding the mask up to the overhead light, he noted its thickness—but it was surprisingly translucent.
What kind of material *was* this?
Just then—searing pain shot through his ankle. His hand jerked, and the mask fell to the floor.
He looked down—and recoiled.
A long, black centipede writhed on the tiles.
Panicked, Xu Yecheng stomped on it, grinding his heel with two sharp *crunches*.
He lifted his foot. The creature was obliterated. He finally breathed again.
"What the hell…?"
His heart pounded like a drum. His ankle throbbed, and his whole body trembled.
"You okay?" Zheng Wenxuan called from outside, voice laced with concern.
"Yeah… got bit by a centipede," Xu Yecheng gasped, trying to steady his breathing.
"What?! Were you taking a dump when it bit you?!" Zheng Wenxuan's tone shifted instantly to worried panic.
Xu Yecheng knew Zheng genuinely cared—and he appreciated it. But still…
"You idiot, I wasn't pooping! What's wrong with you?"
"Then come out! Let me treat the wound!"
Xu Yecheng glanced at his ankle—blood was already beading from the bite. Irritation flared… but then he froze.
Wait—where was the mask?!
He suddenly remembered: he'd dropped it after the bite.
A cold dread prickled his spine.
He turned to the mirror—and his blood ran cold.
His reflection was *her* again: the delicate, stunning girl's face.
*Good news:* the mask still works. And damn, that face is gorgeous—perfect for… uh… never mind.
*Bad news:* he had no idea how to take it off.
Oh no. What was he supposed to do now?!
Panic surged. Adrenaline still coursed through him from the centipede scare, making him feel lightheaded.
*Stay calm. Think.*
What happened the *last* time the mask came off?
He took a deep breath, straining to recall.
His fingers drifted to his lower lip—soft, smooth, undeniably feminine—and his thoughts scattered again.
"Babe Cheng! You okay? Come out! Did something happen?!" Zheng Wenxuan pounded on the door.
"I'm fine!" Xu Yecheng called back, voice trembling slightly.
He had to get rid of him. Fast.
"Xuan, go to the infirmary and buy some antiseptic ointment, okay? Tell them I got bitten by a centipede. Hurry!"
"But let me see the wound first!"
Why was he being so caring *right now*?!
Xu Yecheng sucked in another breath.
"I… I'm on the toilet."
Zheng Wenxuan: "?"
"You got *bitten by a centipede*… and you're still calmly taking a dump?!" Disbelief oozed from his voice.
"I… I have diarrhea!" Xu Yecheng shouted, face burning red.
*This is so humiliating!*
"Alright, alright… Hang in there, babe Cheng!" Zheng Wenxuan's voice turned heroic and resolute.
Relief washed over Xu Yecheng. He listened as the footsteps faded away—then waited a few extra seconds just in case.
He peeked in the mirror again. The girl's face remained—but now it was pale, lips bloodless, beads of sweat on her forehead and nose.
*It's way too realistic…*
He cracked the door open just a sliver—
—and locked eyes with Zheng Wenxuan.
**SLAM!**
Xu Yecheng slammed the door shut and re-locked it in one fluid motion.
Damn it! Why hadn't he left?!
"Yecheng, you—"
"I—I gotta go again!" Xu Yecheng yelled desperately.
Zheng Wenxuan stood outside, utterly baffled.
For a split second through that door crack… had Xu Yecheng's eyes looked… *incredibly dewy*?
—
*Author's Note:*
Feeling a bit under the weather today—update's a little late!