Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts

After an exhausting day, Mei Fang had a strange dream that night.

He dreamed of being with Lin Youxi and Xia Yuan—the latter having passed away many years ago.

Hah… What kind of fantasy is this?

Damn sci-fi tropes!

I don't even have one girlfriend, yet here I am imagining a harem scenario.

Ugh…

Head hurts.

Body aches.

But—

After sacrificing his first kiss last night, Lin Youxi claimed she couldn't sleep alone. Worried about her condition, Mei Fang reluctantly agreed to share the bed.

Though not entirely devoid of lustful thoughts, the combined fatigue from insomnia and yesterday's emotional rollercoaster left him drained. Lin Youxi, equally exhausted from her episode, quickly fell asleep clinging to him. They slept chastely entwined until noon.

Hah…

Should I go to work this afternoon? I've got plenty of leave, but project schedules depend on me—

As Mei Fang pondered work, Lin Youxi suddenly rolled over, straddling him.

Too close!

Not that it matters now, haha!

Mei Fang felt himself losing sanity. At nearly twenty-eight, resisting a beloved woman's advances was impossible.

No, no…

Brother Down There, though I've neglected you these twenty-eight years, don't embarrass me now!

The more he tried suppressing thoughts, the more last night's kiss replayed in his mind.

Ugh…

Damn it.

Flushing crimson, Mei Fang turned away, attempting to focus on work tasks to calm himself—to no avail.

His squirming roused Lin Youxi. When he tried gently pushing her aside, her eyes snapped open, startling him.

"Uh… awake now?"

"Been awake."

"Since when?"

"When you got hard."She smiled.

"Morning wood is normal! It's called—"

"I know. No need to explain."

"Wait, you need to understand—"

"I'm hungry."

She pinched his waist."Cook for me."

"I-I will! Stop pinching there!"

Released, Mei Fang grabbed his phone and watch."I'll… freshen up first. Rest more if tired."

"Mhm."

As he left, Lin Youxi's cheeks bloomed pink, fingers nervously twisting her hair—

"Oh! Should we take leave from—"

Mei Fang's sudden return earned him a glacial glare.

"Out."

"R-right."

Closing the door, he spotted medication on the table.

Must remind Youxi to take these today.

Post-shower, Mei Fang began preparing brunch. As he reached for fridge ingredients, Lin Youxi emerged with her hair tied up.

"How do you feel now?"

"Still sleepy."She yawned massively."But work awaits—my manager's hounding me."

"Does your company know about your… condition?"

"They do."

"After my psychiatric hospitalization, I'd actually resigned. But the new hire accomplished in a month what I do weekly. They rehired me immediately upon discharge."

"You're just that exceptional."Mei Fang smiled."I've never collaborated with a programmer as seamless as you."

"Since we sync so well, let's discuss 'White Plum Time' tonight. It's been stagnant."

"Sure, I'll return early—wait, let's commute together. Home-cooked or cafeteria?"

"Your call."Her smile softened."Though I prefer your cooking."

"Then… home it is. Text when off work."

"Deal."

After lunch, ensuring Lin Youxi took her medication, they taxied to work. The domestic tranquility nearly made Mei Fang forget yesterday's torment—until colleagues' inquiries snapped him back.

Then, in the work chat, single-dog Xiao Cao lamented:

[So on 5/20, I'll be dumpster-diving alone? Fang, you heartless traitor!]

[I pulled overtime when single too. No time for garbage raids.]

[Aha! Confirmed—Fang's taken! Red envelope when?]

[Fang! Red packet! Fang! Red packet!]

Normally, Mei Fang would shut this down.

But now—

Have I… really paired off?

This thought immediately shamed him.

Mei Fang, you scoundrel!

You've kissed and slept together yet hesitate to commit?

Though… isn't the ball in her court?

He didn't know Lin Youxi's stance.

While last night's intimacy exceeded friendship, it occurred during her breakdown—not necessarily romantic.

Perhaps just gratitude.

Perhaps already regretting it…

With someone as mediocre as me… how could she—

Distracted, Mei Fang worked sluggishly, lagging behind schedule.

Lin Youxi's message arrived near clock-out:

[Off soon. Your status?]

[Behind. Head home first?]

Her reply—a single[Smile.jpg]—terrified him.

[Sorrysorry! My fault! Order anything—my treat.]

No response. Dread pooled in his gut.

Did she block me again?

A call connected unexpectedly.

"What?"Lin Youxi's voice.

"J-just updating my ETA."

"Worried I'd blacklist you?"

"Well…"

After hesitation, Mei Fang confessed:"A little."

"Predictable."

Her teasing tone followed:

"So in Ah Fang's eyes, I'm that petty?"

"Not pettiness—"

"Open the door."She interrupted.

"Which door?"

"Your office's. I'm outside."

"What?!"

Rushing to the entrance, Mei Fang found Lin Youxi waving cheerfully. He hurried to greet her.

"How'd you locate us?"

"Company name + maps. Easy."

As she moved to enter, Mei Fang hesitated.

"Um…"

"No visitor policy?"

"Startup rules are lax, but…"

"Let me in. Waiting outside's boring."

Reluctantly, Mei Fang ushered her inside—drawing immediate stares. Unfazed, Lin Youxi commandeered a spare stool beside his workstation.

"Sorry for the mess… Thirsty? I'll get water."

"I'll fetch it. That's your mug?"

"We have disposables—"

"Disgusted by me?"

"Of course not!—"

Their whispered exchange continued as Lin Youxi took his cup, igniting the work chat:

[Damn! Fang's girl's a knockout!]

[That's the Tencent programmer from dinner! My envy burns!]

[Bros before hoes—except Fang's now that ho. Heartbreaker!]

[Fang lands a babe despite overtime, while single-and-poor Cao slacks. Reflect!]

[I'm just worthless trash, okay?! Waaah!]

[#ProtectSingleCao]

The teasing both embarrassed and secretly pleased Mei Fang.

So this is couple-flaunting…

Lin Youxi returned with water, sipping while observing his work. Her presence energized him, hastening task completion.

"Packaging ready."

Xiao Cao messaged:

[All clear here. Go date—don't keep sis waiting.]

[Shouldn't leave you—]

Noticing Lin Youxi's drowsiness, Mei Fang backspaced his reply.

[Thanks. Take over.]

Mei Fang wasn't inherently work-obsessed—just passionate about gaming dreams nurtured since youth.

He still loved games.

But now, something far more precious existed.

Purchasing semi-prepared meals at a convenience store, they strolled home. Watching Lin Youxi's elongated shadow at sunset, Mei Fang mustered courage to tap her shoulder.

"Hey, Lin Youxi… free this 5/20?"

"No. Swamped."

"Oh…"

Noticing his crestfallen expression, she grinned.

"Unless you call me 'Youxi.' Then I'm free."

"Then… Youxi."

Flustered, Mei Fang cleared his throat.

"Dinner out on 5/20? My treat. Preferences?"

"Surprise me."

"No dietary restrictions?"

"There's always something edible."

She smiled."Plus dessert's guaranteed—standing right before me."

"Uh—"

Though recognizing herself as the "dessert," such bluntness flustered him.

"S-so you're free? I'll make arrangements."

"Before planning 5/20, let's perfect tonight. Don't forget configuration tables."

"Got it!"

Their shared laughter revealed deepened shared understanding—elevated by yesterday's ordeal.

Yet Mei Fang refused to ambiguously "date" Lin Youxi without proper commitment.

She deserved clarity.

On 5/20, Mei Fang brought Lin Youxi to an upscale western restaurant near their apartment.

Candlelight bathed them in fantasy; violin melodies enchanted. Between steak bites and clinking wineglasses, the pair grew pleasantly tipsy.

"This place is packed—must've been hard reserving?"

Lin Youxi noted."You put in effort."

"Food first. Thoughts?"

"Wine's excellent. Otherwise just tastes expensive."

Their last heart-to-heart had also involved alcohol. Through beer-hazed vision, Mei Fang had chased after her. Now, emboldened by wine, he reached across the table, grasping her hand.

As if anticipating this, Lin Youxi set down her fork, meeting his gaze steadily.

"Lin Youxi…"

"Hm?"

"I… love you."

"Will you date me? I want… to be with you forever."

"No."

Her smile contrasted his stunned expression.

"We're incompatible as partners. Better remain friends."

Rather than withdrawing, she speared steak with her free hand, chewing thoughtfully.

"But we can kiss. Watch movies. Date. Dine out. Everything couples do. Sleep together too—if you're physically up for it. I'm willing."

"So… no labels, but couple activities?"

Confusion and sorrow warred in Mei Fang's eyes.

"Why this arrangement?"

"Hmm… why indeed?"

She rested her chin on a palm."I've decided never to romance living beings. Marriage? Unthinkable."

"I see…"

Releasing her hand, devastation etched his features. He silently resumed eating.

Lin Youxi prodded:

"No storming off to dump me?"

"I'd have to retrieve you during your next episode."

"Heh. Smart."

She patted his head."I'm this toxic—loving me brings ruin. Consider yourself warned."

Departing the restaurant, Lin Youxi attempted hand-holding, which Mei Fang resisted.

"No labels means no PDA. Avoid misunderstandings."

"You're still angry. Not over it."

She persisted, eventually gripping his shoulders sternly:

"Reject me again, and I'll lock you out tonight."

"We co-rent! That's my home too!"

"Break in, and I'll report assault."

"That's blackmail—"

Ultimately, Mei Fang surrendered his hand—under duress.

"There. Happy now?"

"Mhm! Mutual benefits—everyone wins."

As Lin Youxi swung their clasped hands cheerfully, Mei Fang's heart ached.

Though functionally equivalent to dating, this wasn't his desired outcome.

"Youxi… I understand your fears. Bipolar I's severity—I've researched extensively."

"It's lifelong. Incurable. Hereditary. None of that matters."

"When confessing, I committed to enduring everything for you."

"Please trust me…"

"Hmm? Sorry, wasn't listening."

Lin Youxi leaned in, but Mei Fang avoided eye contact.

"Just… want you to believe my feelings are genuine."

"Oh, I know."

Cupping his face, her smile dazzled.

"Better than anyone."

"So… wanna kiss? Perfect ambiance for it."

"I'm being serious!"

"So am I."

Her gaze intensified.

"I won't date you… but crave your essence."

"Until finding your true soulmate, be Lin Youxi's possession."

"Like those anime childhood-friend dynamics you love."

"Besides—aren't we technically childhood friends?"

"Kindergarten barely counts as—"

Mid-protest, Lin Youxi silenced him with a kiss.

……

Post-clinch, she beamed, still cradling his face.

"From today, we're ultra-close childhood friends!"

"Just like 'White Plum Time's' protagonists. Thoughts?"

She suddenly frowned.

"Though currently, Xia Yuan's the sole heroine… Should I add myself? Or as DLC?"

"Love triangles sell well. Ah Fang, if protagonist—pick me or YuanYuan?"

"Major plot overhauls require planning! Rework's a nightmare!"

"Mhm! I'll ponder more…"

She pulled him into another kiss.

"For now—more 'inspiration' from Ah Fang…"

"You—"

His protests dissolved against her lips, oblivious to envious onlookers.

Thus concluded twenty-seven-year-old Mei Fang's first earnest confession—rejected by Lin Youxi.