Part 3The Accidental Tutor

My mom means what she says. The next day after lunch, she shoved my old GRE prep books into my hands and pushed me out the door.

Forget tutoring, I didn't even have the face to see Leo.

I decided to find a sheltered spot outside, play on my phone all afternoon, and go home.

But before I could cross two fields, I ran into Leo's mom, Aunt Liu.

Leo's family was in construction. They got rich and moved to the city, only coming back for holidays. The city water must be good because Aunt Liu looked younger than she did years ago.

From across the field, Aunt Liu yelled, "Chloe! Your mom said you were coming to tutor Leo. Come on, it's freezing out here, let's go inside and warm up."

She crossed the field, took the books from my hand, and dragged me toward her house. "That boy Leo, studying so poorly and doesn't even know to come to the teacher. I'll lecture him later! That's no way to treat a teacher!"

I wanted to die.

What kind of luck is this?

Aunt Liu dragged me inside and yelled upstairs, "Leo! Chloe is here!"

Leo stood at the top of the stairs, one hand in his pocket, looking down at me.

His mouth was a straight line, a little petulant. "Sis, come up."

As soon as he spoke, we both froze.

The memories of yesterday afternoon hit us like a tidal wave. Our eyes met and instantly darted away.

Aunt Liu didn't notice. Seeing us standing there, she complained, "Stinky brat, why are you just standing there? Get Chloe upstairs to the heater."

I snapped out of it. Afraid Aunt Liu would think I was rude, I forced myself to walk up. Leo came down two steps, took the books from his mom, and followed me up.

He led me to the study, pulled out a chair for me, and pulled another one right next to it for himself.

An English workbook was spread out on the desk. Next to it was a scratch pad, covered in chaotic scribbles. Under the lines, I could faintly see handwriting.

I leaned in. Just as I made out the word "Chloe," Leo snatched it away.

Fine. Don't look. I don't care.

"Did you come specifically to tutor me?" Leo asked.

Specially? I was basically kidnapped by Aunt Liu halfway here.

Afraid he'd overthink it, I honestly shook my head.

He didn't speak for a long time. I looked up. Leo's face and ears were bright red. He looked down shyly, fiddling with his fingers.

He peeked at me through his lashes, then quickly looked down again.

My heart jumped. I think he misunderstood.

His focus was on "not to tutor." My focus was on "not specifically."

There was no good answer to this.

I stayed silent...

Awkwardness spread through the room.

"Hot soy milk."

Aunt Liu suddenly pushed the door open, put down two drinks with a smile, told us to study hard, and thoughtfully closed the door.

The room fell silent again.

"Sis..."

Leo's voice sounded like a kitten scratching, startling me. I took a deep breath, slammed the workbook open, and said loudly, "Okay! Let's start with question one."

Seeing the atmosphere get serious, I secretly relaxed. My eyes drifted... and landed on a red mark on Leo's collarbone.

The heater was on, so he had unbuttoned his top two buttons. I saw everything.

The mark was darker in the center, fading out. I estimated it was the shape of two overlapping... actions.

Leo silently sat up straight, his long fingers buttoning his collar.

I died of embarrassment right there. I wanted to dig a hole and bury myself.

From that moment on, the letters on the page started dancing. My senses went into overdrive. The fruity scent of Leo's cologne drilled into my nose and tickled my heart.

He silently picked up his cup and drank. I suddenly felt thirsty too and took a sip.

Maybe the heat was too high. We drank three cups in a row.

After the third cup, Leo shook the empty pitcher. "Sis, why am I getting thirstier the more I drink?"

Pfft!

I almost sprayed my milk. I held it in, but a few drops leaked from the corner of my mouth. Leo quickly grabbed a tissue. Before I could take it, he reached over and gently wiped my lips.

His eyes darkened, heat rolling in them.

A pair of long fingers suddenly gripped my shoulder.

Before I could react, the owner of the fingers was leaning in, eyes half-closed.

Leo's lashes trembled, his red lips parted slightly. The buttons on his chest were undone again, revealing a vast expanse of skin.

Things were spiraling out of control. Just as we were about to cross the line, the door opened.

"I cut some fruit, take a brea—"

Thump!

Startled, I leaned back too far and tipped over in the chair, crashing to the floor.

Leo helped me up, buttoning his shirt with one hand, looking annoyed and embarrassed. "Mom! Why didn't you knock?! We were studying seriously, you scared us to death!"

I didn't know if Aunt Liu saw anything. My face was burning. I took out my phone, put it back, touched my butt, touched my head, picked up the workbook, put it down. I didn't know what to do with my hands. Finally, I found an excuse:

"My pigs are hungry. I have to go feed the pigs."

Without waiting for an answer, I fled the scene.

On the way back, the more I thought about it, the more I felt Aunt Liu saw everything.

Parents really shouldn't be oblivious. You can't just invite any tutor into your home.

In freezing weather, I walked home sweating.

But Aunt Liu operates on the same wavelength as my mom. She meant what she said. The next day, Leo showed up at my door right on time.