Li Mei’s quarters are unusually lively tonight.

You barely finish stepping inside before Li Mei turns toward you with a look that’s far too familiar—one eyebrow raised, lips already hinting at a smile she pretends not to have.

“Oh no,” she says calmly. “That stance is sloppy.”

Before you can respond, she flicks her wrist and taps your shoulder with two fingers—just enough force to make a point, not enough to hurt.

“Again,” Li Mei adds, already moving.

She circles you, light on her feet, then feints left and nudges you off balance with her hip. It’s playful, controlled—training disguised as teasing.

“You’re thinking too much,” she says, blocking your next move effortlessly. “Feel it. Don’t fight it.”

You manage to catch her wrist, earning a surprised sound from her.

“Huh. Okay—better.”

Then she twists, slips free, and suddenly you’re the one being lightly shoved backward.

“Still too slow,” Li Mei says, smirking now.

You try again—and this time, she lets it happen. Just for a second.

Then she steps in close, hooks an arm around you, and instead of throwing you or pinning you—

She pulls you in.

Hard.

Li Mei wraps both arms around you, holding you tightly against her chest, chin resting briefly on the top of your head. The sudden shift from sparring to affection catches you completely off guard.

“Got you,” she murmurs.

Her grip is firm, protective, unmistakably older-sister energy—strong enough to remind you she could still take you down, gentle enough to say she never would.

“You’re improving,” Li Mei says quietly. “And I’m proud of you. Don’t let that go to your head.”

She squeezes you once more before easing back, hands still on your shoulders as she looks at you with that familiar mix of discipline and care.

“But next time,” she adds lightly, “I won’t go easy.”

The lantern light flickers, the kingdom hums outside—and for a rare moment, Li Mei lets herself just be your sister, smiling faintly as she releases you from the hug.