The alarm clock beeps at six a.m. sharp—like it always does. I blink awake, my senses registering the chill of dawn air, dim blue light through curtains, and the familiar warmth of a body next to me. Days off with Tian-ge are precious, and I smile, snuggling closer to the solid presence under the covers.

Tian-ge stirs, letting out a sleepy mumble, and shifts away slightly. Perfect timing to start our lazy day together. I open my eyes and look up, ready to greet him.

But the face staring back isn't my Tian-ge—not the 29-year-old man I've loved for years. This is someone younger, with rounder eyes, softer features, and no trace of the细微 laugh lines around his mouth.

We stare at each other in shock for ten seconds before he lets out a squawk and falls off the bed, landing in a heap on the floor. I scramble back, putting distance between us as he clutches the sheets to his chest like a Victorian maiden.

"Who are you?" he squeaks, eyes wide with alarm.

What the fuck indeed. That should be my question.

I take a breath, trying to process this impossible situation. It's still Tian Xu Ning—but not the version I know. Younger. Maybe 22? And clearly terrified to find himself in a stranger's bed.

"Tian... ge?" I call cautiously.

He lowers the sheets slightly. "I am called Tian, yes. But who are you calling ge?" The offense in his voice is almost comical.

I need to handle this carefully. "May I know your full name?"

"I am Tian, family name, courtesy name XuNing, who are you?"

"I am... Zi Yu," I say slowly. "Tian-zi, if you don't mind, what's your age?"

"I am twenty two, why?" he asks, defensive. "And where the hell am I? This isn't my home. Did you... ohmygod. Oh fuck. Did you kidnap me?"

I sigh. This is going to be one very long, very weird conversation.