The Heroines All Regretted It

What started as a small argument had spiraled into loud accusations, and now a full-blown rumor that she'd done Compensated dating with Yoru.

Nanami didn't even understand how it had come to this.

She hadn't wanted to engage with Sorata at all. Just seeing him made her sick.

But when he insulted Yoru right in front of her, her kind and straightforward nature couldn't accept that—and so she argued back.

"Why... why am I being called a sugar baby?"

"Kitakami-kun and I are just friends… why do they think that?"

"Ugh… hah... ugh..."

On the podium, the teacher had already started using the projector for the lesson, but Nanami, normally a top student, had no energy to pay attention.

She buried her face in her arms on the desk, overwhelmed and heartbroken.

Her chest ached. Her eyes were red. She cried quietly, trying not to let anyone hear.

Even in class…

Poor, helpless Nanami still didn't realize the full destructive power of a rumor.

One false accusation can ruin a life—just as it can destroy even the most successful corporations.

Years ago, monosodium glutamate (MSG) was beloved when it hit the market, embraced by families everywhere, until a rumor ruined its reputation entirely...

Rumors spread...

School was like a semi-enclosed mini society.

Students weren't mentally mature. They often spoke without thinking, driven by a strong desire to gossip and share drama... and besides, they weren't the ones getting hurt.

In just a few short minutes between classes, the rumor had already spread throughout the classroom, reaching everyone's ears.

And then...

The teacher was seriously lecturing and explaining problems.

Nanami could barely stand it—she just wanted to find a quiet place to be alone.

Eventually, she lifted her head.

The corners of her eyes were slightly red—clearly, she had cried.

"All of this..."

Nanami rubbed her eyes and sat up straight, glaring angrily at Sorata.

She had figured it out.

If she hadn't brought up Yoru earlier, none of this would've happened.

But she didn't regret it.

Nanami didn't regret standing up for her friend, for Yoru, and snapping back at Sorata.

"Haa..."

She sniffled softly, opened her textbook, and tried hard to clear her head of all the noise and negativity.

Just then—

From some unknown corner of the classroom, a wad of paper flew in a graceful arc through the air.

A pretty accurate throw.

It hit Nanami right on the head.

Clearly intentional.

She instinctively sensed it, reached up to touch her head, and heard a faint sound.

She quickly noticed the paper ball had rolled onto her desk.

"Who did that?!"

She fumed silently, looking around angrily.

Most students were focused on class and hadn't noticed her.

A few, however, who caught her gaze, returned it with eyes full of shock, disdain, and mockery.

She had admitted herself that she was friends with Yoru.

Would any normal person be friends with some disgusting fat loser, a guy who stole senior Utaha's stockings and underwear?

Come on. Ask yourself—could you respect someone like that?

Even in prison, this kind of criminal ranked among the lowest. Only human traffickers were worse.

Even other inmates looked down on that type.

And Nanami, who was actually a pretty girl, chose to be friends with Yoru?

Add in the way everyone was gossiping and how Sorata reacted...

Nanami always worked part-time jobs, clearly showing she was broke and struggling.

If she hung around with Yoru, it wasn't hard to assume she was engaged in compensated dating...

To those who had no idea what was really going on, it looked like Sorata discovered she might be doing enjo kōsai, tried to check on her, and she covered it up by saying Yoru was just a friend.

But her excuse was way too weak...

"Everyone, take note of this problem."

The geography teacher's voice suddenly cut through the noise as he tapped on the desk.

Nanami flinched slightly, glanced at the multimedia projection, and muttered as she unfolded the paper ball.

It was a small note, the handwriting messy but neat—clearly written by a girl.

One glance at its contents, and her face flushed red with anger and embarrassment.

But she had no idea how to respond—how could she explain this?

The note asked how much she charged for one night!

And whether she could even breathe with that fat pig on top of her?

Besides those two questions, there were a few "hahaha~" written as well—mocking laughter.

In that moment, it felt like the words on the paper had come to life.

They leapt out and bounced straight into her ears, playing on loop inside her mind!

"N-No..."

"It's not... not like that..."

Her mind went blank for a few seconds. Her face twisted up then loosened again—she couldn't control her facial muscles.

Her mouth half open, brows furrowed, she nearly broke down crying.

But it was still class time. She quickly crumpled the note into a ball, threw it away, and slammed her head down on her desk.

Like a startled ostrich hiding in the sand.

Why were people being so cruel?

Was it just because she was from Osaka? Or went to a vocational school? Or didn't fit in?

Or was it because they hated Yoru, and by extension, started hating her too?

"No... I have to stay strong..."

"This isn't how things really are... haa..."

She sniffled softly, biting down on her lower lip to keep herself from crying again.

As long as...

As long as Yoru's issue gets cleared up...

Once Yoru comes back to school, and everyone sees how he is now, everything will be okay!

The rumors will collapse on their own!

"Yes... that's right!"

"That's exactly it!"

The helpless, defeated, despairing look in her eyes quickly faded, replaced by light and determination.

"As long as Kitakami-kun comes to school and everyone sees him, the misunderstanding will be cleared!"

Nanami broke into a teary smile, wiping her eyes. Her heart didn't feel as heavy anymore.

What she didn't know—

Was that when Yoru came back this time, he'd also clear his name of the theft accusation!

In the classroom, quite a few students were secretly watching her. Seeing her sudden mood shift, they couldn't help but feel confused.

...

Calming down, Nanami picked up her pen and quickly copied down the problems from the multimedia screen.

But the class was nearing its end.

A few minutes later—

The bell rang. The teacher didn't delay at all, packed up his things, and left.

Since the next class hadn't started yet, Nanami, still sniffling, continued copying furiously.

Once the teacher left, the classroom burst back into noisy chatter.

Nanami also felt the weight of gazes turning toward her again.

"They're talking about me again..."

She grumbled unhappily and scribbled faster, her hand trembling slightly.

Emotional trauma and depression weren't things that healed instantly.

At that moment—

A group of girls with some status in the class chatted quietly among themselves, then approached Nanami together.

Seeing this—

Many curious students or those about to go to the restroom also drifted closer.

"Nanami, are you really friends with that Yoru guy?"

The girl asking was the class rep, her tone somewhat concerned.

"Wasn't there a misunderstanding?"

"There's no misunderstanding..."

Nanami paused her pen, replying without even lifting her head.

As the crowd surrounded her, her barely settled emotions started to stir again—frustration and anger rising.

"What, just did compensated dating because you needed money?"

"Yeah, exactly. Who else would hang out with that fat creep if not for paid stuff?"

"Hey hey, what made you think selling yourself was the answer? Hahaha..."

"So when Kanda caught you, you just used the 'we're friends' excuse, right?"

The others weren't so kind. They all piled on, kicking her while she was down.

They were still annoyed by her earlier "bold" response and assumed she was faking it.

"If you deny being friends with Kitakami now, it might still work. Maybe it really was a misunderstanding."

The class rep leaned in close and whispered into Nanami's ear.

She herself was starting to doubt.

Nanami did seem pretty poor. Maybe she really was doing compensated dating...

"Huh?"

Nanami's eyes were already brimming with tears without her realizing.

She gasped softly, sniffled, and looked up.

People surrounded her from all sides, their gazes pressing down on her like a weight.

She began to panic, afraid, struggling to process what the class rep had just whispered.

"Tch. Compensated dating is compensated dating."

"If you're broke and go selling yourself, that's just pathetic. What a bitch..."

"She let that disgusting fat pig climb on top—wasn't she sick?"

"You idiot, that's why she could charge high prices..."

"Kanda, you saw her with that fat loser yourself, right?"

Suddenly, everyone turned their attention to Sorata, who had been silent the whole time.

Dozens of eyes focused on him.

"Uh?"

Sorata was visibly startled, not answering—but his expression said enough.

"Of course it's compensated dating. Disgusting, you bitch, bleh~"

A gyaru suddenly leaned in, nearly pressing her face against Nanami's, stuck out her tongue at her, and made a mocking face full of contempt.

"So gross"

"Kurosawa, is it that intense?"

"Get farther away, I can already smell her stench. Disgusting..."

The gyaru's move set the tone. The others, boys and girls alike, took turns making faces, sneering and showing contempt toward Nanami.

They even burst into laughter.

Surrounded by everyone, Nanami stood helpless, tears continuously welling up in her eyes.

Outside the classroom, students from other classes passing by stopped out of curiosity to look inside.

"Come on, Aoyama, just say it..."

The class rep urged her.

"Say what? Like anyone would believe you now..."

"Crying even after getting caught? You sure were smiling when you took the money. Gross..."

Suddenly, someone splashed a cup of water right at Nanami.

They must've thought she was faking innocence, crying after being exposed for compensated dating, and wanted to vent their disgust.

Seeing everyone bullying her, Nanami didn't dare fight back. Panicked, she threw the water.

It was just plain cold water, not dangerous at all.

But for Nanami in this moment, it was the final straw.

The water splashed right onto her face.

Smack...

She froze, eyes wide open.

Everyone else didn't react at first. Someone threw water?

Her clothes soaked, drops clung to her face, and her hair visibly clung to her forehead.

"Ah!!"

Nanami suddenly stood up and screamed like she'd gone mad, using every ounce of her strength. Her lungs tightened, and oxygen drained fast.

Her heart pounded wildly.

The people around her, even those outside the classroom who had gathered, felt their eardrums shake and instinctively stepped back in pain.

Nanami's scream echoed all the way to the third-year building.

"Huff... huff..."

After yelling, her face and pale neck flushed completely red, her neck even seemed thicker.

While everyone still had their hands over their ears, Nanami used the moment to gather her remaining strength. Eyes bloodshot, teeth clenched, she swept her gaze around and shouted each word with fury:

"You... you're all making things up, assholes!"

"I never did compensated dating! Never, never!"

"And Kitakami-kun and I are just friends. I don't think he's gross. I think he's a decent person and good-looking too. Got it?"

"Think whatever you want. Just stay away from me!"

She paused for a second, trembling, then turned around, grabbed her chair, and raised it high above her head.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she screamed again, using everything she had left:

"Get the hell away from me!!"

The once sweet and friendly pretty girl now looked utterly unhinged.

Some nearby girls flinched and backed away in fear.

Even boys who thought they were tough felt chills down their spines. Their tense expressions clearly showed they were scared too.

After shouting, Nanami collapsed, flinging the chair down with a loud crash.

Her eyes were soaked in tears, blurring her vision.

She wiped her face, pushed through the crowd with both hands, and ran out of the classroom crying.

The moment she stepped outside, she finally broke down, sobbing uncontrollably...

In truth—

When the class rep questioned her, Nanami could have chosen to lie. She could've said some bad things about Yoru, claiming he was bothering her, that she didn't know how to ask for help, and that's why she said they were "friends"...

Even just denying they were friends would've been better than not saying anything.

Nanami knew that too.

But she would never deny it.

First of all, it would be a lie.

Second, she and Yoru really were friends. Now that she was being hurt, should she betray her friend? Hurt him too?

Nanami would rather be insulted and labeled a compensated-dating girl than do that.

She was stubborn, inflexible, but pure and kind.

Yoru had helped her so much before. She already felt a deep guilt and debt toward him—how could she betray him now, or even speak badly of him?

If the person who considered her a friend, Yoru, found out, how hurt would he be? How would he see her?

Absolutely impossible!

She didn't even hesitate!

Nanami ran out of the classroom, crying as she fled the building. No one knew where she went.

Fortunately, as long as Yoru came back to school, everything could be resolved...

Back in the classroom—

After Nanami left, the others quickly scattered like birds.

Of course, the contempt and gossip from their mouths didn't stop at all.

"Excuse me... what just happened in your class?"

A curious boy from another class walked in and casually asked someone nearby.

"Oh, it was Aoyama Nanami from our class. That girl who did compensated dating with that gross loser Kitakami who also stole Kasumigaoka-senpai's stockings and panties."

"What? Compensated dating? Seriously?"

At the same time—

People in the class went back to their seats, pulling out their phones to share the gossip with friends and club members.

A girl who had heard most of the rumors excitedly ran back to her classroom to find her friends.

"Did you hear? In the class upstairs, a girl named Aoyama Nanami was caught doing compensated dating!"

"What? For real?"

"Yeah, yeah..."

"And the guy she was with was that disgusting fat loser from our school—Kitakami!"

The rumor that Nanami did compensated dating with Yoru spread like a virus—fast, uncontrollable, and hard to kill.

Nearby, a boy leaned in curiously, asking in surprise, "Wait, who are you saying did compensated dating?"

Moments later, having heard the news, he rushed to his group of guy friends, bragging loudly with dramatic gestures.

So vivid it sounded like he saw it with his own eyes...

Meanwhile—

Nanami kept running and ended up near the Shuchiin Academy gym, exhausted and stopping to catch her breath.

She bent over coughing, pain stabbing her lungs so much she couldn't stand straight.

After a long moment, she lifted her head. Sunlight shone directly on her tear-streaked face, painfully bright.

She turned her head robotically, as if numb, and looked around.

It was quiet. No one was there.

Shuchiin was ridiculously large...

"Sss... I'm not... I'm not a compensated-dating girl..."

Sniffling hard, Nanami trembled as she moved toward the gym wall.

It was only a few meters...

But her mood was in free fall, so broken she could barely control her body. She nearly tripped.

Finally, she leaned against the wall, legs trembling, and sat down, back pressed to the cold concrete.

What happened today shattered Nanami's pride and triggered all the hardships and grievances she had buried deep since leaving home.

Everything exploded.

These were memories she'd forced herself to forget just to keep her sanity.

Ding dong... ding dong...

The bell for class rang just then.

Nanami, arms hugging her knees, lifted her pale, bloodless face. After a short pause, she grabbed the rough wall and pulled herself up.

"You can do it, Nanami. It's okay..."

"Don't let what those people said get to you. It doesn't hurt you..."

"You and Kitakami-kun are just friends. There was no compensated dating..."

But with such strong pride, and deep down, such self-doubt... how could she not care?

...

Meanwhile—

At Mai's house—

Yoru woke up.

After an hour of exercise in the bedroom and a shower, he made breakfast.

Carrying a bowl of nutritious rice porridge, he walked into Mai's room.

"What's your temperature?"

Yoru set the bowl down on the bedside.

"38.5 degrees. The fever's back. I'll need another IV."

Mai's face was pale and lifeless. She looked completely drained.

"Eat up. After you finish, I'll take you to get the injection."

"You'll probably be fine by tomorrow."

Yoru picked up the thermometer that still carried her scent, glanced at it, then set it aside.

Mai sat up blankly. She didn't seem to hear him, nor did she move.

"What, do you want me to feed you?"

Yoru waited for a moment before finally speaking to her unmoving figure.

Yoru casually said something, and to his surprise, Mai nodded in agreement.

Clicking his tongue, Yoru picked up the bowl, scooped a spoonful of warm porridge, and brought it to Mai's lips.

It felt like a dream.

He went to the hospital and stumbled upon a beautiful celebrity upperclassman who needed care while running a fever.

Cooking, feeding…

"Ah… mm..."

Mai slightly opened her mouth, took in the spoon, and clumsily used her tongue to swallow the porridge. The salty flavor spread in her mouth, well-balanced and fragrant.

"Tastes good..."

Mai lifted her eyelids and looked at Yoru.

"I wonder how things are going at school."

Yoru mumbled absentmindedly, not too concerned.

'So handsome...'

Mai swallowed the porridge and opened her mouth again, waiting to be fed. When Yoru moved a bit slower, she looked up.

'He even cook well...'

Snapping back, Yoru fed her another spoonful.

After breakfast, Mai looked noticeably better and had regained a bit of strength. She lifted the blanket.

"I'll go with you to the hospital, but after that I have to go to school."

Yoru looked at the nearly empty bowl and said, "Two days of IV drips, you should be almost recovered."

He glanced at Mai again.

Two days of IV was a standard treatment. Once she finished the injections, she wouldn't be in any danger. With rest and medicine, she'd fully recover.

He wasn't Mai's nurse, and Mai wasn't a pet that he had to be responsible for and take care of like a master.

Unless...

Mai froze at his words. Then, as expected, she sat up and tried to persuade him.

"Can't you stay two more days? Just to be safe… I..."

For a second there, she was so panicked that she couldn't even feel her heartbeat.

"Huh?"

Yoru hesitated, giving it some thought.

Mai's expression turned anxious, and she gripped her hands tightly.

"Alright. Get some rest, and then we'll go for your injection."

Yoru thought about Mai's strange ability. It could be useful to him, so he agreed.

"Yay~"

The tension on Mai's face vanished, replaced by a soft smile.

"You were faking it?"

Yoru was taken aback.

"Not telling you, hmph."

Mai huffed and flipped herself out of bed. She was an actress after all, wasn't pretending normal?

Her pale, delicate feet touched the cold floor as she bent to put on slippers. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Yoru was still standing beside her bed.

She looked up and met his gaze, cheeks flushing, eyes widening in embarrassment.

"What are you staring at? My feet don't smell, alright?"

"It's just your nose being sensitive. Get lost..."

Still feeling unsatisfied, Mai pressed her heel on top of Yoru's slipper and began grinding his toes.

"Senpai, I bet you've secretly smelled them yourself..."

Yoru forced a strained smile and looked down at her feet.

Soft and white, slender and elegant, her toes curled slightly as her heel continued grinding against his foot.

These were undeniably beautiful feet.

Unlike Satania, Eriri, or even Gabriel, whose feet were small and cute with a bit of plumpness, Mai's were elegant and smooth.

"What are you looking at?!"

Mai noticed Yoru's gaze glued to her feet. The heat of his stare almost felt tangible.

Startled, she instinctively curled up her legs and dove back into bed.

Yoru's thoughts trailed off and he awkwardly looked away.

"You're not thinking something perverted about my feet, are you?"

"Huh?"

Mai sat up, realizing it, and cried out in disbelief and embarrassment.

Before Yoru could respond, she stretched out her legs and kicked toward his stomach, trying to pinch the flesh under his shirt with her toes.

"Stop it already!"

Yoru flinched in surprise at her sudden attack.

"Oh?"

Mai seemed completely oblivious and instead doubled down.

Seeing him trying to dodge, she stepped forward again.

Her soft pink soles were immaculately cared for, smooth and delicate.

"Stop kicking me..."

Yoru, having taken a few hits, reached out and grabbed her foot, tickling the bottom of her sole.

"Ah... hahaha..."

"Hah... that tickles... stop it..."

"I'm sorry!"

Mai burst out laughing. Her feet were clearly very sensitive. More so than most.

She was likely extremely ticklish.

"Still want to kick me?"

"Geez..."

Yoru pouted.

Rustle... rustle...

The bedcovers shuffled as Mai pulled her feet back under the blanket.

"If I were a bit more wicked, you'd regret it, Senpai."

Yoru sighed and left the room, laughing helplessly.

The room went quiet.

A few minutes later, Mai peeked her head out, face flushed red, murmuring something under her breath.

Probably cursing someone.

By noon, Mai emerged from the room like nothing had happened and asked Yoru, who was eating fruit, "Ready? Let's go to the hospital."

"Let's go."

Yoru turned off the TV.

Mai wore short white ankle socks and sneakers, a cooling patch stuck to her forehead.

"After the IV, can we go for a walk? I want to see the ocean..."

"Sure."

Shuchiin Academy.

Lunchtime break.

As soon as the bell rang, Nanami stood up and rushed out of the classroom.

She could feel her classmates' eyes on her...

Soon...

Cafeteria.

"Did you hear? Someone at our school is doing compensated dating!"

"No way, who?"

"A girl named Aoyama Nanami. She's super broke and resorted to it!"

Boy's bathroom.

"The guy she's doing it with is Kitakami?!"

"What are you guys talking about? Tell me too, kouhai..."

"Which class is she in?"

"Wait, she's a top 15 student in the grade? No way, that's fake, right?"

"She's from Osaka. Her family's poor. Got any proof? Let me see!"

The entire day.

Until school ended.

Nanami felt like she was suffocating.

Every break, waves of curious onlookers passed by her classroom just to sneak a glance at her.

The rumor spread like wildfire, and almost the entire second-year student body had heard it.

It was even starting to leak into the third-years...

And it only got worse.

The story had turned her into a materialistic girl being kept by Yoru for 300,000 yen a month.

Back then, she had been seen standing on the street near Kabukicho...

"I did not!"

Nanami gripped her schoolbag and tried to comfort herself as she rushed away from Shuchiin Academy.

Once she left the school gate, she let out a big sigh of relief.

She nervously looked back at the grand, majestic school gates, then quickened her pace.

She didn't head straight home. Feeling anxious, down, and miserable, Nanami just wanted to throw herself onto her bed, hug Torajirou, and cry her eyes out.

...

Shibuya Sky Observatory.

Yoru seemed to be alone as he slowly took the elevator.

But in reality, Mai, invisible to others, was closely following behind him.

After getting an IV drip at the hospital earlier that afternoon, Mai's condition had gradually improved. Her fever was now completely gone.

After viewing the sea, they had come here.

A patient's emotional state was important too, as it affected various internal functions of the body.

Unable to refuse Mai, Yoru accompanied her for a stroll around Shibuya.

In the afternoon, there weren't many people at the observatory.

"So pretty~"

Mai, unable to contain her excitement, ran a few steps ahead after stepping out of the elevator and spun around in place to show Yoru.

"It is quite pretty."

Yoru wasn't talking about the view.

"Hahaha~"

"Woohoo! This is amazing!"

With the gentle breeze brushing past her, Mai didn't even try to hide her excitement and jumped up again.

They walked around all the way until evening. After shopping at the supermarket and buying lots of ingredients, Yoru and Mai headed home.

"What are you going to cook for me?"

Sprawled on the sofa, Mai folded her hands under her chin, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Yoru.

"You're a patient. You can only eat light food."

As he said this, Yoru reached out and checked Mai's temperature.

A slight fever.

Interrupted by his sudden intimate gesture, Mai pressed her lips together and admired Yoru's breathtaking beauty.

No matter how many times she looked at him, she was overwhelmed by how good-looking he was.

Especially in those unguarded moments when Yoru casually did something affectionate or smiled slightly—

Her heart rate would spike straight up!

"Go drink some water and put on a fever patch."

Carrying the shopping bags, Yoru turned and headed toward the kitchen.

"Oh..."

Mai remained frozen in place for a while before muttering softly.

Wearing short cotton socks, her feet stepped onto the cold floor as she walked back to her room.

After drinking some water and obediently applying the fever patch, she sat on her bed, dazed.

She was in a good mood, but now didn't quite know what to do with herself.

Bored, she picked up her sock-covered feet and gently sniffed them, letting out a relieved sigh.

Then, suddenly blushing, she remembered what happened that morning—how her foot had stepped and poked...(Accidentally poked his sword?)

"By the way, after I finish cooking, I need to head home for a bit."

Yoru's smooth, gentle voice came from the doorway.

"Why do you need to go home?"

Mai stood up nervously.

"I just need to change clothes. Don't worry, it's close by."

Yoru was busy cooking.

"No! I have a tracksuit here. Don't leave."

Mai's heart tightened as she hurried out of the room.

"What about underwear?"

Yoru turned to look at her.

"What size do you wear? I'll just order some for you."

Mai's fingers clutched tightly at the edge of the doorway.

Yoru shrugged helplessly and gave her a number.

"Okay..."

Mai answered softly.

A delicious aroma wafted from the kitchen...

Yoru's cooking was light. He ladled a bowl of soup and set it in front of Mai.

"Here, corn, pork ribs, and water chestnut soup."

"So savory—"

Mai took a sip and savored the wonderful taste.

"I'm going to shower."

Yoru, holding an ear of corn and taking a bite, glanced out the broad floor-to-ceiling windows as night fell.

After seeing Yoru enter the shower, Mai finally spat out the soup bone and softly grumbled to herself:

"Why do you need to tell me when you're going to shower?"

---

Nanami worked at a hamburger shop.

Because of her job, there were always a lot of leftover discarded food items every evening, and the shop owner allowed employees to take some home.

That way, she could save on dinner and the next day's breakfast.

Today had been especially busy.

Wearing her work apron and face mask, Nanami was standing in front of the fryer as the fries turned crisp and golden.

But she was spacing out.

Her mind wandered back to what had happened earlier at school.

The fries were on the verge of burning.

It wasn't until an older woman next to her gave her shoulder a firm pat that she snapped back.

"Watch the fryer."

"Huh? Oh, right!"

Nanami shouted in panic and hurried to scoop out the fries.

But in her rush, a droplet of hot oil splashed up from the fryer basket and landed right on her arm.

"Ah!"

She shut her eyes in pain and gave a quiet gasp as that patch of skin stung fiercely.

It hurt—a lot.

But she gritted her teeth and forced herself to endure it, saving the fries from burning.

"Good thing the whole batch didn't go to waste. Otherwise, I'd have to fry them all over again..."

"Just barely made it."

Relieved, Nanami finally took the time to examine her arm.

8:30 p.m.

After her shift ended, Nanami walked home while eating two discarded hamburgers and some fried chicken wings.

Just to save time.

A bit after 9:00 p.m., Nanami arrived home, inserted her key into the apartment door, locked up behind her, and took off her small leather shoes, placing them neatly by the door. Without pausing, she headed to the kitchen.

She placed the remaining hamburger in the fridge for tomorrow's breakfast.

Nanami turned on the bathroom heater and rested for a bit before going to shower.

Click—

She pressed the switch.

The light didn't turn on. Broken!

"Seriously?!"

Frustrated, Nanami grumbled and had to use her phone flashlight to finish her shower quickly.

The whole thing took just five minutes.

Back in her room, she turned on the desk lamp, completed her homework, reviewed her notes, and pre-studied.

That's how she kept up her grades.

10:30 p.m.

Nanami turned off the desk lamp, pulled out her secondhand laptop, connected her voice recorder, and took out her dubbing script.

She drank a few sips of water to moisten her throat and diligently practiced voice acting.

11:00 p.m.

With her voice now hoarse, Nanami stopped, packed up the laptop and equipment, brushed her teeth, washed her face, turned off the lights, and slipped into bed.

She hugged Torajirou tightly and closed her eyes.

In the pitch-black room, only her soft breathing could be heard.

Suddenly, her brow furrowed, and she opened her eyes. Unable to hold back her emotions any longer, she curled up under the blanket and cried...

She couldn't fall asleep...

Every time she closed her eyes, the events at school would resurface in her mind.

She wasn't that kind of girl!

She wasn't!

...

She cried herself to sleep sometime around midnight, simply from exhaustion.

At dawn, when the sky had just begun to lighten, Nanami's internal clock kicked in. She opened her eyes and got up to fold her bedding.

She washed her face, brushed her teeth, heated up the leftover burger, filled her water bottle...

After finishing a simple breakfast on the way, Yoru arrived at the bookstore in the Shuchiin commercial district and began work.

Today's task was reorganizing the shelves in the light novel section.

Some customers would read randomly and stuff the books back wherever they wanted.

At 8:15, Nanami got off work, grabbed her school bag, and hurried to school.

On the first floor, by the shoe lockers, she opened her locker and a folded note silently fluttered down.

"Bastard!"

That was probably the most venomous insult this innocent girl could muster.

Again... another note asking for her "pay"...

In the morning homeroom, Nanami entered the classroom with nowhere to vent her anger and frustration.

The moment she stepped into the room...

She could feel all her classmates' eyes turn to her.

Just like yesterday.

Taking a deep breath, Nanami put on a strong front and walked back to her seat.

Slut... skank... cheap... whore... little bitch...

Different colored marker strokes, messy handwriting, and filthy drawings were scrawled all over Nanami's desk.

The ink hadn't even dried yet.

Clearly, someone had started it, and the others couldn't resist following suit until the entire desk was defiled.

Her chest heaved as she stared at it for a long time before sitting down.

She placed her bag down and, in a fit of frustration, grabbed tissues and began scrubbing hard.

Her face was eerily calm.

The classroom buzzed with murmurs, filtering into her ears.

A few minutes later, unable to clean much off, she laid a book over the desk and slumped forward.

Sleep-deprived, she yawned.

She usually napped during homeroom or lunch breaks.

"Did you go out selling yourself again last night? Didn't get enough sleep?"

"Right? Out there hooking again?"

"So disgusting~ Looks decent but sleeps around for cash—her client's even a fat pig!"

Nanami covered her ears and pretended not to hear.

But that's all she could do—pretend.

She could fool others, but not herself.

---

In the teacher's office, Hiratsuka Shizuka faced a nervous boy standing rigidly in front of her, waiting anxiously for a response.

"That's enough. You can go now. And don't bring this up again."

She pulled out a cigarette and waved him away.

After he left, she took a long drag and sighed.

"What the hell is going on?"

"Kitakami again? Why is it always something with him? And now he's on leave?"

Hiratsuka exhaled smoke.

Just moments ago, she'd heard from that student—the one who'd just left—mentioning both "compensated dating" and Yoru in the same breath.

So she called him to the teacher's building for questioning.

A rumor was circulating among students.

A girl named Aoyama Nanami was said to be doing compensated dating, and her client was supposedly Yoru, from her own class.

"He didn't come to school... Does he even know about this?"

Hiratsuka dialed Yoru's number.

In a taxi, Yoru stared out the window as he answered, puzzled.

Mai immediately perked up to eavesdrop.

"Hello, Kitakami, it's me."

"Hiratsuka-sensei? Is something wrong?"

Yoru hadn't turned on speakerphone, leaving Mai itching with curiosity.

"How long until you get to school? There's a rumor spreading involving you..."

With a cigarette between her lips, Hiratsuka imagined the image of some greasy, obese creep.

"What?"

Yoru was confused. Could it be Eriri?

"Do you know a girl named Aoyama Nanami?" Hiratsuka asked.

"Yes," he replied.

"Well, the rumor is she's doing compensated dating. And the person involved... is supposedly you."

"They're even saying you spend a million yen a month to keep her."

"What?! That's insane! No way!"

"Why is this happening? Who's spreading this?!"

Yoru shouted into the phone.

Mai inched even closer.

At this rate, she'd be pressed up against him.

Even the taxi driver glanced through the rearview mirror.

Prepared for the outburst, Hiratsuka had already moved the phone away, but the volume still stung.

"I don't know the full story yet. Just found out myself."

Hiratsuka replied calmly.

"Alright then, goodbye."

Yoru politely hung up and glanced at Mai, ignoring her, then immediately messaged m Nanami.

---

During class, barely hanging on, Nanami's phone buzzed inside her bag. It wasn't loud, but she heard it.

"Kitakami-kun?!"

Seeing who messaged her made her feel a little safer.

She was desperate for Yoru to hurry to school and be by her side.

She really needed comfort and help right now.

{Rumors at school? What's going on?}

{Are you okay?!}

She glanced at the teacher on the podium, pursed her lips, and thought to herself.

I really want him to come right now...

But this isn't his fault. I'm the one dragging him into this...

How did he even find out?

He must be busy. I can't let him worry about me!

Nanami exhaled lightly and typed her reply.

{It's alright. They're just rumors. Nothing serious. Don't worry about me, focus on your stuff...}

Her fingers trembled slightly as she hit send, staring down at the vulgar words and drawings on her desk.

She no longer wished for Yoru to rush over.

Because she didn't want to distract him or cause trouble.

Since he was on leave, she naturally assumed it was for something important.

She even felt guilty that she'd dragged him into this mess, once again becoming the target of everyone's insults and ridicule...

{Are you really okay?}

Yoru wasn't convinced.

He was very sensitive to rumors and had a hard time believing her.

Nanami replied again with firm typing, brushing it off like it was just a cold...

But in reality, almost the entire grade already knew.

There were probably people gossiping in secret about her doing compensated dating...

The situation was very serious.

She was already experiencing cold bullying.

Yoru finally relaxed a bit and sent her words of comfort.

Deep inside, he began to feel anger boiling toward Eriri.

---

After class, Nanami held her phone, completely absorbed in replying to Yoru.

She didn't notice a gyaru girl sneaking up behind her, peeking at what she was doing.

Suddenly, the gyaru snatched Nanami's phone and held it high for the whole class to see.

Plenty of people had already been keeping an eye on her...

"Look, everyone! Evidence! This compensated dating chick is texting that disgusting fatty!"

With a smug grin, the gyaru shouted and displayed the phone screen to the nearest students.

"What are you doing?!"

Nanami leapt to her feet and angrily lunged to grab her phone back.

The gyaru, already expecting this, tossed the phone into the air...

It ended up in someone else's hands.

"Wait, it's real? Chat logs?!"

"No way... I kind of didn't believe it, but this really proves it!"

"Let me see, let me see!"

Countless people crowded around, checking it in shock.

Someone even pulled out their phone to take pictures, planning to upload them to the school forum to get attention.

"Don't look! Give it back! Give it back to me!"

Nanami lost it and rushed over, trying to snatch back her phone.

The person got startled, quickly tossed the phone onto the table, and backed away.

But it was too late.

The conversation had already been captured!

Even though it was just a few short lines...

It still proved that Kitakami and Nanami were in contact, didn't it?

Kitakami cared about Nanami, didn't he?

"I'm not an escort! I never did any enjo-kōsai!"

Just like yesterday, Nanami grabbed her phone, stumbling and crying as she ran out of the classroom.

But it was no use.

The others were still excited about discovering this so-called evidence.

Nanami really was doing compensated dating?

What a shame. She was such a cute girl...

...

"What's wrong?"

After putting his phone away, Yoru heard Mai ask curiously.

He shook his head and gave her a look.

Yoru figured he knew Nanami well enough. A friend wouldn't lie to him.

Even after asking her five or six times, her replies started sounding impatient.

She even turned it around, asking if he didn't trust his own friend.

What else could Yoru do?

He went to the hospital.

Stole the medicine, gave the injection, all in one go.

The dosage of the drug was definitely reduced.

An hour and a half later.

Mai looked refreshed as she and Yoru went home.

Of course, it was only temporary.

She needed at least two weeks of proper rest before she'd be fully recovered.

Mai's house had a luxurious entertainment room.

The two of them were watching a movie out of boredom—well, more like Mai was dragging Yoru into watching it.

"So, what was it you wanted to ask me to do?"

Once the movie passed its climax, Mai turned to Yoru.

"You're a student at Shuchiin, right? You should know Shinomiya Kaguya?"

Yoru looked at the large movie screen.

"Hmm? I don't go to school much, but I still know her."

Mai nodded curiously.

The heiress of one of Japan's four great financial groups.

With such a prestigious background, she was someone everyone envied.

She was also very capable, and undeniably cute...

"I want you to help me investigate her and the Shinomiya conglomerate in detail."

Yoru tossed away an apple core and responded casually.

Hearing that, Mai was momentarily stunned.

She didn't reply. She just quietly stared at Yoru's flawless side profile.

Could it be that he liked Shinomiya Kaguya and wanted to become someone by climbing the ladder through her...?

So now he wanted her to investigate the girl?

Mai turned away, feeling a little bitter.

Afternoon. Shuchiin Student Council.

Shirogane, Kaguya, Iino, Chika, and the background character Ishigami were all gathered.

"So... what does everyone think about this?"

Shirogane slowly spoke, showing the supposed escorting evidence on his phone.

"It's fake... obviously."

Chika said decisively.

She didn't know Nanami personally, but she was very familiar with Yoru.

"We still need to investigate. But knowing Kitakami... I wouldn't put compensated dating past him either."

Kaguya didn't trust Yoru, but she had more faith in Aoyama Nanami.

After speaking, a hint of disgust flashed through her eyes.

"Whether this is a rumor or not, we need to look into it. I'll investigate."

Disciplinary committee member Iino Miko said.

"No, no, Kitakami-kun would never do something like that. It's definitely a misunderstanding..."

Chika waved her hands repeatedly at the others.

"Secretary Fujiwara, you sound pretty sure. Do you know something?"

Shirogane voiced the question on everyone's mind.

"Yeah, we should just clear the rumors right away."

Fujiwara nodded firmly.

"Can you elaborate?"

"And from how you sound, are you pretty close with Kitakami?"

Kaguya looked at her friend in confusion.

"Kaguya-chan..."

Chika called out affectionately, but didn't know how to continue.

Could she really say that Yoru was too handsome...

That she had been seeing him three times a week since a month before school started?

That he would even feed her delicious homemade breakfasts by hand?

Her face froze awkwardly, and at the same time she recalled how Yoru seemed to have strong opinions about Kaguya.

And Kaguya felt the same about him.

"So what is it? What's going on?"

Shirogane asked again.

"N-no, nothing! Just leave this to me!"

Chika shook her head and patted her chest confidently.

Kaguya found her friend acting odd and reminded her, "That Kitakami hasn't even shown up at school since the term started."

"Really? Got it."

Chika looked surprised, then added, "I'll handle this matter now. See you!"

She waved and left the student council room to track down Nanami for answers.

But she came up empty-handed.

With no choice, she returned sheepishly and joined Iino in debunking the rumors.

She planned to try again tomorrow.

...

After spending the afternoon watching movies with Mai, the mildly feverish patient lay down to rest again.

"You'll leave tomorrow morning after staying tonight?"

Mai was afraid of returning to being alone.

After showering.

Yoru did some exercises in the room, skimmed some news, then went to sleep.

The next morning, Mai slept in and didn't get up until after 9.

After breakfast, Yoru administered her IV drip at home.

They had brought the medicine back the day before, so there was no need for another trip.

"I'll be heading out this afternoon. Take care of yourself and rest properly."

Yoru reminded her.

"For lunch... I want sushi."

Mai nodded.

"What are you planning to do from here?"

Yoru asked her. He wasn't clueless.

He knew how important he was to Mai.

"I'll rest up, go see my mom and sister... and my dad too..."

"Give me a little more time, then I'll help you again..."

Mai had come to terms with it. Even if she couldn't interact with her family, at least she could quietly watch over them.

"It'll be fine."

Yoru looked at her gently and said softly.

"Yeah..."

Mai shrank her neck slightly and bit her lip gently, a little shy.

Yoru had lost almost all his excess fat. Only a bit of body fat remained.

His looks and charm were nearly at their peak...

If he lost just a little more...

He left the room.

Yoru had groceries delivered from the supermarket.

He cooked a rich and delicious lunch.

After they finished eating, he rested on the sofa in the living room.

Suddenly, a message came in from Chika.

[Something happened to Aoyama Nanami. It's really serious. Go check the school forum now.]

[I'll organize the details and send them to you in a bit.]

Chika stayed by Nanami's side and learned the full situation.

It was bad. Very bad.

The attempt to clear things up had completely failed.

Despite Nanami's attempt to stop her, Chika still stubbornly sent a message to Yoru.

"Fujiwara-san, didn't I say I don't want to bother Kitakami-kun? He might be coming to school tomorrow."

Nanami was visibly upset and spoke with concern.

She was afraid she'd cause trouble for Yoru. She didn't want to distract him.

"They dumped water on you, threw paper notes, graffitied things—how is that not serious?"

Chika gasped.

"It's not that bad. It didn't hurt or anything..."

Nanami lightly shook her head, trying to act tough.

"Still, one day is one day. This can't go on."

Chika shook her head again and just then received Yoru's reply.

Once Yoru showed up, both girls knew what kind of person he was now.

So good-looking it was almost unreal...

Would someone like him need to pay for companionship?

The people spreading rumors were clearly disgusted that Nanami was with a gross fat otaku and assumed she was some kind of escort.

---

At Sakurajima Mai's house.

After finding out everything and replying to the message, Yoru checked the forum—and nearly exploded with rage.

He rushed to say goodbye to Mai and headed toward Shuchiin Academy.

Chika had told him to come but hadn't explained why.

Yoru had no idea that just being as attractive as he was now could be enough to crush the rumors.

In his mind, he was just "a little good-looking," as Mai had said...

Being friends with a gross otaku? That's escort behavior.

Being friends with a guy this unbelievably handsome, the kind that makes girls' hearts skip a beat just by smiling? Not a chance that's escorting.

Yoru hurried down the street.

Mai didn't know what had happened but wisely didn't try to stop him—she followed behind.

"What's going on?"

In the elevator, Mai gently supported his hand, trying to comfort him.

"Someone at school's spreading rumors about me. It's driving me crazy."

Yoru took a deep breath and slowly calmed himself down.

"But why?"

Mai looked confused.

"Because I used to be a disgusting fat otaku, that's why!"

Yoru clenched his fists.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, he strode out.

Mai followed, recalling that it was only this past summer that Yoru had shed all his weight.

The students at school had no idea what he looked like now.

'You walk into school like this... you're going to shock a lot of people.'

Mai couldn't help thinking that to herself.

Even she found it hard to look directly at him. When Yoru smiled at her, she couldn't help blushing.

So how would those spoiled rich girls at Shuchiin react?

She followed closely behind Yoru, already anticipating what kind of chaos would unfold.

Yoru arrived at the station in a rush, anxiously waiting for the train. Time was tight.

Mai caught up shortly after.

"You're sick. Go home and rest. You're seriously going to school like this?"

Yoru had completely forgotten that no one else could see Mai. Luckily, there weren't many people at the station.

"I just wanted to follow you home and see where you live."

Even though Yoru was clearly anxious, Mai was still touched that he worried about her.

"I'm going to beat the crap out of whoever started this rumor!"

Yoru's fists clenched and relaxed again.

But really, no one even knew who exactly started the rumors...

Even Nanami had no idea who first said she was selling herself.

A little while later...

Yoru held Mai's hand and they sat together in the corner of the train car.

He checked the time...

When he finally got home, he sprinted back in, changed into his Shuchiin uniform, and got ready.

"So this is where you live..."

Mai sat on a small sofa.

"Take care of yourself. If anything happens, call me."

Yoru grabbed his bag and, after quickly reminding her, ran out the door toward school.

That afternoon.

The first class was already underway by the time Yoru arrived at Shuchiin and headed for the academic building.

The first period... wasn't that Hiratsuka-sensei's class?

"Wait, is class already in session?"

"If I walk in and say 'reporting in,' the whole class is going to look at me, right?"

Yoru slowed his steps a little.

"Whatever. Who cares how they react."

He shook his head and dashed up to the classroom.