The Heroines All Regretted It

"Sorry, sorry, everyone please make way. I'm really sorry."

"Make way, make way."

"It's the student council. Move aside."

"Let's go, it's over now."

After hearing the commotion, Chika and Kaguya hurried over from the student council.

Shuchiin Academy was huge.

By the time they arrived, Yoru had already left with Nanami. They were too late and missed everything.

They also had to push against the tide of a huge crowd of onlookers.

Thankfully, the Ice Princess Kaguya, the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya conglomerate, took the lead.

People stepped aside to make way for them, allowing them to reach the scene.

What they found shocked Chika and Kaguya.

"Weren't they supposed to be fighting? Beating each other up badly?"

Chika looked around the classroom in surprise.

Everything was orderly, not the chaos they imagined.

"Um, Shinomiya-san, Fujiwara-san, the situation has basically been resolved…"

The class rep came over to explain.

"What exactly happened? No one got hurt, right?" Kaguya asked the key question.

"No one was injured, it was just a little scuffle, some shoving."

The class rep mumbled a bit guiltily, then glanced furtively at a certain seat.

The guy who poured plain water on Nanami had limped off to the restroom to wash his hair.

Kaguya scanned every face present with a cold gaze.

Everyone knew Yoru had beaten the guy up and humiliated him thoroughly, but not a single person dared to speak up.

"That's a relief. I was really worried something serious happened…"

Chika sighed in relief.

She had been worried Yoru might lose control and seriously injure someone.

She wouldn't be able to help Yoru much if that happened.

"Let's not make this a bigger issue…"

Chika gently grabbed Kaguya's hand and spoke softly.

"Alright."

Kaguya met Chika's eyes and responded calmly.

"Everyone, please refrain from spreading this incident. The student council will take care of the aftermath. If you have any concerns, send a representative to the council."

The Shuchiin Board of Directors gave the student council significant authority, and usually didn't interfere in school affairs.

---

At the school gate.

Having dashed out with Nanami, Yoru finally stopped, panting from exhaustion.

He had forgotten his bag, but it didn't matter.

"Let's rest a bit."

Yoru placed his hands on his knees, bent over, and panted.

Nanami was just as tired.

"That was exhausting. We ran all the way out, and finally, no one's around."

Nanami nodded vigorously.

There had been so many people watching. News spread quickly.

By tomorrow morning, the entire high school division of Shuchiin would probably know.

No… it might even be tonight.

As his breathing returned to normal, Yoru returned her bag back to Nanami, who took it seriously and said thank you.

"Aoyama-san, where are you going?"

Yoru frowned.

"Going to work?"

Nanami looked up and met Yoru's gaze.

"Hm?"

Yoru paused, making Nanami a little confused, but she didn't leave.

"You're still going to work like this? Can't you rest for a few days?"

Yoru suddenly snatched the bag back.

"Huh?"

"I'm not tired!"

Nanami blinked, reaching out to grab her bag again.

"No. Take a proper rest for a few days before working again."

"A few days' pay isn't urgent. You can ask the classmates who spread the rumors to compensate you. It's not like they're short on money."

"If each of them gives you a little, that should cover it."

Yoru gently pushed away Nanami's hand.

"But… but…"

Nanami anxiously stood on tiptoe. She had never considered asking for compensation, not even once.

"No buts. Just come home with me."

"My word is law."

Yoru firmly grabbed Nanami's wrist again and started walking home, not giving her a chance to resist.

"Okay… okay…"

Nanami didn't dare to object, nodding blankly as she let herself be pulled along.

As they passed by the Angel Café, Yoru glanced inside.

Business looked decent, but he didn't see Yuigahama Yae—his classmate's mom.

Ya managed three cafés, probably supervising them at different times.

"Wait here. I'll buy you some snacks."

Yoru let go of Nanami's wrist and walked inside.

"Hurry… hurry, okay…"

Nanami rubbed her pale wrist and looked back toward Shuchiin Academy.

It was after school. More and more people were pouring out.

"Hello, welcome."

A waitress greeted Yoru as he entered, bowing professionally.

"I'll take three pieces of cake. Something sweet. Anything's fine."

Yoru spoke casually.

The waitress froze for a second, then smiled. "Alright, please wait a moment."

As she turned away, she recalled seeing Yoru's face on their café's flyer.

Didn't Manager Yae say there was a 20% discount?

While waiting, Yoru walked to the light novel section, picked a random book, and flipped through it.

[You're Not in Love With My Daughter—You're in Love With Me?!]

It was a Kadokawa-published book.

Yoru's expression subtly changed. He coughed awkwardly and put the book back.

Inside the café, several girls noticed Yoru and began whispering while glancing his way.

The waitress returned with the three packed cakes.

After paying with the discount, Yoru walked out.

"Kitakami-kun… finally you're out…"

Nanami sounded anxious.

Yoru couldn't figure out what she was in such a rush for.

…

Residential area.

"Is it good?"

Yoru asked Nanami as they walked.

"It's delicious… mm… Aren't you eating?"

Nanami licked the cream from her lips with her agile little tongue.

As a voice actress, she needed a flexible tongue, after all.

"I'm on a diet."

Yoru smiled.

"Give the last one to Gabriel. I already had two, and it's too sweet."

Nanami didn't actually like sweets that much. She preferred sour flavors.

Yoru gave her a sideways glance and nodded slightly.

When they got back to the apartment, Yoru followed Nanami up to the second floor, but didn't go to his own unit.

He kept following her.

"What's wrong?"

Nanami asked curiously.

"I have something to talk to you about. At your place."

Yoru rubbed his forehead, troubled. If he didn't teach Nanami a proper lesson, she'd never learn.

…

Click—

Nanami unlocked the door and let Yoru in first.

It wasn't his first time at her place, so there wasn't much to see.

Sunlight streamed into the living room through the glass windows.

"Still have something to say to me?"

Nanami slipped on her slippers and walked into the living room.

"Sit down..."

Yoru sat on the small sofa and patted the seat beside him.

Nanami looked confused and tense. She pressed her knees tightly together and sat down cautiously, shifting slightly in place.

"Aoyama-san, do you realize what you did wrong?"

Yoru turned to her as he spoke and reached out his hands.

"Wrong? What did I do wrong?"

Nanami still hadn't grasped the seriousness of the situation.

"Are you stupid?!"

"You got bullied like that and you didn't even tell me?"

Yoru shouted, eyes burning with anger, and suddenly twisted Nanami's arms behind her head.

Nanami was completely stunned. She never expected Yoru to act like this.

"Do you get it now?"

Yoru's voice was practically a roar.

"I... I get it..."

Nanami's nose turned sour, her puffy red eyes once again welling up with tears.

"I don't think you really get it. If something like this happens again, you probably still wouldn't tell me, would you?"

Yoru sneered, slowly leaning closer to her face.

Nanami's brown eyes widened in panic. She struggled nervously, but her arms were still pinned. No matter how she twisted her waist, it was useless.

Yoru pressed down on her, pinning her onto the small sofa completely.

"Ki—Kitakami... What are you..."

"What are you trying to do?"

Nanami shouted in a panic. Her body was restrained, but there wasn't a trace of fear in her heart.

Only nervousness... and embarrassment.

"Hmm?"

Yoru's face came closer and closer, like he was about to kiss her. His breath was hot, filled with an overwhelming masculine scent, washing over Nanami's blushing face.

"I... I was wrong..."

"I know I was wrong... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

Nanami stared straight at Yoru's face. Just as she thought he was about to kiss her, she turned her head away in a fluster, facing the TV.

"Don't look away. Look me in the eyes."

Yoru gave a low grunt, moved his hands, and gently held her head in place. His palms pressed against her hair, slowly guiding her face back toward him.

The innocent, shy girl had no strength to resist. Her wide eyes gradually realigned with Yoru's gaze.

Once their eyes locked, she couldn't even breathe.

"It's like he's about to kiss me."

But if I agree... then it's not forced. It's a kiss.

"Ah!"

Just as Yoru's lips were about to touch her cheek, Nanami let out a little scream.

"Do you realize your mistake now?"

Yoru pressed her again.

"Y-Yes... I know... I know now..."

In her panic, Nanami forgot everything else.

"Don't do this again. If something like this happens—anything really—just... tell me."

Yoru sighed, relaxed his eyes, stood up, and helped Nanami to her feet.

Nanami's face was beet red. She really thought Yoru was going to kiss her.

"You scared me to death, Kitakami-kun."

"If I didn't, would you remember anything?"

Yoru said flatly.

"I won't do it again..."

Nanami rubbed her red eyes, staring at her toes.

It had been a long time since someone had cared for her like that.

"Alright. From now on, if anything happens, tell me. I'll help you. Don't be afraid to bother me."

Yoru stood up slowly.

"Just this once—I really, truly understand now..."

Nanami felt complicated emotions she couldn't quite describe, but she was happy. No—she felt lucky.

"This guy helped me so much... but I have nothing to offer him in return. I even doubted him before..."

She sneaked a peek at Yoru's perfect, handsome face.

How should I repay him?

"Get some rest, take a shower. I'll take you out for something nice to eat tonight."

Yoru sat back down on the small sofa.

Nanami nodded blankly.

"Take it easy tomorrow and the day after too. It's the weekend, so you can rest for four days straight."

Yoru added.

"Then I'll go shower now."

Nanami stood up quickly and dashed into the bathroom, shutting the door.

Once the door closed, she leaned both hands against the wall, bent over, breathing hard, eyes wide open.

"He really pinned me down just now... he..."

"And... could it be... I actually like him?"

"No no no... that's not it..."

Her voice echoed through the bathroom. She suddenly covered her mouth with both hands, wondering if he heard.

Her feelings were so strange. She'd seen Yoru many times before and could always act normally.

Even when she had meals with him and Gabriel right before the new term began.

Back then, she just thought he was really good-looking, had a little crush maybe...

"Ugh, what else can I do? I can't just beat her up to teach her a lesson, right?"

Out in the living room, Yoru stood up and looked around, thinking to himself.

This was the only way to leave a deep impression on Nanami.

"Come to think of it, what about that guy who was supposed to be her boyfriend?"

"Why haven't I seen him? Could they have broken up already?"

While putting on his shoes by the door, Yoru leaned against the wall, muttering.

If they really had, that just made him more excited.

A twisted pleasure rose in his chest.

"Aoyama-san, I'm heading out now."

Steadying his thoughts, Yoru left.

Inside the bathroom, Nanami let out a long breath and sank down to the floor.

Meanwhile...

After club activities, Eriri rode the train home while checking the school forum, which was being flooded with new posts.

Many were deleted by moderators, but the student council's pinned announcement remained.

Some harmless posts were still up.

"This... this..."

"That disgusting fat pervert?"

Eriri sat in the corner of the train car, clutching her phone, fingers trembling slightly.

She looked at the photos being shared—her eyes widened in disbelief.

He looked nothing like the grotesque pig who had bullied her.

Eriri shut her eyes and compared the current Yoru's face to that repulsive memory.

Her emotions surged—she almost cried.

"After losing weight, he turned into this?"

Eriri almost felt a bit better, but that thought vanished instantly.

She gritted her teeth in frustration. She hadn't forgotten her grudge.

...

Near Kasumigaoka Utaha's house.

After taking a long detour to shake off the feeling of being followed, Utaha finally returned home.

She had just enjoyed a peaceful summer vacation.

Now the stalker was back again.

"Was it someone from school? Wearing the Shuchiin uniform and blending in with the crowd?"

"Yes... no—damn it!"

After entering, Utaha casually kicked off her shoes, locked the door, and went upstairs to her room.

Her soft, snow-white curves in sheer black stockings bounced slightly as she sat on her chair.

"Useless."

Suddenly, Utaha pulled out the psychological assessment report from her bag and tossed it into the trash can.

She had just squeezed in time to visit a psychologist.

To her surprise, the doctor said she was suffering from paranoia, anxiety, and nervous exhaustion—not some kind of hyper sixth sense or extreme sensitivity to others' gazes.

It was apparently a personality disorder developed from childhood.

Utaha was speechless and simply chose to go home.

She knew her own condition better than anyone.

"So annoying!"

Stomping her foot heavily on the floor, Utaha took out her phone and scrolled through the school forum.

She came across a thread and clicked on it.

---

Shuchiin Academy, Teachers' Office Building

After a meeting, the teachers trickled out of the building.

"How's your car, Miss Mafuyu?"

Hiratsuka smoked a cigarette on the balcony, enjoying the breeze.

"Still not fixed. The repair costs are hefty, and I still need to compensate the other party. I'm thinking of moving to a cheaper place."

Mafuyu Kirisu hugged her teaching materials and gently shook her head.

"Be more careful driving in the future. If it gets too hard, just take public transport."

Hiratsuka gave a bitter smile as she pulled out her phone to check messages.

A moment later, she clicked her tongue.

A student informant she had planted sent her a message—about Kitakami Yoru.

"Kitakami again? What now?"

She muttered while scrolling through the messages, then gasped in surprise.

"Kitakami Yoru?"

Mafuyu Kirisu recalled that disgusting, fat slob.

"Yeah… If you saw how he looks now—or even just looked at the school forum—you'd be shocked."

"Next time, say everything at once. Don't leave it hanging."

Hiratsuka skimmed the rest of the message and calmed down.

---

Yoru left Nanami's house with the last piece of cake and headed to Gabriel's place.

"Gabriel?"

He called out softly, knocked gently, waited a few seconds, then turned the doorknob.

"Meow~"

After just a few days, San-san leapt at him.

"Good San-san, you missed me huh…"

Smiling, Yoru picked up Sansan, gave it a pet, and walked in.

On the little sofa, Gabriel had apparently heard the noise and just now sat up.

She rubbed her eyes and let out a big yawn.

"Wait, Gabriel, you didn't go to school?"

Yoru asked, slightly exaggerated.

"I did. Just skipped this afternoon—came back during lunch."

She stared with deep dark circles under her eyes.

She didn't dare skip too many classes lately. Heaven had reduced her living allowance proportionally, and after just pulling Raiden Shogun (in a gacha), her wallet took a big hit.

"I thought you skipped again. Brought you some cake."

Yoru said helplessly.

"Haa…"

Gabriel yawned again and went back to sleep.

Putting the cake in the fridge, Yoru took San-san and headed home.

Megumi sent a message, checking in on him.

Because she normally doesn't interact much with others, her information channels were limited—so she had only just found out.

After replying, Yoru went straight into the shower.

His weight was now within the normal range.

His body fat was just a little high.

Looking at himself in the mirror, Yoru continued rinsing and then soaked in the tub—scrolling the school forum.

He saw the Shuchiin student council's announcement, skimmed the posts and comments, and touched his face.

"Why are people calling me handsome?"

Clicking on the profile picture, it turned out to be a girl's account.

"Maybe it's because of the way I act…"

Yoru quickly figured it out.

Riiing—!

Suddenly.

His phone screen was overtaken by a LINE video call from Chika, nearly making him drop it into the water.

"A video call? Couldn't she just send a message?"

Silently sinking into the bathtub, Yoru used one hand to slick back his wet hair, grabbed a towel to cover himself, and after confirming only his neck was showing—accepted the call.

"Is he not answering?"

Kaguya and Chika were sitting close together.

"These days, no one really leaves their phone far from them."

Chika hesitated.

"How do you even have his contact?"

Kaguya glanced at the screen, then turned her stern face toward Chika.

"Huh? Haha?"

"Kaguya-chan…"

Chika didn't expect Kaguya to ask that and was momentarily at a loss.

At that moment—

Knock knock— the call connected.

"Fujiwara-san… Shi—"

Kitakami Yoru smiled in advance to greet them, but his smile froze upon seeing Kaguya's icy face.

"Kitakami-kun!"

Chika blinked, offering a slight smile.

"What is it? You even video called me."

Yoru shifted focus back to Chika.

"Mhm."

Chika held the phone a bit farther.

"I only want to speak to you alone—let Shinomiya Kaguya move back a bit."

Yoru locked eyes with the Ice Princess Kaguya onscreen, feeling uncomfortable.

"I'm a member of the student council—the vice president. I have the right to handle this."

Kaguya's tone was calm, but her frown subtle.

"You have the right—but not the ability. Maybe someone else should be vice president."

Yoru returned a sharp look.

Kaguya's cold gaze seemed to pierce through the screen onto Yoru.

"All you are is a walking shell."

She finally spoke flatly.

She hadn't expected Yoru to look this good after slimming down.

She admitted—he was attractive. But so what?

She wasn't some shallow girl who falls for a pretty face. She was the heiress of the Shinomiya Conglomerate.

"You seem to care a lot."

Yoru noticed it—especially when he questioned her capability.

"Now now, Kaguya-chan, Kitakami-kun, don't fight."

Chika finally cut in, offering an apologetic look before hanging up.

"Secretary Fujiwara… mind telling me…"

"How exactly did your relationship with Kitakami Yoru get this close?"

Kaguya squinted, smiling while tilting her head.

"Probably just wanted to talk about how this issue is being handled."

Yoru placed his phone on the shelf and continued soaking in the tub.

That evening—

After feeding San-san, Yoru casually dressed and knocked on Nanami's door.

"Coming...!"

Nanami had picked out her prettiest outfit and done her makeup carefully—still checking herself in the mirror.

The knock startled her, and she rushed to the door.

"Let's go out for dinner."

Yoru said calmly.

"Just the two of us?"

Nanami looked a little shy, clearly very invested in his response.

"Gabriel's sleeping. You want to invite her too?"

Yoru asked back.

"No!"

"I mean... wait for me a sec."

Nanami quickly shut the door.

Leaning against the wall inside, she swallowed nervously and patted her chest.

"Just the two of us... isn't that a date?"

'Is... is this a date?'

Nanami shyly thought to herself, suddenly feeling an urge to pee.

After waiting a while, Yoru finally saw Nanami come out.

He looked at her with slight confusion, but didn't say anything.

'Everyone at school is saying that Kitakami-kun and I are dating...'

'Is it because I'm not dressed well? Yoru doesn't seem to react at all...'

Nanami followed behind him silently, muttering to herself with all sorts of thoughts spinning in her head.

The two of them rode the train together and strolled around Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park to relax a bit.

By evening, Yoru and Nanami had dinner in a small private room at an izakaya.

"Aoyama-san, why aren't you eating?"

Yoru took a sip of orange juice and asked.

"I'm not very hungry... I don't really have an appetite."

In a quiet environment like this, Nanami couldn't stop overthinking.

"If you're not eating, I'll just finish everything."

Yoru didn't hold back and stuffed a beef skewer into his mouth.

Of course, he had ordered plenty of food—enough for two people. He was just saying that to tease Nanami.

"Just call me Nanami, Y-Yoru."

Nanami looked at Yoru, her words hesitant, like she had made a hard decision.

"Nanami, sorry about earlier... I scared you when I pinned you down like that."

Yoru spoke with his mouth full of food.

"No, no, it's okay. From now on, if something happens, I'll definitely tell you."

Nanami waved her small hands repeatedly and gave a sincere smile, her teeth pearly white.

"Finally... I can... yeah..."

Yoru mumbled in response.

This is fine, right?

After dinner, it was just past 8 PM.

Nearby was the lively area of Roppongi.

Yoru and Nanami walked side by side along the bustling streets.

Neon lights flickered, the sidewalks were crowded, and couples were everywhere.

"Do you want to go home or keep walking? It's still early."

Yoru bought a cup of milk tea and handed it to Nanami, while sipping on pure fruit juice himself.

"Thank you... I..."

Nanami gazed into the distance.

Her eyes landed on a cinema with a giant screen.

"You want to see a movie?"

Yoru asked casually.

"Mhm."

Nanami nodded lightly.

Under the dim night sky, the lights from the stores didn't clearly show her blushing face to Yoru.

It was a big-budget American movie.

Yoru sat with one arm crossed over his chest, sipping on sugar-free cola, completely immersed in the film.

Next to him, Nanami spent most of her time secretly glancing at Yoru, hiding behind her 3D glasses.

"Who's messaging me now?"

Yoru mumbled when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out.

It was Chika, updating him about the incident's outcome.

She told him to drop by the student council office at noon the next day to wrap things up.

He kept typing responses back.

Eventually, their conversation shifted to casual chatting.

They talked for almost half an hour. Only when the movie reached its final scenes did they stop.

Chika yawned, slipped her feet clad in white mid-calf socks into her slippers, and went to wash up.

"Who... who was it?"

Nanami couldn't help but ask.

"It was Fujiwara Chika. She was telling me how things ended up."

"Don't worry. We're the victims here. The ones spreading the rumors are the ones who'll be punished."

Yoru comforted Nanami.

...

By the time they finished the movie and returned home, it was already 11 PM.

Yoru walked Nanami to the entrance of her apartment and bid her farewell.

"See you tomorrow, Yoru."

Nanami inserted her key into the lock and turned it.

"Yeah, see you. Just relax and don't stress about it."

Yoru smiled.

Nanami stepped inside, turned back, and said, "Thanks for today. I'll pay you back for the food and the movie next time..."

"Hm? Oh, okay."

Yoru blinked for a second and nodded.

After hearing his reply, Nanami turned to take off her shoes.

The next moment—

Yoru suddenly stepped forward and quickly reached out from behind her, just like he had grabbed Eriri's twintails before.

This time, he gently tugged on Nanami's delicate ears.

"Ah!"

Nanami's eyes widened like saucers and she flinched in panic!

Her ultimate weakness—Yoru had grabbed it from behind!

This was the one spot on Nanami's body that absolutely couldn't be touched.

Even the slightest touch would make her...

Her whole body would go limp and lose strength—she wouldn't be able to control herself...

Let alone now, with Yoru gripping both her ears from behind.

"You're doing it again, Nanami?"

"I told you, it's fine. Are you ignoring what I said?"

Yoru looked a bit displeased and tugged again, lightly.

"Ah... ha... no..."

Nanami screamed in a mix of shock and shame, her soft toes clenching the floor tightly. Realizing she was losing control, she turned her back to Yoru and covered her mouth with both hands.

Trying to muffle the sounds threatening to escape.

"No... no more pulling..."

"Mmm... ngh... it tickles... please stop..."

"It's gonna get weird..."

Nanami had long lost the strength to resist. Her hands stayed pressed over her mouth while her mind spiraled in chaos.

She didn't even know if she wanted Yoru to stop or not.

Yoru couldn't see her expression, so he tugged once more, leaning in close to her ear.

His hands didn't stop, but he changed how he touched—worried about hurting her, he now gently rubbed her ears with his fingers.

It was like tickling or soft caressing.

His mouth was so close that the warmth of his breath touched Nanami's flushed ears.

"I'm gonna die... ah! It tickles!"

Nanami's eyes rolled back, her body trembling, unable to bear it.

She was terrified a shameful noise might escape from her throat.

"I already said I'd treat you."

Yoru chuckled softly, completely unaware of how intense her reaction was, and finally let go.

"Mm... haa..."

Nanami braced herself against the wall with one hand, still facing away from Yoru.

In the darkness of the night, he couldn't see her very clearly.

"Bye. Good night."

Even after doing something so naughty to her, Yoru smiled and waved before leaving.

Footsteps echoed.

Nanami held on for a few seconds before her legs gave out. Her vision blurred, and she collapsed on the cold floor.

Her eyes rolled upward, mouth slightly open, body curled in, her lower back tingling, toes stiff, thighs twitching from time to time.

Her figure was swallowed by the shadows.

Back home, Yoru exercised for half an hour before happily crawling into bed to sleep.

Autumn nights still carried a slight chill.

The next morning—

Yoru began his new school term.

He unrolled a yoga mat to exercise, then made breakfast and lunch.

"Finally, I can eat something normal..."

Yoru felt like he deserved a reward and decided to adjust his diet.

Three proper meals per week. That wasn't too much, right?

There are 21 meals in a week, after all.

After spending some effort cooking himself a hearty lunch, Yoru left for school with Gabriel, who had come knocking on his door.

"You're up this early?"

Yoru thought Gabriel had turned over a new leaf.

"Mhm... yeah..."

Gabriel nodded. To improve her attendance rate, she had no choice.

They took the train to Shuchiin Academy. At the school gate, Yoru and Gabriel parted ways.

"Ki... Kitakami Yoru...?"

Eriri recognized the figure from dozens of meters away. Even though Yoru had slimmed down so much.

"Hmph... hmph!"

Suppressing her surprise, Eriri stomped her foot angrily. Her little leather shoes hit the ground hard with a loud thud. She glared at Yoru, nervous and scared.

Because last night, she had another nightmare. In it, she wore a cute black-and-white maid outfit, a dog collar, and ear and tail accessories, sitting on Yoru's lap, eyes full of hearts as she showered him with affection.

Yoru looked at her with disgust and revulsion, saying he was sick of her, then kicked her away and slammed the door as he left.

She cried her heart out, like the world had ended.

It was a nightmare that left her extremely uncomfortable—especially since one of her past dreams had already come true. The details had varied, but the dream had been eerily accurate.

So now, she was terrified, her steps slowing.

Only after Yoru said goodbye to Gabriel and left did Eriri's pale face start to regain color.

"Wait a second."

"Wasn't his girlfriend Aoyama Nanami? Why is there a blonde girl with him?"

"Blonde?"

Eriri touched her own golden hair, thinking.

Could it be... he's two-timing?

"Scumbag. Trash. Disgusting perverted fat pig. Even if he slimmed down, he's still gross..."

Eriri quickened her pace, muttering curses under her breath. Venting helped a little, but it didn't lessen her anger or hatred toward Yoru.

Yoru stood in front of a vending machine, buying a black coffee while staring into the distance. He planned to go to the student council at noon, and see Eriri while he was at it.

"That little blonde..."

Click...

He opened the coffee and took a sip of the familiar bitter flavor.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up. He saw Eriri walking this way.

"Why hasn't he gone upstairs yet..."

Eriri gripped her bag tightly, her fingers turning white. She wanted to avoid Yoru, but it was too late now.

Holding the coffee, Yoru strode toward her, ignoring the glances from passing students. At Shuchiin, wasn't he always being stared at anyway?

"What... what does he want...?"

Eriri froze in place.

"Eriri. Get over here. I've got something to talk to you about."

Yoru left those cold words and brushed past her. Knowing she couldn't avoid him, Eriri bit her soft pink lips and slowly followed.

Yoru brought Eriri to a quiet and secluded spot on the campus. Shuchiin had plenty of such places.

"Say it quickly. If you dare try anything here..."

Eriri stayed alert, scanning the surroundings, ready to run if needed.

Nice spot. Filled with flowers and trees, beautifully arranged—a perfect date location for couples.

"Why haven't you gone to clear things up with Kasumigaoka Utaha?"

"Since last semester until now—what have you been doing?"

Yoru looked at Eriri, visibly displeased.

All she could feel was fear and hatred. "I... I was..."

Faced with his threatening tone, Eriri stammered. She kept putting things off, lying to herself, avoiding reality.

Was this proud little princess really going to hand over her blackmail material to her love rival, Kasumigaoka Utaha?