The Heroines All Regretted It

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

In front of others she always acted confident and arrogant, but now Eriri was pale and couldn't even finish a sentence.

"Eriri, have you forgotten our agreement?"

"I've given you plenty of time. You were the one who said you'd talk to Kasumigaoka and clarify things. Do you need me to do it for you now?"

Yoru's lips curled into a cold smile. With his flawless face, girls into domineering types would be powerless against him.

"Can you give me... a little more time?"

Eriri had no mind to admire Yoru's looks. Her thoughts were in chaos.

"Heh... How much more time do you want?"

"Why don't you say a hundred years? That way we'll all be dead, and you won't have to say anything at all."

Yoru slowly walked toward her.

"One week... just one week, okay?"

Eriri instinctively wanted to run but forced herself to stay put.

"One day. I'll give you one day."

Yoru stood in front of her, staring at the cute, haughty girl.

Laughable.

Wasn't she always looking down on him before? Rolling her eyes and calling him a disgusting fat pig?

"Three days... Please, three days?"

Eriri felt like her feet were made of lead. Yoru's gaze pinned her down.

"One day. You don't get to bargain."

Yoru suddenly leaned in, his face almost touching hers.

"Ah..."

"Disgusting perverted pig! Foot freak! Stay away from me!"

Eriri panicked, swinging her little pink fists in anger at him.

"One day. Otherwise, I'll tell Kasumigaoka myself."

Yoru easily slapped her fists away and stepped back.

Not even as painful as a bite from a kitten.

They say your enemy's enemy is your friend, but that didn't apply to Eriri and him.

"Tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow afternoon, alright?"

"It'll be just about one day. Any extra time is a bonus..."

Eriri opened her eyes, her sapphire pupils filled with complex emotions and despair.

"Fine."

Yoru nodded and turned to leave.

After a few steps—

"I'll give you money! Twenty million! Just let me go, okay? I..."

"You want to buy your way out of this?"

Yoru turned around, laughing bitterly as he stared at her like she was a fool.

Eriri didn't respond. She still hadn't grasped what he really wanted.

Suddenly, Yoru lunged forward. In the blink of an eye, he was in front of her.

He grabbed her pale neck with one hand. Her eyes widened in shock.

With just a bit of force, he pressed his forehead against hers with a loud thud.

Then he stayed close, his voice low and menacing:

"Eriri, are you a fucking idiot?"

"What did I say before? I donated twenty million just to get into Shuchiin!"

"You think your filthy money can make up for that?"

"If this accusation isn't cleared, I'll get expelled. Branded for life. Are you stupid?"

Eriri struggled weakly, gripping his wrist, trying to ease the choking sensation.

It hurt. She couldn't breathe.

After saying his piece, Yoru shoved her away. She stumbled back and fell to the ground.

"Tomorrow afternoon at the latest. If not, I'll tell Kasumigaoka myself."

He gave her a sideways glance and added, "All that cuteness must've taken the place of your brain, you fucking shit."

"You hear that, little golden whore...?"

Eriri sat there blankly, gasping for breath. Her face was full of fear, and she didn't respond right away.

"Hey, bitch. I asked you a question."

Yoru said mockingly.

Eriri looked up. Their eyes met, and after a long silence, she suddenly burst into tears.

She sobbed softly, eyes welling with tears, but forced herself to hold them back.

"Sniff... ugh... sniff..."

She wiped her tears, sniffled, and stood up from the ground. Her small mouth uttered something shocking. "I'll let you bully me one more time. Just let me off this once..."

Since yesterday afternoon when she first saw Yoru, Eriri knew things had gone south. She'd thought up countless ways this could end.

She really didn't have the courage. She truly couldn't bear the consequences.

If she tried to clear things up with Utaha, she'd never be able to lift her head in front of her again.

And if Utaha used it to blackmail her or even exposed everything—

At least with Yoru, they were on equal footing. Neither dared go all out to destroy the other.

Utaha had too much freedom.

And if her childhood friend Tomoya ever found out...

The outcome?

Eriri had imagined it plenty.

Between the two choices, she picked the lesser evil.

Yoru wasn't that disgusting, fat creep anymore. It made it slightly more bearable.

She told herself it was like being bitten by a dog. The second bite—she'd just endure it.

'Just endure it... it'll pass...'

'That bastard better get lost afterward...'

Eriri thought bitterly, already certain Yoru would agree. Then she started crying again.

She was confident—very confident in herself.

How many guys in Shuchiin Academy would love to even say a word to her? Not a single one had a shot.

Compared to Yoru, their family backgrounds, reputations, and abilities were all a hundred times better.

If anyone found out that this mixed-blood rich girl had offered this kind of deal, people would lose their minds.

"Go away... ugh... heh..."

"Ugh..."

"Pfft—"

What Eriri said completely caught Yoru off guard. He couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter.

What kind of offer was this?

No money, so now this?

Some kind of doujin plot?

She was handing herself over for him to play with?

Yoru chuckled to himself and turned to walk toward Eriri, grinning.

Hearing his laugh, Eriri looked at him and closed her eyes in despair, biting down hard on her soft lips.

"Get lost... disgusting... filthy mutt... just die..."

'He must be thrilled...'

'Tomoya... I... I...'

'Wait... is he going to do it here?'

'This place... we can't...!'

The thought flashed through her mind. Eriri snapped her eyes open.

What she saw in front of her was Yoru's flawless face, but his expression was full of disdain as his large hand reached for her.

Before she could react, his hand grabbed her bangs and yanked hard.

"Ah!"

Eriri cried out in pain, her head pulled upward.

"You bitch, are you delusional or something?"

"You think you're made of gold? Or diamonds?"

"Get lost, whore."

Yoru was genuinely furious, gritting his teeth and shouting in anger.

Then, just like tossing garbage, he flung Eriri onto the ground.

He let out a cold snort and said with a detached look, "By tomorrow afternoon, at the latest."

With that, he turned and walked away without looking back.

Eriri collapsed on the floor. Her butt hurt like hell, and the spot where he pulled her bangs hurt even more.

Her scalp throbbed, full of nerve endings and blood vessels.

Even pulling out a single leg hair would normally hurt like crazy.

But Eriri seemed numb. Her eyes were hollow, completely stunned.

She'd been rejected?!

Yoru rejected her?

Other guys would kill just to touch her hand!

And she had offered herself voluntarily this time.

Before doing it, Eriri had been full of confidence.

"Rejected... rejected... dumb bitch..."

In a secluded corner of Shuchiin Academy, the proud, arrogant, and delicate mixed-blood rich girl muttered shakily through her lips.

Despair... nowhere to run... regret... anger... confusion... no courage to face it...

And even...

A bit of defiance?

This disgusting fat loser dared to treat her like this?

What should she do now?

Tomorrow afternoon was the final deadline.

Should she confess to Tomoya?

Ask him for help?

Her sketchbook was still in Yoru's hands...

...

"Hah..."

Walking toward the school building, Yoru looked up at the sky and let out a breath.

Did that bitch Eriri still think she could move him?

How ridiculous.

"If Eriri doesn't act by tomorrow afternoon, I'll go to Kasumigaoka Utaha myself."

"I don't care what she's afraid of."

"Still... I should monitor her emotions..."

"Gotta save time rewinds wherever I can..."

Yoru stepped onto the stairs and slowly climbed upward.

He had no idea that every time he walked past someone now, he sparked intense discussions.

Especially among girls—some acted like fangirls chasing their idol.

"Hey, look, that's the disgusting fat loser. He looks so good now~"

"He's even better looking in person than in photos. Who would've thought losing weight would turn him into this?"

"Too bad he already has a girlfriend. Wasn't it that Aoyama Nanami girl?"

"Ugh, you girls are so shallow. That guy stole Kasumigaoka Utaha's panties, remember?"

"Eh, so what? Who cares if he did..."

"Wait, didn't you say guys like that were the grossest? You used to be terrified of him, insulted him behind his back like crazy..."

"When did I? Whatever... it doesn't matter now..."

...

Because of Eriri, Yoru didn't arrive in class until just before morning homeroom started.

As usual, he entered from the back door.

He put down his bag and quietly sat down.

Someone spotted him first, and like a ripple, soon the entire class was sneaking glances at Yoru.

But Yoru, used to it by now, didn't react. He simply sat there, waiting for class to begin.

"Haha, this is it, Ebina, look—"

Tobe Kakeru, part of the normie crew, raised his phone and smiled as he tried to share something with the girl he liked, Ebina Hina.

But Ebina waved her hand apologetically and declined his approach.

Instead, she turned and looked toward Yoru, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Her expression clearly showed strong interest. She didn't bother to hide it.

"Kitakami-kun is really handsome now. I think he might even be a bit better-looking than Hayama-kun..."

Ebina suddenly said, not even bothering to lower her voice, clearly speaking to Yoru.

As the words left her mouth, Tobe's body froze, his lips twitching as he glared at Yoru with irritation.

"Ahaha..."

Hayato laughed awkwardly.

Yumiko felt a little uncomfortable hearing that, but she couldn't deny it was true either.

"Hello, Kitakami-kun, morning."

Ebina tapped Yoru on the shoulder and greeted him in front of everyone.

"Ah, good morning."

It wasn't his first time talking to Ebina. He didn't mind her and responded with a faint smile.

Ebina was caught off guard by his smile for a moment before responding with one of her own. "You lost a lot of weight over the summer... how did you do it?"

"I gain weight fast, so why can't I lose it fast too?"

Yoru replied.

"Hmm... that makes sense."

Ebina smiled and tilted her head slightly, sneaking a glance at Tobe's expression from the corner of her eye.

Since school started, she had felt Tobe getting overly friendly with her. Something just felt off.

The girls in the classroom, seeing how easily Ebina started a conversation, grew bolder themselves.

Girls were naturally curious.

When a fat, unpopular classmate transformed over the summer into someone ridiculously handsome, it was only natural they'd want to get closer.

One person made a move, and it quickly led to a group effect.

In no time, Yoru was surrounded by a crowd of girls, all talking excitedly at once.

"Kitakami-kun really is popular now, huh... heh heh..."

Yui grinned as she spoke to Yumiko.

Compared to summer break, Yoru was definitely more attractive now.

"Hey... are you really dating Aoyama Nanami?"

"Why didn't you come talk to us as soon as school started?"

"Did you used to be that fat? How did you slim down?"

"Did you get liposuction, Kitakami-kun?"

"You're so handsome and charming now, Kitakami-kun. Why were you ever that chubby?"

"Can we exchange contact info?"

One question after another came flooding in, and even Ebina, who initiated the conversation, was pushed aside.

"N-No... we're just friends, we're not dating..."

"Can you please not crowd around me like this? I really don't like it..."

Yoru struggled to handle the situation and had a strong urge to escape.

He remembered each of these girls clearly—their scornful expressions from before, the way they mocked and looked down on him.

Now that he'd slimmed down and his actions to help Nanami seemed cool and admirable, they were suddenly interested?

Someone even reached out to touch his face.

Just when it was getting too much, Hiratsuka showed up and saved him.

"Kitakami, come with me. I need to talk to you."

The classy, intellectual older woman stood at the classroom door, knocked gently, and smiled warmly in his direction.

"Hiratsuka-sensei."

Yoru stood up right away, raised his hand, and walked over quickly.

"Come with me to the faculty office."

Hiratsuka waved him over casually.

"Yes."

Yoru followed her closely, relieved to be rescued.

The boys in the class stared at his back with envy, jealousy, and resentment.

"It's like that scene from Horimiya where Miyamura cuts his hair and shows up at school. I used to think that was unrealistic, but real life's even more magical."

"Tch, so what if he looks better now? He's still a thief."

"Can't believe girls are into that kind of guy... just a bunch of shallow idiots..."

On the way to the faculty building, Hiratsuka walked ahead, lighting a cigarette.

"I still don't know how to properly thank Hiratsuka-sensei."

Yoru hadn't forgotten what she did for him.

The morning bell rang just as they reached the office.

'Kirisu Mafuyu!'

As soon as he walked in, Yoru's gaze locked onto the window seat.

The beautiful, cold teacher with long, pink hair was reading through a stack of documents, occasionally glancing at her phone.

"Have a seat," Hiratsuka gestured as she took her own.

'Now, who should I target for the next golden treasure chest?'

'Kasumigaoka Utaha is the most viable for now. Just waiting on Eriri. Kirisu Mafuyu might be harder, but it's not impossible to create an opportunity.'

'Come to think of it, I haven't seen any new golden chests recently...'

His thoughts wandered, drawn toward the golden treasure chest floating above Mafuyu's head. After a moment, he snapped out of it and sat down.

"That girl—your girlfriend—how's Aoyama Nanami doing?"

Hiratsuka put out her cigarette.

"She's not my girlfriend, but she's probably feeling better."

Yoru glanced at the beautiful teacher across from him.

"She's not? Everyone's been talking... another rumor then?"

Hiratsuka chuckled, then continued, "That's not what I called you in for. It's already the second semester."

"You remember your punishment, right?"

Yoru nodded firmly, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"I remember. If my overall ranking this year isn't in the top 30, I'll be expelled."

"It was Shinomiya Kaguya who proposed it. Said someone with bottom-ranked grades and that kind of behavior had no reason to stay."

"Hey!"

Hiratsuka stood up and gave Yoru a sharp look, full of caution.

Yoru frowned in confusion.

Hiratsuka glanced around, as if worried someone might be listening. She leaned in and whispered, "Shinomiya is the daughter of the Shinomiya Conglomerate..."

"You have no idea how terrifying their power is. Even the headmaster of Shuchiin—Adolphe-sensei—is just their figurehead. The real owners are the Shinomiya family!"

Yoru was a little surprised to hear this about Shuchiin, but he never underestimated the Shinomiyas.

"As long as you understand. Don't get any strange ideas about Shinomiya Kaguya."

"I'm telling you, even just thinking about it—without doing anything—they might erase you just to eliminate the risk!"

Hiratsuka's expression was stern and serious.

"I understand, Hiratsuka-sensei..."

Yoru caught a faint scent of smoke in the air and looked at her with appreciation.

"Remember that. Erased!"

Hiratsuka leaned back in her chair, looking at the stunningly handsome boy in front of her.

Damn, he's hot.

If only he weren't my student...

"I'll remember. Thank you, Hiratsuka-sensei."

Yoru gave a genuine smile.

"Ugh...?"

Hiratsuka suddenly found herself dazed again.

If Yoru hadn't been lost in thought, he might've noticed her odd reaction.

"Alright, get the hell out of here."

She pulled out another cigarette from her coat and waved him away with a gruff tone.

One moment, she was gentle and soft-spoken...

The next, she was tossing out crude language again.

Yoru stood up, pushed the chair back into place.

At that moment, Mafuyu finished her work and was calculating her car insurance claim. She sighed in frustration.

"My driving really sucks... I can deal with little scratches here and there..."

"But this time, I hit a power pole and snapped it. It's going to cost a fortune..."

She stretched, then noticed Yoru walking out of the office.

'He may have changed after losing weight, but a thief is still a thief. And his grades aren't good...'

As Yoru's world history teacher, Kirisu couldn't ignore him.

His worst subject was world history.

With every other subject, he could focus and force himself to stay disciplined.

But in Kirisu's class, he always ended up distracted, unable to concentrate.

After leaving the faculty building, Yoru didn't return to class. He sat outside instead.

Seeing Kirisu in the office had reminded him of the golden chests.

The two chests he'd opened had given him Time Rewind and Mind Reading—two powerful buffs.

They'd completely changed his life.

Which meant... he couldn't afford to miss even one of the remaining chests.

He had to open them all.

Thinking this, Yoru realized he hadn't seen any new chests in a while.

He'd originally guessed they only appeared above bad girls.

Eriri, Kasumigaoka Utaha, Shinomiya Kaguya, and Kirisu Mafuyu all fit the bill.

But two exceptions had come up.

Hayasaka Ai.

Yoru didn't know her well. They were classmates for a year, but never really interacted.

Except that one time when her group of gyaru girls played truth or dare and she fake-confessed to him.

That didn't hurt, so it didn't count.

Then there was Megumi.

Didn't even need to think about that one.

She was a good friend.

So his theory failed.

"Sigh..."

He exhaled, let the breeze blow over him, and shook his head to clear it.

Back to class.

On the way, he passed by Eriri's classroom and activated his mind reading ability, slowing his pace.

All he sensed was worry... frustration... inner conflict...

Eriri had her head down on her desk and didn't see Yoru pass by.

"Not bad."

That result was something he could accept.

Back in his own classroom, Yoru mimicked Eriri and laid his head on his desk, pretending to nap.

To avoid being bothered by others.

The morning passed quietly.

As soon as the teacher announced the end of class, Yoru grabbed his lunch, which he had packed in a small bag, and headed out.

"I don't want to be like a zoo animal, having people stare at me while I eat."

Yoru still preferred a quiet environment for lunch.

The moment class ended, he quickly left with his lunch in hand.

He glanced briefly at Eriri on the way out but ignored her and went up to the rooftop.

"They actually changed the rooftop lock?"

At the familiar rooftop, Yoru tugged at the new lock on the door, then gave up with a sigh.

Shrugging in frustration, he turned away and left.

Shuchiin was truly vast, and quiet lunch spots weren't hard to find.

He returned to the place where he'd taken Nanami yesterday and prepared to enjoy his lunch.

It was a meal he'd prepared in advance. Though cold food didn't taste as good as hot, it was still pretty decent.

Opening the bag, inside were two white plastic lunch boxes.

One was filled with vegetables, the other with meat.

Since he'd woken up in a good mood, Yoru had browsed recipes and tried something new.

He'd made Chinese-style guobaorou (crispy sweet-and-sour pork) and tangcu ribs, plus a stir-fry of corn kernels, diced carrots, green peas, and shrimp. He packed the box full.

"Finally, some proper food again."

Picking up his chopsticks, Yoru murmured emotionally, a little excited.

Looking at the contents, he couldn't resist anymore. He picked up a piece of guobaorou, just the right thickness, and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Too bad it's cold. I think the cafeteria has a microwave you can use for free."

Chewing the meat, Yoru mumbled.

Still, forget it.

The cafeteria was too crowded.

Not everyone brought lunch from home.

Most students at Shuchiin came from rich and powerful families. All of them were like young masters.

Bring their own lunch?

Besides, a top-tier private school like Shuchiin also had a first-class kitchen team.

They could easily work at any five-star hotel outside.

Just as he scooped up a bite of rice, Yoru's phone buzzed.

[Yoru-kun, don't forget you need to come to the student council at noon]: Chika Fujiwara.

Replying quickly, Yoru sped up his eating.

About ten minutes later, full, he packed up his lunch boxes and headed toward the student council room.

He passed by a vending machine and hesitated for a moment.

"I already had black coffee this morning. If I drink more, I might not be able to sleep. Too much caffeine?"

After some deliberation, he inserted a 500-yen coin and bought a bottle of juice.

"Kitakami-kun, is that you?"

As he bent down to grab the juice, a familiar voice came from behind. It was Ichinose Honami.

"Yeah, it's me. And you?"

Yoru stood up and turned to see Ichinose and her best friend not far away.

They were practically inseparable.

"What a coincidence. You've lost so much weight."

Ichinose smiled softly.

"About what happened last time, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

Yoru saw they were about to buy drinks, so he stepped aside.

"Ho-Honami..."

Kurumi looked embarrassed and exchanged glances with Ichinose.

"It's fine, it's fine. It wasn't your fault anyway."

"We weren't paying attention."

Ichinose's smile was a little forced.

"Oh, right, this is my friend, Tokisaki Kurumi."

Ichinose nudged her companion with her elbow.

"Nice to meet you, Kitakami-kun."

Kurumi looked him over shyly. These days, no matter where you went, you could hear his name.

He was indeed very good-looking. Hard to believe.

"See you."

Yoru opened the juice, took a sip, and walked off.

It was just a coincidence. A quick greeting and nothing more.

His figure gradually faded into the distance.

Ichinose and Kurumi each bought a bottle of juice and drank by the vending machine.

"It's hard to believe the current Kitakami-kun is the same as the overweight, gloomy otaku he used to be!"

Ichinose's eyes widened as she muttered, watching him walk away.

"Ara ara..."

"Could it be my little Honami-chan has a crush on him?"

"No way, my little Honami, don't leave me..."

Kurumi chuckled, hugging Ichinose's arm tightly.

"I don't like him! What are you saying?"

Ichinose let out two small grumbles.

"But my Honami is super cute, you know. And your figure is amazing."

Kurumi teased with a faint mischievous grin, her gaze flicking toward Ichinose's chest.

"You're not bad either, Kurumi. Isn't someone pursuing you too?"

Ichinose shook off Kurumi's embrace.

"Ara ara... I'm not interested in romance. I don't like anyone."

Kurumi smiled softly.

'Looks like she's finally over the whole pudding incident...' Ichinose thought, still smiling.

"Alright, let's go to the cafeteria. I want the ramen set for lunch."

Kurumi urged Ichinose along.

...

At noon, sunlight poured over the clean and orderly Shuchiin campus.

On a path paved with cobblestones, red maple trees were planted at regular intervals on both sides, accompanied by lush grass lawns.

Yoru took a shaded route to the student council room.

Inside, the student council members were having lunch.

"Yosh, finally done. Time to eat."

Shirogane pulled out a red-checkered cloth bundle, undid the knot, and revealed his lunch box.

"President, what are you eating for lunch?"

Chika, munching on a sandwich, zipped over.

"Oh, just some simple homemade food."

Shirogane answered a bit shyly.

He sighed inwardly, staring intently at his lunchbox.

A bit of chicken, some green tea, rice, and a few little red octopus-shaped sausages.

"What's this?"

Chika asked curiously, poking the sausage mid-air with a finger.

"Wow... it's shaped like an octopus. Kinda cute..."

"Sort of, yeah."

Shirogane smiled awkwardly and explained, "They're just basic octopus sausages you find in any supermarket."

As he spoke, he subtly averted his eyes from Chika and glanced toward the student council lounge.

There, Kaguya Shinomiya—the refined young lady—was opening an elegant, high-end lunch box filled with beautifully presented, obviously expensive food.

"Shinomiya..."

Shirogane muttered in his heart, feeling conflicted.

He didn't dare confess to Kaguya—because he lacked confidence.

He wasn't even sure if Kaguya liked him or would accept his confession.

In romance, the one who confesses first always ends up at a disadvantage.

"President, so that's what you think?"

"How pitiful..."

"How cute..."

Suddenly, he heard Kaguya's voice right by his ear. His body froze. At some point, she had appeared in front of him.

With a hand under her chin and a faint smirk on her cute face, she looked down at him with a smug expression.

"I haven't eaten yet, hmm."

Chika, now satisfied after satisfying her curiosity, bit into her sandwich.

No!

Shirogane snapped out of it like a drowning man saved at the last moment.

A cold sweat silently slid down his face.

"Scaring myself..."

He let out a silent sigh of relief and finally started eating.

He picked up a red sausage and popped it into his mouth.

"Is it good? Is it good?"

Chika asked enthusiastically.

Kaguya, finally losing her composure, glanced at his modest lunch. Her curiosity got the better of her and she walked over.

"Fujiwara-san, I accidentally brought too much lunch. Do you want to eat with me?"

"And, President, what were you two talking about just now?"

Kaguya walked over to Chika's side, glanced at her, and quickly masked the curiosity in her eyes.

She looked toward Shirogane's lunch.

"No thanks, I'm pretty full. Maybe you should share with the President?"

Chika shook her head and declined.

"Okay!"

Kaguya's eyes lit up, a gentle smile forming as she secretly thanked Chika for the suggestion.

"Ah, no need. You can have it, Shinomiya."

Shirogane held onto his lunchbox, unwilling to put it down, clearly a bit nervous about Kaguya seeing it.

"You could also eat with Ishigami-san."

Chika turned her head to glance at Ishigami, who was playing games with headphones on.

The next moment, an odd chill seemed to descend around her.

Knock knock knock—

Yoru stood outside the student council room, knocking on the large, heavy door.

He waited, a little tense.

"Is that Kitakami-kun at the door?" Chika asked as she turned and quickly walked over.

She turned the doorknob and gently opened the door.

"Fujiwara-san seems to get along well with Kitakami, huh?" Shirogane commented as he put down his lunchbox, looking at Kaguya.

He couldn't help but think of his rebellious younger sister, Kei.

"Yeah..." Kaguya's tone held clear dissatisfaction—directed at Chika.

"Good afternoon, Fujiwara-san," Yoru greeted with a smile.

"G-Good afternoon..." Chika stammered slightly, eyeing Yoru up and down as she muttered to herself, "Why does he look even better than he did during summer break?"

She stepped aside and let Yoru in.

This was Yoru's first time entering the student council room.

It was large, luxurious, spacious, and well-lit.

"Shi—"

Shirogane's gaze shifted from Yoru to Kaguya and froze.

At some point, Kaguya had turned her back to him and was staring straight at Yoru.

Sitting in the student council president's exclusive chair, Shirogane's expression soured.

He couldn't see Kaguya's reaction, her expression, or her eyes.

But he knew—she was staring at Yoru.

A few seconds later, Shirogane had no choice but to look away from her and focus on Yoru.

"Seriously... so..."

"So handsome... damn it..."

He cursed quietly under his breath, worried Kaguya might be staring at Yoru just because of his looks. She still hadn't looked away!

Chika guided Yoru to a sofa in the lounge area and told him to wait a moment.

Yoru glanced briefly at the lavish spread nearby, then at Shirogane.

Then his eyes met Kaguya's.

Their gazes clashed in the air, sparks flying silently.

"I hate pretty boys," Ishigami muttered, stealing a glance at Yoru before scooting farther away.

"Here we go."

Chika returned with a booklet, flipping it open and placing it in front of Yoru.

"Just sign here. You can look it over too, if you want."

She handed him a pen.

Yoru signed right away, only scanning it afterward.

It was just a mediation confirmation form that required his signature.

"Done. Anything else?"

He set the pen down and asked.

"Nope! If you're in a hurry, you're free to leave," Chika replied, putting the booklet away.

"What about them?"

"The people who spread the rumors—aren't they getting any punishment?"

"I only disciplined the two who were the worst. What about the others?"

Yoru pushed the question.

"Well... Nanami Aoyama's class is going to discuss compensation. Isn't that enough?"

Chika hesitated, testing his response.

"That's compensation for Nanami. I was a victim of those rumors too. What about the ones in other classes? Not even a slap on the wrist?"

Yoru turned toward Kaguya.

"Yoru... about that... we..."

Chika looked troubled.

If she followed Yoru's logic, every single person who said Nanami was prostituting herself to Yoru would be guilty of slander.

That meant nearly all second-year students in the high school division of Shuchiin.

Some first-years, some third-years too.

"Forget it. I won't make things difficult for you."

Yoru gave Chika a faint smile.

"Shinomiya, I'll take care of it."

Shirogane stood up and glanced at Kaguya, then walked over.

Kaguya followed silently.

"Hey, Kitakami. Long time no see. Got any other questions?"

Shirogane brought Kaguya back and sat down beside Chika.

Even Ishigami put down his game console, intrigued by the gathering.

Yoru was silent for a while, sweeping his gaze across the three sitting before him.

Kaguya, her face expressionless and cold.

Shirogane, wearing the golden chain symbolizing the student council president's authority.

And Chika—his friend, and someone he owed a lot to.

"Not really, just curious why the student council took so long to clear things up. The efficiency's lacking. Just a suggestion."

"Thanks for the suggestion—we'll take it seriously," Shirogane replied with a strained smile.

"It's the start of the school year, so things got a bit hectic. Of course, that's no excuse."

At a top-tier private school like Shuchiin—or even an average school—how could something like this happen?

Normally, student councils just helped manage school activities. They had enough manpower.

"Alright... that's all."

Yoru replied, ready to leave.

"Then we're done here. Shinomiya, I'm heading to the restroom."

Shirogane let out a sigh of relief and stood up.

Kaguya nodded lightly, then stood as well.

"If you have no further business, please leave. The student council has important matters to handle. We can't keep visitors here."

She disliked Yoru's aggressive, accusatory tone.

Everything he said seemed to imply the student council was incompetent.

And Kaguya especially hated when people questioned her competence.

"Kaguya-chan..."

Chika gently grabbed her pale, soft hand.

Shirogane had already left.

"What if I do have something else?"

Yoru had been silent for a long time, but now he spoke slowly.

It was time to deal with the matter involving Eriri.

"Speak."

Kaguya returned to being the legendary Ice Princess.

Her eyes were all calculation. Every thought, every move, was driven by logic and benefit.

"What if I said I've found the real culprit, Shinomiya-san?"

Yoru's tone was calm, emotionless.