"New student, I suggest you mind your own business."

Tanaka Kenta glared viciously at Yueci Porcelain.

Yueci merely arched a brow, utterly dismissive.

"Can’t you see Hiru Kawakami’s sprained ankle?"

Hiru blinked in surprise, glancing down to find her ankle swollen and red. She must have twisted it during the collision earlier—the swelling had crept up slowly over the class period.

"Who even are you to Hiru Kawakami? What’s it to you?" Tanaka snapped. "I’m warning you, woman—don’t risk making enemies over some stranger you barely know." His voice turned icy.

Yueci had already figured out his type: nothing infuriated them more than being ignored. These attention-seekers craved distinction at every turn. Deny them an audience, and they’d flail like clowns jumping around for nothing.

"Come with me to the infirmary."

Yueci patted Hiru’s shoulder.

Hiru hesitated, then nodded.

"Hmph… Yueci Porcelain, was it?" Tanaka’s eyes narrowed darkly. "If you walk her out today, I guarantee your days at Light Private High School won’t be pleasant."

Yueci shot him a cold, disdainful glance.

"Moron."

Tanaka’s face visibly darkened.

Yueci helped Hiru up from her seat. Her injured ankle made her wobble unsteadily. Tanaka and his cronies blocked their path, clearly intent on causing trouble. Yueci silently rolled her eyes at the scowling boys—then shoved them aside with surprising force.

Tanaka stumbled, nearly falling. He glared at Yueci’s retreating back, teeth clenched.

"You’ll regret this…"

Hiru opened her mouth several times on the way, words dying on her lips. She kept stealing complex glances at Yueci.

The school layout hadn’t changed much in twenty-three years. *Who’s principal now?* she wondered. *I’d have thought every new principal would renovate the place.* After confirming the route with Hiru, Yueci led her confidently to the infirmary.

A knock yielded no answer. Inside, the room was empty. A note on the desk read: *"Out for lunch. Please wait."*

Yueci settled Hiru onto a bed and rummaged through drawers for antiseptic swabs and bandages.

"Yueci-san… Tanaka’s family has influence," Hiru finally whispered, twisting the bedsheet nervously. "You angered him for my sake… Just leave me. Apologize to him. I’m scared he’ll hurt you—"

"Found it."

Yueci pulled out unopened swabs, iodine, and gauze as if she hadn’t heard. She knelt, gently lifting Hiru’s foot. "I’ll take off your shoe."

Hiru stayed silent—consent enough.

Her white sneakers showed peeling soles, worn but carefully kept clean. Yueci cradled the small foot in one hand, untying the laces with care to avoid jarring the injury. Beneath white ankle socks, Hiru’s swollen ankle stood out starkly red. Higher up, bruises marred her calf. Closer inspection revealed a tapestry of old and new scars beneath the fresh discoloration.

"This might sting. Bear with it."

Yueci sighed, focusing on the task. Her first-aid training made the motions familiar. She dabbed iodine carefully over every inch of skin.

"*Hss—*"

The cold sting made Hiru flinch, but she held still.

After disinfecting, Yueci scanned the room and headed for the corner freezer. Inside lay pre-frozen ice packs—a luxury most schools lacked, but Light Private High kept them ready for sprains.

Hiru watched Yueci’s focused expression. The ice’s chill seeped into her ankle, yet warmth spread through her chest.

"Done."

Yueci admired her neat bandaging, standing up with stiff legs.

Hiru fidgeted, fingers crumpling the sheet. Others had defied Tanaka before—only to vanish or transfer soon after. Though Yueci had ignored her plea, Hiru still wanted to push her away. She couldn’t bear this kind stranger getting hurt for her sake.

"You could’ve pretended not to see… Why did you—"

Yueci pressed a finger to Hiru’s lips, silencing her. Then she placed the same finger over her own mouth with a soft *shh*.

"I helped you," she said simply, straightening up, "because I wanted to."

She removed her glasses, easing the pressure on her nose. Before Hiru could react, Yueci swept back her bangs—revealing a face of stunning, otherworldly beauty.

Hiru’s eyes widened in disbelief.

"*You’re…?*"

Yueci smiled faintly.

"Formal introduction: I’m Yueci Porcelain. Looking forward to working together."

Hiru blinked rapidly. "I-I’m Hiru Kawakami. Nice to meet you…"

*Yueci Porcelain is Yueci Ru…?*

Why was she suddenly at Light as a scholarship student? That familiar feeling hadn’t been her imagination. Yueci had saved her again. If it was *her*, maybe Tanaka truly meant nothing to fear. A hundred questions crowded Hiru’s mind, but only one slipped out:

"Why are you here…?"

Yueci weighed her words. The murder case was off-limits; her own story was complicated and unnecessary.

"Secret."

She winked, flashing a mysterious smile. To her surprise, Hiru simply nodded thoughtfully. *Right. She’s always been enigmatic. We’ve only met twice. Of course she wouldn’t tell me.* Hiru chastised herself for overstepping.

"Don’t worry about Tanaka coming after me," Yueci added. "Money doesn’t sway me that easily."

She didn’t know if this boy was among those who’d tormented Hiru at the graveyard, but she’d never tolerate such trash—past or present. Yet Hiru’s brow remained furrowed.

"His family has connections… even the police avoid him. My uncle works under his father."

Yueci’s frown deepened. *So that’s why she’s trapped.* She rubbed her chin. One step at a time. If needed, she’d ask Nishikino An for help.

Footsteps approached the door. Yueci slipped her glasses back on, letting her bangs fall into place.

"Oh? Two students here…"

Yueci looked up to see Hachisu Inori’s angelic face smiling warmly in the doorway.