Yueci Porcelain noticed the middle-aged woman in a white lab coat and glasses following Hachisu Inori—undoubtedly the school nurse from Light Private High School’s infirmary.
Clearly, Hachisu recognized Yueci.
“Oh? Yueci-chan, didn’t expect to see you again so soon~” Hachisu greeted her with a cheerful grin before shifting her gaze to Hiru Kawakami sitting on the bed. “Hmm? You’re Hiru Kawakami from Class 1, right? Did you hurt your foot?”
Hiru was momentarily flustered. She never imagined the Student Council President would know someone as insignificant as her. “Y-yes… I’m Hiru Kawakami…”
The nurse examined Hiru’s bandaged ankle. “Did this student treat you?” She gave Yueci an appreciative nod. “Very professional technique. Few students bother learning first aid these days.”
Hachisu suddenly winked at Yueci. “I was actually planning to visit your classroom later.” She smiled warmly. “How about stopping by the Student Council office afterward? We need to take your uniform measurements.”
Yueci nodded but eyed Hachisu with quiet suspicion. *Why is the Student Council President here if she’s not injured?*
As if reading her thoughts, Hachisu gestured toward a door inside the infirmary. “The school’s setting up a new counseling room. The nurse and I are finalizing the location.” Unexpectedly open, she shared this with two unrelated students. The nurse opened her mouth to protest, then fell silent after glancing at Hachisu’s armband. *The President must have her reasons.*
“Students carry heavy burdens these days,” Hachisu added meaningfully, her eyes briefly meeting Hiru’s confused ones. “Unresolved stress can fester if left unchecked…”
Fifteen minutes later, Hachisu closed her notebook. “I’ll borrow Yueci-chan now. Hiru-chan, please stay with the nurse.” Her smile remained gentle, yet Yueci sensed a fox’s slyness beneath it.
Hiru nodded quickly. “Go ahead, Yueci. I’ll rest here awhile.” She still needed time to process everything.
Light Private High’s long lunch break meant no rush. Yueci had considered escorting Hiru back to class but reconsidered—*no need to risk another encounter with Tanaka Kenta’s group*. “I’ll return to take you to class after I’m done,” she promised before following Hachisu out.
“Yueci-chan seems unusually close to Hiru-chan,” Hachisu mused, eyes crinkling as she glanced sideways. “Not like classmates who just met yesterday.”
“We’re desk partners,” Yueci replied flatly, hoping to shut down whatever game Hachisu was playing. The president merely chuckled, dropping the subject.
Unlike schools where student councils were figureheads, Light Private High’s held real authority. Major decisions flowed from the council, with the president drafting execution plans. In truth, it functioned as a playground for elite families—mere wealth couldn’t buy entry. Even junior members came from backgrounds far above ordinary students.
And Hachisu Inori? Behind her angelic smile lay the weight of the Hachisu clan—a dynasty famed for ruthless efficiency. Twenty-three years ago, it dominated Japan’s financial landscape. Today, its power only grew. *Unless…* Yueci recalled a woman with pale gold hair and a deceptively sweet smile. A shiver ran down her spine. She stole another glance at Hachisu.
“President!”
“Good afternoon, President!”
Council members bowed as they passed. Hachisu returned each greeting with effortless grace—a magnetism born of both beauty and poise.
At the end of the third-floor hallway stood a door adorned with elegant, understated carvings. A brass plaque read *President’s Office* in flowing script. Inside, the air carried a faint rose fragrance. A vase of crimson blooms glowed in the corner.
*Where’s the tailor?* Yueci wondered.
Hachisu set her notebook down and pulled a soft measuring tape from her drawer. “Surprised I’m taking your measurements myself?” She pressed a finger to her lips, feigning modesty. “I measure every student’s uniform.”
“Alright then…” She stepped close. “Arms out, Yueci-chan?”
Noon sunlight spilled through the curtains, gilding the floor and setting Hachisu’s golden hair aglow. Her own uniform fit with surgical precision—a testament to her meticulous nature. The proximity felt intimate as the tape glided over Yueci’s shoulders, chest, waist, and hips. Each gentle tug left a phantom warmth on her skin.
“Such lovely proportions,” Hachisu murmured after finishing. She studied Yueci’s frame with open appreciation, making her shift uncomfortably.
After recording the numbers, Hachisu picked up a camera from her desk. “One last thing—school ID photo.” She tilted her head. “Could you remove your glasses?”
