"Yueci, you were too impulsive today."

The counseling room at Light Private High School was cramped, deliberately designed to close the distance between speaker and listener. Sometimes, tight spaces bridged psychological gaps.

Shanwu Lingsheng sat opposite Yueci Porcelain. Taller even while seated, she gazed down slightly at the girl. The confined air carried Shanwu’s faint rose perfume, mingled with something else—indescribable, elusive.

Certain matters couldn’t be discussed in busy offices. Here, in this private space, truths flowed easier.

Shanwu’s tone was gentle despite her reprimanding words. Her soft gaze made Yueci look away uncomfortably. That overwhelming aura of kindness felt unnatural to her.

"I’ve heard from classmates and Hiru about what happened," Shanwu continued. "Most say Tanaka Kenta merely dropped his tray before you attacked him. Is that true?"

Her voice stayed warm, but the words turned icy in Yueci’s ears. *Of course*, she thought. At Light Private High, protecting insiders was routine. Truth often twisted under the weight of many voices—bullied victims recast as troublemakers, chaos painted as peace.

Yueci pressed her lips together, tongue-tied. Debates weren’t her strength.

But Shanwu surprised her.

"Though... there’s another version of events." She shifted posture, resting her chin on one hand. The slight tilt upward softened her presence. "Personally? I lean toward that one."

"I understand your feelings, Yueci. Privately? I don’t blame you for what you did."

Yueci blinked up at her, startled. She’d expected gentle reproach, not this sharp-edged approval glinting in Shanwu’s eyes.

"The classroom is public," Shanwu added, sitting straight. Her slender fingers tapped a rhythm on her knee. "Rumors spread. Your reputation matters."

Yueci stared at those tapping fingers, unable to meet Shanwu’s gaze. Under this teacher’s presence, she felt like a scolded child—stiff, uncertain. No educator had ever balanced warmth and perceptiveness like this.

Silence thickened the air. When Yueci finally glanced up, Shanwu’s smile had vanished. Her eyes, half-lidded and bored, locked onto Yueci’s.

Then—*click*—the gentle mask slid back into place. *Did I imagine it?* Yueci wondered.

"Tanaka’s in the infirmary. I’ll speak with him later." Shanwu stood. "Return to class. Stay cautious these next few days."

Yueci nodded, closing the door behind her.

Alone, Shanwu’s warmth evaporated. She crossed her legs, leaning back against the wall.

*Click.*

The lighter’s spark flared. Smoke curled from the cigarette between her lips, veiling her face in hazy shadows.

—

Yueci had known Light Private’s student dynamics were toxic. But causing this much chaos on her first day? She faintly regretted worrying Nishikino An. Still—rewind time, she’d do it again.

She wasn’t some self-righteous avenger. Her morals were personal, not imposed. But she wasn’t a saint either.

Harm the innocent? No. Let the despicable walk free? Never.

Once, her frail body trapped fury in novels. Now? She’d stopped short of killing Tanaka. Just broken teeth. A bloody nose. Injuries his family’s wealth would erase. *Too lenient*, she thought, sighing.

By the time she returned to class, self-study period was nearly over. Whispers erupted like startled sparrows as she entered.

Hiru Kawakami shot her a worried look. *Will Shanwu-sensei believe me?* her eyes asked.

"I’m fine," Yueci murmured.

Their gossip-loving classmate, Komori Minori, twisted around. "New girl, you’re insane!" she hissed. She’d hated Tanaka’s bullying but feared his family’s influence. Seeing him humbled thrilled her. "But you’re a scholarship student. He’s the Tanaka heir. After today? Your school life’s doomed."

Yueci stayed silent.

"His family’s new money," Minori pressed, "but they’ve got yakuza ties. Contracts, bids—all smoothed by underworld connections." She lowered her voice. "My parents mentioned the ‘West District’... whatever that means. Just stay quiet. Survival’s smarter than heroics."

*Survival?* Yueci’s eyes narrowed. *I’m a Vampire. I don’t die.*

Minori sighed. "Good luck," she muttered, turning back to her notes.

—

In the infirmary, Tanaka Kenta lay bandaged, wincing. He wouldn’t call his family—not yet. First, he’d silence every witness.

*Humiliated by a girl.* Unforgivable.

He dialed. "Nakamura-boss? A favor... Yeah. Teach a bitch a lesson. Kill her if you want. Pin it on some minor—my family’ll bury the case."

He hung up, glaring at the ceiling. Blood throbbed in his shattered nose.

"Yueci Porcelain," he growled through clenched teeth. "You’re dead."