"Wow, so bold!"

"Wisdom-chan, don’t you think this guy’s super handsome and domineering?"

"You mean that ‘domineering CEO falls for me’ trope? Stop reading those dumb novels, okay...."

"No, no! This is real life! Aren’t you excited? Don’t you feel thrilled!?"

Watching her thrilled best friend, the girl called Wisdom-chan just couldn’t get what she meant.

Meanwhile, few remained where Night Zero had stood. Only the boy Empty City had completely ignored was left.

Up close, he was quite handsome. His youthful face fit the "fresh-faced pretty boy" label. Golden, silky short hair looked soft. His vibrant golden eyes glared angrily at where Empty City had gone.

"Young master..."

"Shut up! Go find out who that guy was—now!"

The boy fumed. This guy had popped up, gotten cozy with Teacher Night Zero, and sounded so arrogant—it sparked a crisis feeling. Worse, he’d treated the boy arrogantly and damn well put his hand on Ms. Night Zero’s butt! A spot even I haven’t touched—how could some creepy loser do that?! The boy seethed. In his mind, Empty City morphed into a creepy old man.

Elsewhere, Empty City—who’d carried off Night Zero in a princess carry—was drowning in regret.

If his hands were free, he’d slap himself. But one hand was stuck on Night Zero’s butt. He wanted to move it, but it wouldn’t budge, glued like superglue. His other arm wrapped around her shoulders for comfort—perfect princess carry form.

Why had he said those things? Why grab Night Zero so forcefully? Why? Who the hell could explain this!?

A split-second impulse caused irreversible fallout. Empty City didn’t know what it was, but he felt deeply ashamed—on every level. Like those domineering CEO novels he’d skimmed online years ago... Had he just been that domineering? He wanted to ask Night Zero but choked up. Speaking of her, she’d been silent in his arms for a while. Why no words? With that thought, he finally looked at the girl he’d avoided staring at.

In that instant... the world went silent. Buildings, trees, even pointing students vanished from his sight.

Only the girl in his arms remained—the blushing, shy one who made you want to take a bite.

Crimson hair spilled over her shoulders. Her gorgeous face flushed red as a ripe apple, sparking an urge in Empty City to nibble it. Her hands gripped his shirt. Her whole body trembled slightly. Her gently rising chest seemed to tempt him...

Damn it. At this rate, I won’t hold back...

This shy display hit harder than any image.

"Uh... Night Zero..."

To break the awkwardness, Empty City swallowed his inner roar and spoke.

Poof...

Pink fox ears popped up on her head. Trembling and blushing, they looked incredibly cute.

Poof...

A fluffy tail brushed against Empty City’s fingers with the next sound.

"Mmm..."

Night Zero was too embarrassed to reply properly. She didn’t know why, but when Empty City lifted her, she felt no discomfort. No matter where his hands went, she didn’t resist. It all felt natural. Right. She’d hidden in his arms, too scared to meet his eyes. Only his voice made her look up—and her shyness level maxed out!

The fox ears and tail gave her away.

A Fox Maiden like her—if this were a novel, she’d be a heroine to romance. But this was the cruel real world, academy or not.

Fox Maidens were called monsters. Abominations.

If she didn’t hide it well, others would spot her. What they’d do to Night Zero was beyond Empty City’s control.

What was she feeling? Shyness? Fear? Her gaze darted to roadside students, worrying when they’d notice her difference. Empty City dropped his own shyness. He bent close to her ear and whispered gently.

"Don’t worry... I’m here."

His deep, magnetic voice erased her fear instantly. She didn’t know his plan, but she felt inexplicably safe.

Maybe... this was trust?

Seeing her steady eyes, Empty City knew she was calm. Next: reach the principal’s office fast and vanish from sight.

"So... where’s the principal’s office? And nearby restrooms. Leave the rest to me."

Without hesitation—or still dazed—Night Zero answered.

Then, under her gaze, speed like a fierce wind erupted.

Students and teachers only felt a gust rush past. Nothing else.

Girls clutched their skirts. Boys whistled and cheered. Teachers awkwardly fixed their clothes. Life rolled on like nothing happened.

Absolute Speed...

Empty City, once atop the world, held unmatched velocity. When serious, no one could catch him in sight—he was certain of that.