What kind of move was this? Or did such a move even exist in this world?

The scene in the infirmary left Night Zero’s mind completely blank.

She’d worried Empty City might mess up his first class. She’d wondered if he’d need help. But was it all pointless?

Inside the infirmary, a boy—face flushed yet trying to act serious—was touching a girl’s chest. If she guessed right, that was Estia, the one Wisdom had mentioned. How could this possibly be about feeling unwell? Something so embarrassing and steamy couldn’t be linked to that.

Night Zero slumped against the infirmary door, arms crossed over her chest, head buried deep between her knees.

Why not just leave? Maybe she wanted to wait for Empty City to explain. But... why listen to that explanation? What explanation could fix this scene?

Her thoughts were a void. Anything that surfaced flickered past too fast to grasp. That was all.

“Ah... it’s coming...”

The voice from inside stabbed Night Zero’s heart like a needle.

Why was he so close to a girl on day one? Why did this happen right away?

If he really found a girlfriend—even a student—she should be happy for him, right? Then why did her heart ache so much? Why did she feel so bitter? She’d sworn that just rescuing him, staying by his side quietly, would be enough. Why did she crave more?

Why...

Tears spilled out traitorously, pearl-sized drops streaming down her cheeks like rain.

Yet Night Zero made no sound. She simply let the tears flow, crying in silence. She didn’t want to disturb them inside... This was something that made Empty City happy, after all.

.....

“Well, this time passed safely. Next time your period hits, just follow the method I used... Having a guy handle this isn’t ideal.”

After the massage ended and the chest pain faded, Empty City quickly had Estia put her bra and clothes back on. If the nurse returned now, he’d never clear his name. He turned away, waiting for her to dress, then finished his earlier advice.

“Mm... thank you, teacher...”

Clutching her clothes to her chest, Estia’s mind replayed the scene. She couldn’t meet her teacher’s eyes; her voice came out soft and weak. Earlier, the period haze had blurred her thoughts, but the relief—the comfort from his touch—felt so real, so wonderful.

Ugh... if I keep thinking this, will he think I’m a pervert?

She stole a glance at her teacher. Seeing he wasn’t paying attention—and remembering her thoughts were private—Estia ducked her head, flustered.

“Well, since you’re fine, rest here. A nap’s good. First class is just introductions anyway—no real teaching.”

“Eh... is that really okay?”

A teacher skipping class with a student was new to her. She felt better now, no need to rest. But Empty City insisted, just to be safe. He knew her name now; they were acquainted. Class wasn’t over yet—he needed to return, build rapport with students. He’d be here a while.

“Yeah. My call. Rest up. But you must attend next class.”

“Mm-hmm...”

Strangely, even though she’d been fully exposed, his eyes held no lust. During the massage, he’d kept them tightly shut—except for unavoidable moments. Mostly, he’d given her space.

“I’ll head back now.”

“Wait...”

“Something else?”

“Um... teacher... can you keep this secret?”

“Secret? About your identity?”

Empty City recalled a certain girl who’d risked a jailbreak charge for him.

“Mm.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”

It wasn’t just for Night Zero. Empty City didn’t care about labels like “monster.” Adults spread those fears to protect kids, but no one knew if the danger was real.

After leaving the infirmary, Empty City retraced his steps toward his classroom.

He didn’t notice the faint traces of tears by the door. Or the figure hiding at the stairwell.