Her feet were soaked from the water. Though other details about the girl certainly demanded attention, Chen Yaoyi’s gaze remained stubbornly locked on them.

May’s face flushed crimson as she strained to pull her foot free—but failed. Chen Yaoyi’s grip was far stronger. Perched unsteadily on the chair, she risked toppling over.

"Let go! Now! You pervert!"

At his lewd remark, May’s cheeks burned hotter. Though drenched and chilled moments ago, heat now surged through her. She’d never admitted it aloud, but she truly disliked this… yet now, Chen Yaoyi’s touch sent a strange, unfamiliar ripple through her. That was why she fought so hard to escape.

"Hey, hey—ever seen someone take a hit without fighting back?"

"Mmph…"

She puffed her cheeks, flustered and guilty. May hadn’t meant to snap, but provoked, she’d lost control.

"But! I! It’s just—"

She tried to protest, but Chen Yaoyi’s scorching stare left her utterly exposed.

"Even if you hate me, you can’t just hit me. I *am* a teacher. Know the consequences of assaulting one?"

Chen Yaoyi’s mind flashed to his past self—the scum who’d threaten parents with expulsion, fabricate lies, then pursue the student’s mother or girlfriend for illicit affairs.

*That* Chen Yaoyi was gone. This was a pure love story world. He was just a blond-haired side character playing matchmaker.

"F-Fine! I’m sorry! I was wrong! I shouldn’t have hit you!"

Tears welled in May’s eyes. Yet Chen Yaoyi’s hands grew bolder.

His fingers slid to her sole, roaming freely. May trembled, soft whimpers escaping her lips. Her chest rose and fell with ragged breaths. Damp strands clung to her skin; her sky-blue bra peeked through, a flash of skin visible beneath her skirt. She struggled against his grip, but any sharp movement threatened a fall. Leaning back to escape, each sway nearly sent her tumbling—until after several violent tilts, she clutched Chen Yaoyi’s shoulders tightly. The only stable anchor higher than the table.

Now, May gripped his shoulders, one foot planted firmly on his thigh.

"Hah… hah… hah…"

"What a delightful sound," Chen Yaoyi murmured, licking his lips with a sinister smirk. His gaze climbed slowly from her delicate feet up her body, lingering on her chest and collarbone.

"Pervert… I’m sorry… please let go…"

Noticing his brazen stare, May felt anger and helplessness swirl. *She* started it—but he’d crossed the line.

"Still defiant? Say this: *‘I’m sorry, I’ll do whatever you say—please keep teasing me like this!’* Only then will I release you."

"N-No way! You might as well tickle me to death!"

"Honestly? I could play with these legs for a year—but then again…"

He spread his fingers and slipped them between her toes.

May’s face flushed crimson instantly, as if steam rose from her head. Her pink lips trembled; her gaze grew hazy. Soft protests continued as his large hands caressed her foot like polished jade. She’d never imagined this—wronged, frightened, shy, as if watching an embarrassing 18+ movie. Realizing her own unexpected reaction filled her with guilt.

"Please! I’m begging you, let go!"

"Hmm?"

More than the tickle on her sole, Chen Yaoyi’s suggestive touches stirred restless unease and a racing heart. She couldn’t explain it. His scorching gaze and teasing words promised assault on her legs—but his hands lingered just above her ankles, nails tracing lightly over supple skin, his eyes locked meaningfully on her flushed face.

"I’m begging you! Please let go—"

"Hey! May? Are you in there?"

A boy’s voice cut through the cafeteria door, clear despite the drumming rain.

"Huh? That’s Xiao Luo’s voi—Ah!?"

May shrieked. Her body lurched forward, balance lost. Hearing Zhao Xiaoluo’s voice layered terror over her flushed shame—*What if he sees us?*

She tumbled straight into Chen Yaoyi. He instantly released her foot and wrapped both arms around her slender waist.

"May?! Are you there?!"

Zhao Xiaoluo’s voice drew closer.

Inside, they were locked face-to-face: May’s arms looped around Chen Yaoyi’s neck, seated on his lap, legs parted. His palms pressed firmly against her lower back, fingers gripping her sides.

"May?"

The voice edged nearer.