A small service door was cut into the roller shutter, left slightly ajar. May scanned the area, confirmed no one was near, then hurried closer.

She slipped inside swiftly and shut the door.

This was the school’s sports storage room—filled with rarely used equipment.

Choosing this spot for a tactical talk? Honestly, pretty fitting.

Still, May wondered: was it really necessary to trek all the way from the classroom building? And why ditch her phone, bag, *everything* that could connect her to the outside world—and not even tell her best friend?

All in all… deeply mysterious.

Plus, when she’d left class, both Su Ziqing’s and Zhao Xiaoluo’s bags were still there. Were they off flirting somewhere she didn’t know? …May’s chest tightened. Not seeing Xiaoluo always made her uneasy.

But she’d promised Chen Yaoyi. So she ran to the storage room.

Chen Yaoyi had signed up for self-study that afternoon—and vanished.

“Perverted teacher?”

May instinctively narrowed her eyes. The room was dim; lights off.

She rarely came here and had no clue where the switch was.

Taking cautious steps forward, she advanced slowly.

“Too slow!”

Chen Yaoyi’s shout erupted from behind. Startled, May bolted ahead, clutching her chest, gulping deep breaths to calm down.

She never expected him to appear—silently—right at her back.

“If you’re here, *say* something! You nearly gave me a heart attack!”

She kicked the green mat beside her in frustration.

*Click.* The lights snapped on. Chen Yaoyi stood with his back to her, hand still on the circuit breaker.

Flustered, May crouched to straighten the mat she’d disturbed. But the whole floor behind her was layered with identical green mats—two thick layers, laid flat.

Weren’t these sit-up mats? And why so clean? Everything here should’ve been dusty from neglect… Had someone cleaned it?

May glanced at Chen Yaoyi by the door—his rolled sleeves smudged with dark grime.

Hesitant but trusting, she watched him turn, hands behind his back, then lightly test the doorknob as if checking the lock.

Even May, usually slow to catch on, sensed something wrong. She instinctively stepped back—but mats surrounded her. Only one exit existed… right behind Chen Yaoyi.

*Click.* A soft lock-engaging sound. But… she’d already locked the door when she entered. What *was* that?

“Y-you… what are you doing…?”

“Do you know what emotions a man holds for a woman he desires?”

“Eh…?”

Ignoring her, Chen Yaoyi stepped closer, smiling.

That smile—identical to their first meeting. Back then, it had reeked of intent to harass and violate her.

“I’m no monster. Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you… *if* you don’t resist.”

May retreated instinctively, sinking into the soft mats, scanning for cover. But the room held only immovable gear. Escape was impossible.

“Wait—Teacher?! Pervert?! What are you *doing*?! Stop scaring me! You said you wouldn’t—”

“Obviously I lied! Who’d actually play along with your little games? Pathetic!”

Chen Yaoyi laughed, swiftly untying his tie. He matched her steps, cornering her deep in the room.

“How long do you think I’ve waited? Watching a woman like you—so well-developed, so beautiful—*who* could resist? Ahahahaha!”

May frantically searched for a weapon. Everything was too heavy.

Sharp objects? Locked away. Even the performance javelins she recalled from helping organize this room once were gone.

Nothing left to defend herself with.

Chen Yaoyi unbuttoned his shirt. May’s face drained white. She tried to scream—but he slammed her onto the mats.

“Mmph—!”

His hand clamped firmly over her soft lips. His weight pinned her down; he straddled her legs to block any kick.

“Mmmph! Mmmph!”

She thrashed—pushing, punching, clawing. His shirt tore under her nails. Bloody scratches bloomed on his arms, chest, neck.

But his strength crushed hers.

Terror flooded her pale face. Tears welled at the corners of her eyes. *Were all his words lies? He had chances before… why now?*

Yet the hunger in his eyes, the grotesque lick of his lips—it felt terrifyingly real. *Is this his true self?*

She prayed it was acting.

Then—*rip!* Her blouse tore open. Buttons popped. Violation loomed.

She fought wildly, scratching, screaming silently.

And in that instant—

A figure appeared behind Chen Yaoyi.

Gripping a silvery baseball bat, they swung hard.