"Please rest well. This is entirely our fault—we failed to properly vet the teacher’s credentials. We are truly, deeply sorry!"

"May? Are you okay? Could Teacher Chen really be that kind of person? You never described him like that before!"

"May? I’m so glad you’re safe! I’ll protect you! From now on, I’ll protect you—I promise! Even if I’m not quite—"

The principal, her best friend, Xiaoluo, and so many others had consoled May. But only May knew the truth—only she knew Chen Yaoyi had acted that way for her.

Yet Chen Yaoyi had vanished without a trace.

May had never felt such an agonizing, desperate need to know someone’s whereabouts.

"May? Are you still feeling unwell?"

"May?"

"May!"

A warm touch landed on her shoulder. Zhao Xiaoluo’s face suddenly appeared before her, holding the iced tea he’d bought for her, eyes clouded with worry.

This was their first proper date. The last two had been ruined by unforeseen circumstances—but this time, Zhao Xiaoluo swore he wouldn’t stand her up.

Yet May seemed weighed down by silent worries.

Her flaxen hair, long neglected, had faded—jet-black at the ends, only the mid-length strands holding a dull, ashen tint.

Her outfit wasn’t "date-perfect" at all: casual wear, a light layer of sunscreen, school uniform pants. Nothing more.

Well… at least the shoes were a gift from Mom two days ago.

If once she’d been a hundred percent sure she could win Zhao Xiaoluo’s heart, now she felt not even a flicker of that desire.

The school granted her leave and offered compensation. Her furious parents urged her to transfer or stay home—whatever she wanted. But May chose to return.

She was, after all, a resilient girl.

Chen Yaoyi had once said a girl who stayed upbeat was more appealing—and that showing vulnerability before someone you liked was okay.

May also believed no one at school truly wished her harm. Chen Yaoyi had acted to protect her… though she wondered if that was just her hoping.

"Mm, thank you."

May nodded, accepted the drink, and cradled it gently in both hands.

Slowly, she lifted her gaze to Zhao Xiaoluo as he sat beside her.

Perhaps nearly being violated had finally made him see his true feelings—and begin to face them.

Where once uncertainty lingered between them, his affection for May was now unmistakable.

But May no longer wished to accept it.

Because she’d faintly begun to understand her own heart.

"Is it your health? Or going out? Should I take you home?"

Zhao Xiaoluo was trying harder now—making up for every past shortcoming.

He escorted her to and from school daily, prioritized her above all else, even ignored Su Ziqing.

May felt a tiny warmth at his care… but nothing more. No flutter, no spark.

She even doubted if she’d ever truly liked him. Yet before anything began, she’d already decided—

"N-no… it’s fine… I’m okay…"

Truth was, May no longer enjoyed going out.

Before, shopping with someone she liked felt joyful.

Now, everyone treated her like a fragile patient—parents, classmates, teachers tiptoeing around her. And outside? Reporters lurked.

That was why she avoided leaving home.

But Zhao Xiaoluo had insisted this outing was important—so she reluctantly agreed.

"May! There’s something very important I’ve been wanting to tell you—"

"I want ice cream."

"I really li—Huh?"

Zhao Xiaoluo’s carefully prepared words cut off. He blinked, then frantically scanned for a vendor.

None.

"But… there’s no ice cream here! And your health—"

"Please. I really want it. I’ll listen after I eat it, okay?"

"Y-yes! Of course!"

It was the first time May had ever asked him for anything. Zhao Xiaoluo shot up like he’d been electrified, set his bottle beside her, and jogged off.

They were in a quiet suburban park—fresh air, peaceful scenery.

But spotting distant photographers with cameras, May’s mind flashed to the paparazzo who’d sneaked into school.

Watching Zhao Xiaoluo’s retreating back, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.

She knew he was about to confess.

She feared she wouldn’t feel joy… and feared crushing him with rejection.

So she’d sent him away.

"Hm? Uh… Ah! Miss—you wouldn’t happen to be the student from that recent school assault case making headlines, would you?"

"Huh?"

May looked up. A sweaty man stood there, camera and recorder in hand. He pointed at her uniform pants, rummaging through his bag.

"No! You’ve got the wrong person!"

She spun to flee, stepped onto the stone bench—but before she could run, a clammy, thick hand seized her wrist.

"If it’s not you, why run? Ahahaha! Jackpot! Don’t go! Chat with Uncle, huh? Ahahaha!"

His laughter boomed behind her. May was yanked backward—balance lost, tumbling down—

"Ahhh! Help! You pervert!"