She really couldn’t transform! Mr. Kenji had warned her again and again: never reveal her true identity.

Especially not over something as absurd as losing a schoolyard brawl. She’d be too ashamed to face him—and Kenji might just lock him up with sheer force.

Worst of all, if her true self were exposed, she could never stay by her daughter’s side.

This was not the ending she wanted.

Yukieda could only watch helplessly as that sinister pink hue crept toward her inner thigh. She even turned her face away, like a child refusing to look.

Kotake knew exactly what “Miao Miao” was.

She remembered the foreigner’s words: this drug was potent—strong enough to warp a person’s values temporarily.

*Proud? Ignoring me? Playing hero?* she sneered inwardly. *I’ll make you show your true colors in seconds!*

Film it, and the video would sell like hotcakes. A thousand credits? Ten thousand would be easy.

But the syringe didn’t pierce Yukieda’s skin as Kotake imagined.

A black fingerless glove seized it. Yukieda followed the arm up—to meet a pair of icy eyes staring straight at her.

Her mind raced.

*Another transfer student?!*

*Do they have nothing better to do than meddle?*

*What was her name…?*

Mai Harukaze.

Right—she’d claimed she came to Byakko Academy for Oriuchi. So they must know each other.

“You little—!” Kotake’s insult cut off as her face slammed into Mai’s boot.

Severe pain shot through her nerves. For a split second, her mind went blank.

She flipped backward, mouth numb, spitting blood—and a tooth.

Unlike Yukieda, Mai showed no mercy. A kick to the neck would’ve been far worse.

Mai coldly adjusted her gloves while watching the bruised Kotake.

Yukieda seized the chance. Her partner had come! No time for thanks—she drove her forehead hard into the delinquent straddling her.

*Crack!* Broken or dislocated, he went limp instantly.

The remaining two clenched fists, aiming to knock Yukieda out first before dealing with the tall girl with the high ponytail.

Mai wouldn’t allow it. Another kick—a flash of pale thigh—and the delinquent spun midair.

Yukieda snatched a broken tile shard and slammed it into the last standing guy’s face.

She sprang up, disheveled: torn clothes, tangled hair, black sewage streaking her face—like a knight fresh from a goblin cave.

Only Koki and Kocha remained. They smartly gave Yukieda a crisp French military salute.

Ignoring her mess, Yukieda untied Mari’s restraints.

“Thank you, Yukieda-chan,” Mari whispered, tears in her eyes, scraped knees trembling as she hugged Yukieda.

“You’re safe,” Yukieda murmured, flustered. *Her chest is… really big.*

Mai remained expressionless. “You might be the first person ever subdued by delinquents.”

Yukieda’s face flushed crimson.

Mari bristled—Yukieda was her hero! But Mai had saved them too… She bit her lip, shooting Mai a glare.

“Alright, alright,” Yukieda soothed, taking Mari’s hand.

Yukieda’s gaze turned sharp toward the delinquents.

“It was Kotake and her boyfriend’s plan! I knew nothing!” Koki stammered.

Kocha nodded frantically.

Yukieda’s golden eyes narrowed at the DV camera. She pointed at the pink syringe.

“What is this?”

Silence.

Yukieda raised her hand. Kocha covered her face, trembling: “Banned drug… ‘Miao Miao.’ I don’t know more!”

Relief flickered—until Yukieda asked, “How is it used?”

“Injected… or vaporized.”

“And you ‘didn’t know’?”

*Slap!* A red mark bloomed on Kocha’s cheek. She dared not flinch.

Koki glanced over—*Slap.*

“Stand still.”

*But I wasn’t moving…* Koki thought, stung.

Yukieda destroyed the memory card, ordered Kocha to call police. Terrified, Kocha obeyed.

In the hallway, Yukieda blocked the doorway, watching the groaning figures inside. She smashed the syringe. Glass shattered; pink mist bloomed.

Kocha and Koki paled, legs shaking, tears welling.

Yukieda smiled gently, unmoving. Only after a long moment did she leave with Mai and Mari.

Once gone, the two girls exchanged panicked looks.

“Nurse’s office?”

“No—the gym storage room. Hurry!”

Thighs quivering like live wires, they bolted from the abandoned building.

Minutes later, the four on the floor rose unsteadily, zombie-like, pink hearts glowing in their eyes.

“Thank you, truly—Yukieda-chan!” At the station, Mari bowed slightly, eyes glistening. “And thank you, Mai-san.”

“Don’t mention it. You’d do the same for me, right?” Yukieda winked.

Mari nodded solemnly.

Mai stayed silent, but Yukieda sensed restlessness beneath her calm. Mari, now familiar with Mai’s aloofness, simply waved as the train arrived.

Yukieda messaged Shizuku: *Something came up. Might be late or not come. Make yourself dinner.*

Shizuku replied instantly: *Got it. Stay safe.*

Crowds eyed the two striking girls—especially Yukieda’s dirty, torn clothes sparking whispers.

*That’s why I won’t visit Shizuku today.*

Yukieda turned to Mai. Her face was flushed, eyes hazy.

“You? Ah—!”

Mai swayed. Yukieda caught her.

*The drug.* She pulled off Mai’s glove—six perfect circular marks on her palm: injector needle imprints.

“Hospital! I’ll call a taxi!”

Flustered, Yukieda guided her out. Mai’s breath burned hot; she tugged at her collar, feverish.

“Hang on! It’s close!”

Yukieda held her hand—slender, surprisingly broad.

“No hospital… I know this drug… Just rest…” Mai suddenly gripped Yukieda’s wrist, eyes sharp.

*Please.*

Yukieda hailed a cab. “Terashita Apartments,” she told the curious driver.

On the sofa, Mai went limp. Yukieda paced. *She refused hospital… now what?*

She called Kenji.

“‘Miao Miao’? Wait it out. Keep your distance from Mai. Meeting—gotta go.” A gruff voice. A woman’s laugh faintly in the background.

*Damn him!* Mai was his subordinate! Telling her to stay away while Mai suffered?!

She studied Mai—her daughter’s age, flat-chested. Yukieda fetched warm water, gently wiping her brow.

Mai’s skirt had ridden up. She murmured about the heat. *I’m a girl too… changing her clothes is fine.*

Then.

She saw it.

Yukieda froze. Jaw dropped. Eyes wide with childlike disbelief at Mai’s “cool” face.

*Snap.*

Mai’s hand clamped Yukieda’s arm. Yukieda paled.

In that instant, Kenji’s words clicked:

*You and Mai are a perfect match.*

*And… keep your distance from **him**.*