The Heroine in Trouble? I Take Advantage, Ch 16-20

Chapter 16 – Back to School! Kasumigaoka Is Back!

A Certain Magical Index.

In his previous life, this series was a monument in the history of light novels.

With over thirty-one million copies sold, it ranked among the top three bestsellers of all time.

Its spinoffs—manga, anime, games, drama CDs, movies—formed an industry chain so massive and influential it was almost terrifying.

Even just the side story, A Certain Scientific Railgun, crushed ninety-nine percent of so-called “hit series” in both popularity and commercial success.

And Misaka Mikoto—“Railgun” herself—became a legend, reigning year after year as champion of the International Saimoe Tournament.

And now, that entire monument—its outlines, worldbuilding, character notes, and polished drafts—lay perfectly intact inside Seiji Fujiwara’s mind.

“Talk about rain in a drought,” Seiji muttered with a satisfied grin.

6 Days, 6 People, 6 Guns had been on sale for half a month. Its initial heat was already cooling.

So far, sales across Japan had hit three hundred thousand copies. According to Undokawa’s estimate, it might eventually reach five hundred thousand—

But that would take years.

Normally, this was when an author started preparing their next book.

Naturally, Seiji wasn’t going to just sit back and coast. He’d use Index to break into the long-form field.

His dark, punchy debut short had already built him a solid reputation.

If his next work kept up the quality, the results would be spectacular.

And with Index, there was no question of quality.

With that thought, Seiji stood, dried himself off, and headed to his study.

He flipped open his laptop and began to type out everything that overflowed in his mind.

…

The next morning.

Kyoto, Minato Ward. Seven a.m.

Golden sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining room.

Seiji sat at the head of the table, slowly enjoying his breakfast.

"Not bad. Still plenty of room to improve, though," he said casually as he ate.

Utaha had made it.

In a normal arrangement like theirs, no one would expect the girl to cook. Who made their mistress handle breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

But Seiji was paying five hundred thousand. Well above market price.

So Utaha had no choice but to do more.

“I’ll practice,” she replied evenly, eating across from him.

She was already dressed in Toyogasaki Academy’s uniform—white short-sleeved blouse, red-and-black plaid skirt, and those iconic black stockings that made her long legs look dangerously breathtaking.

Today was only her second day officially living in his apartment.

The struggle and hatred she’d shown at first had faded, replaced by a quiet calm.

After enduring Seiji’s repeated storms, Utaha was becoming numb. She could keep her composure most of the time now.

Even if she loathed it, she could suppress her instincts and play the role demanded by their contract.

From the moment she signed, there was no turning back. Resistance was meaningless.

All she could do was follow through, play her part, and wait until her “sentence” ended.

…

Her thoughts drifted back to a few days earlier.

The day she brought her mother home from the hospital and settled her into a new apartment.

Her mother’s expression had been silent, her gaze heavy.

“Utaha… where did the money come from?” she asked.

That surgery had cost a fortune. Their savings were long gone. How could Utaha, a single college-aged girl, suddenly afford so much—plus a new apartment?

“Don’t worry, Mom. I have a boyfriend now.”

Utaha took a deep breath and delivered the lie she had prepared, voice steady, adding a hint of girlish shyness. Even though her own performance disgusted her.

“His name is Seiji Fujiwara—our neighbor. He’s really capable. He just made some money recently, and when he heard about our situation, he helped us out.

Oh, and that night you collapsed? He’s the one who called the ambulance and got you to the hospital.”

Mrs. Kasumigaoka closed her eyes, pain twisting her face. She couldn’t bear to watch her daughter force a smile.

Things like that were never so simple.

Why, for example, was Utaha not living with her, but somewhere else?

There was only one answer.

This wasn't love. It was a transaction.

Her daughter had sold herself.

Tears spilled down her mother's face, drowning her in regret and guilt.

But what could she do? Go confront Seiji? Call the police?

And then what? Lose the medical care, the new apartment, the financial lifeline? Drown once more under crushing debt and drag her daughter back into despair?

And with that much money involved, Utaha would surely be trapped, unable to escape cleanly.

The only thing she could do was cooperate.

Choking back sobs, she nodded like a mother overjoyed her daughter had found a good home.

“That’s good… as long as he truly treats you well, I can rest easy.”

“He’s wonderful, Mom.” Utaha squeezed her mother’s hand, forcing a smile. Her voice turned soft, comforting.

“He respects me. We get along great. Just focus on recovering. Once you’re better, I’ll bring him to meet you.”

Of course, it was all lies.

But people lived on lies.

And materially speaking, Seiji had not mistreated her daughter.

…

“What are you thinking about?”

Seiji’s voice dragged Utaha back to the present.

“Nothing,” she answered quickly, lowering her gaze.

“Really?” Seiji didn’t press. He wiped his mouth, stood, and said, “Call me when you’re done. We’ll head to school.”

“…Okay.”

Utaha picked up her sandwich and ate quietly.

Seiji, meanwhile, returned to his study, resuming his furious typing on Index.

The workload was enormous.

And when he received the series, he had also inherited the original author’s inspiration and creative experience.

The early and later arcs of Index had distinctly different styles. The later volumes were more polished, more in tune with changing times and readers’ tastes.

Seiji wanted perfection. He even made small adjustments to the early chapters, which slowed his writing far more than 6 Days, 6 People, 6 Guns.

Still, there was no rush. That debut novel was still selling strong, and the editorial department wasn’t breathing down his neck yet.

He’s writing a novel?

Utaha’s gaze lingered on him, a flicker of complicated emotion passing through her eyes.

She had once dreamed of writing herself.

But her father’s accident had shattered all her plans.

That book—6 Days, 6 People, 6 Guns—was incredible… I still can’t believe that bastard Fujiwara wrote it.

She had bought it herself. Its ideas and prose had shocked her, impressed her.

But knowing the author’s rotten personality in real life made the disconnect unbearable.

Forget it. I still need to pack his bento.

Utaha shook her head and focused back on her breakfast.

Meals weren’t the only thing she had to handle for Seiji. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all hers to prepare.

…

Meanwhile, at Toyogasaki Academy, rumors were swirling.

In Class 2-B, a heated discussion about “Kasumigaoka Utaha” was underway.

“She’s been absent for almost two weeks, hasn’t she? The forums are going crazy.”

“Yeah, what’s going on? Some say it’s family trouble. Others say she secretly went overseas. And I even heard…” a boy lowered his voice, looking conspiratorial, “she was kidnapped.”

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

Class rep Mayu Kimura pushed her glasses up, frowning.

“The teacher already said Kasumigaoka-san just has family matters to deal with. She’ll be back soon!”

Even so, worry gnawed at her.

To disappear for so long without reason—something had clearly happened.

And judging from the teachers’ reactions, it wasn’t good.

Mayu sighed. As class rep, she resolved to check in on Utaha properly once she returned.

Elsewhere, in the student council office—

President Kenta Igarashi paced restlessly.

As one of Utaha’s most devoted admirers, he was losing his mind.

“Kasumigaoka-san still isn’t back?”

“President, she doesn’t really have friends. We can’t get any information,” one of the other council members said helplessly.

“Damn it!” Kenta slammed a fist against the desk, his eyes burning with determination.

“She must be in trouble! There’s no way she’d abandon her studies. Once she’s back, I’ll confess to her face. I’ll tell her she’s not alone in this fight!”

The other council officers nodded, fired up by his words.

They tossed around wild speculations—family disasters, yakuza entanglements—spinning plots worthy of a light novel themselves.

Utaha Kasumigaoka was Toyogasaki’s reigning beauty. Every move she made drew attention.

Her sudden absence for two weeks had the entire school buzzing.

…

But soon, her absence stopped being the point.

Because—

That very morning, Utaha Kasumigaoka appeared at the school gates.

And she wasn’t alone.

A hush fell over the bustling stream of students as if someone had hit pause.

Every pair of eyes locked onto the pair walking side by side.

Utaha Kasumigaoka.

And beside her—a familiar older student. Seiji Fujiwara.

Why were the two of them together?

But the real shock came a moment later.

That proud, untouchable Utaha Kasumigaoka—was clinging to Seiji’s arm like a lovestruck girl.

The campus exploded.

“That—That’s Kasumigaoka-senpai?!”

“No way! Why is she holding his arm?”

“Are they dating? Since when?!”

Gasps, disbelief, confusion, and envy rippled through the crowd.

But Utaha’s face remained calm.

And Seiji? He looked downright pleased—like a man savoring the thrill of walking openly with the school idol on his arm.

It was as if he had stolen every boy’s dream girl and flaunted it for all to see.

The feeling was intoxicating.

Chapter 17 – So Jealous of Fujiwara-senpai

When they entered the campus, Seiji Fujiwara and Utaha Kasumigaoka split up in the hallways, heading to their separate classrooms.

And then—

The headache began.

For the entire morning, Utaha felt like she was drowning in noise.

Just walking in with Seiji that morning had triggered a storm, and ever since, whispers followed her everywhere.

“Did Kasumigaoka really get a boyfriend?”

“And he’s a third-year senpai!?”

“Unbelievable, there wasn’t a single hint before this!”

“Yeah, and Fujiwara-senpai might be handsome, but he’s so plain. He looks boring.”

The words drilled into her ears no matter how she tried to block them out, making her head pound.

The only blessing was that she didn’t have friends at school—no one to swarm her with questions.

Well, except for Mayu Kimura, the class rep.

A kind, earnest girl, sharp-eyed, and always paying attention. Utaha had to admit she wasn’t a bad person.

But sometimes, people like that were the most troublesome.

All morning, Mayu had turned toward her at least seventeen times, lips parting as if she wanted to speak, only to falter. Each time, Utaha’s cold, distant aura forced her back into silence.

Yet the girl clearly wasn’t giving up.

Utaha was growing restless.

Riiiing—

The lunch bell rang.

The moment it did, Mayu hurried to Utaha’s desk, her face filled with hidden worry.

“Kasumigaoka-san! You… you and Fujiwara-senpai this morning, were you…?”

Something didn’t add up.

From the scraps she’d overheard from teachers, Mayu knew Utaha’s family was going through something serious. Who would have the heart to date under those circumstances?

And she herself had seen Utaha walk in with Fujiwara that morning.

But the vibe… didn’t feel like romance.

I really hate people who notice too much.

Utaha sighed inwardly, rising from her seat.

Thank you for worrying, Kimura. But sorry—I don’t need it.

She calmly pulled her bento box from her desk and gave Mayu a polite nod.

“Sorry. I have something to do.”

Her tone was cool and detached.

With that, she turned and left the classroom.

“Kasumigaoka-san?” Mayu’s face fell, stung.

The room fell briefly silent.

But almost immediately, chatter buzzed again.

“Wait, did Kasumigaoka just grab two bento boxes?”

“Is she going to eat with Fujiwara-senpai?”

“No way, seriously?”

“They’re moving fast!”

Speculation spread like wildfire.

Dozens of curious students rushed toward the stairwell, eager to track her movements.

Under all their prying eyes, Utaha walked unhurriedly up to the third-year classrooms.

Excitement rippled everywhere.

“Look! It’s Kasumigaoka-san!”

“She really went upstairs!”

“Damn, Fujiwara-senpai’s lucky—having such a gorgeous girlfriend coming to get him for lunch!”

The corridor buzzed with envy.

Utaha stopped at the door of Class 3-A.

In that instant, the hallway went dead silent.

Heads poked out from every classroom, from windows and doorways, every gaze glued to her.

Utaha drew in a breath, then quietly slid the door open.

Shhh—

The news had already spread. Everyone inside knew.

The moment the door opened, the entire class turned as one.

Every eye landed on her.

Then shifted to the boy by the window.

Seiji Fujiwara.

He lifted his head slowly, then stood with a smile.

“You finally came. I’ve been waiting forever.”

“What!?”

The boys in the room nearly fell out of their seats.

The school’s untouchable flower had come to invite him to lunch—and he dared to act like she was late?

Unforgivable.

Why Kasumigaoka Utaha? Why would she choose a guy like that?

“I’m sorry, Seiji. I kept you waiting.”

Her soft apology, paired with a faintly guilty smile, detonated like thunder in their hearts.

Shock froze them.

Why? Why treat him so well when he was so dismissive?

What charm could he possibly have?

Why wasn’t it me?

Boys pounded their desks in frustration, their envy burning so hot it might erupt from their eyes.

“Let’s go.”

Seiji stood, nodding as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and stepped out of the room.

“The weather’s nice today. How about we eat in the courtyard?” Utaha followed gently, almost demurely, like a bride-to-be.

Crash, crash—

The hearts of every boy in the hallway shattered on the spot.

Toyogasaki’s ice queen, the untouchable flower, was taken.

The morning’s rumors were true.

And the one who had plucked her… was Seiji Fujiwara.

The news spread like wildfire, racing through the school forums and chat groups, a storm none could ignore.

Chapter 18 – Lap Pillow

The “love bento” incident hit Toyogasaki Academy like a category twelve typhoon, sweeping across the forums and every chat group during lunch break.

【The school’s ice queen, Utaha Kasumigaoka, personally delivered a homemade bento to a mysterious upperclassman!】

【Photo proof! The second-year goddess served Class 3-A’s Seiji Fujiwara, acting as meek as a newlywed wife!】

【Shocking! What’s their relationship? Who on earth is this Seiji Fujiwara!?】

Sneaky candid shots, paired with sensational headlines, ignited every student’s appetite for gossip.

Most were thrilled, stunned, or just nosy.

But for Utaha’s admirers, the news was nothing short of a lightning strike.

Among them—student council president Kenta Igarashi stared at his phone, his face twisted in fury.

On-screen was the photo of Utaha quietly following behind Seiji, graceful and demure like a devoted young bride.

And Seiji’s nonchalant, entitled expression burned his eyes like acid.

“Bastard!”

He slammed his phone against the desk, chest heaving.

“No way! That’s impossible!”

“Kasumigaoka-san isn’t the kind of woman who would fawn over a man!”

“She must have been threatened—forced by Fujiwara Seiji’s dirty tricks!”

Kenta shot to his feet, eyes blazing with what he called “justice”… but was really jealousy.

“Yes! That’s the only explanation!”

“I can’t just stand by! I’ll save her!!”

The other council officers exchanged uneasy looks.

Of course, they thought his theory was nonsense—real life wasn’t some eroge plot.

But seeing their president fuming, none dared contradict him.

Instead, they echoed his outrage.

“That’s right, President! We’ll go with you!”

“We’ll rescue Kasumigaoka-san from that demon!”

“Fujiwara’s nothing compared to you, President!”

Hearing their agreement, Kenta puffed up, convinced he was the chosen hero.

“Good. I’ll go see Kasumigaoka right now!”

He strode out dramatically, and his officers trailed after him with weary sighs.

…

Meanwhile, in the courtyard—

Utaha Kasumigaoka sat stiffly beside Seiji Fujiwara, having just finished lunch.

Though Seiji hadn’t done anything too indecent in public, he spent the meal bossing her around, nitpicking her cooking, and ordering her like a spoiled young master.

The whole ordeal soured her mood for the rest of the day.

Not that it had started out well.

When she woke that morning, just seeing Seiji’s face had irritated her so badly she’d gone to brush her teeth twice, then hid under the covers pretending she hadn’t heard him until she was forced to act as his alarm clock.

And now—her irritation had only piled higher.

Sometimes she really wanted to fling the lunchbox at his face.

“Go wash the bento boxes,” Seiji said lazily after finishing, lounging back on the bench and waving a hand like a lord dismissing a servant.

A vein throbbed on Utaha’s forehead.

“…Fine.”

She forced down her anger and picked up the boxes with a practiced smile.

This was the role she had to play.

As far as the school was concerned, she wasn’t a kept woman—she was Seiji’s girlfriend.

So she had to endure.

…

“Damn bastard!”

At the outdoor sinks, Utaha furiously scrubbed the lunchboxes as though she were scouring Seiji himself away.

Only after she was done did she take a deep breath, smooth her expression into a polite smile, and head back.

Her “girlfriend duty” was over for now. At least she could rest.

But ahead of her, a group of boys stepped nervously into her path.

Her expression darkened immediately. More trouble.

“Kasumigaoka-san!”

Kenta Igarashi, flanked by his “allies,” marched up like a self-proclaimed hero.

Utaha didn’t even bother to lift her eyelids. Her silence and indifference crushed his rehearsed speech before it left his mouth.

He choked, face reddening, then raised his voice to push through.

“Kasumigaoka-san! I’ve admired you for a long time! Don’t let Fujiwara deceive you! He must have done something to you, right? Tell me, don’t be afraid—we’ll protect you!”

His lackeys quickly chimed in.

“That’s right, Kasumigaoka-san! We’ll help you!”

The crowd around them erupted.

“The president’s making a move?!”

“Wait, does that mean she was forced?!”

“This is huge!”

“I need to call my friends—this is live!”

Students buzzed with excitement, watching eagerly.

Here we go again.

Utaha pressed her lips together, brow twitching.

She didn’t even know this guy, and he was confessing in public?

And even if she really was being coerced—yes, she was, by Seiji—what then?

Would shouting about it here help her? Would it fix anything? No.

It would only ruin her reputation.

Besides, what was happening between her and Seiji was, in a twisted sense… “voluntary.”

No outsider had the right to interfere.

“Excuse me.”

She cut him a frosty glance, then brushed past him without hesitation.

Kenta and his friends froze in shock as she walked away—heading straight toward the bench.

Toward Seiji.

Seiji didn’t even look up from his phone.

“Done washing?” he asked casually.

“Mm.”

Utaha answered softly, then sat down beside him.

She gently patted her thigh. An invitation.

Seiji lay back without hesitation, resting his head against her lap. Utaha’s pale, silk-clad legs became his pillow as she steadied him with a careful hand.

Sunlight filtered through the trees, painting dappled shadows across them.

Seiji shifted comfortably, still scrolling his phone.

Utaha smiled faintly, one hand brushing his hair and collar into place, the other holding his hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

They looked like a couple who had done this a thousand times before.

“…”

“…”

Kenta Igarashi and his entourage stood frozen, their brains short-circuited.

A lap pillow?

And not forced—but offered?

Watching Utaha, the goddess they had placed on a pedestal, cradle that man so tenderly… Kenta felt blood rush to his head until the world went black.

“President!?”

“Are you okay?!”

“Get him to the infirmary!”

As he collapsed, the last thing he sensed was his own officers dragging him away.

The spectators whispered among themselves.

“He really fainted…”

“Seriously, boys are so weak.”

“And he said she was coerced? Please. What girl offers her lap if she’s being forced?”

“Exactly. Look at them—they’re clearly a real couple.”

“Yeah, no outsider should butt in.”

By the end of lunch, the story of the president’s failed confession—and dramatic fainting—was everywhere.

The school forums roasted him mercilessly.

The great student council president had become the clown.

Chapter 19 – Mrs. Kasumigaoka: The Two Kids Are Already Living Together

The rumors spread so fiercely among the students that, of course, the teachers caught wind of it too.

“Hahaha, that’s youth for you.”

“Igarashi’s probably going to be heartbroken for a while.”

“Hopefully it won’t hit him too hard.”

“But honestly, Fujiwara and Kasumigaoka? Who saw that coming?”

“Maybe they were seeing each other outside of school already.”

“Could be.”

The teachers had no intention of interfering. They found it more entertaining to sit back and watch.

But—

Utaha’s homeroom teacher, Keiko Nakamura, didn’t feel the same way.

From her observations, Utaha Kasumigaoka was proud, independent, a model student with excellent grades.

Forget a boyfriend… she hardly had any friends at all in school.

So how did she suddenly turn into this lovestruck girl linking arms, making bentos, even giving a lap pillow in public?

Something wasn’t right.

What’s more, as Utaha’s homeroom teacher, Nakamura was one of the few people who knew about her family situation. With that kind of trouble at home, how could she possibly be in the mood to fall in love?

She must be in some kind of trouble.

Was she being tricked?

Or threatened?

Worry churned inside Keiko Nakamura. As an adult, she knew well how dark the world could be. A pretty girl like Utaha would easily catch the attention of unsavory types.

Sure, Seiji Fujiwara looked harmless enough. But who could say what kind of person he was behind the mask?

So—

As soon as classes ended that afternoon, Nakamura called Utaha into her office.

The room was empty of other teachers—just the two of them.

“Kasumigaoka, please sit.” Nakamura gestured to the chair across from her. Her tone was gentler than usual.

“Yes.” Utaha sat down silently.

“Kasumigaoka,” Nakamura began softly, “I’ve heard the rumors going around school. You and that third-year student, Fujiwara—are you dating?”

“Yes, sensei.” Utaha answered quickly, as if reciting a line she’d prepared in advance.

“Dating normally?” Nakamura fixed her eyes on the girl. “If it’s a healthy relationship, I won’t interfere. But if there’s any problem, anything at all you need help with, you can always come to me.”

She paused, her tone softening even more.

“I know about your family situation, and I know you’re a mature child. That’s exactly why I’m worried. Whatever happens, both I and the school will be your support.”

Support?

Utaha almost felt exhausted just hearing it.

Empty words. What use were they?

Could her teacher pay for her mother’s surgery? Cover her hospital bills?

Utaha shook her head inwardly. Out loud, she answered flatly, “Thank you for your concern, Nakamura-sensei. But Seiji and I really are in a normal relationship.”

Her voice was calm, almost too calm.

“If you don’t believe me, you can call my mother. She knows about us. You can ask her yourself.”

She didn’t bother arguing—because it was clear Nakamura didn’t believe her. Explaining wouldn’t help. Better to cut straight to the point.

And sure enough, Nakamura froze.

She hadn’t expected Utaha to volunteer her mother’s number herself.

So open?

Had she been overthinking?

Or… was the girl bluffing, trying to scare her off?

After a moment’s hesitation, Nakamura decided to trust her own judgment.

“Alright then.” She nodded, pulling out her phone and dialing Mrs. Kasumigaoka’s number. She hit speaker.

Beep… beep…

The call connected quickly.

“Hello? This is Utaha Kasumigaoka’s mother, isn’t it? I’m her homeroom teacher, Keiko Nakamura.”

“Ah, Nakamura-sensei, hello, hello.” A gentle, slightly frail voice floated through the receiver.

Nakamura glanced at Utaha, then carefully broached the subject. “Sorry to intrude. I just wanted to check in on your health… and also talk a little about Utaha’s situation at school.”

She paused, choosing her words.

“Lately it seems she’s been… involved with an older student. I’m a little worried, since this is such a crucial time for her, and with your family’s circumstances…”

She didn’t even finish before Mrs. Kasumigaoka cut her off.

“Ah, Nakamura-sensei, you mean Seiji-kun, right?”

Her tone was calm, even firm. “I’m aware. He’s not just Utaha’s boyfriend—”

Nakamura’s expression froze. “You’re… aware?”

She didn’t notice Utaha lower her eyes, her nails faintly pressing into her palm. Of course her mother knew. She would cover the lie for her.

“Yes,” Mrs. Kasumigaoka continued, “Seiji is Utaha’s fiancé.”

Boom!

Like a bomb dropped, Nakamura’s mind went blank.

Fiancé?!

They were already engaged?!

Did I hear that right?

But the voice on the phone went on steadily.

“The two children get along very well. They’re already living together. Seiji-kun is an excellent, responsible young man. Entrusting Utaha to him puts me at ease.”

Living together?

Nakamura sat there dumbstruck.

Two minors—already cohabiting? Did they not worry about the consequences?

“I’ve also heard the school has rules regarding boy–girl relationships. I hope you can be a little lenient with them,” Mrs. Kasumigaoka added with a light laugh. “After all, as her guardian, I’ve already given my approval.”

Crash.

The words struck Nakamura like a bolt of lightning. She stared at Utaha in disbelief.

“See, sensei? I told you—it’s just a normal relationship.” Utaha sighed as though helpless.

Nakamura’s face flushed pale, then green, then white again.

So awkward!

They were already engaged, living together—with parental consent. And here she was, jumping to wild conclusions.

“…My apologies.” After several seconds of silence, she lowered her head.

“No, no, Nakamura-sensei, there’s no need to apologize. Thank you for caring about Utaha,” Mrs. Kasumigaoka replied politely through the phone.

After a few more words, the call ended.

The office fell into silence.

Nakamura kept her head down, unable to meet her student’s eyes.

Utaha slowly stood, smiling as she gave a small bow. “Sensei, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“…Yes. Go on.”

Utaha walked out with a calm air.

But the moment she stepped into the hall, that calm smile disappeared. Her expression twisted into something far more complicated.

Chapter 20 – Seiji Fujiwara, You Bastard… Are You a Hentai Protagonist?

The final bell rang.

Hundreds of students poured out of the school buildings and, without needing to be told, gathered along both sides of the main path leading to the front gate.

All eyes were fixed on the second-year building’s exit.

And under the weight of that collective gaze, two figures finally appeared.

Seiji Fujiwara walked out with the same laid-back, unfazed expression as always.

At his side, Utaha Kasumigaoka followed quietly. But gone was her usual cold, aloof face. In its place was a gentle expression, her steps falling in rhythm with his.

Hiss!

A chorus of sharp intakes of breath rippled down the line.

“It’s real…”

“Kasumigaoka-san is actually dating Fujiwara!”

“Damn it, why couldn’t I be the protagonist?”

“Goodbye, my youth.”

Seeing it with their own eyes crushed whatever hope remained. Countless boys looked as if their souls had been ripped out, their eyes glazed and lifeless.

Utaha herself let out a small, invisible sigh of relief.

Confirmed.

With the truth out in the open, she could finally have some peace.

Though… maybe not quite enough.

Catching sight of the lingering, unwilling stares, Utaha thought, Then I might as well sink the ship completely.

The plan formed instantly.

As they reached the front gate, Seiji was about to keep walking as usual when Utaha suddenly stopped. She caught the edge of his sleeve.

“Hm?”

Seiji turned, slightly surprised, and looked at her.

Then—before his curious eyes—Utaha rose on tiptoe, leaned forward, and pressed her soft lips against the corner of his mouth.

BOOM—!

The world fell silent, as if someone had hit the mute button.

Every face, boy or girl, froze in stunned disbelief.

“She… she kissed him?”

“And Kasumigaoka-senpai was the one who made the move!!”

“Why? What on earth is so great about Seiji Fujiwara?!”

“No way… the Utaha-senpai I admired could never be like this!”

In that instant, anyone who had ever placed Utaha Kasumigaoka on a pedestal felt their ideals crumble into dust.

The kiss itself was short.

As their lips parted, Utaha wobbled slightly, unsteady on her toes.

“So bold today?” Seiji teased, smiling as he slipped an arm around her impossibly slender waist.

The movement was possessive, almost domineering, pulling her teetering body securely into his arms. He could feel her trembling faintly.

Utaha said nothing, her face an unreadable mask. She let him hold her.

Forget an arm around her waist—he’d touched her in far worse ways before. This was nothing to her now.

“Not going to say anything?” Seiji chuckled and, still holding her close, started walking again. “Then let’s just head home. You’ve rested long enough. Time to keep up with your duties.”

…

…

Back at the new apartment, Seiji wasted no time. The moment the door closed, he grabbed Utaha and shoved her against the wall.

He hiked up her skirt and ripped off her panties in one swift motion. The fabric tore with a sharp sound.

He positioned himself behind her, lifting one of her legs. "Stand on your toes."

She obeyed, bracing her hands against the wall. Her cheeks burned red as she felt him press against her entrance.

He pushed in without warning, and she gasped, her body tensing.

Plap. Plap. Plap. Plap.

"Not resisting today?" Seiji's voice came from behind her, tinged with amusement as he thrust into her. "Usually you glare at me in disgust and drag your feet no matter what I tell you to do."

Plap! Plap! Plap! Plap!

Utaha didn't look back, speaking in halting breaths between thrusts.

"I just… want to get it… over with… ngh..."

She paused, her tone weary, her slender waist and long legs beginning to quiver.

"And besides... ahh... explaining myself over and over at school is exhausting. Better to end it all at once so everyone gives up."

Plap! Plap! Plap! Plap!

Her eyes were turning hazy and unfocused as he pounded into her from behind.

"That way... I save myself... the trouble..."

Seiji’s smile deepened.

She was starting to accept things.

Good.

This thorned rose was gradually being dyed in his colors.

The first step was always the hardest. But once you broke through, everything afterward came easier.

Seiji lowered his gaze, letting it roam over Utaha’s disheveled figure.

Torn pieces of clothing littered the floor—ripped by his own hands.

Pinned against the wall, her body had only one point of support: him. She looked like a building standing on a single pillar, yet even in that precarious position, her beauty was breathtaking.

Her sailor uniform hung open, unable to hide the delicate lines of her collarbone and neck. Below, her legs stretched long and straight, glowing like ivory beneath the light.

Her ankles were fine, her toes like tiny pearls.

Seiji’s eyes traced every inch of her, making her feel like a specimen pinned to a board, every part of her laid bare under his gaze.

A shiver of revulsion ran up her spine—a raw instinctive reaction. She lowered her eyes, trying to ignore the humiliation of being looked at like this.

He noticed. His lips curved into a mocking smile.

He liked this kind of struggle.

Reaching out, he hooked a finger under her delicate chin, forcing her head up until her eyes met his.

“Look at me.”

His command left no room for refusal.

Utaha’s wine-red eyes flared with resistance, anger and shame flickering within them.

That momentary fire stirred something dark and thrilling in Seiji.

But almost at once, the flames died down, smothered by her own iron self-control, leaving only a lifeless, icy calm.

Still defiant, yes—but learning to swallow it faster.

Satisfied, Seiji released her and leaned back onto the sofa, tossing her a glance.

Utaha was silent for a few seconds, then picked up a glass of water, took a small sip to moisten her lips, and quietly walked over.

She knelt between his legs without being told.

She pulled his cock free, her throat bobbing as she swallowed nervously. Then she leaned forward, wrapping her lips around him.

Gluk... gluk... gluk...

Her head bobbed up and down. He fisted his hand in her long black hair, guiding her rhythm, pushing her head down.

Gluk! Gluk! Gluk! Gluk!

She gagged, her eyes watering. But she didn't pull away, just kept going.

His breathing grew heavier as he watched her beautiful face struggle around his length. The sight of Utaha Kasumigaoka, the school's ice queen, on her knees servicing him—it never got old.

He held her head in place as he came, flooding her mouth.

She tried to swallow it all, but there was too much. Even as she gulped desperately, some leaked from the corners of her lips.

Who knew how much time had passed.

When he finally released her, Utaha suddenly covered her mouth and rushed into the bathroom, eyes wide with shock.

What the hell?

The sheer amount… was unreal. Impossible.

Seiji Fujiwara, you bastard—are you some kind of hentai protagonist?

…

Minutes later.

Utaha stared into the mirror. Her eyes were rimmed red, teary—not from crying, but from choking.

She shook her head, took a breath, and opened the door.

Outside, Seiji leaned casually against the wall, watching her with obvious interest.

His gaze lingered on her fragile, rain-soaked-flower look, and burned even hotter.

That tear-streaked face was heartbreakingly beautiful.

"Get in the bedroom." His command was instant, absolute.

"No…"

Utaha's heart sank. She had nowhere near his stamina.

But Seiji gave her no chance to refuse. He grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the bedroom.

Bang.

The door slammed shut.

He threw her onto the bed and climbed over her, his arousal already evident again.

He pushed her legs apart, settling between them. She let out a hoarse whimper as he thrust into her still-sensitive body, her back arching.

Plap! Plap! Plap! Plap!

Her tear-streaked face, those red-rimmed eyes—they only fueled his desire. He pounded into her relentlessly, watching her expression shift between pain and unwanted pleasure.

Her body responded despite everything, hips moving to meet his thrusts. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a forceful kiss, swallowing her whimpers.

Plap! Plap! Plap! Plap!

His hand found her clit, rubbing in firm circles as he fucked her. Her walls clenched around him.

She came with a broken cry, her body convulsing beneath him. He followed moments later, burying himself deep as he filled her.

When he finally pulled out and rolled off, Utaha lay there trembling, completely spent. She couldn't even move to cover herself, just stared at the ceiling with empty eyes.