Protecting Yuria -1-
Yuria clung to my chest and sobbed for a long time. How did I know? Why did I notice? She didn't want to show this side of herself—really didn't want to—pouring out her grievances amid endless tears.
Her tears, which seemed like they'd never stop, finally drew to a close with the words, "Thank you so much for finding me."
She drew in a deep breath and gazed toward the banquet hall beyond the curtain. It was time to head back to the ball. Lingering on this wide-open veranda would just paint a target on her back for the heretics. And staying away too long would put everyone in an awkward spot.
I took her trembling hand and racked my brain for a cool line of encouragement. She'd need it to step back into the dance.
"Yuria."
"Yes?"
"Don't be too scared."
"...That obvious?"
"Yeah."
"..."
She inhaled deeply and slapped her cheeks.
"Haa. Think it'll be okay?"
"What?"
"You being seen with me. Weird rumors might spread."
"It's fine. Just kill anyone who talks."
"Huh?"
"Kidding."
She still hadn't realized her face was back to normal. No mirror on the veranda, after all.
How do I break this to her?
Suddenly blurting, "The magic wore off," would sound way too weird. Hmm.
I pointed to the faint mirror visible through a gap in the curtain and poked her cheek.
She jumped at the sudden touch, shoulders twitching as she looked at me.
"Kyaa…! What was that for?"
"Wanna check the mirror?"
"Huh?"
"The one in the corner of the banquet hall."
She turned her head, following my finger. The mirror reflected us perfectly: a boy with red hair and a girl with a stunning face. The much-maligned, bullied features were gone, replaced by the heroine's beautiful visage.
"Eh...?"
Stunned, Yuria touched her face tentatively. She pinched her cheek, as if testing if it was a dream, her gaze darting between the mirror and me. Realizing it was no illusion, she let out a scream.
"Ehhh? Ehhhhh?!!"
"Beats me. No idea why your face changed."
To ease the tension, I tossed in a lame joke.
"Guess you got a prince's kiss or something."
"Huh...?"
"Kidding."
"Jerk."
She punched my shoulder lightly, her face flushing red. She looked so much better than before, grumbling about not pulling pranks like that.
Now that's Yuria.
The bright, energetic heroine from the novel, the one who stole countless guys' hearts with her innocent smile and sunny demeanor. Seeing her reclaim that little by little, I let out a sigh of relief.
I extended my hand toward her with a sly grin.
"Ready to head back? Can't have the ball's star hiding in the corner—it'd ruin the vibe."
Like a classic romance novel scene, I offered my hand. Yuria stood frozen, staring blankly at my smiling face as I gazed into the softly lit banquet hall.
"Why the blank stare? You're making it awkward."
Her dazed look—like she'd been bonked on the head with a hammer—drew an awkward smile from me.
Damn, too cringy?
Thinking I'd gotten carried away by the mood, I awkwardly lowered my hand.
Then—
Grab.
Her soft fingers tickled my calloused palm as they slipped into my grasp.
"Y-Yes...! Let's go!"
She flashed a beaming smile through her puffy eyes. Her grin, clear as an autumn sky without a single cloud, coaxed a matching smile from me.
"Just trust me from here on out."
"I've trusted you since before..."
"Huh?"
"Nothing."
Today, more than ever, Yuria gripped my hand tight—like she'd never let go.
*
Clack.
Ruin set down his wine glass as the pair entered the banquet hall.
"What the hell."
What the hell is that...
True... but.
"What'd you say?"
"Nothing. Talking to myself."
Yuria was holding Ricardo's hand. Emerging from the balcony where the freckled freak had fled, wearing a shy smile—Ruin's gut twisted.
Why the hell is Yuria coming from there?
She was wearing the dress he'd given her, walking slowly into view. Flustered, Ruin clenched his fist and glared daggers at Ricardo.
An utter shock.
From beside him, lost in tangled thoughts, came the student council president's voice.
"What? It's Yuria. When'd she get here?"
"..."
"Ruin?"
"..."
Without hesitation, Ruin strode toward Yuria. His heavy footsteps bumped the shoulder of a girl who'd mocked her earlier, drawing a shrill "Kyaa!"—but he ignored it, eyes fixed ahead.
Why the fuck is she coming out with him?
If you're here, at least say something.
Rage boiled over. She was wearing his gifted dress while hanging with the guy she hated most. Sure, he was thrilled she'd worn it... but showing it off to Ricardo first? Infuriating.
He bellowed at Yuria, who walked with her head shyly bowed, clutching Ricardo's hand.
"Yuria!"
His voice boomed through the hall—loud enough for everyone. Yet Yuria just gripped Ricardo's hand tighter and ignored him.
"..."
Pure dismissal. A cold indifference he'd never felt from her before. A chill ran from his shoulders down his spine.
Why...?
As the question flashed through his mind, murmurs buzzed in his ears.
Envious stares locked on Yuria and Ricardo. Compliments on how well they matched, how handsome he was—all aimed at the bastard Ruin despised. Seeing his spotlight stolen snapped something inside him. Next thing he knew, his hand was clamped vise-tight around Yuria's wrist.
She winced, brows furrowing.
"Ugh..."
Too late, he noticed her pain and tried to let go—but Ricardo's icy voice froze him.
"Let. Go."
"...Shut your mouth."
"Don't wanna die? Let go."
Ricardo's eyes gleamed red, glaring murderously. His voice dripped with deep killing intent, unlike before. The sheer malice made Ruin's legs buckle—or so it felt.
Fucking dog...
Barely shaking off the chill, Ruin turned to Yuria.
"Why so late? You know how long I waited?"
"..."
"Searched everywhere—had me so worried."
"..."
"But Yuria, you're gorgeous tonight."
He flashed a small smile at Ricardo.
"Thanks for wearing the dress I gave you."
Savoring his superiority—you weren't chosen—he tried to bask in it.
But.
"Let go."
She wrenched her hand free roughly, denying it outright.
Glare full of contempt, Yuria's voice was ice.
"You said you couldn't stand hanging with an ugly bitch."
"Eh...?"
"Why act surprised?"
He reached again, but she jerked away irritably, face stone-cold.
"Your words. To me."
His hand hung in the air. Scrambling through memories—no such thing—he stammered in panic.
"What're you talking about? When did I ever say that to you?"
Gesturing awkwardly, questioning wildly—but spotting the bandages thick on her fingertips, his words faltered.
Eh...?
Yuria answered curtly.
"You really clueless?"
Pieces of dread clicked into place in his head.
"You said it. Why play dumb?"
Her unfamiliar raw emotion sent his eyes darting. The puzzle completed itself.
— Shut up. Yuria ain't ugly like you. Who asked?
The freckled girl's pitiful image tore through his mind like a storm.
*
Oh...
Yuria tugged my hand.
"C'mon. Ignore the trash."
Her backbone surprised me—more grit than expected.
Thought she'd forgive with "I get it," but no—she cut ties clean. Impressive.
Yeah, I'd do the same.
Who'd take open insults lying down? Nobody.
I bumped Ruin's shoulder as we passed, whispering low.
"What'd I say?"
"..."
"Told ya, Ruin. You suck at everything."
He stared blankly at our retreating backs, head hanging.
Rumble...!
The chandelier lights began to sway.
**
"Hmmnya."
Olivia was bored out of her mind. No butler to play with on his vacation.
He nagged endlessly, but apparently his absence stung anyway.
"So bored."
Wonder what Ricardo's up to.
Feeling listless, she eyed the desk.
— No.
— No.
The book Ricardo left behind. Thick, title-less—looked dull as dirt.
"Not reading it."
Yawning, she gazed at the stars in the night sky.
"One star."
"Two stars."
"Three stars."
As her count topped three digits in boredom...
Rumble...!
Dark clouds gathered overhead.
"Oh..."
Flash!
Crimson lightning rained down toward the academy.