"Without realizing it, that little background character hasn't been to school for three days now."
"…It shouldn't have anything to do with me, right? I mean, it was just a failed confession. Does she really need to skip school for three days because of it?"
"At worst, we can just pretend not to know each other. Mind our own business. No one else even knows what happened between us."
On the surface, Li Zhu remained calm, but deep down, he was starting to panic.
While he appeared to be admiring the view outside the window, he was actually stealing glances at Sakurai Yuko's empty seat.
'Does her absence have anything to do with my survival?'
His mind was racing, analyzing every possible misstep he might have made.
Right now, Li Zhu had a lot to live for—an idiot mom to take care of and, well… no kids yet, but still, his life was far more precious than it was at the beginning.
So, he needed to be extra cautious.
"Li-kun, you seem troubled."
Kazama Kaoru's soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
Although Li Zhu always wore a neutral expression, there was something about him today—an unspoken tension in his demeanor.
"Thanks for the concern, Kazama-kun. It's nothing, really. Just overthinking something."
Li Zhu gave a vague answer, trying to brush it off.
"Hmm… I see."
Kazama blinked a few times.
Li-kun always seems a little odd, but… he's a good person.
Another Chinese Class
The lesson began.
Li Zhu stared at Sakurai Yuko's empty seat, lost in thought.
Strangely, the sight of it felt unsettling.
Every day, he'd see her slim figure sitting in front of him. He had often wished for her to just disappear, so he wouldn't have to worry about getting involved with her.
But now that she was actually gone…
He didn't feel at peace at all.
Decision Made: Visit Sakurai Yuko
"Screw it. I'm going to check on her after school today."
But he needed self-defense tools—just in case.
Maybe some pepper spray?
Boys had to be careful when going out alone too.
Actually…
Li Zhu was already mentally prepared for the yandere route.
Yes.
This cursed game had a hidden yandere path—though, to be fair, most harem romance games had something similar.
But the yandere mechanic in this game was different.
In most games, a heroine's yandere route could be triggered by bad choices, but this game had one particularly insane rule:
If ANY protagonist character (male lead or heroines) fell into a yandere state due to player choices, the game would immediately wipe ALL save files and forcefully restart from the beginning.
…
Which dumbass game developer came up with this bullshit setting?!
Back when Li Zhu played the game, he had reached the mid-to-late stages, only for one of the heroines to suddenly snap into a yandere state multiple times—erasing his saves each time.
He had been so close to smashing his computer in rage.
At one point, he was this close to uninstalling the damn game.
"But that's all in the past. I'm just a minor side character now. As long as I handle this issue properly, I can live a peaceful life."
"Besides, I'll even get to watch the protagonist struggle. I can be a proper bystander, enjoying the drama. Heh."
Leaning back, he casually placed his hands behind his head, a confident smirk forming on his lips.
"What's got you smiling so much?"
A gentle yet sultry voice asked beside him.
"Well, that's because—"
Li Zhu froze mid-sentence.
His smile stiffened, and a chill ran down his spine.
The voice was warm and elegant, but the person speaking…
Had the expression of an ice-cold executioner.
Standing there in a tight black blouse and a sleek leather skirt, her aura was far colder than her attire.
The Chinese teacher, Hinai Arisu.
"Oh, shit."
"See me after school."
Her verdict was passed in a frosty tone.
The students of Class 1-D burst into laughter.
After Class
"You sure you're not in love with Hinai-sensei?" Kazama teased, flashing a mischievous grin.
"What? No! Don't talk nonsense!"
"Then why do you always zone out in her class? You're clearly trying to get her attention on purpose, aren't you?"
"The hell I am!"
"I swear I'm not!" Li Zhu groaned. "It's just a coincidence!"
"Fine, fine~ Since you're so passionate about denying it, I'll believe you."
A sly glint flickered in Kazama's eyes.
Li Zhu was kind of cute when he got so flustered.
After School: The Teacher's Office
Li Zhu obediently reported for punishment.
The office was mostly empty, save for a single dimly lit desk in the corner.
Seated there, engrossed in her work, was his Chinese teacher—Hinai Arisu.
Her delicate side profile, framed by soft curls, was breathtaking.
Even Li Zhu had to admit—she was stunning.
…
"Reporting in," he announced.
Hinai Arisu wasn't someone he knew well.
From what he had heard, she was a newly promoted teacher from the middle school division, rising exceptionally quickly due to her outstanding teaching ability.
Despite being only 24, she had already gained a stellar reputation.
Beyond her brilliance, she was gorgeous, single, and immensely popular at Sakura Academy.
Countless students had crushes on her.
"Come in," she said after a quick glance.
Li Zhu waited quietly as she finished organizing her documents.
No matter how many times he looked at her, he still thought…
She was incredibly beautiful.
"You've been distracted in class lately," she finally said, turning her chair to face him.
Her gaze was sharp yet relaxed, like a tranquil autumn lake—as if she could see through his soul.
Li Zhu suddenly felt speechless.
Her cold, piercing stare made it hard to lie.
"...Well?" she pressed, her expression shifting back to its stern classroom demeanor.
"...Nothing serious. Just not sleeping well lately," Li Zhu replied, lowering his gaze.
'It's all that little background character's fault! Damn it!'
"Alright, then. Go home. But hand in a 1,000-word reflection essay by tomorrow."
Hinai Arisu studied him carefully, as if sensing he wasn't telling the full truth.
"…That's it?" Li Zhu was shocked.
Last time, she had lectured him for ages before letting him go.
Although…
This time, the word count had increased fivefold.
"Yes. Now, get going."
"...Yes, ma'am."
His entire soul deflated.
He turned to leave.
But then, after hesitating, he walked back.
"You again? Changed your mind?"
"I wanted to ask… do you know where Sakurai Yuko lives?"
Hinai Arisu raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you want to know?"
Li Zhu tensed.
She was the kind of teacher who paid close attention to her students.
And he…
Had never shown interest in others before.
Her mind immediately jumped to one conclusion—
"Are you… trying to date her?"
She tapped the desk.
"You know the school doesn't forbid relationships… but we don't encourage anything that might distract from academics."
"...You've got the wrong idea!"