At noon, Tokisaki Kurumi, together with Shichen, Yatogami Tohka, and Tobiichi Origami, went to the student cafeteria for lunch.
As soon as the four appeared in the cafeteria, they drew everyone's attention.
Male students stared at Yatogami Tohka and the others; female students stared at Shichen.
"Look, that's the transfer student, Tokisaki‑san."
"She's gorgeous! The photos were real after all!"
"Damn it—why didn't she transfer to our class?"
"Tobiichi‑san, Yatogami‑san, and now the new Tokisaki‑san… Class 4 is too blessed!"
"Class 4 isn't blessed—only Shichen-sensei is blessed."
"What do you mean? Don't tell me the transfer student is involved with Shichen-sensei too?"
"With things already like this, do you think there's no connection?"
"…Why though?"
"Why do you think?"
"Just because he's handsome? I won't accept it! He's a teacher—how can he compete with students?"
"Our school doesn't forbid teacher–student relationships."
"That's still unfair! How can students compete with teachers? Teachers are mature and steady while students are all so green!"
"Oh? So you know why they would pick Shichen-sensei?"
Throughout the entire morning, Tokisaki Kurumi became famous across the school—transfer student, beautiful girl, and ojou‑sama elegance: those three labels were more than enough.
Being the focus of the students' attention didn't bother Shichen; he was used to it from Saikai Academy.
Yatogami Tohka wasn't bothered by the stares either—not because she had a big heart, but because at that moment she was staring intently at Tokisaki Kurumi.
Tobiichi Origami was the same—not only because of Shichen, but also because Tokisaki Kurumi had claimed she was a Spirit.
Unfortunately, Tokisaki Kurumi paid no attention to the two of them.
"Shichen-sensei, is there anything tasty in our school cafeteria?"
"Hmm, all the food here is pretty good, though I'm not sure if it'll suit your tastes. We have spicy and non‑spicy dishes, even sweet ones."
"Is that so? Not bad. Shichen-sensei, could you pick something for me?"
"That's no problem."
Shichen was still getting used to Kurumi's current refined demeanor; her deranged side had left too strong an impression on him. He wondered whether this gentleness was an act or another facet of her.
After all, Kurumi clearly recognized him, so he must have done something.
Speaking of which, Kotori seemed to have some related information—he would need to check that later.
Acting as a teacher, Shichen unashamedly cut in line and also ordered lunch for Tohka and the others—he couldn't play favorites.
He found a six‑seat table; Shichen, Tohka, and Origami sat together, while Kurumi sat opposite them. The four quietly finished lunch—perhaps influenced by Kurumi's presence, Tohka didn't say a single word.
After lunch, Shichen had expected Origami to tag along, but she left for something else.
Tohka, however, stayed, so it became the two of them showing Kurumi around campus.
When the three appeared, they naturally attracted everyone's attention—jealous eyes followed them, but Shichen ignored them.
"Kurumi, is there anywhere you'd like to see?"
"You're asking me~?"
Kurumi pressed a slender finger to her fair chin and smiled. "There is, but with Yatogami‑san here, it might not be appropriate, you know~"
"…There shouldn't be any places on campus unsuitable for three people, right?" Shichen's brow twitched.
"Really? I think there are plenty~" Kurumi's words carried obvious temptation.
Tohka didn't pick up on it and asked directly, "Where exactly do you want to go?"
"Sigh, I originally wanted to tour the campus alone with Shichen-sensei… Oh well."
"Hmph, keep dreaming!"
"Then let's go see the clubs first."
"Sure. Our school has a wide range of clubs," Shichen said, leading the way toward the club building.
It was the lunch break, so the club building was busy. Shichen's group's arrival made it hard for students to focus on club activities—after all, many joined clubs hoping to meet someone of the opposite sex, especially the boys.
Raizen High's club building was fairly large. Shichen finished showing Kurumi around just as the break was ending—even though she hadn't shown particular interest.
Partway through, Tohka disappeared—she had volunteered to stay in the Girls' Cooking Club after being lured by the aroma before they even entered.
It was impressive that she could leave Shichen and Kurumi alone for the sake of food—but that suited Shichen; he had something to ask Kurumi in private.
"Shichen-sensei, shall we go up to the rooftop?" Kurumi suddenly asked when they reached the stairwell.
"What for?"
"Well~" Kurumi fidgeted slightly, her fair cheeks turning rosy. "Because now we can be alone."
Shichen could plainly sense her growing interest.
"Shichen-sensei, shall we go?"
"…Are you serious?"
"Is Shichen-sensei afraid?"
"What would I, a grown man, be afraid of?"
"In that case—"
"Unfortunately, access to the club building's rooftop is prohibited—even teachers can't go up."
"Eh? Why?" Kurumi looked surprised; she hadn't thought Shichen would refuse for that reason.
"I'm not sure, but I heard that a student once fooled around with several female students up there—double‑timing them all—and ended up getting stabbed. After that, the rooftop was locked."
"…Seriously?" Kurumi blinked.
"Would I lie to you?" Shichen shrugged.
"Well then… Is there an infirmary here?"
"There isn't one in this building."
"How could that be…"
"But I can take you to one."
"Eh?"
Shichen stepped in front of Kurumi and held out his hand. "Will you take my hand?"
"Of course."
Kurumi smiled and placed her hand in his. Suddenly, the two vanished from where they stood.
When they reappeared, they were in the second‑year infirmary. Luck was on their side—no one was there, not even the nurse. Kurumi looked around the room, unsurprised.
"Aren't you shocked?" Shichen couldn't help asking.
"Shichen-sensei already knows my identity, doesn't he?" Kurumi replied with a smile.
"Fair enough," Shichen sighed, dropping the pretense. "So, you came specifically to find me?"
"Yes. I worked very hard to track Shichen-sensei down."
"We've met before?"
"More than once~"
"Then you know my current situation?"
"Of course. So Shichen-sensei doesn't need to overthink; you'll understand in due time."
"You're not willing to tell me…?"
"That's not my fault—it's what you yourself said."
Shichen's mouth twitched. He really could imagine himself doing something like that.
"Hehe… But I've finally met you again."
Kurumi stepped lightly forward, gently embraced him, and smiled. "It's a familiar scent."
"…Don't make it sound like I have a scent."
"It's a scent I like~"
"Fine, this isn't the first time… What's your purpose in finding me?"
"Why, to repay a favor, of course." Kurumi looked up at Shichen, eyes blazing.
"Repay… for what?"
"Shichen-sensei, take a guess~" Kurumi winked playfully.
"I'm not guessing."
"Hehe~ Shichen-sensei really is interesting."
"But do you really need to do all this just to repay me?" Shichen asked, pointing out her behavior.
"Don't worry, Shichen-sensei. I'm not that kind of woman. In fact, I like you too." Her tone was soft and sweet.
She didn't seem to be lying.
"…So how exactly are you planning to repay me?" Shichen asked with a straight face.
"Hmm~" Kurumi tilted her head and replied seductively, "This is the nurse's office. You can do whatever you want~"
"For real?"
"Why would I lie to you~?"
"Then lift your skirt."
"Fufu~ Shichen-sensei, still such a perv~ But sure~"
Kurumi let go of him, stepped back, and lifted her skirt.
Her black stockings revealed smooth, shapely thighs. Then the forbidden triangle… beneath the black fabric, a hint of white.
She boldly and shamelessly put herself on display. "So, Shichen-sensei, how is it~?"
"Very tempting~" Shichen nodded.
"Is there anything else you want to do, Shichen-sensei? I'll allow it~"
Kurumi's voice was incredibly seductive. Shichen, as a man, almost couldn't resist—and he didn't plan to.
"Then take off the—"
Ding-dong~ ding-dong——
The class bell rang abruptly.
Shichen: "…"
"Ara~ Looks like it's time for class~" Kurumi giggled and smoothed her skirt down.
"…You didn't plan this, did you?"
"Whatever do you mean, Shichen-sensei?"
"…Forget it. Go to class."
"Then we'll continue after school~" Kurumi said, leaving behind that provocative line before walking out.
Shichen, completely unruffled, took out his mobile phone and called Itsuka Kotori.
"Kotori, give me all the information you have on Tokisaki Kurumi."
"Okay… but, Onii-chan, what were you just doing?" Kotori suddenly asked.
"Hmph, never mind that. This Tokisaki Kurumi is rather unbelievable."
"How so?"
"She's apparently going around righting wrongs, even calling herself a 'Spirit Heroine.'"
"What kind of nonsense is that?"
"It's true—our files say so explicitly."
"Then why is she also called 'Nightmare'?" Shichen asked, puzzled.
"Because she… like a nightmare, has slaughtered many people."
"Then how can she be both a vigilante and a 'Spirit Heroine'? Isn't that contradictory?"
"Because all the people she killed… were bad."