Meanwhile, at Ye Xing's home.
Kazusa Touma sat on the sofa in silence for a long while before suddenly standing up and walking over to sit beside Ye Xing. With an awkward, almost chokehold-like motion, she wrapped her arm around his neck.
"What are you doing?"
Though her pretty face flushed red, Kazusa proceeded with slightly rough movements, pressing Ye Xing's head sideways onto her left thigh.
After completing this action, she finally spoke quietly.
"I heard... boys like lap pillows."
Before Ye Xing could respond, Kazusa suddenly crossed her right leg over, adopting a legs-crossed position - except with Ye Xing's head sandwiched between her two plump thighs.
"I heard many boys like this kind too..."
Buried between Kazusa's legs, the visible part of Ye Xing's face showed complete exasperation.
"Are you kidding me? Isn't this a guillotine? Are you trying to kill me?"
"You... don't like it..."
"Just the lap pillow is fine."
"Oh..."
After switching back to the proper lap pillow position, Ye Xing lay flat across Kazusa's legs and couldn't help complaining.
"You seem... a bit strange today."
"Hmm..."
Kazusa responded noncommittally, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
"You... must be very tired, right?"
"I've really reached my limit."
The light in Ye Xing's eyes gradually dimmed as his eyelids slowly closed, murmuring.
"After holding on for so long, this is where it ends..."
Watching his slowly closing eyes and increasingly faint voice, Kazusa froze for a moment before immediately reaching out both hands to grab Ye Xing's shoulders, shaking him vigorously with an anxious expression.
"Hey, hey! Wake up! You can't just die like this!"
Ye Xing's head shook like a rattle drum as he said with complete exasperation.
"Sis, I'm begging you, I just want to sleep, not die."
Kazusa's face turned bright red with embarrassment, but she immediately switched to playing the accuser.
"So it's just sleeping? You should have made that clear. Really, remember to explain properly next time."
Ye Xing lay back on Kazusa's legs, leaving only one sentence before falling asleep.
"I hope there won't be a next time. Please wish me well for once."
...
The next noon, inside Sobu High School.
"Is it really appropriate to meet here?"
Rio Futaba sat in the club room, gazing at the tightly closed door as she took a sip from her coffee cup. Without waiting for Ye Xing's response, she then glanced at Yukino Yukinoshita and Haruno sitting there, frowning slightly.
"I have no issue with Yukino participating, since she's one of us... but does she need to be here?"
Facing Rio Futaba's words, Haruno simply rested her cheek on one hand, tilting her head slightly with an amused, half-smiling expression.
"Little Futaba, you're quite aggressive, aren't you?"
"That's always been my attitude towards enemies."
"Enemies... But there's an order to these things, you know."
"I knew Ye Xing long before you even knew who he was."
"Hehe, that's not the order I was referring to."
Seeing Rio Futaba and Haruno Yukinoshita about to clash again, Mai Sakurajima, who had been sitting quietly, showed displeasure and tapped her fingers on the table.
"That's enough. We're here for serious business today."
Noticing Mai Sakurajima's unusually stern expression - she who was always gentle and generous and never spoke harshly - Rio Futaba and Haruno Yukinoshita exchanged a glance, and both chose to obediently fall silent.
Ye Xing remained seated by the window, gazing absentmindedly at the scenery outside.
Several minutes passed in this quiet atmosphere...
Suddenly, the clubroom door was gently slid open.
"Hello, Ye Xing."
Ai Hayasaka first scanned the people in the clubroom - Mai Sakurajima, Rio Futaba, and Yukino Yukinoshita - all of whom she had seen during the joint exams and knew were members of the Supernatural Society.
However, when her eyes fell upon Haruno Yukinoshita, who was clearly not high school age, she frowned slightly as if wanting to say something. But upon seeing Ye Xing by the window, she swallowed her words.
She remembered her previous two encounters with him vividly, especially the last one at the café.
Just as Ye Xing had said.
The Supernatural Society... had no reason to help Kaguya Shinomiya.
Most people, if they had the ability to cure the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya conglomerate's illness, would spare no effort, even if to gain favour.
But Ai Hayasaka understood clearly that Ye Xing wasn't like most people.
What kind of person was he?
The top scorer in Japan's unified exams, who had chosen not to enrol at the prestigious Shuchi'in Academy.
Moreover, during the joint exams held by both schools, he had thoroughly humiliated all of Shuchi'in's first-year students, with Kaguya Shinomiya - who had the smallest gap in scores and ultimately placed second, right behind Ye Xing - receiving the harshest treatment.
There was a thought that might sound like manipulation.
Did Ye Xing's humiliation of Kaguya Shinomiya prove that, among all the students who took the exam, only a genius like Kaguya Shinomiya was worthy of being humiliated by him?
Ai Hayasaka couldn't judge, but she knew one thing.
Someone like Ye Xing completely disregarded the Shinomiya conglomerate's so-called wealth, connections, and background. Using these as bargaining chips would only backfire.
"Come in."
Ai Hayasaka first entered the clubroom, then spoke softly to someone outside.
Kaguya Shinomiya, with her long black hime-cut hairstyle that gave off an unapproachable aura, slowly stepped into the clubroom.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her face showing no emotional fluctuation. Only when her gaze swept past Ye Xing did she unconsciously bite her teeth lightly, as if recalling some painful memory, a complex expression flashing in her eyes.
"Kaguya, please sit down first."
Ai Hayasaka pulled over a chair. Whether intentionally or accidentally, she positioned Kaguya Shinomiya facing the doorway of the clubroom, directly opposite Ye Xing by the window where they could make eye contact.
Seeing the position Kaguya Shinomiya had chosen, Yukino Yukinoshita was about to develop PTSD.
Thinking back to those days...
When General Yukino Yukinoshita first joined the Supernatural Society, she had chosen this exact position.
The final result was...
Complete defeat.
Was another new victim about to emerge?
"Ye Xing-san."
After sitting down, Kaguya Shinomiya spoke in a cool tone.
"Ai told me there was something very important today, which is why I left home and came to your Sobu High School. What exactly is this so-called important matter?"
Facing Kaguya Shinomiya's question, Ye Xing didn't answer directly. Instead, he smiled and began introducing the present members first.
"This is Haruno Yukinoshita, today's assistant physician."
"This is Yukino Yukinoshita, a suspected patient who shares common ground with you."
"This is Rio Futaba, today's chief physician."
"And this one is quite remarkable - Mai Sakurajima, a former patient, and the best example proving our ability to cure this condition."
Kaguya Shinomiya frowned slightly and spoke calmly.
"What exactly are you talking about? Are you deliberately mocking me?"
"Still can't tell?"
Ye Xing looked directly into Kaguya Shinomiya's ruby-like eyes and spoke with a smile.
"You're having an episode, Shinomiya-san."
Silence.
A long silence.
Seeing the atmosphere suddenly grow quiet, Ai Hayasaka closed the activity room's door, sighed, patted Kaguya Shinomiya's shoulder, and spoke with a complicated expression.
"Kaguya, what he says is true. During this period, you've been... at night..."
"I know."
"Eh?"
Hearing Kaguya Shinomiya's unexpected response, Ai Hayasaka couldn't help but freeze.
"You... you know?"
"Of course."
Kaguya Shinomiya spoke softly with a calm expression.
"The arrangement of books has changed, the positions of bookmarks have shifted, and even the number of tea bags for black tea has been depleting faster than I remember. I wouldn't say I knew, but I had vaguely noticed it myself."
Hearing this, Rio Futaba and Mai Sakurajima exchanged glances, both thinking the same thing.
As expected.
Kaguya Shinomiya was very suitable to become an exorcist.
Why would a normal person remember the arrangement of books in their room, the position of bookmarks in every book, and even the number of black tea bags - such trivial matters?
Moreover, there was the most important point.
Unless Ai Hayasaka and Kaguya Shinomiya were putting on an act together here, it meant that even though Kaguya Shinomiya had long noticed the abnormalities in herself, she still pretended to be unaware. Even Ai Hayasaka, who spent every day with her and had received professional training, hadn't detected any anomalies.
This acting skill...
Was no less than Mai Sakurajima's.
"So..."
Although Kaguya Shinomiya had noticed the abnormalities, she didn't know the specific symptoms. Now she just looked at Ye Xing and asked calmly.
"Do you have a way to resolve my condition?"
"We do have one."
Mai Sakurajima took over the conversation, speaking proactively.
"But... Adolescence Syndrome is different from ordinary illnesses. Conventional treatment methods can't cure it... It's more inclined towards idealism."
As the chief physician for Adolescence Syndrome, although Rio Futaba had only encountered two cases, she had summarised some patterns from them. She adjusted her glasses and explained to Kaguya Shinomiya and Ai Hayasaka.
"Adolescence Syndrome is caused by certain intense emotions within the patient, leading to physical changes - what we call the mind affecting reality. Personally, I believe this falls within the realm of quantum mechanics."
"Of course, the cause isn't the main point. But through understanding how Adolescence Syndrome forms, we can infer that the solution lies in using external assistance to help improve the patient's inner obsessions."
"As long as the mind returns to normal, the symptoms will naturally disappear."
Upon hearing Rio Futaba's explanation, Ai Hayasaka showed a hesitant expression, glanced at Kaguya Shinomiya sitting beside her, and spoke uncertainly.
"This method..."
To be honest, Ai Hayasaka found the so-called Adolescence Syndrome, along with what Rio Futaba had described about idealism and quantum mechanics, to sound completely fantastical - like the absurd claims of someone with chuunibyou.
Yet the facts she had witnessed with her own eyes made it impossible for her to deny them.
Kaguya Shinomiya had been reading at night while functioning normally during the day, and this had persisted for half a month already.
How long can humans survive without sleep?
Ai Hayasaka wasn't certain, but definitely not half a month, nor in Kaguya Shinomiya's current condition.
This truly wasn't something that could be resolved through existing scientific means.
But...
Both Ai Hayasaka and Kaguya Shinomiya, including the Yukinoshita sisters sitting nearby, understood what Rio Futaba and Mai Sakurajima meant.
The primary condition for resolving Adolescence Syndrome required another person to understand the patient's true inner self.
The patient alone couldn't resolve it.
If they could solve it themselves, they wouldn't have developed Adolescence Syndrome in the first place.
Truthfully.
The members of the Supernatural Society present weren't exactly friends with Kaguya Shinomiya - they weren't even familiar, this being only their second meeting.
For someone with Kaguya Shinomiya's cold disposition...
Would she be willing to reveal her true inner self before another person?
"So that's how it is..."
Kaguya Shinomiya's gaze remained fixed solely on Ye Xing throughout.
"If left unresolved, will serious consequences occur?"
"Yes."
While Mai Sakurajima and others hesitated, Ye Xing directly gave a definite answer.
"Since it's called a syndrome, it can't possibly be harmless. Though I can't be certain yet, judging by your symptoms, continued development might eventually lead to the complete disappearance of all your personality, making you act every moment as you do now at night - like a mindless zombie."
"I see..."
Kaguya Shinomiya nodded noncommittally, raised her right hand to touch her left cheek, then spoke with a smile.
"If that could help me achieve first place in the next joint examination, perhaps it might be worth trying."
Kaguya Shinomiya's words left Mai Sakurajima and the others utterly stunned.
Wait...
Are you sure this Miss Shinomiya is mentally sound?
It's just an exam!
Losing to Ye Xing, who ranked first in Japan's joint examination, isn't particularly shameful.
Besides, second place is still an excellent achievement.
Is this really necessary?
"What meaning would it hold?"
Ye Xing smiled indifferently.
"Even if you could achieve first place in the joint examination in that state, it wouldn't be Kaguya Shinomiya who achieved it."
"Of course, you can't win regardless - I'm just helping you fantasise."
"Moreover... there won't be another joint examination."
Ye Xing looked directly into Kaguya Shinomiya's eyes as he smiled.
"For someone like me who has already achieved victory once, repeatedly defeating your Shuchi'in Academy and making you lose face is both tedious and unnecessary. You don't have the qualification to challenge Kyoto's number one eroge shooter again."
Though Kaguya Shinomiya's expression remained unchanged, her eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a trace of coldness.
Just as she was about to say something, she heard Ye Xing continue.
"Of course, if you agree to cooperate with the treatment, I might be merciful enough to grant you another chance to challenge me."
"Fine."
To everyone's surprise, Kaguya Shinomiya agreed without the slightest hesitation.
"It's settled then."
Only then did Ai Hayasaka process what had happened.
She had thought she'd coaxed and tricked Kaguya into leaving home and coming to Sobu High School.
In reality, the other party had understood everything all along.
Even to this day, Miss Kaguya...
Still hadn't moved on from that joint exam.
"Now, about the compensation."
Kaguya Shinomiya took the initiative to speak.
"I'll be honest. Although I'm the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya conglomerate, I have limited control over finances and little say in matters. I may not be able to provide the reward you want."
"That doesn't matter."
Ye Xing waved his hand dismissively with a laugh.
"What I want has nothing to do with the Shinomiyas, only with Kaguya."
Hearing these words, Rio Futaba and Mai Sakurajima in the room sighed as they massaged their temples, while Haruno Yukinoshita maintained her ambiguous smile, though her eyes flashed with threatening coldness.
You're at it again, aren't you, kid?
Always using the direct approach... how infuriating.
Of course, the direct approach itself wasn't infuriating.
What was infuriating was... You dare use this tactic with other girls right in front of us?
Has the God of Harems set his sights on new prey?
"I see."
Kaguya Shinomiya stood up, once again touching her left cheek with her right hand, her expression calm.
"I understand. If it's only based on myself as the standard, I agree to provide compensation within my capabilities."
"That's settled then. My situation is somewhat special, so I can't stay out for long."
Saying this, under the astonished gazes of Mai Sakurajima and the others, Kaguya Shinomiya took out from her clothing a distinctly dated-looking, seemingly extremely sturdy, even somewhat intimidating...
Old-fashioned flip phone.
"Let's exchange phone numbers."
...
Meanwhile, at the Kyoto Metropolitan Police Department.
Outside Soichiro Yagami's office, the nameplate had been changed since this morning.
Initially, it read: Director of Criminal Investigations, Metropolitan Police Department: Soichiro Yagami
Now...
Director of Criminal Investigations and Head of Special Operations Task Force, Metropolitan Police Department: Soichiro Yagami
This newly established Special Operations Task Force might sound simple, but it actually carried immense authority.
For any operations within Kyoto, as long as Task Force Head Soichiro Yagami deemed them related to special operations, he could bypass all higher authorities to directly requisition personnel from various departments, and during investigations, he didn't need to report to anyone.
Effectively, with this Special Task Force, Soichiro Yagami had become the de facto head of the Kyoto Metropolitan Police Department.
The reason for his promotion was not only his recent actions, but also the appearance of an extremely popular report online.
[The True Hero Cooperating with Mask? Chief Yagami's First Exclusive Interview!]
[Written by: Natsumi Suga.]
Public opinion, achievements, reputation, and support within the Metropolitan Police Department.
The man with Kyoto's most authoritative face had finally been promoted.
Upon receiving this good news, Soichiro Yagami immediately called his wife and daughter, who were far away in Tokyo.
"Congratulations, Dad!"
Sayu Yagami's voice sounded particularly playful.
Soichiro Yagami replied with a smile.
"By the way, where's Light?"
"You mean my brother? He went to the library."
"Hmm, good. You should learn more from your brother."
"Hmph."
Sayu Yagami stuck out her tongue on the other end of the phone, then suddenly seemed to remember something and spoke up with a laugh.
"Oh, Dad, recently I've been feeling like Brother is different from before. He seems much happier."
"Oh?"
Soichiro Yagami sounded curious.
"Could it be that he's fallen in love?"
"That's impossible! But he has made a friend, that's true. Though they're not from the same school, and he's not from Tokyo either."
"A friend not from Tokyo?"
"Yeah, it's someone we met during spring break when we went to Kyoto to visit you. A boy around the same age as Brother."
Hearing his daughter's tone, Soichiro Yagami couldn't help but tease.
"From how you're talking, it sounds like you have feelings for him?"
"Dad, don't say such nonsense!"
Just as Soichiro Yagami was about to continue, he heard an unexpected name from Sayu Yagami.
"Brother Ye Xing already has a girlfriend. How could I possibly try to steal him? And I wouldn't succeed anyway."