Chapter 18: The Note Slipped Through the Door Crack

Chapter 18: The Note Slipped Through the Door Crack

Sakura Kyoko believed she had a bad habit.

That was hypocrisy.

Of course, everyone may have some hypocrisy; after all, no one wants to hear the truth all the time, which is why people put on acts to hide their true thoughts.

But Sakura Kyoko knew just how hypocritical she could be and understood just how unsightly the truth lay beneath that facade.

Thus, this self-aware girl grew thorns of rational rejection beneath her gentle exterior.

She boldly declared upon entering school: she would absolutely not engage in any romantic relationships.

At first glance, it seemed like a disdainful comment about others, but its true meaning was to stop any intimate relationships from breaching those thorny defenses and seeing the most genuine, most unsightly version of herself.

When that time came, any so-called affection would be frightened away by her terrifying inner self.

Since such a conclusion seemed inevitable, it was better not to start at all.

However, she seemed to have overlooked the fact that those thorns of rejection were merely barriers against outsiders and could not hinder her true self from looking out and yearning to get close to someone beyond.

She couldn’t remember when she started to feel something for Yan Huan.

All she recalled was one afternoon when she invited members of the Student Council to her rented villa, initially planning to dine out, but Yan Huan decided to cook for everyone at home.

She remembered that day she got to eat her favorite caramel pudding and subconsciously glanced at the one who had prepared the dessert, Yan Huan.

Then she saw her three pet cats snuggling close to him, meowing affectionately, seemingly very fond of him.

And he was patient and smiled, gently scratching the cats’ chins.

In that fleeting moment, the thorns of rejection pricked, and her unsightly inner self stirred restlessly, beginning to long to understand him.

She wanted to know everything about Yan Huan—his thoughts, his actions, his joys and sorrows, his very being.

To figure out when Yan Huan would come to the Student Council Office, she installed her first camera here.

After that, things spiraled out of control.

Yan Huan’s classroom, many hallways in school, the Student Council Office, outside the place he worked, even outside his rented house.

Remember that Friday when Ye Shiyu hypnotized Yan Huan? Sakura Kyoko suddenly sent a plane message, right?

That was because at that time was generally when Yan Huan finished work and went home, but Sakura Kyoko not only didn’t see him come out of the tavern but also didn’t see him return to his rented place.

Hence, she sent that message, even unwilling to wait, directly calling Ye Shiyu, which threw her into a frenzy.

Rationality told Sakura Kyoko that this was not the right way to like someone—she shouldn’t obsessively monitor and try to control someone’s life.

But her true self could no longer hold back; she felt like a prisoner trapped in rationality.

That prisoner danced gracefully under the shackles of her identity as “the understanding Vice President Sakura Kyoko,” like a chain binding her!

In fact, the folder on her laptop didn’t just contain numerous candid photos of Yan Huan; she had even recorded his words.

She had reached a point where she needed to decipher the meanings behind Yan Huan’s words, attempting to fully grasp all his thoughts through this method.

Of course, there were many times she couldn’t understand certain things he said at all.

【Big fish, a tiger shark.】

The document included a screenshot of a plane chat page, with Sakura Kyoko’s handwritten date and annotations below,

“March 9, Plane chat records, messages sent after Yan Huan went to the Ocean Mansion.”

“It seems he’s not actually talking about some shark; there’s no obvious feedback to my educational response. Meaning unclear, recording for now.”

【I’m going to the dormitory, is it true?】

“March 6, I handed over work reporting to the principal to the president; he suddenly said this to me.”

“I don’t understand why he compared the principal to a mythical monster. Does he find the principal terrifying? Meaning unclear.”

【Where did you bring me? Is it still in the country?】

“March 4, the newly elected president said this after seeing the student council office I had tidied up.”

“Seems like he thought I rearranged it in a way that didn’t fit Linyi Gate style? But I only switched the positions of the office desks and added lots of bookshelves.”

There was also a long list of notes from last semester’s attempts to analyze Yan Huan, stretching to the present.

Even after more than half a year together, everyone in the Student Council had grown used to the president occasionally saying things they couldn’t comprehend.

Perhaps it was the local lingo of Linyi Gate or the Dragon Kingdom?

Yet Sakura Kyoko had asked many people from the Dragon Kingdom and Linyi Gate, and they didn’t know what it meant either.

These were merely instances of verbal misunderstanding; more often, Yan Huan would express emotions she could not comprehend while talking.

Sakura Kyoko’s mind unwittingly recalled a scene from last semester when she took an elective class with Yan Huan, where they were preparing a group report and needed to gather information on well-known companies.

When she saw certain materials, Yan Huan suddenly muttered,

“The Golden Lion Group closes at four-thirty in the afternoon?”

“Yes, President, so it’s quite troublesome when handling business; we often need to queue for weeks.”

“Oh, I see.”

It was merely a common exchange, yet why did Yan Huan display such a complex and incomprehensible expression then?

Countless questions spurred her to seek answers, but she didn’t dare to ask, fearing it would reveal her feelings.

This would likely lead him to scrutinize and examine this person who liked him.

And then discover that many of the questions she asked shouldn’t be known to her.

“Why do you know I didn’t go home?”

“Why do you know what time I finished work?”

“Why do you know who I talked to in class?”

Because I am always watching you from the shadows, observing you!

That was the unsightly truth she couldn’t reveal.

Because she knew her actions were morally unforgivable—once spoken, it would surely frighten him and possibly leave her without a place in this world.

If only there were a place to accept her unsightly inner self, where it would be considered normal even if exposed.

In that place, she could freely watch him, learn everything about him, and boldly share her unsightly wishes with him.

Like common sense, like rules.

But when the thought arose one day, a voice suddenly echoed in her mind,

【Activate the Room Barrier?】

Room Barrier?

What is that?

【Barrier Level: 1】

【Effect Description: Once a week, select a closed area (within 50 square meters) to deploy the barrier, maximum number of barriers is 1.】

【While inside the barrier, you possess the following effects:】

【You can establish rules that must be obeyed and gain the ability to monitor the area without dead angles. Just think it in your heart, and no matter where you are, you can see the scenes within the barrier.】

【You can make modifications to individuals within the area on an understanding level. Only one modification can be added at a time. Note that the modification cannot be something that individual cannot possibly do.】

【Once the effect is generated, anyone leaving the area will completely forget what they did inside the barrier and their memories will be adjusted. However, if a third party is present in the barrier, they may notice the differences in understanding.】

【While you are within the activated barrier, its level gradually increases, boosting coverage and effects.】

Perhaps looking at the text, she still couldn’t comprehend what the so-called barrier meant.

But when she first activated the barrier in the Student Council Office, she felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

And from that day on, the barrier of the Student Council Office had never been closed again.

“Snap!”

Sakura Kyoko, lost in thought, was abruptly interrupted by a sound in front of her, and the illusory words floating before her gradually began to dissipate.

The vanishing illusory text read:

【Barrier Level: 2】

【Effect Description: Once a week, select a closed area (within 75 square meters) to deploy the barrier, maximum number of barriers is 2.】

She blinked, pulled out of her reverie, and looked at Yan Huan beside her, who was wearing sportswear.

“Sakura, class is about to end, it’s our duty today.”

It was now Monday afternoon in an elective class, and she and Yan Huan had chosen the same volleyball class.

At noon, after strolling around the school with Ye Shiyu, Yan Huan didn’t return to the Student Council Office, but feeling drowsy, he hid in a quiet place for a quick nap then went straight to the gym for class.

Sakura Kyoko had very poor stamina; she would generally only move when the teacher was instructing, and during free activities or competitions, she would find somewhere to sit down.

But never had she been so still and dazed close to class time as today.

“..Okay, President.”

Sakura Kyoko blinked, looking at Yan Huan, seeming to want to ask something but silently stood up and nodded instead.

Inside the gym, many volleyballs had already been gathered into a small cart.

Yan Huan and Sakura Kyoko still needed to dismantle and pack the protective net, then return the small cart filled with volleyballs to the Equipment Room.

“Today, Sakura, you hardly moved at all. Are you not feeling well?”

“A bit; it should be fine after this week.”

She followed Yan Huan, both of them taking apart one side of the protective net.

This week?

Yan Huan’s movements stalled for a moment, then he revealed an understanding expression.

He turned to Sakura Kyoko and actively said,

“Well, Sakura, you can go rest; I can handle this.”

“…”

Sakura Kyoko glanced at Yan Huan, who was smiling, and didn’t agree, just continued folding the net.

“No problem, let’s go together.”

Actually, it wasn’t that she was on her period; she just wanted to ask Yan Huan something.

About that Ye Shiyu matter.

Usually, many girls in school focused on Yan Huan, and Sakura Kyoko, while monitoring, seemed to have gotten used to their presence, not paying much attention.

After all, Yan Huan had never shown anyone anything but polite attitudes, which were mere formalities.

But Ye Shiyu was entirely different.

Sakura Kyoko had never seen such patience and warmth in Yan Huan’s eyes before.

When the president called her out of the blue on Saturday and asked her why she liked cats, it was probably for her sake.

That expressionless girl, who was like a puppet?

Even though she’d been keeping an eye on the president since last semester, knowing even his habits inside and out, what gave her the right?

Just because you’re his sister?

Could that sister even be a good sister?

Yes, compared to Ye Shiyu, who made Yan Huan seem gentle to everyone, Sakura Kyoko explicitly felt the stark difference in how Yan Huan treated Ye Shiyu.

But Sakura Kyoko didn’t know that the gentle core driving that demeanor was Yan Huan’s genuine survival instinct.

She comforted herself not to rush, after all, the president had indeed said that line that night.

He claimed he remembered why he liked cats.

Could that signify he might like her?

So if there was mutual affection, then her peeping, monitoring, and controlling would be justifiable, right?

She needed to confirm the president’s feelings.

However, the understanding and measured persona had already been set; such a Sakura Kyoko would never proactively probe into others’ private lives.

Therefore, she could only employ other methods.

“It seems the weather is starting to warm up; it’s been nice these past few days, and the sun was bright over the weekend.”

“Hmm, is that when the president went to the Ocean Mansion?”

“Exactly, it was quite sunny there.”

Sakura Kyoko finished packing the net, placed it in the small cart, and walked with Yan Huan towards the Equipment Room behind the gym.

Upon opening the unlocked door, a remarkably spacious sealed space was revealed.

Far Moon Academy was quite wealthy; after all, tuition was so high, so it had all sorts of equipment.

Various types of balls, protective gear, props for the field, yoga mats, anti-fall mats, and so on.

Sakura Kyoko entered first, and together they pushed the small cart inside.

“All done.”

“Ding ding ding~”

The bell signaling the end of class rang outside, and Yan Huan looked at Sakura Kyoko, who was already out of breath from merely doing a little bit of exercise, suddenly feeling quite thirsty.

Not because of Sakura Kyoko herself, but because he had just exercised for an entire class and hadn’t had any water yet.

“So thirsty… Come on, Sakura, I’m going to buy some water; do you want anything?”

“I’d like to go buy a drink outside, and I can grab some dessert; do you want to come, president?”

“Dessert, huh?”

Just as Yan Huan was contemplating leaving with Sakura Kyoko, the door in front of them suddenly slammed shut on its own with a loud “bang.”

Yan Huan was momentarily taken aback, and Sakura Kyoko, startled by the loud sound, covered her ears.

“What’s going on?”

Yan Huan frowned, approached the door, and twisted the doorknob.

“Creak, creak, creak…”

The doorknob let out a mournful sound under Yan Huan’s power, but no matter how hard he tried, the door remained unmoved, like a copper wall or an iron bastion.

“President, what’s wrong?”

“Did the door lock?”

“Huh?”

Sakura Kyoko furrowed her brow, stepping to the door and trying to turn it.

After yielding no results, she shouted outside,

“Is anyone there? Please, whoever you are, don’t make such jokes!”

“…”

Yet, there was no response.

Yan Huan took a deep breath and signaled Sakura Kyoko to step back, while he also retreated a few steps.

Then, he charged forward and kicked the door.

“Bang!!”

A tremendous sound echoed, yet at the moment Yan Huan collided with the door, it felt like kicking a wall.

The door remained utterly still, and his powerful kick vanished like a droplet into the ocean, leaving no trace behind.

Instead, he felt a great rebound and staggered back several steps.

“President! Are you okay?!”

“I’m fine.”

Sakura Kyoko released her hands from her ears and hurried to Yan Huan’s side, frowning toward the door.

“What on earth is happening? Did someone on the outside close the door?”

“I don’t know.”

Even though he said that, Yan Huan already sensed something amiss in his heart.

And sure enough, in the next moment, a small piece of paper suddenly floated in from the deep darkness beyond the door crack, landing in front of Yan Huan and Sakura Kyoko.

Yan Huan lowered his head, picked up the note, and read it with Sakura Kyoko. It said:

【Do you want to get out of here?】

【Then you both must hold hands for ten minutes, embrace for ten minutes, and kiss for ten minutes.】

Staring at the note, Yan Huan’s mind went momentarily blank.

It made sense, it made sense!

Everything that seemed unreasonable suddenly felt justified!

He turned his head slowly, looking at Sakura Kyoko, who was covering her mouth and equally astonished.

In that instant, he seemed to in some way realize something.

Then, he silently activated the ability he possessed.

Perfect expression management, activate!

But at the same time, feeling Yan Huan’s gaze, Sakura Kyoko seemed startled and took a few steps back, trying to distance herself from him.

Her uncertain eyes scanned Yan Huan, and for a fleeting moment, she even suspected that this was Yan Huan finally unleashing a cruel prank.

But afterward, remembering Yan Huan’s past demeanor, she thought it was impossible for him to do such a thing and chose to trust him.

Even so, she cautiously stood a little distance away from him, not daring to approach, her tone sounding so shaky and weak compared to her usual calmness,

“President… what… is going on?”

Watching her authentic reactions not seeming feigned at all during a time of privacy between a boy and girl made Yan Huan feel a bit insecure.

She truly seemed to fear he was going to engage in improper actions with her here.

“Calm down, Sakura, don’t panic; let me think about what’s happening right now.”

“Um, um, it’s fine, President, I’m just…”

Sakura Kyoko bit her lip, ultimately deciding to trust President Yan.

Could it be that she’s not the Vice President Sakura?

Moreover, the past Vice President Sakura had a good sense of measure, being understanding and thoughtful, wholly different from Ye Shiyu, who obviously looked like a chosen Modifier host.

Someone else’s doing?

But why?

Yan Huan turned to look at Vice President Sakura, but she had already quietly moved to hide behind a piece of sports equipment, seemingly worried about what Yan Huan might do in this situation.

However, if Vice President Sakura didn’t have a Modifier,

Then who was the one using it?

What was their effect?

Clutching the note that contained the way to escape, Yan Huan fell into deep thought.