41 Chapter 41 – The world kissed me with pain

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Kei Karuizawa's movements came to a complete halt, like a lifeless puppet, her face distorted, her pupils even starting to dilate, hence unable to respond to Yukio's words.

Her mind was entirely consumed by the scar on her left abdomen, now exposed... finally discovered by someone. Indeed, she, as she was, could accomplish nothing, could hide nothing.

An invisible darkness enveloped her, seemingly dragging her into a cold, desolate abyss, from which she could never climb out.

Every glance at the scar brought an uncontrollable fear, an abnormal terror that caused a strange dizziness, akin to motion sickness with intense nausea and vomiting.

Her personality was utterly shattered that day, trampled upon, losing her youth, her self, her future.

Why did she have to endure such an ordeal? Had she committed some heinous sin for the world to kiss her with such pain?

Cold, so cold; dark, so dark; Karuizawa subconsciously curled up, helplessly drowning in this darkness, finding not a speck of light. No one cared about her, no one would come to save her.

Just like that time when she lay bleeding on the cold ground, with no one to rescue her...

But, this floor, it seemed somewhat warm. Was it her own blood, flowing onto the ground, even reaching her cheeks?

Slowly, Karuizawa regained consciousness, realizing that the supposedly warm floor tile was actually Yukio's hand wiping her tears.

His palm was large, gently resting on her face, warm like a ray of sunshine, dispelling the darkness, melting away the cold.

His slightly rough thumb swept across the corner of her eye, wiping away the tears. Karuizawa forgot to react, just staring blankly at Yukio.

What if, what if Yukio had been there at that time? Could she have been spared the agony of being stabbed, free from such darkness?

After a while, as her tears stopped, her chaotic thoughts faded, and she finally spoke without looking up: "What do you want from me?"

Seeing her regain composure, Yukio repeated his offer: "Think about it? Abandon your class, betray your boyfriend, and I can assure you, you'll never have to face such terrible things again."

"You should know I have the power to do this. Whether it's dealing with Manabe or any future problems that might arise, I can easily solve them for you."

"And I can keep your secrets completely."

Perhaps due to the pain of reopening old wounds or the slight comfort of finding warmth, Kei Karuizawa didn't immediately agree. Instead, she shifted her gaze away, deliberately avoiding Yukio's eyes: "He... he's not really my boyfriend."

"?" This time, it was Yukio who was taken aback. Was the information Manabe provided false? Wasn't it said that Karuizawa gained her status among the girls in Class D only after ingratiating herself with Hirata?

Then Yukio realized that Karuizawa hadn't completely denied Hirata as her boyfriend.

Hirata, the sunny boy who had directly signed a contract with Class C while confronting Horikita when Yukio took all of Class C to demand points from Class D.

And Karuizawa's "not really" - there's a subtle difference between "not really a boyfriend" and "not a boyfriend", a small detail that completely changes the meaning.

Soon, the quick-witted Yukio analyzed the truth: "A fake couple? That's quite a cliché development."

"Wha-, whatever!" Karuizawa muttered to herself: "If it's useful, who cares if it's cliché or not."

"Any, anyway, for someone like me." Her small mutterings once again dimmed her mood: "If I don't desperately find a protector, someone to ensure my safety, I'm sure I'll continue to be bullied."

"I'm not like you, able to rely on your own strength to get through youth. I am insignificant."

"Even if I have to give up everything, as long as it protects me, that's fine. Even if it means giving up my spirit, my body, as long as I don't have to face such things again, I'll do it."

"That's just how I am... just a parasite, depending on others for survival." Towards the end, Karuizawa's expression turned both abject and self-mocking.

As long as she could avoid further bullying, even if it meant surrendering everything, she was willing to cling to someone who could protect her. This was Kei Karuizawa's current strategy for survival.

Perhaps some might say that such a stance is too humble, too undignified, but so what? How could outsiders understand?

Having been bullied for years and ultimately stabbed in the abdomen, Karuizawa's personality was twisted that day.

As long as she could completely protect herself in the future, avoid harm, no longer be bullied, and escape those dark miseries, Kei Karuizawa was willing to do anything, whether it meant being a parasite or begging for someone else's protection.

"It seems you don't mind changing your host then," Yukio gathered, having learned all of her secrets.

For example, her fake relationship with Hirata to gain status in the class was a secret that would cause her great trouble if exposed. Yet, even so, Karuizawa chose to tell him, indicating her willingness to be an informant.

What Yukio needed to do was simple: ensure her safety, nothing more. Considering Karuizawa's position among the girls in Class D and her influence in the class, this was a profitable deal for him.

"..." After a brief silence, Karuizawa hung her head slightly, barely nodding: "Anyway, it doesn't matter."

"In Class D, I did make some friends, but those friends are just because of Hirata-kun, right? If not for him, maybe even my current friends would bully me."

Her words were filled with confusion and uncertainty: "Hirata-kun is a reliable guy, but someone like him, who takes care of everyone, can't really protect me."

"And I don't really have much attachment to the class... If you want, I can give you all the information."

"There's no need to rush that." Yukio was very calm, repeating his request just as he had instructed Sakura: "I don't need past information."

"For now, just keep an eye on Horikita in your class. Who she interacts with, what she says, her specific plans, or whenever the school organizes competitions, just pass on any important information."

Like with Sakura, Yukio did not directly inform them of Ayanokoji's existence but had them focus on Horikita as a focal point. This way, they could collect information as much as possible without attracting Ayanokoji's notice or suspicion.

Of course, when managing subordinates in such matters, the best approach is to mix discipline with rewards. This was true for Sakura and would be for Karuizawa as well. Next, he needed to provide some tangible benefits.

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400 power stones = 1 extra chapter