Chapter 23: The Misunderstanding (Part 3)

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After narrowly avoiding several more traps, Leo dashed into one of the academy's side doors, feeling a wave of relief wash over him as he entered the hallway. He had to keep moving; there was no telling how many girls were on his tail. The adrenaline pulsing through his veins made him hyper-aware of every sound around him.

"Where is he?" a voice called from down the hall. He could hear the sound of shoes clattering against the tiled floor, and Leo barely managed to stifle a groan. He pressed himself against the wall, hoping to stay out of sight.

As the footsteps grew louder, he spotted a nearby staircase. Without thinking twice, he bolted toward it, climbing several flights at a time. The girls' voices began to fade behind him, but Leo knew he couldn't let his guard down just yet. He pushed himself to keep climbing until he reached the top floor.

Finally, panting heavily, he ducked into a storage room, shutting the door quietly behind him. The room was filled with boxes, supplies, and an old, dusty desk. Leo leaned against the wall, catching his breath. The chase had left him exhausted, but he couldn't afford to rest for long.

After a few moments, he cautiously opened the door just a crack, peering outside. The hallway seemed clear, so he stepped out, heart racing. He made his way toward his room, hoping he could finally find a moment of peace.

As he approached his door, Leo heard voices coming from the nearby lounge. Curiosity piqued, he slowed down to listen, recognizing Saki's voice among the others.

"Why can't we find him?" she exclaimed, frustration evident in her tone. "He's got to be around here somewhere!"

"Don't worry," another girl replied. "We'll find him. He can't have gone far!"

"Keep looking!" Saki ordered. "He's not getting away that easily!"

Leo gulped, realizing he needed to get inside his room and fast. He slipped into the room, quietly shutting the door behind him, and leaned against it with a sigh of relief. He needed to think of a way to avoid getting caught again.

Meanwhile, in a different part of the academy, Rin stirred awake in her bed, her body heavy and tired. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the light streaming in through the window. The memories of the previous day flooded back, and she felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her.

Saki sat in a chair near Rin's bed, arms crossed and expression serious. "Rin, you're awake! We have a problem. Leo—"

"Is he okay?" Rin interrupted, concern flooding her voice. "What happened?"

"He's been chased all over the academy. Everyone's looking for him," Saki said, her frustration evident. 

Rin's eyes widened, realization hitting her hard. "No… it's my fault he's in this mess! I can't let this happen because of me."

"You need to cancel the search."

Saki raised an eyebrow, surprised at Rin's sudden determination. "You really want to cancel it? After everything that happened?"

"Yes, Saki! I need to make this right," Rin insisted, her voice firm. "He's not a pervert; it was a misunderstanding. Cancel the search!"

Saki nodded slowly, a hint of approval in her gaze. "Fine, I'll do it. But you have to take responsibility for this, Rin. You need to talk to him."

With that, Rin watched as Saki left the room, determination growing within her. She was resolved to find Leo and make things right.

Back in his room, Leo paced anxiously, the reality of his situation dawning on him. He felt like a fugitive in his own school. How would he manage to keep running every day? The thought of facing more traps and angry girls made him wince.

"Maybe I should just stay locked in here," he muttered to himself, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

He glanced out the window, seeing the distant horizon. "This can't go on forever. I'll figure something out," he reassured himself, trying to quell the rising tide of anxiety.

Little did he know, the search was already being called off, and Rin was eager to set things right. As he pondered his next move, Leo remained blissfully unaware that the storm surrounding him was beginning to calm.

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