Chapter 220 Epilogue - New World Arc (17)
Similar postures, similar distances...
It was as if the scene in the restroom that day was being replayed.
Compared to E027's unbridled behavior, the person in front of them was clearly more restrained, at least stopping before any actual physical contact occurred.
[...How do you feel? Are you scared, or something else?]
A faint fragrance gently brushed against her cheek, but there was no intention to take things further. Coupled with the sudden softening of her tone, it somewhat eased the tension in Yu Qingzhou's heart.
But when the boy tentatively opened his eyes, he couldn't help but freeze in place.
Although I was impressed by those eyes from the first time we met, such close proximity, where you could see each eyelash clearly, was still too impactful.
Especially since the other person was wearing a mask, it was impossible to divert one's attention from that deep blue-green color.
For a moment, the boy forgot to breathe, and even his heartbeat became unusually slow and heavy, like the surface of a drum that had been struck hard.
Was it fear? Or something else...? Shen Yingxue's question kept echoing in my mind.
That answer... actually...
The pupils constricted noticeably, the skin turned red, and the body temperature rose slightly.
Shen Yingxue spoke again, describing her observations in an almost formulaic tone.
For some reason, her demeanor didn't seem cold at all; instead, it had a kind of innocent and adorable charm... Yes, at that moment, the boy inexplicably found her very cute.
Then, realizing what he was thinking, he began to instinctively despise himself.
If this is a dream, one can deceive oneself and shift the blame to the subconscious mind, which lacks self-control.
But now, Yu Qingzhou is very clear-headed.
If, upon first regaining consciousness, one's mind still retains some chaotic emotions caused by being lost in memories.
After all that commotion, the boy's torso and limbs were clearly exhausted; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he was nearly completely drained.
However, this physical weakness can sometimes stimulate the brain, leading to clearer and more active cognition.
[Your body didn't show any obvious rejection reaction, so it seems you don't actually dislike my approach, right?]
Under the gaze of those eyes that seemed to see through people's hearts, and hearing the woman's soft question, Yu Qingzhou couldn't help but lower her eyes.
It wasn't just that he didn't dislike it... he was actually trying his best to resist the strange turmoil that was constantly being stirred up in his heart.
Yu Qingzhou felt a longing for everything about the person in front of her, whether it was their scent, their voice, or anything else. She longed to get closer, to have further contact, and to possess them.
Even if the rational side of one's mind is strongly opposed, the body's instinctive reaction is clearly going against it.
—That's really terrible.
The boy thought to himself with a sense of self-abandonment, "How am I any different from E027, that guy who... indiscriminately lusts after people regardless of the occasion or place?"
—No, I can't think about it anymore.
Just thinking about E027's smug face after getting beaten up...
The memory of the other person extending their bright red tongue and smiling as they slowly licked away the blood from the corner of their lips made their already empty stomach surge with the urge to vomit again.
The skin still seemed to retain that slippery, sticky feeling... accompanied by a faint stinging sensation.
It wasn't until I looked in the mirror later that I realized I had bumped my teeth. It must have been when they suddenly kissed me that I accidentally hit the tip of my tooth.
Aside from some bleeding, it wasn't very noticeable—perhaps not as damaging as the punch Yu Qingzhou delivered to E027's face—but the nauseating feeling lingered.
Even after repeated washing, it heals and scabs over quickly, and now it's almost invisible. However, the strange feeling seems to have taken root in that area of skin, lingering there.
The boy even considered whether he should just cut off the piece of flesh that had been smeared with the other person's saliva.
Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a suitable tool.
In addition, Yu Qingzhou genuinely felt that it was not worth engaging in self-harming behavior for the sake of a frivolous act made in the heat of the moment by someone who was likely problematic.
So... I just kept enduring it.
Yu Qingzhou thought that E027 had really been beaten up and should find a chance to retaliate, but just like last time, E027 remained silent.
While Yu Qingzhou breathed a sigh of relief, she also began to worry secretly that the other party might once again do something even more outrageous out of the blue.
To minimize the possibility of this happening, Yu Qingzhou has, for the first time ever, started following small groups.
Even if I might suffer additional ridicule or even physical bullying for this, it doesn't matter, as long as I don't end up alone and run into that guy E027 again...
Actually, I feel the same way. I don't find it annoying, so there's no need to worry too much.
The sudden words pulled Yu Qingzhou back to reality, forcing him to confront his somewhat awkward situation.
【I--】
This is a normal bodily reaction at your age. As mentioned before, too much of a good thing can be bad; excessive suppression can backfire. At times like these, you should learn to accept it calmly and let things develop naturally within reasonable limits.
Shen Yingxue spoke slowly and deliberately to comfort him, then suddenly seemed to realize something. She paused, and when she looked at the boy's embarrassed face again, she had a hint of understanding, while still maintaining her usual composure.
It seems that, just as she said, she 'accepted' the boy's current situation.
Sorry, I just realized... um, the restroom is over there. I think you might need to be alone for a while.
As Shen Yingxue spoke, she gently stepped aside to make way for him, without making any unnecessary movements.
Yu Qingzhou murmured her thanks and then hurriedly went into the restroom.
At the same time, the door was locked from the inside.
The scent of artificial fragrance diluted the faint aroma that lingered on the tip of the nose.
Yu Qingzhou finally let out a slow breath. When she looked down to check her condition, she realized that she was still tightly holding the handkerchief embroidered with plum blossoms in her hand.
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