Whispers in the Winter Wind

Teachers quietly entered the bustling cafeteria, their presence a subdued contrast to the chaos of the moment. They ushered the injured students to the infirmary, while Layena found herself escorted to the principal's office, a place of authority and judgment.

Jingliu, however, stood by Layena's side, bearing a quiet confidence that hinted at secrets held close. With a calm demeanor, she informed the teachers that she possessed evidence supporting Layena's actions as self-defense.

Initially skeptical, the teachers' stance shifted as they viewed the beginning of the video footage Jingliu had captured. It was a delicate dance, one where Layena and Jingliu knew that accountability still loomed, yet the video held the potential for a less severe repercussion, provided they navigated the situation with finesse.

Meanwhile, Yasushi lingered, his gaze fixed on Layena for reasons even he couldn't fathom. It was Xinyi who intervened, grasping his wrist with determination, leading him away as another girl quietly trailed behind.

As they reached a quieter corner, he voiced his concern, "I won't get in trouble, will I? I simply stood there."

Xinyi's laughter danced in the air as she reassured him, "No, you're in the clear. Everyone witnessed your passive role. The ones likely facing consequences are the two guys and Layena. But Jingliu seems to have a strategy to lighten Layena's punishment."

"Hmm...so what's on your mind, and who's this?" Yasushi inquired, casting a glance at the girl by their side.

She donned the school uniform, her blonde hair tied back neatly, freckles sprinkled across her face under rounded glasses, her yellow eyes fixed on him.

"Catherine. The one Dad hired to be my assistant and was the one who caught wind of the trouble first and informed me," Xinyi introduced her, before abruptly changing the topic. "Can we go out later?"

"Go out?" Yasushi echoed, pausing before realization dawned. "Ah, the tour, right? Sure thing, my bad for the delay; it slipped my mind entirely." Catherine remained silent, her gaze on Yasushi, leaving an enigmatic air lingering between them.

"Mmm, if you're free today, that is," Xinyi clarified with a hint of anticipation. Her gaze shifted to Catherine, accompanied by a playful wink, yet the assistant remained stoic, a silent observer in their exchange. "She's just a bit shy since this is your first face-to-face meeting."

"I should be fine for the most part, but I do need to leave early since..." Yasushi's sentence trailed off as he pulled out his phone, double-checking something on the screen. "It's one of the few times I get to speak to my parents via video call."

Xinyi's grin widened, a spark of understanding in her eyes as she leaned in. "Well, what time is that~?"

"Around six in the evening, so I can hang out with you for two to three hours at max," Yasushi clarified. Xinyi nodded, her mind already considering plans as she glanced at Catherine, the unspoken dynamics weaving a subtle web of connections in the quiet space between them.

"It's decided then! I'll catch up with you after school. Let me go give Jingliu the heads-up so your Ice Princess can process the news without melting down~" Xinyi teased, sending a playful wink his way before sauntering off with Catherine, the latter's silent gaze lingering on Yasushi before she followed Xinyi.

Yasushi's brow furrowed as he mumbled to himself, "No one belongs to anyone. We're just friends, and who knows where it will lead." With a thoughtful sigh, he pivoted on his heel and departed as well, leaving the echoes of unspoken possibilities trailing behind him.

+-+

"Lady Xinyi... do you harbor romantic feelings for him?" Catherine inquired once they had distanced themselves from Yasushi. She looked to her Master, her thoughts swirling in the oddity of the situation.

Xinyi chuckled softly, tilting her head in contemplation. "Hmm? Who's to say? All I can say is that being around Yasushi is enjoyable. Besides, it's a bonus that it helps mend things with Jingliu. It's a favorable situation," Xinyi explained, a faint smile playing at her lips.

"So... you're manipulating him?" Catherine probed further.

"W-what? No, no way. Oh no, I hope it doesn't seem that way!" Xinyi's expression shifted to one of mild panic. "No, I assure you, I'm not using him!" Her words carried a genuine earnestness as she clarified her intentions.

Xinyi stopped, ready to speak, but was interrupted by Furuya's sudden appearance as he dashed past them, coming to an abrupt stop. "H-hey, do you know—"

"That way," Xinyi cut in, gesturing in the direction Yasushi had gone.

"Thanks!" Furuya shouted his gratitude, then hurried off, his purposeful stride carrying him forward on his mission.

As Xinyi prepared to continue, she noticed Catherine's gaze trailing after Furuya. With a mischievous grin, Xinyi teased, "Are you interested in him?"

Catherine blinked, her expression unreadable for a moment. "No... I thought he had something to discuss with you, which is why I stared at him, trying to send a message."

Xinyi chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Of course, of course. I'll leave it to you, then." With a playful glint in her eyes, she began to walk away, already scheming in her mind to play matchmaker for Furuya and Catherine.

+-+

Classes resumed their usual rhythm, and eventually, Jingliu reappeared in the classroom, carrying a note that detailed her absence to the teacher. The note was accepted without much ado, and all eyes in the room followed Jingliu's every move as she made her way back to her seat.

As Jingliu settled into her place, the collective gaze of the class shifted to Yasushi, a curious scrutiny that puzzled him, considering he had no part in the recent events. Yet, a subtle understanding passed between him and Jingliu when their eyes met — an unspoken agreement that she would fill him in on everything later. This silent exchange conveyed volumes amidst the hushed classroom ambiance.

+-+

As the final school bell rang, Yasushi approached Jingliu, his words breaking the quiet air. "I'm heading out with Xinyi to show her around," he informed her.

Jingliu rested her hands on her bag, gazing at Yasushi with a mix of uncertainty and a flutter of nerves. She grappled with how to respond to this unexpected news, the sensation of butterflies in her stomach unsettling her, though she couldn't quite articulate why.

A week earlier, after their second outing together, Jingliu had taken to the internet, seeking advice on nurturing and sustaining relationships, particularly with Yasushi. She had stumbled upon the recurring theme of communication, a skill she admittedly struggled with, evident in her interactions with her parents, Xinyi, and at times, Yinhaie.

However, with Yasushi, she yearned for a different dynamic, recognizing him as her first genuine friend. This realization spurred her determination to improve her communication skills, laying the groundwork for a deeper connection.

Before she could restrain herself, Jingliu's hand reached out, gently clasping Yasushi's arm. "You mean... like what we did?" she questioned, her gaze unwavering as it met his.

Yasushi's eyes shifted briefly to her hand on his arm, sensing a plea in her touch, almost as if she were silently asking him to reconsider. Yet, he had already made a commitment, one he was determined not to break — a stark contrast to his past life.

Mindful of not causing Jingliu any discomfort or pain, Yasushi pondered his response for a moment, replaying his words in his mind. "I intend to show her the places we visited on our first outing," he finally replied, his tone carefully measured.

Jingliu continued to study him for a lingering thirty seconds, her expression softening as understanding washed over her. Then, without words, she extended her arms, silently seeking a comforting embrace.

Yasushi's chuckle filled the air as he embraced her in that moment, Jingliu finding solace in the warmth of his hug, her cheek resting against his chest, seeking reassurance that their upcoming outing would be nothing more than a friendly excursion. Yet, beneath her facade of calm, a curious unease lingered, a question she chose to set aside for now.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace for a minute, they eventually parted. Jingliu's voice broke the quiet, her words tinged with a hint of resignation. "...Have a good time," she murmured.

Yasushi nodded, his gaze meeting hers. "I'll keep you updated. Maybe I'll bring some of those pastries you picked out before and share them tomorrow."

Jingliu looked at him, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "...I would appreciate that. Thank you," she acknowledged, understanding his unspoken effort to ease her concerns in his own way.

They didn't move away from each other, however, simply staring at each other's eyes until Yasushi's phone rang, breaking their silence and gaze. He pulled his phone out and checked the message and it was from Xinyi asking where he was.

He willingly showed Jingliu his phone screen, inviting her into the sphere of his plans. She looked up at him, a flicker of acknowledgment passing between them. "Go on, she's waiting," she encouraged him.

"Not until Yinhaie arrives. Give her a call, and I'll see you off," Yasushi insisted, his unexpected consideration eliciting a smile from Jingliu as she followed his instructions.

As they both did their tasks, Jingliu calling Yinhaie and Yasushi replying to Xinyi, they lingered by the classroom window, waiting for Yinhaie's arrival. True to Yasushi's word, the maid arrived promptly, pulling up in a car just minutes later. They spotted Xinyi waiting by the school gate for Yasushi, adding another piece to the orchestrated departure. Once everything was set, they made their way to the gate together.

"Hmm, so you two were together, huh? How adorable~" Xinyi teased, her playful wink directed at Jingliu, who remained composed, her reaction unreadable.

Turning to Yasushi, Jingliu bid him farewell with a simple, "See you tomorrow." She then stepped into the waiting car, driven away by Yinhaie, leaving behind a momentary calm before the day's end.

Skipping toward Yasushi, Xinyi playfully remarked, "Do I sense a hint of romance~?"

"No," Yasushi replied briskly. "Anyway, I have places in mind for our short trip. Let's get going; time's ticking," he added, already moving forward before she could respond.