Just now,
after cooling down, the girl realized Aiden hadn't been peeking at her at all.
She'd misunderstood him.
"If you can follow my orders, then fine."
Aiden thought for a moment and nodded.
Honestly?
Taking these people in had upsides.
First, they could carry the weapons from the armory wall he and Yukino couldn't possibly haul alone.
In this kind of apocalypse, guns and ammo are the best friends you can have—period.
Second, they could serve as decoys if things went south.
If they were surrounded, Aiden wouldn't hesitate to drop dead weight to survive.
Faces lit up all around.
"Really? That's great!"
"As expected of Aiden-kun—so cool!"
"Um, Aiden-kun, do you have a girlfriend?"
In a world this dangerous, shelter under a strong one was a blessing.
The boys traded looks and exhaled in relief—some safety at last.
A few lively girls drifted closer to Aiden, eyes bright with admiration.
As for the conditions he'd laid down earlier—no one thought they were harsh anymore.
When a strong one sets terms, are they even "terms"?
The law of the jungle needs no apology.
If you can't accept it, you're just too weak.
Tap… tap…
A light patter of dress shoes drew nearer.
Under a dozen surprised stares, Utaha, long black stockings framing those endless legs, stepped forward.
Beautiful face, graceful lines—she stood out even among the girls.
But for some reason, a shade of embarrassment touched that pretty face.
"Aiden-kun, could you come outside with me for a moment?"
"Eh, what?!"
"Is Utaha trying to cozy up to Aiden-kun?"
Among students, Utaha's figure and looks made her impossible to ignore.
Plenty of boys had noticed her.
Yet the cool beauty who spared no man a glance was now inviting Aiden in front of everyone.
Jealousy sparked in the boys' eyes,
while several girls' faces soured on the spot.
If Utaha actually fought them for Aiden, most wouldn't stand a chance…
What could they do? Her "character model" was just that top-tier.
"Say it here." Aiden's tone stayed flat as he looked at the stunning girl.
He hadn't forgotten how, moments after their arrival, Utaha had accused him of peeking under her skirt.
"..."
Utaha's face went crimson in a snap. Her fingers whitened on her hem.
Rejected in public—and forced to drag her own gaffe into the light—she could barely lift her head.
But she drew a breath, didn't retreat, and said, voice trembling just a fraction: "Understood."
The room went needle-drop silent.
Ears perked—boys and girls alike.
Even Yukino turned, curious.
Every gaze locked on the pair.
Utaha lifted her eyes to Aiden. The proud tilt in them had melted into regret— even a hint of panic. "Aiden-kun, earlier… I misunderstood you."
"I shouldn't have said you were peeking. It was a misunderstanding."
Boom.
The class erupted.
"A misunderstanding? What kind?"
"So Aiden-kun was falsely accused."
Under the murmurs, Utaha ducked lower, ears red enough to bleed—yet her voice steadied. "I realize now you weren't looking at me at all."
She snapped her head up, eyes faintly wet but fixed on him, posture lowered. "I'm sorry, Aiden-kun. I was wrong. I judged without checking the facts—and worse, I smeared your character."
"What?!"
Jaw-drops all around.
The ever-cool Utaha… apologizing? In public? Ripping open her own blunder?
Aiden's expression didn't change. "So? You want me to praise you for 'owning up'?"
Cold water. Utaha froze.
She knew he wouldn't be easy.
That accusation was a thorn between them; "sorry" alone wouldn't pull it out.
Her fists clenched, nails biting her palms. After a breath, she stepped in and bowed—just a little.
From Utaha, that was as good as "humiliation."
"I know one apology isn't enough." Her voice shook, but the will in it was iron. "I'll take responsibility— from now on, in the team, I'll follow your commands…"
Aiden studied her for a few seconds, then let out a thin, humorless breath. "Anything, huh?"
His eyes lingered, teasing, on those full, stockinged legs.
"You…!"
Utaha's cheeks flared. A flicker of shame burned in her gaze.
A young, accomplished novelist, she had looks, grades at the top, and a hit under the pen name "Kasumigo"—
Love Metronome, over 500k sold.
Figure, face, first in her year—
things others might never reach even with years of grind.
Pride comes naturally to a girl like that.
Now, the wheel had turned.
She was the one asking Aiden for shelter, for forgiveness.
"Listen. I haven't forgiven you," Aiden said, flicking his hand in dismissal. "You'll pay that price—eventually."
He had no desire to lecture the alluring black-stockings princess. They weren't safe yet, and time was blood.
But no time didn't mean magnanimity.
If she wanted his protection, she'd pay the cost.
Old debts—and new—would be settled together when the bill came due.
(End of Chapter)
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