"Since that's the case, Mei, you can just call me Elias directly. Hehe, consider it returning the favor."
"Alright then… Elias1."
As if she were attempting something incredibly challenging, Mei cautiously spoke Elias' name.
She immediately felt a difference from before.
Unlike those who had befriended her only to take advantage of the Raiden family's wealth and Mei's reputation, the boy before her was genuine and pure, like his snow-white hair, completely unstained by deceit.
At that moment, Elias was overjoyed.
Because he had just formed a real bond with the living, breathing Raiden Mei, not just a virtual game character, but a flesh-and-blood person.
He was so happy that he wanted to cheer out loud, itching to brag about this to his old Armada friends from his past life.
"Ah, right! I just thought of something great!"
A sudden spark of inspiration flashed through his mind, and Elias immediately turned around, making a suggestion to the purple-haired girl in front of him.
"Mei, I have an idea! I won't say it can completely change your situation and stop the bullying, but it'll at least make things a lot better. Want to try it?"
"Really? Please tell me!"
"Don't get excited just yet. It might require a little sacrifice from you in some ways… But just hear me out first."
And so, Elias explained his sudden stroke of genius to her.
Upon hearing it, Mei's eyes widened, and a soft crimson blush appeared on her cheeks.
It was a very simple and effective plan.
But at the same time, it felt ambiguous and… strange.
For Mei, who had grown up under strict discipline, with a gentle and reserved personality, embodying the ideal Yamato Nadeshiko, this was something she never would have considered in the past.
But the Raiden Mei of today was different.
She was in the darkest, weakest, and most powerless moment of her life—
Completely alone, abandoned, exhausted, and wounded, both physically and emotionally.
It was also the moment she most desperately longed for someone to save her.
Perhaps it was due to the suspension bridge effect, but Elias' presence in Mei's heart had skyrocketed beyond normal levels.
But there was no doubt—this boy had saved her twice.
In this academy, where no one was willing to help her and everyone was against her, Elias alone had stood up for her, not once, but twice.
Maybe that was why Mei, almost instinctively, had begun to cling to the warmth Elias provided.
And when it came to the plan Elias proposed, though it was a little ambiguous, his intentions were purely out of kindness.
Of course, there was no way she could refuse.
"But Elias… will this really be okay? I mean… if we do this, you'll end up being ostracized by everyone because of me."
Mei, being kind-hearted, couldn't help but worry.
"It's fine, it's fine~" Elias waved his hand dismissively.
"I wasn't interested in them anyway. Besides, if the person in question is Mei, then no matter how you look at it, I'm the one benefiting from this, right?"
"…Thank you. Uh, sorry, it feels like the only thing I can say to you right now is 'thank you.' But I promise I will remember this kindness and repay you in the future."
"Mei, you're just too serious. But that's also one of your good qualities. As for repaying me… how about making me lunch from tomorrow onward? Yesterday's bento was really delicious—I'd love to have it again."
"P-please leave it to me!"
Mei agreed immediately.
Perhaps a simple lunch seemed insignificant compared to what Elias had done for her, but she was still happy that she could do something for him.
Seeing her like this, Elias blinked in surprise, then propped his chin up and smiled.
"Mei, you just smiled."
"Huh?"
"Girls look the most beautiful when they smile, after all. Especially a beauty like you, Mei. That sad and pitiful look from before was nice in its own way—but I still think this is much better."
For a second, he almost wanted to take out his phone and snap a picture.
"…I smiled?"
Mei instinctively reached up to touch her own face.
Ever since her father was imprisoned, she couldn't even remember the last time she had smiled.
But now, because of the boy in front of her, Raiden Mei's smile had returned once again.
And the wounds in her scarred heart had been healed just a little.
"Alright! Since we've decided on this, there's no time to waste—let's move!"
"Uh, wait—let me prepare myself mentally first!"
"You don't need that kind of preparation! Once you've made up your mind, don't hesitate! If we don't hurry, class is going to start!"
Grabbing Mei's delicate hand, Elias sprinted toward the classroom.
Being pulled along, Mei could feel her heart pounding rapidly.
She told herself it was just because she was running, and not for any other reason.
By the time they finally reached the classroom,
the afternoon class bell had already rung long ago.
"Now then, let's begin the lesson—uh, Elias and Raiden, where exactly did you…"
BANG!!!
Before the teacher on the podium could even finish speaking—
The classroom door burst open with immense force, causing everyone inside to shudder, and a few students who had been distracted even dropped their phones onto the floor.
"Teacher! Sorry, we're late!"
"Haa… haa… Elias, this is too…"
Elias, showing absolutely no sign of remorse, walked in with his chest held high, while behind him, Raiden Mei was red-faced, panting for breath, her hair completely disheveled.
Everyone's attention instantly locked onto them.
The whole class subconsciously filled in the blanks about what these two had been doing during lunch break.
Especially the boys, who were staring in envy.
Sure, the Raiden family had fallen, and their heiress wasn't as high-status as before, but Mei was still the most beautiful girl in school.
Had she… already been taken during lunch?!
The very next second, Elias slammed both hands onto the podium.
"Ahem! My apologies for interrupting class, but right now… everyone, eyes on me! I have an announcement to make!!"
They used to address each other with "同学" (classmate) after their names, like in Japanese where names end with -san, -kun, -senpai, etc. Because there is no real equivalent in English, I removed it. This is the first time she called his name directly. After all, I can't write them calling each other "Classmate Elias," "Classmate Raiden," every time. It just sounds awkward in English.