I Give Up on the BL Novel’s Male Leads

“If anyone saw student Rodein after school yesterday, you can provide your testimony to the Police Department in advance. He was attacked early this morning…”

Illein was troubled by the fact that she had seen Rodein during the late evening. She was worried that she might get caught up in this incident by sheer coincidence.

There was an ominous feeling that she might be the last person to have seen Rodein.

If Illein’s suspicion was correct and she was indeed the last person to have seen him, the situation would be serious. This would mean she herself could become a prime suspect in the Police Department’s investigation.

Illein’s face tightened with worry. Despite trying to reassure herself, the creeping anxiety made her break into a cold sweat.

She couldn’t help but think that it was rather pathetic to be so anxious. Even though her fears seemed irrational—since no one would actually suspect her—she felt almost ridiculous for being so scared.

It seemed that living a life of guilt made one more prone to fear.

Illein realized she was involuntarily shrinking from her fears, much like someone who had been startled by a pot’s lid after having been startled by other things before.

She tried to shake off the anxiety that had taken root in her mind.

There was no room for such useless worries given her current situation.

At the same time, she felt a twinge of concern for Rodein. Even though she didn’t have any particular fondness for him, the thought of someone she knew dying was unsettling.

That was a sentiment anyone would naturally feel.

So, she struggled to focus on the lecture and kept glancing at the empty seat next to her. Before she knew it, the lecture had ended.

“Then, study hard today, everyone.”

As Professor Sharian left, Illein let out a sigh without realizing it.

Damon, sitting in front of her, quickly turned around and asked,

“Are you okay?”

“Huh?”

“I mean, I know it must be troubling you. After all, you were paired with him.”

“Oh…”

Illein thought that Damon, being an old friend, really understood her situation better than anyone else.

“Thanks for your concern, Damon.”

Thanks to Damon, Illein felt a lot more at ease. The unseen comfort from an old friend eased her discomfort.

However, she soon noticed Damon glancing at her nervously.

Suddenly, Damon began organizing his things. Illein asked him, confused by his actions.

“Damon?”

“I’ll sit here until Rodein returns.”

Damon did not bother to explain further. He swiftly finished organizing his things and moved to the empty seat beside her. In a flash, his belongings flew through the air and landed in their new spot as he waved his wand.

Illein blinked, unsure how to respond, and asked again, “Is this okay?”

“What’s wrong with it?”

Damon replied confidently, as if it was no big deal.

Considering Damon’s status, even if the academy theoretically disregarded rank, it seemed unlikely that anyone would challenge him, so it didn’t seem to be an issue.

Illein decided not to say anymore about Damon’s seat change. As he settled into his new spot, Damon abruptly said without any preamble.

“It’ll be fine. Nothing serious will happen.”

He said this to soothe Illein’s unease.

“Huh?”

“Rodein.”

“…Really?”

“Of course! And besides, he had plenty of enemies, so it’s probably his own doing. Just don’t worry about it.”

Damon’s hand naturally reached out to pat Illein’s head, a comforting gesture he had used since their childhood.

Of course, every time, Illein had to tense her neck to avoid showing her discomfort. She didn’t want to reveal her awkwardness or risk having her gender mistaken.

Growing up with Damon, Illein had never realized that such behavior between boys of their age might seem odd to others.

Fortunately, Illein’s delicate appearance helped her avoid any misunderstandings.

Since everyone was from noble families, no one dared to voice such thoughts, as they were mindful of Damon’s presence.

Illein found great comfort in Damon’s gentle patting of her hair. She knew he was doing it to reassure her, which made it even more soothing.

“Thank you, Damon.”

“Hm? For what?”

“Nothing. Just… thanks.”

Speaking softly, Illein was grateful that Damon was her friend.

“Illein.”

“Yes?”

“If it gets too tough, you can pat my head too.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

As Damon said this, he took her hand and placed it on his own head.

“How does it feel?”

“Soft.”

With a chuckle, Illein patted Damon’s head in return, appreciating his gesture.

She decided not to dwell too negatively on the situation.

After all, worrying wouldn’t change much, and Illein reminded herself that Rodein’s injury wasn’t her fault. She tried to push away her ominous feelings.