Heroines, Villainesses, and the Hero's Yandere Harem? I want them all! Chapter 5: Reunion

"Co on, Jason, you're worrying too much," said a young woman with a dismissive look. She wore a snug white top that struggled to contain her generous curves, paired with a neatly pleated blue skirt that matched the uniforms of those walking around her. White stockings clung tightly to her legs, leading down to a pair of sleek black shoes.

Her golden-blonde hair was elegantly tied back into a braid, complenting the striking amber hue of her eyes. With a precisely sculpted triangular face and porcelain-smooth skin that seed to glow under the light, she was the kind of beauty that turned heads effortlessly. She was used to the attention, of course—more than that, she knew exactly how to wield it with effortless grace.

"Am I?" Jason asked, his expression tense. He adjusted the bag slung over his shoulder, his curly blue hair slightly ruffled from the motion. His golden eyes, strangely srizing, flickered with worry as he exhaled sharply. "We couldn't find her before we left for the academy. Isn't that concerning?" His voice edged with panic. "What if sothing happened to her? She was still with that bastard the last ti I saw her—could..." His thoughts spiraled, his jaw tightening, fists clenching as his mind raced through worst-case scenarios.

"Jay."

A soft hand cupped his face, breaking him from his frantic thoughts.

"She's okay. Stop doing this to yourself," Lisandra said, her voice filled with quiet urgency. Pain flickered in her amber eyes. "It hurts to see you like this. You shouldn't even be here right now—you should be taking ti off to recover. You almost died, for Goddess' sake, Jason. Just stop." Her voice trembled slightly as her eyes turned misty.

Jason looked at her, his resolve wavering before he let out a deep sigh. "I'm sorry. I just... I feel so guilty. It was my idea to take on that mission, and now... Anna..." He trailed off, biting his lip.

"She will co back. She'll be okay," Lisandra said firmly.

He hesitated. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know what she's capable of." For a brief second, her expression darkened before she quickly masked it with a reassuring smile. "So stop overworking yourself. You're making everyone worry. If possible, just take a break—rest, recharge," she added with a casual shrug.

Jason gave her a strange look. "You know I can't do that, right? Especially not with the festival only a month away."

She pouted. "You're not the only first-year participating, you know."

"Yeah, you're right," he chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Just rember to take care of yourself," Lisandra said, folding her arms. "I made a promise to your mom to always stay by your side and make sure you don't overdo it."

Jason froze for a mont, captivated by her radiant smile.

"...Yeah. Thanks," he murmured, smiling back.

Their eyes locked, the world around them seeming to fade as they slowly leaned closer. Their breaths mingled, the distance between their lips narrowing—

Until a voice shattered the mont.

"Huh?" Jason snapped back to reality, his eyes widening. He knew that voice.

"A-Anna?" He turned sharply, ignoring the hateful glares from the male students around him. His gaze locked onto a girl at the far end of the hallway, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Annabelle!" He rushed forward, arms wide open for a hug.

From behind, Lisandra let out an exasperated sigh, her expression darkening. "That bitch... she just had to show up now, didn't she?" Her fingers curled into fists as she watched him sprint ahead. "What a wasted opportunity. And just when the others weren't around too." Frustration laced her voice as she took a step forward, following Jason.

anwhile, Jason had already swept Annabelle into a tight embrace, lifting her effortlessly off the ground and spinning her around.

"Put down, you idiot!" she shrieked, squirming in his grip.

He laughed but complied, setting her back down. Her face was flushed red, and she shot him an irritated glare.

"Sorry, guess I got carried away," he said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

"Idiot," she muttered, but a smile finally broke through.

Jason's expression softened. "What happened to you? You had worried." Without waiting for an answer, he pulled her into another hug.

Annabelle hesitated before pushing against his chest. "That's... none of your business. And why were you worried, idiot? Don't you know how strong I am?"

Jason chuckled. This was the Annabelle he knew—cool, indifferent, yet undeniably herself.

"Co on," he said, taking her hand. "Let's go et the others."

Before they could move, a voice interrupted them.

"Welco back."

Annabelle glanced over his shoulder, eting Lisandra's gaze.

"Oh... thanks," she replied, her voice soft.

Together, they moved through the crowd of onlookers, who were already accustod to the young man always surrounded by beautiful won.