Forced Sleep

“Now, then…”

I quietly moved my feet.

Toward the bed where Orca was sound asleep-no, lying down.

She still had her eyes closed as if deeply asleep, but I knew.

That she was pretending to sleep.

“I know you’re awake, Orca. It’s okay to get up.”

“…How did you know?”

“Huh? Well, there’s no way you could fall asleep in such a short time…”

Though her act was quite convincing, wasn’t it strange to think anyone could fall asleep that quickly?

…Well, that wasn’t the only reason I knew she wasn’t asleep.

Though no one else knew, Orca actually suffered from severe insomnia.

It was one reason she snapped at everyone.

After all, sleep deprivation naturally makes people irritable.

Moreover, Orca’s lack of sleep caused more problems than just that.

She couldn’t focus, making classes impossible to follow.

Hence why she skipped lessons to wander around the Academy.

Attending class would be pointless anyway.

Exhausted beyond belief, yet unable to sleep. Unable to concentrate.

So she roamed searching for any comfortable spot to rest.

When she said she liked the facilities, wasn’t it because of the plush beds?

“Are you sleeping well? …Whoa, scary face.”

Eek.

How terrifying…

I knew she wasn’t genuinely glaring at me with murderous intent.

She was just frowning while staring, wondering how I’d figured her out.

Probably puzzled why I’d ask if she was sleeping well.

Outwardly, she showed no dark circles-just a permanently sour expression.

…But maybe that intimidating face was why?

Even knowing she meant no harm, I still felt a little intimidated…

Sh-she wouldn’t suddenly lunge for my throat, right…?

“You… knew about me?”

“Of course. You’re famous.”

She was renowned-both within the game’s lore and among players.

The in-game reasons were obvious: Orca was a Demon Possessor.

A cursed being harboring a demon within her body due to certain circumstances.

Setting aside various backstories…

How would people view a Demon Possessor?

That alone explained her infamy.

Despite openly skipping classes, only the Class President ever pursued her-even teachers responsible for her guidance ignored it.

The Class President persisted solely due to his stubborn nature.

Her classmates likely wished he’d stop.

Academy residents avoided any association with her.

Initially, some had tried treating her without prejudice.

The game’s story occasionally depicted this.

But seeing her wander alone like this proved everyone had eventually given up.

Why?

Because of Orca’s own behavior.

“…Then why are you still here?”

“What… do you mean by that, student?”

“If you know what I am, get lost. Unless you want to die.”

See?

Orca rebuffs anyone approaching her.

No matter how kindly others try, hearing such responses repeatedly wears them down.

Especially when the rejecter has a fatal flaw like being a Demon Possessor.

People inevitably withdraw, thinking “typical demon-possessed behavior.”

This was why she was famous externally too.

An NPC most players couldn’t interact with.

That was Orca.

Though late-game interactions became possible…

By then, interactions were meaningless, rendering the system obsolete.

Naturally, due to these restrictions, Orca was mainly played by veteran gamers.

Others? Occasionally newbies who, unaware of her reputation, chose her for her looks and personality.

Their complaints about the game’s difficulty became annual community events.

Mocking them was equally routine.

“You shouldn’t use such rough language, Orca. You’ll never make friends.”

“Friends? Don’t need that shit.”

“Hmm…”

While gently scolding her, I studied her complexion.

Still just tired-looking, showing no reaction to me.

…No sign she noticed the hypnosis.

Pretending to sleep while lying down, and hidden by bed curtains-she likely hadn’t seen us.

She could’ve heard though, so I’d kept my voice low while hypnotizing the Class President.

Seemed effective.

“If you don’t leave now, you’ll regret it.”

“But this is my counseling room…”

“Like I care?”

“…”

Her beast-like growling made me sigh.

Though familiar from the game, seeing it firsthand was bittersweet.

It meant she’d endured the same hardships as in her backstory.

Pitiful, for one so young to carry such scars.

That defensive snarling masked deep wounds.

“I’ll give you three seconds. Get lost.”

“Hmm, you look tired-should I brew some fatigue-relieving tea?”

“Don’t need it. Leave.”

“I’m actually good at making drinks.”

“I said no!”

Wow, so hostile…

Having seen this often, I actually smiled.

Initially intimidating in person, I’d grown accustomed.

Now, pity overshadowed fear.

“Orca, I respect that you don’t want to hurt others… But hurting yourself isn’t good.”

“…What nonsense is this?”

“No more bad language, okay? I’ll scold you if you swear.”

“…”

She stared as if I were insane, but I didn’t mind.

How to describe this… Hmm.

Like watching a filthy stray cat hiss defensively due to past trauma.

A threat, yes-but born of wariness, not malice.

I knew her heart wasn’t truly bad.

“Alright, alright. I’ll just make tea, then leave. Just drink this.”

“…”

Under Orca’s watchful gaze, I brewed tea.

Demonstrating every step before her eyes to prove I added nothing.

Once done, I swiftly exited the counseling room.

***

“What’s her deal?”

A counselor teacher, she called herself?

What kind of weirdo was she?

It’d been ages since someone knowing my true nature reacted like that.

…Why bother caring?

She’d give up soon enough.

Everyone always did.

“A counseling room…”

The soft ambiance and faint aroma felt oddly calming.

Nice place. Might visit often.

Liked the atmosphere, the scent, the bed.

Good. This’ll be my spot now.

Just kick that weird woman out like today.

Tea? As if I’d drink that.

She brewed it openly, but still-untrustworthy.

Could’ve slipped something into the leaves.

“…Why am I so thirsty?”

But something felt off.

Staring at the steaming teacup, an unbearable dryness seized my throat.

Fine earlier-why now?

Irritated, I rummaged for drinks but found nothing.

“Seriously? Nothing here?”

Strange.

Could’ve sworn there were drinks in the fridge earlier…

That weird woman didn’t even stock beverages?

Eyeing the lone teacup, thirst intensified.

No choice then.

Really didn’t want to, but…

She didn’t act suspicious except with the leaves. Probably safe.

“…She does make it well.”

Thought she was just being polite.

Turns out her drink-making skills weren’t lies.

No odd taste-actually kinda deliciou…

Thud.

After a strange noise, my consciousness faded to black.

***

“Didn’t expect this…”

Watching through the window, I rushed back inside upon seeing Orca collapse.

Who drinks tea standing up?

Naturally assumed she’d sit.

I stroked Orca’s forehead where she’d hit the desk, now reddened.

“N-no bump, right…?”

Guilt washed over me.

Just wanted her to sleep soundly.

Never meant to hurt her… Sorry…