Chapter 13

When I stepped into the classroom in the morning, I immediately sensed something was off. My classmates kept glancing at me, whispering among themselves.

Are they whispering even more than usual today? With that thought, I took my seat, and Keita came rushing over to me.

“Kazuya, is it true? Were you at the supermarket with Shirasaki-san yesterday?”

“Eh?”

I let out a dumbfounded noise.

“Someone saw you two together. Now the whole school is talking about how you and the princess went shopping.”

“Seriously?”

I never thought we’d be seen… That was careless of me. I should’ve paid more attention to my surroundings.

I glanced over at Rinka. As expected, a group of female students had gathered around her desk.

“Why were you with someone as plain as Miyahara-kun?”

“Was it some kind of punishment game?”

They’re saying whatever they want…

But more than feeling annoyed, I hated that Rinka was being dragged into this because of me.

Just then, Rinka spoke in a firm voice.

“That’s not true. We just happened to run into each other, and he helped me with my shopping. Besides, Miyahara-kun is kind, hardworking, considerate, and an amazing person. You shouldn’t say such cruel things.”

Her words left the girls speechless.

Sitting at my desk, listening to their exchange, a swirl of emotions churned inside me.

Guilt and happiness mixed together. I couldn’t believe Rinka would say something like that about someone like me…

Even though she defended me yesterday, from an outsider’s perspective, it only reinforced the idea that “I’m not good enough for her”. She’s special, and I’m just an ordinary, plain guy.

But the fact that her words lingered in my mind was undeniable. Just a little—just a tiny bit—I felt more confident in myself.

Even when lunchtime arrived, the classroom buzz didn’t die down. Feeling uncomfortable, I grabbed my lunch and left.

I headed to the back of the gym, a quiet spot where no one usually went, to eat alone.

Sitting on the concrete steps, I took a bite of my lunch packed with the side dishes Rinka had made yesterday. The same gentle flavors spread through my mouth, easing my tension just a little.

“I thought I’d find you here.”

A sudden voice made me turn around. Rinka stood there, smiling.

“Eh? Why are you here?”

“You weren’t in the classroom, so I went looking for you.”

Saying that, Rinka sat down beside me.

She actually went looking for me…

The fact that she worried about me made me happy, but at the same time, I felt guilty.

“Sorry, I caused you trouble…”

I lowered my head in apology, but she smiled softly.

“If it really bothered me, I wouldn’t be here with you. Besides, it’s nothing you need to worry about.”

Her words lifted a weight off my chest.

No girl had ever said something like that to me before.

Not even Misaki had ever said anything like this, which made it even more special.

“Thanks. That really means a lot…”

As I expressed my gratitude, I noticed Rinka eyeing my lunchbox.

“Is that the side dish I made yesterday?”

“Yeah, I packed it in my lunch. It’s really good.”

“Really? That makes me happy.”

She blushed slightly and smiled warmly.

I was glad I’d decided to pack her food in my lunch.

“But isn’t that too little? Won’t you be hungry?”

“You think so?”

Now that she mentioned it, I had only packed a small portion.

As I gave a wry smile, Rinka opened her own lunchbox, picked up some of her side dishes with her chopsticks, and—to my surprise—held them out to my mouth.

“Eh… wait…!”

“I’ll share mine with you! Come on, say ‘ahh!’”

My brain completely froze at her sudden action. Even though no one was around, this was way too much for me to handle.

I never expected her to be this bold…

Seeing my reaction, Rinka burst into laughter.

“Fufu. Just kidding. But here, take this.”

Chuckling, she gently placed the food into my lunchbox. Appreciating her kindness, I gave a small nod of thanks.

“Thanks, Rinka.”

“You’re welcome. But more importantly, eat up and cheer up, okay?”

Her warm smile gradually lifted my spirits.