Chapter 5

Shirasaki Rinka’s Perspective

I return home, hang my clothes on a hanger, and dive straight onto my bed.

The only thing on my mind is him—the person I was just with, Kazuya-kun.

“He really was the Kazuya-kun from the game…”

I mumble into my pillow. Before meeting him, I was a little nervous, wondering what kind of person he would be. But when we finally met, his voice was mature and gentle, his gestures slightly awkward, and every now and then, he’d flash me a soft smile that was simply wonderful.

In the game, Kazuya-kun was someone I could always rely on. He had the leadership to guide our team, always looked out for the other members, and never blamed anyone for their mistakes. He was straightforward and kind.

But in reality, he seemed somewhat reserved, as if he didn’t truly understand his own worth.

And yet, that part of him… is really cute.

The gap between the confident Kazuya-kun in the game and the reserved Kazuya-kun in real life makes my heart flutter. But maybe that’s exactly why I want to support him even more.

He underestimates himself. He’s still weighed down by what happened with Misaki-san and Tachibana-kun. But I know the truth. He has an unwavering strength and a kindness that allows him to empathize with others. It’s frustrating that he doesn’t realize that about himself…

“I want to cherish the trust that I’ve built as Lily even more…”

The time I spent with him in that world—I never imagined it would be connected to reality like this.

But now, I want to take what I built as Lily and make it something even stronger and more certain in reality.

But—

“…I wonder how he sees me as ‘Princess.’”

For a moment, anxiety flickers through my mind. At school, I might seem like someone far out of his reach. If he really thinks that way, the thought alone makes my chest ache.

Just like I supported him as Lily, I want to be there for him in reality too. That feeling is genuine. My status at school doesn’t matter. Just like he couldn’t ignore me when I was struggling in the game, I can’t ignore him now when he’s isolated.

Curled up in bed, I picture his face. The next time we meet, what kind of expression will he show me? If my presence by his side can make him smile, even just a little… that alone would make me happy.

“Kazuya-kun, let’s meet again soon.”

I whisper softly and close my eyes.

Miyahara Kazuya’s Perspective

As I walk to school, yesterday’s events feel like a distant dream.

Now that I’ve met Lily—no, Rinka—in reality, my heart feels just a little lighter. If it had been me yesterday, even walking forward like this would have felt exhausting.

Alright, let’s get through another day!

Just as I try to pump myself up—

“…!?”

My eyes catch sight of Misaki and Tachibana standing together. The two of them are chatting happily, smiling as if they want me to see them.

A sharp pain pierces deep into my chest. Even though Rinka encouraged me yesterday, telling me not to let it get to me, here I am, shaken so easily. I really am pathetic…

“Good morning, Kazuya-kun.”

A bright voice suddenly calls out from behind me. When I turn around, I see Rinka standing there in her school uniform.

“…A-ah, good morning, Rinka.”

I hurriedly return the greeting. A different kind of nervousness washes over me compared to yesterday.

She always has such an elegant air about her.

Her uniform is perfectly neat, her skirt barely folded, and regardless of the season, she always wears black tights, revealing almost no skin.

Now that I think about it, even her outfit yesterday was a long skirt with little skin exposed…

“Perfect timing. Want to walk to school together?”

Wait, what? Seriously? With the ‘Princess’ of our school?

No, no, no—can this really be okay? A gloomy guy like me walking to school alongside the princess!?

“What’s wrong? If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late.”

Ignoring my panic, Rinka has already started walking. It seems like I don’t have a choice here.

I quickly rush to catch up beside her.

As we walk, I can feel the stares of those around us. I can hear the murmurs of other students whispering.

“Wait, is that really Shirasaki-san?”

“For real? And the guy next to her—isn’t that Miyahara, the one who got dumped by Kobayashi?”

“Why are they together? What’s going on?”

Hearing their shameless gossip, I feel my face heat up.

It’s no surprise they’re talking. At school, Shirasaki Rinka is known as ‘Princess,’ an untouchable figure. No one would ever believe that someone like me would be walking beside her.

“Looks like we’re attracting some attention.”

Rinka gives a slightly bashful smile.

Well, of course we are! Even I’m confused about what’s happening right now!

“Sorry… this must be a huge hassle for you.”

Because of my gloomy reputation, I’ve drawn way too much attention to her. I really feel bad about it.

“It’s not a hassle at all. And you don’t need to apologize for something like this.”

Her voice is so gentle, just like when she spoke to me at the café yesterday.

But the peaceful atmosphere doesn’t last long.

“Hey, Kazuya!”

A voice calls out from a short distance away—it’s my best friend, Saionji Keita. His face is full of shock.

“Dude, what are you doing? Walking with ‘Princess’? Don’t tell me you guys are dating now?”

“N-no! It’s not like that at all!”

“Hee, you’re quick to deny it. But this kind of situation is usually impossible, right?”

Keita smirks at me, and I frantically try to explain myself. Curious about Rinka’s reaction, I sneak a glance at her—she’s smiling, as if she’s enjoying this.

“Kazuya-kun looks troubled, so please don’t tease him too much, Saionji-kun.”

Wait, when did she switch to her ‘Princess’ tone of voice?

“Ah!! She called you by name! That’s insane, Kazuya!!”

Keita’s exaggerated reaction makes me want to bury my face in my hands. But when I see Rinka chuckling beside me, I can’t bring myself to feel too bad.

There’s still some awkwardness and embarrassment, but unlike yesterday, this morning doesn’t feel entirely depressing.