Chapter 9

This is the worst… Why am I in this situation?

Of all times, why did I have to run into her while I’m with Rinka…?

She glanced at my hands, then shifted her gaze to Rinka, who was a short distance away browsing other items. Her expression twisted.

“Heeh… I never would’ve expected Kazuya to be out shopping with Shirasaki-san.”

“I-it’s none of your business…”

Wanting nothing more than for her to leave, I responded coldly, shutting her down with my words.

“Hey, Kazuya? Don’t tell me… you’re dating Shirasaki-san?”

“No way! That’s not it at all!”

I denied it in a panic, but Misaki smirked and looked down on me as she spoke.

“Heeh… Yeah, of course. There’s no way a gloomy, introverted guy like you would ever be a match for Shirasaki-san.”

Her words stabbed deep into my chest.

I wanted to fire back with something—anything. But no words came out.

“Well, I’m in a hurry, so…”

With just that, Misaki turned and quickly walked away.

Damn it… What the hell is her problem…?

She just wanted to mock me, didn’t she…?

I hate that I couldn’t say anything back…

“Kazuya-kun, are you okay…?”

Looking worried, Rinka peered into my face.

“…Sorry. I must’ve looked pathetic.”

“Don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong, Kazuya-kun.”

Rinka’s voice was gentle as she comforted me. That single sentence made me feel just a little better.

Why is it that Rinka’s words always resonate so deeply with me?

“Seriously, though, what’s with that spiteful girl…? Just because I didn’t say anything, she thinks she can badmouth Kazuya-kun however she wants… She better watch out next time we meet…”

She must’ve been really upset at how freely Misaki insulted me. Her voice was laced with resentment.

I appreciated that she was angry on my behalf, but… it was kind of scary.

Kobayashi Misaki’s Perspective

As I stepped out of the supermarket, I caught sight of Kazuya and Shirasaki-san walking side by side out of the corner of my eye.

Kazuya glanced down at the shopping bag in his hand while Shirasaki-san spoke to him softly. They looked just like an ordinary high school couple. Without thinking, I came to a halt.

I don’t understand. No, I don’t even want to understand.

The shock and unease I felt when I saw them shopping together in the store came rushing back, swirling in my head.

Kazuya is kind, sure, and he always cared about me. But that was all. He was reserved, unexciting… Being around him felt suffocating. That’s why I was drawn to Shouta-kun, who shined so much brighter.

Life with Shouta-kun is so much fun. Being by the side of someone who draws attention made me feel special too. His confidence, his popularity—everyone admired him. I couldn’t help but be drawn to that dazzling world, something Kazuya could never offer.

And yet, why is Shirasaki-san with someone as dull and unimpressive as Kazuya? Why would someone so perfect choose him?

“…Is this some kind of punishment game? Or maybe she’s just messing with him?”

I muttered to myself. Yeah, that must be it. There’s no way someone as flawless as Shirasaki-san would actually fall for Kazuya. This has to be some kind of joke or punishment game.

Kazuya is still the same boring guy as ever, and she’ll get tired of him soon enough. I know that better than anyone.

Telling myself that, I felt a little relieved. No, more than that—I felt superior. Kazuya could never compare to Shouta-kun, the one I chose. Shirasaki Rinka will realize it too, eventually—that Kazuya is nowhere near her level.

“…Yeah. I should tell Shouta-kun about this later.”

That would probably make me feel even better. He’ll definitely laugh it off with a “Hah? Miyahara? Seriously?”

Lightly fixing my hair, I headed toward where Shouta-kun was waiting. Imagining his smile, I made sure not to look back at Kazuya and Shirasaki Rinka’s retreating figures.