Chapter 27

Shirasaki Rinka’s Perspective

I placed my pen on the open notebook on my desk and let out a small sigh.

Why can’t I concentrate at all?

Normally, once I pick up my pen, I can immerse myself in studying for hours. But today was different.

Before I knew it, my gaze had drifted down to my phone.

I wonder if Kazuya-kun is studying hard right now?

Just picturing him working hard brought a natural smile to my face. But at the same time, a faint tightness welled up in my chest.

“I feel lonely… I want to hear his voice…”

Embarrassed by my own murmuring, I quickly picked up my pen again and focused on my notebook. But no matter what, I couldn’t settle down.

Just as I finally made up my mind and reached for my phone to open the call app, my hand froze.

No, right now, Kazuya-kun is doing his best to study. I can’t disturb him.

Telling myself that, I gently set my phone back down on the desk. But the restless feeling in my heart wouldn’t go away.

Still, why did Kazuya-kun suddenly decide to take his studies so seriously?

Up until now, I could never have imagined him being so dedicated to preparing for exams.

Could it be… because he wants to become someone worthy of me? The thought flashed through my mind, and my face instantly grew hot.

“N-No way…! That’s ridiculous…! Stop thinking about silly things, me!”

I shook my head, scolding myself.

…But what if that really were the case?

Realizing I couldn’t completely dismiss the possibility only made my heart grow even more restless.

If that were truly the reason…

Before I could even gather my thoughts, my body had already moved on its own.

I opened my closet and quickly started packing my things—clothes, notebooks, reference books… and just a few snacks.

“…It can’t be helped. I have to take care of him.”

As I organized my suitcase, I muttered to myself.

If I said the reason out loud, I’d have to admit my own feelings. So instead, I simply continued preparing.

“Until the test study period is over… I’ll stay by his side.”

Hiding the excitement in my chest, I finished getting ready to leave the house.

Miyahara Kazuya’s Perspective

I sat at my desk, staring at my open workbook, but all I could do was sigh as my pen hovered uselessly over the page.

“I seriously don’t get this…”

No matter what, the math formulas wouldn’t stick in my head. Actually, I wasn’t even sure which formula was which anymore. Even after checking my reference book, all the symbols just looked like meaningless scribbles.

I picked up my phone and opened the call app. Scrolling through my contacts, I tapped on [Lily] and reached toward the call button—but stopped at the last moment.

No, no. Rinka must be studying for her own tests right now. I can’t disturb her. If she did worse because of me, I’d feel awful. More than anything, I don’t want to bother her.

I put my phone back on the desk and returned to studying.

“Hey, that formula is wrong.”

A sudden voice by my ear made me freeze.

Why…? Why did I just hear Rinka’s voice behind me?

Startled, I spun around—only to find Rinka standing there in casual clothes, holding a suitcase in her hand.

“R-Rinka? What are you doing here?”

“It was obvious that you wouldn’t be able to study properly, so I came to help you~”

With a face that said it was only natural, she placed her suitcase in the corner of my room.

“Wait, why do you even have a suitcase with you?”

“I decided to stay over at your place during the test period. I’ll be tutoring you the whole time.”

“Eh? Whaaat!?”

I jumped up in shock, and she simply shrugged.

“Studying together is more efficient, right?”

“Well, yeah, but…”

The moment I started to argue, Rinka’s expression darkened, making me panic and wave my hands frantically.

“I’m sorry! It was my fault…!”

“Good. I’ll forgive you.”

Looks like she accepted my apology.

That was close…

“Besides, I’ll handle all the housework, so don’t worry. You just focus on studying.”

“T-Thanks…”

I was honestly grateful that she was willing to go this far for me.

With her here, I felt like I could really give it my all.

“Alright, as long as I’m here, I won’t let you slack off. Get ready for some serious studying, okay?”

“Yes! Please take care of me, Rinka-sama!”

And so, my test-period-only cohabitation with Rinka began.