Chapter 31

Shirasaki Rinka’s Perspective

The elevator doors slide shut, sealing me in silence.

“…Haa.”

A deep sigh escapes my lips. I try to steady my erratic breathing, but my racing heart refuses to calm. Getting that emotional—it wasn’t like me at all.

I glance at my reflection in the elevator’s mirror. My expression remains composed, but the faint flush on my cheeks gives me away.

…What am I even doing?

I replay my exchange with Kobayashi-san just moments ago—her probing questions, the jealousy laced in her voice, and my own response.

“Isn’t it obvious? I love him.”

The moment those words left my mouth, I instinctively covered my face with both hands. Saying it out loud—it was embarrassing. But I didn’t regret it. In fact, I felt relieved. The thought of giving him up was unthinkable. More than that, I couldn’t even stand the idea of her being near Kazuya-kun. That realization hit me like a bolt of lightning.

The elevator arrives at Kazuya-kun’s floor, and the doors slowly slide open. Even so, my feet remain frozen in place.

Kobayashi-san’s stunned expression flashes through my mind. That look on her face, and the emotion that bloomed deep inside me when I saw it… It was possessiveness.

“…Haha. I never thought I had it in me to be possessive.”

I murmur to myself, letting out a small, self-deprecating chuckle. To think the day would come when I’d feel this strongly about someone—it’s almost absurd.

…I really have changed.

With a wry smile, I step out of the elevator and head toward Kazuya-kun’s room. The shopping bag in my hand feels oddly light.

“Kazuya-kun, I’m coming in.”

As I enter the room, my eyes immediately land on Kazuya-kun, lying on the bed. His complexion looks a little better, but he’s still far from his usual self.

“Rinka… Thanks for going shopping.”

He says it with a faint smile. It’s such a simple remark, yet my heart skips a beat.

“Don’t mention it. Oh, and this was in the mailbox.”

I smoothly hand him the handouts. If I told him that Kobayashi-san had come by… how would he react? The thought lingers for a moment, but I quickly push it away.

“Thanks, Rinka.”

That alone is enough. His casual words of gratitude settle deep within my chest.

“…You’re welcome.”

I avert my gaze slightly, doing my best to maintain a calm demeanor. But even I can feel the heat rising to my cheeks.

“You seem to be getting better. I’ll make dinner—do you have anything in mind?”

As I ask, I lean in slightly to get a better look at his face. He gives a small smile and replies,

“I feel like having udon.”

“Udon?”

The word slips out before I can stop myself.

“Yeah. I just have a craving for it.”

“…Alright. Give me a little while.”

I realize I’m smiling without even thinking. It almost feels like we’re newlyweds, I muse fleetingly, before heading toward the kitchen.

As the sound of water pouring into the pot and the click of the stove igniting fills the room, my heartbeat refuses to settle.

“…I’m really on the verge of losing control.”

Whispering the thought to myself, I keep my hands moving. For now, I need to stay composed. Because above all else, I want to protect him—that’s what matters most.