In the dim light of the school bathroom, where pale white tiles reflected the harsh overhead bulbs, Miura Yumiko stood before the mirror, gripping the edge of the sink so tightly her knuckles blanched. Her flushed cheeks and narrowed eyes betrayed her anger, but her lips betrayed something else.
"Who… who would want to make a deal with you, you shameless womanizer!" she hissed through gritted teeth, spitting the words like a curse. Yet, despite the fury in her voice, a soft smile played at the corners of her lips.
This man—Haruto Amakawa—was impossible to resist. He looked at her as if every curve of her body were a tempting secret, a perversion so bold it bordered on criminal. He was shameless, crude, and reckless. But… he cared.
Yumiko exhaled slowly, a secret warmth unfurling in her chest even as she scolded him. "Honestly… if you'd only love me… I'd let you do anything," she whispered, half in frustration, half in yearning.
The mirror reflected her conflicted expression—angry at his audacity, yet hopelessly drawn to his unfiltered affection.
---
Back at Haruto's house, the quiet hum of the ceiling fan filled the living room as evening shadows stretched long across the wooden floor. He sat cross-legged on the floor, his laptop open, its screen spilling bluish light onto his face. Books and notes on parallel worlds lay scattered beside him—references to myths, anime, and fantasy universes.
"Monsters… chaotic races from another world…" he murmured thoughtfully. If the other world contained elements familiar to him, could it be linked to something he had seen before in fiction? His brow furrowed in concentration as he listed possibilities in his mind.
In his absorption, he failed to notice Sakurajima Mai seated silently on the sofa behind him. Arms crossed tightly over her chest, she stared at him with a mixture of hurt and suspicion. The silence between them was suffocating.
Mai's eyes followed him, filled with an ache that grew sharper with every passing second. She had felt invisible ever since Haruto started involving himself with Miura Yumiko—especially after his group chat message warning Yumiko to stay cautious, and subtly offering protection. That message hadn't just shown concern—it hinted at desire.
And yet… Haruto had never said a word about Mai. He hadn't looked at her once. He hadn't acknowledged her presence.
Her heart clenched.
---
Mai had spent the afternoon preparing dinner with care, hoping that when Haruto saw the meal laid out, he'd appreciate her effort. She imagined calling him gently, offering him a smile. But deep down, a childish streak of spite stirred—if he ignored her, she wouldn't reach out either.
When Haruto walked past her without even a glance at the dining table or her, Mai froze.
"!!"
Her breath hitched. Her eyes widened in terror.
"Has he… forgotten me too?"
Her face drained of color. For the first time since arriving in this strange new world, fear overtook her—a cold, gnawing dread that she might simply vanish from existence. She clung to the promise he had once made: never forget her, never let her slip away.
Trembling, she rose. "No… I can't let that happen…" she whispered fiercely, retreating to her room.
Moments later, determination hardened her resolve. She slipped into the bunny girl outfit she had worn the day they first met—a playful, alluring costume that had once sparked a memorable conversation between them.
Heart racing, she strode toward Haruto's room.
Inside his room, Haruto sat absorbed at his desk. The glow from his laptop's screen reflected in his deep blue eyes as he typed out more notes. He was so engrossed that he didn't hear the soft padding of Mai's footsteps.
Mai's heart broke as she stood at the door, watching him without being seen.
He doesn't even notice me…
Tears brimmed in her eyes, but she swallowed them, stepping closer. She reached out, bringing her face close to his cheek, her breath trembling. Her lips parted, and for a fleeting moment, she thought about turning away.
I've already fallen for you, she admitted silently.
Despite the fear, the ache, and the loneliness, the truth blossomed in her heart—she loved him. This shameless, oblivious man had unknowingly stolen her heart at first sight.
Just then, Haruto's eyes flicked up, catching the sensation of movement. He turned his head, only to see Mai standing before him in the bunny outfit, cheeks flushed and eyes shining with desperation.
His lips parted in surprise. He blinked slowly, admiration softening his eyes. "Mai… why are you wearing that again?"
The instant he spoke her name, something inside her snapped. She froze, eyes widening, her lips quivering in disbelief.
"Ha… Haru… Haruto! Can you really see me?!" she blurted, half-laughing, half-crying.
Haruto's brows knitted in concern. He opened his mouth, intending to respond, but faltered when he saw tears streaming down her cheeks.
It hit him.
She thinks I've forgotten her…
Without hesitation, Haruto stood, pushing his chair aside. He closed the distance between them in a single stride and gently enveloped Mai in his arms. His touch was warm and grounding, like anchoring a drifting soul.
"I'm sorry…" he whispered softly into her ear. "I got too caught up thinking about something else. I didn't mean to ignore you."
Mai let out a trembling breath, clutching him as if afraid he'd disappear. Her tears spilled unchecked. "Thank goodness… you remember me… I'm so relieved…" she sobbed, burying her face in his chest.
He stroked her back, steadying her. "It's okay. Let it out," he murmured, his voice calm and reassuring, even as his mind churned with empathy.
Minutes passed as Mai's sobs softened into soft sniffles. Haruto lifted her chin gently, his thumb brushing away a tear.
"I promised I'd never forget you," he said quietly, looking deep into her eyes. "I always keep my promises. You can trust me."
Mai's eyes searched his face, seeking truth, and found it. A small smile bloomed through her tears.
"I believe you," she whispered.
For a moment, the world around them seemed to pause. Their breaths synchronized, their gazes locked. The warmth of his embrace spread through her like sunlight on winter ice.
Haruto's eyes darkened with tenderness and something deeper. Slowly, he leaned in. Mai's eyes fluttered closed without hesitation, her lashes trembling as she surrendered to the moment.
Their lips met—soft, hesitant at first, like the brush of a leaf on water. Then, with each heartbeat, Mai's body melted into his embrace, responding with an intensity she hadn't expected.
It was a kiss born not of lust, but of fear, longing, and a need to be remembered—a promise rekindled between two souls on the edge of something deeper.