As he ate breakfast, Hayashi Maki wore a satisfied smile.
He had to admit—Shiina Mahiru's cooking was seriously delicious.
It was just ordinary homemade food, but somehow, when it came from her hands, it was better than anything he'd ever ordered out.
After finishing his meal, Hayashi Maki washed the lunch box clean. He planned to return it along with the bento container from lunch later in the day.
With breakfast taken care of, Hayashi Maki headed out.
After a short wait, Shiina Mahiru also stepped out of the room next door, holding a bag of garbage.
Hayashi Maki walked over and took the bag from her hands without a word.
"Thanks…"
Mahiru gave a quiet thank-you, cheeks still faintly flushed.
Sure, she could've taken it out herself, but being helped like this—it warmed her heart a little.
Right now, she wasn't sure how to act around the man who had… taken her again.
And yet, ignoring him completely felt impossible.
They had already gotten that close—Hayashi Maki was undeniably someone special to her now.
After thinking it through, Mahiru settled on just treating him like a normal classmate. That was the best she could manage.
If he tried anything again, she'd definitely push him away.
Hayashi Maki simply smiled and nodded in response to her thanks, saying nothing more.
Some things didn't need to be said. Especially with how their relationship had changed.
At this point, actions spoke louder than words.
Showing her care through consistent presence—that was probably the key to unlocking her heart, and in turn, leveling up his super recovery ability.
There's that saying: love grows through time spent together.
Despite how shamelessly he'd claimed her, Mahiru was still cooking for him. Still feeding him.
Wasn't that proof enough that she didn't hate him as much as she claimed?
If she was willing to keep spending time with him, it meant she was at least trying to accept him.
That was definitely a good sign.
After tossing out the garbage, the two of them walked together to the train station.
There was no sign of Aoyama Nanami that morning.
Hayashi Maki guessed she was probably off doing a part-time job again.
He'd seen listings nearby for milk delivery work—required early wake-ups, biking across the neighborhood.
Man, girls like her are really out there grinding for their dreams, huh?
Meanwhile, here I am… kind of just vibing.
After getting off the train, Hayashi Maki deliberately kept some distance from Mahiru, letting her walk ahead.
He followed behind, not too far, not too close.
Mahiru glanced back slightly, lips pouting, clearly holding something in.
"This guy… can be weirdly considerate at times."
"So what am I supposed to do now? Date him?"
She wasn't dumb. She understood why Hayashi Maki kept his distance.
He didn't want others to get the wrong idea or cause her trouble.
But last night, he'd said he got jealous seeing her talk to other guys.
Did he actually like her…?
That thought alone made Mahiru's cheeks flush.
He must, right? Otherwise… why would he hold me that way? Kiss me like that?
Sure, he was a pervert—an incorrigible jerk—but the way he had stirred her heart last night… the way she had started responding…
That shameful memory still made her want to bury her face in a pillow.
But even so… it hadn't been unpleasant.
In fact, it had felt strangely warm and sweet.
Maybe… just maybe… she had always wanted someone to hold her. To protect her. To spoil her a little.
The care she'd never received from her parents—
Somehow, she had found it in that awful guy's arms.
Especially when he held her close and gently stroked her hair—
Her nose had tingled, and her eyes had nearly welled with tears.
They had only known each other for a few days, and yet…
He'd already seen her cry more than anyone else ever had.
…
"Morning, Shiina-san."
"Morning, Yuigahama-san."
"Good morning~ You're as angelic as ever today, Shiina-san!"
"Wha—no I'm not. That nickname's kinda embarrassing…"
Walking into class, Mahiru greeted her cheerful classmates with ease, smiling as usual.
But her eyes couldn't help drifting toward one particular boy as he strolled in behind her.
Hayashi Maki entered the room yawning lazily.
"Yo, morning, Hayashi Maki!"
Tobe Kakeru called out, looking unusually enthusiastic.
Hayashi Maki raised an eyebrow.
That was unexpected.
After yesterday's awkward exchange, Tobe hadn't said much to him—he'd just been goofing around with Hayama.
"Morning, Tobe-san. Morning, Hayama-san."
"Good morning, Hayashi Maki."
Hayama's sunny personality hadn't changed a bit—smiling warmly at everyone as always.
Man, does his face ever not smile? His cheeks must be sore 24/7.
"Hey, hey, Hayashi-san, you've been holding out on us, haven't you?! I'm totally gonna rely on you for math homework from now on!"
Tobe leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Hayashi Maki raised a brow, catching on.
"Holding out? What are you talking about?"
Tobe looked dramatically betrayed.
"You haven't heard? The math quiz scores came out! And guess who ranked first? You, that's who!"
"Bro, you were in the hospital for like a month, and now you're out here beating Shiina Mahiru? That's insane!"