After being rejected, Hayashi Maki didn't dwell on it.
He continued typing, not stopping until 5 a.m. when he finally shut down his laptop.
Stretching and yawning, Hayashi Maki smiled contentedly.
"Finally done."
He had just finished submitting the first volume of his light novel to Sonoko Machida's email at Fushikawa Bunko.
After a quick shower, he lay down to sleep.
Meanwhile, next door, Shiina Mahiru suddenly woke up.
She touched the corner of her eye, feeling the wetness. It only took a moment for her to realize she had been crying in her sleep.
The past few days, she'd been held in Hayashi Maki's arms as they slept together, or, after he'd "messed with her," she hadn't had the time or energy to feel sad. Her sleep had been somewhat peaceful.
But tonight, sleeping alone, she had dreamt of her mother, Shiina Sayo.
In the dream, her mother looked at her expressionlessly and said, word by word:
"You're an unwanted child. You should never have been born. Your existence is a thorn in both mine and his hearts. We compromised with the family by keeping you, but we'll never love you. You don't deserve it."
Although Mahiru knew her mother would never say such things—
It was just her mind overreacting to the pain she felt, manifesting as a nightmare.
For so many years, Mahiru had strived to be the best, to earn her parents' love and recognition.
But to suddenly realize she'd never been wanted, and that she would never be loved by them, crushed her heart.
This kind of pain—the constant rejection—only Mahiru truly understood.
She rubbed her eyes, biting her lip as she sat up straight.
Hesitating, she pulled out her phone and sent a text to the jerk next door.
"Are you awake?"
She hit send… but then quickly deleted the message.
Mahiru sighed.
It's 5 a.m. He's probably asleep. I shouldn't disturb him.
She just couldn't get comfortable, though.
The dream had stirred up her insecurities again. Her mind wandered, empty, filled with anxiety.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
She looked down, surprised to see a message from Hayashi Maki.
"I'm awake. Was about to go to sleep. It's 5 a.m. Don't you need to sleep, Mahiru?"
Her heart skipped a beat, a warm feeling creeping up inside.
"Can't sleep," she typed back.
Hayashi Maki replied almost immediately.
"What a coincidence. I can't sleep either. Is it okay if I come over?"
"Okay."
Mahiru stared at the screen, blinking in disbelief.
Did she just agree?
Hayashi Maki's message came through.
"I'm coming! Really coming!"
Mahiru, stunned, replied simply:
"Yeah."
Hayashi Maki wasted no time. He left his room and knocked on the door of hers.
A minute later, the door creaked open, revealing Mahiru's delicate face.
She was in white pajamas, her soft skin glowing in the light, her cute face flushed slightly.
When she saw Hayashi Maki, she quickly looked down at her feet and stepped aside to let him in.
Without hesitation, Hayashi Maki walked straight in, then casually scooped her up into his arms.
He carried her to her bed, where the familiar, sweet scent filled the air.
Mahiru's eyes widened when she saw how red her eyes were—clearly from crying.
She was, of course, no stranger to it. But this time, Hayashi Maki didn't say anything. He just gently kissed her forehead.
Then, he gently stroked her soft hair, murmuring.
"Sleep. It's still early, we've got more time."
Mahiru's heart skipped a beat from his tender words. She agreed to let him come over, but deep down she was conflicted.
On one hand, she was afraid he might think she was easy.
On the other hand, she was so lonely… She just wanted someone to be there.
But if he did something bad to her, she'd feel ashamed. The push and pull of that feeling made her confused and anxious.
She wanted to believe in him, but…
What if he only liked my body, not me?
But strangely…
Even though he was a jerk, he was so gentle with her when it mattered.
Just holding her, comforting her, it made her heart feel warm.
She didn't know when it had happened, but her resistance seemed to have melted.
He didn't take advantage of her like she feared.
Instead, he was… taking care of her.
She wondered if that was how it was supposed to feel.
…
She snapped out of her sleep and glanced at her phone.
Oh, right. I need to get up or I'll miss the train.
Despite how reluctant she was to leave his warm embrace, she quietly slipped away and got out of bed, careful not to wake him.
She quietly washed up, then put on her apron and started making breakfast.
For some reason, her mood lightened as she hummed while chopping vegetables.
Every so often, her gaze would drift back to her bedroom.
She smiled softly, thinking about his praise of her cooking earlier.
Maybe… he will like this meal too.
Mahiru put all her effort into making the best meal she could for him.
She secretly hoped to see his reaction when he tasted it.
He'll definitely praise me, right?
He has to!