Before long, Hayashi Maki and Shiina Mahiru arrived at Asada Shino's rented apartment.
It was in a rather remote location, with one of the cheapest rents available.
"Would you like to come up for a bit?" Shino hesitated as she turned to the two of them at the base of the stairs.
Shiina Mahiru shook her head.
"Maybe next time. I have to get home and make dinner too."
She had already noticed Shino's awkwardness. At that moment, Shino was wearing a slightly self-conscious, almost embarrassed expression.
It was probably because her apartment was small and cramped. She was afraid that if Maki or Mahiru saw it, they might think less of her—or worse, look down on her.
Shino let out a small sigh of relief at Mahiru's reply, though part of her also felt disappointed.
It was hard not to feel insecure in front of someone as bright and beautiful as Shiina Mahiru.
At the same time, Shino wanted to be recognized. She wanted to have a friend like Mahiru.
She had worked up the courage to open up, to invite them in… but she was terrified they'd judge her once they saw how poor her living conditions really were.
Shino was simply too sensitive. After being targeted and labeled a "killer," and seeing those looks from everyone around her, she had begun to believe it herself—that she was somehow less than human.
So even when others showed her kindness, she couldn't help but spiral into doubt and fear of rejection.
Hayashi Maki could see through her unease, and he sighed quietly before asking seriously:
"Asada-san, can I ask you something? Do you know someone named Kyōji Shinkawa?"
"Eh? Shinkawa-kun? Yeah, I know him. He's a friend from school."
Actually, he was her only friend left at school.
"Why are you asking? Did something happen to him?"
Shino looked confused.
Hayashi Maki gave a calm but firm explanation:
"Nothing happened to him—but you might be in danger."
"Remember those three scumbags who tried to blackmail you? After I dealt with them, I interrogated them. They told me it was Shinkawa who leaked the story about you shooting the robber when you were a kid."
"He was the one who spread it through the school."
"If he's still pretending to be your friend, he definitely has ulterior motives. Be careful."
"It's best you stop associating with him."
Shino was completely stunned.
She had never imagined it.
The one person who approached her when everyone else avoided her—the one person she thought was kind—turned out to be the one who had ruined her life.
She had trusted him, even thought he was her only friend.
Now, it felt like she had been played for a fool.
Her eyes welled up with tears.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she bowed deeply to Hayashi Maki.
"Thank you… thank you for telling me, Hayashi Maki. I think I know what I have to do now."
Maki nodded, then pulled out his phone.
"Even though you're saying that confidently, seeing how you let Kurata push you around without saying a word… honestly, I can't relax."
"So let's exchange numbers. If anything happens, call me right away. I'll come help."
Shino's cheeks turned red, and she looked at him with a hint of frustration.
"Do I seem that useless to you…? Still… thank you. Please, let's exchange contacts."
After swapping numbers with him, she watched as Hayashi Maki and Mahiru walked off together, side by side.
Watching them from behind, her heart filled with envy.
So… Mahiru really isn't dating him?
Then why are they so in sync?
…
Back with Hayashi Maki and Mahiru—
After saying goodbye to Shino, Mahiru puffed out her cheeks and walked in silence beside him.
She was clearly jealous.
Maki boldly reached for her hand.
Mahiru's face instantly flushed red as she turned and glared at him.
"What do you think you're doing?"
She instinctively pulled away slightly, scanning her surroundings nervously in case anyone they knew was nearby.
Maki rolled his eyes.
"What do you think I'm doing? I'm protecting you."
"Didn't the store manager, Saionji-san, say there's a serial killer on the loose lately?"
Mahiru pouted slightly but didn't let go of his hand.
Still, remembering the way Shino had looked at Maki earlier, she felt a strange sourness in her chest.
So she muttered softly:
"You and Shino seemed awfully close…"
Maki chuckled.
His angel was clearly jealous—and that was a good sign.
"Pretty sure you two were closer. Didn't you just meet and already held hands? Mahiru is my angel—you're only allowed to be sweet to me. No other boys or girls, got it?"
Mahiru couldn't help but laugh.
She had tried to tease him about being too close with Shino, and now he was the one complaining about her holding another girl's hand?
It was just a comforting gesture! Nothing worth getting jealous over!
Still, she forced a straight face and said:
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not your angel."
"Then whose are you trying to be? Mahiru, I hope you're ready—not getting any sleep tonight," Maki teased boldly.
"W-What are you saying?!"
Mahiru's face turned even redder as some intense thoughts flashed through her head.
"What could I be saying?" Maki sighed, gently patting her head.
"I met Asada-san yesterday when I went out to buy groceries. You heard earlier—when I found her, she was being blackmailed."
"Three fully grown men were taunting her, calling her a killer, waving a toy gun in her face, and robbing her of her hard-earned pay—all while pretending it was a 'loan.'"
"Tell me, Mahiru—how could people be that evil?"
Mahiru frowned and responded sincerely:
"I really don't know… but still… you're no saint either!"
Didn't he just say she wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight?!
So mean!
"Hehe, well yeah—I'm a certified bad guy. But even I wouldn't rob girls or bully them. So, when you think about it… I'm actually pretty good in comparison, aren't I?"
"Good your face! Don't act proud about being a 'bad guy'!"
Mahiru huffed and picked up the pace.
But her hand—still held in his—remained there.
It was already past 9 PM, and she figured Hayashi Maki was hungry. She wanted to get home quickly to cook dinner.
And besides, he had already explained how he knew Shino.
What more was there to feel jealous about?
Right now, it was her hand that Maki was holding.
Still… she definitely was going to sleep tonight.
She had to get up early and cook breakfast, after all.
~~~
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