The morning sun cast a gentle glow over the school courtyard, bathing everything in a warm, golden light. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their delicate petals drifting softly to the ground with each passing breeze. Rinne walked along the hallway, her footsteps echoing lightly against the polished floor.

She paused by the large windows that overlooked the courtyard, her gaze drifting to the students mingling below. Laughter and chatter floated up, but she felt a world apart, lost in her own thoughts. The events of the previous night lingered in her mind—the adrenaline of battle, the eerie stillness afterward, and, of course, that stupid smirk on Shigure’s stupid ugly face.

"Good morning, Heroine-chan~" a familiar voice called out.

She turned to see Shigure approaching, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. The sunlight caught the edges of his dark hair, giving him an almost ethereal glow. He moved with a confidence that bordered on arrogance, his eyes meeting hers with a playful glint.

"You're awfully cheerful today," she remarked, her tone flat as she crossed her arms.

He shrugged, leaning against the window frame beside her. "Why wouldn't I be? It's a beautiful day, and I'm in excellent company."

She rolled her eyes. "Don't start acting all buddy-buddy with me now," she retorted. "Especially not after you completely ignored me when I offered a handshake the first time we met!"

Shigure waved a dismissive hand, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Ah, that. Don't worry about it. I've decided to forgive our rocky start."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Forgive?" Rinne echoed, incredulous. "You were the one being rude!"

He chuckled softly, tilting his head in a way that she bet he thought made him look charming. "Well, you see, maintaining a cool and aloof persona makes me more popular with the ladies. It's just how these things work. But due to your beauty, my icy facade has managed to crack, just a little bit~~~"

She felt a vein throb in her temple. "Is that so?" she said through gritted teeth.

"Absolutely," he continued, undeterred. "And now that I've heroically saved you from danger, it's only natural you'd start falling for me. Classic harem logic."

Rinne's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and irritation. "In your dreams!" she snapped. "And if you'd been there from the beginning, I wouldn't have had to fight Aka Manto alone!"

He raised an eyebrow, a teasing glimmer in his eyes. "Oh? Sounds like you wanted me by your side all along. Is this a confession? Do you wish for me to be with you twenty-four seven?"

She paused, her heart skipping a beat despite herself. "Don't flatter yourself!" she retorted, turning her gaze away to hide the faint blush coloring her cheeks.

He sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Alas, as much as I'd love to oblige, I have other duties. There are still Routes to unlock with the other beautiful girls at this school."

"Unbelievable," she muttered under her breath.

Shigure leaned in slightly, his voice lowering to a seductive whisper. "But don't worry, you're still my favorite~~"

That was the last straw. With a swift motion, Rinne delivered a light kick to his shin—not enough to cause real harm, but sufficient to make her point.

"Ow!" he exclaimed, hopping back with an exaggerated wince. "What was that for?"

She couldn't help the small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Get lost," she said, but her tone lacked any real malice. "I have classes to get to."