After staying in Ren's arms for a long time, Chika's mood gradually stabilized.
Although she wanted to stay like this, thinking of Kaguya waiting outside made it inappropriate to keep clinging to Ren.
But she couldn't bring herself to get up so easily, because curling up in Ren's embrace was just too comfortable.
After lingering for a while, Chika slowly lifted her head.
Looking at Ren's face so close to hers, she shifted slightly with a hint of shyness.
"Chi~"
Her lips gently touched Ren's cheek.
The kiss didn't last long, but it left Chika's face burning.
This was the first time she had shown such a direct gesture of affection—or admiration—toward a boy she liked.
As she had said before, she had always been a young lady raised in a proper household. But compared to Kaguya, she was luckier. Her family's status was high enough that the three sisters didn't need to be involved in any political marriages.
They actually had a high degree of freedom in choosing their partners.
Of course, that freedom didn't mean they could choose anyone, but it did mean they had a range of acceptable choices within certain circles.
So, Chika had always been very reserved. Even though she yearned for the romantic love she saw in manga, she wouldn't casually choose just anyone as her partner.
It was just that Ren was a little special.
If he had only a normal identity, then Ren's background would definitely be unsuitable.
But his hidden identity made him very suitable. At the very least, Chika believed that her grandfathers wouldn't object. The only one who might be unhappy was her father, but that didn't matter—her father wasn't as stubborn as the two old men.
"Ah, don't get the wrong idea. I just kissed you to express my gratitude."
"I really didn't mean anything else."
Chika blushed and tried to justify her impulsive act.
Once he came back to his senses, Ren looked at Chika, who was right in front of him. He knew now that another girl had become emotionally involved with him.
"…Well, let's just go with that for now."
Hearing this, Chika's face turned even redder.
She knew Ren didn't believe what she had just said. In fact, even she didn't believe it herself.
Because only she knew what she truly felt.
Just like Ren said, "Let's just go with that for now." That was the answer closest to what she actually hoped for.
"…Mm."
With a flushed face, she responded softly, acknowledging Ren's words.
"Change your clothes first. Hayasaka moved your luggage from your room yesterday."
Ren genuinely admired Hayasaka's attentiveness. She had already anticipated what might happen today and made arrangements in advance.
Chika poked her head out of Ren's arms and glanced around the room. She spotted the suitcase she had brought with her.
"Then, you tidy up in here first. I'll head out."
"…Mm."
She needed to change clothes, so of course she couldn't let Ren stay in the room. She wasn't that thick-skinned.
So she had to send him out.
Standing up, Ren felt his stiff body finally begin to relax.
It wasn't that he hadn't wanted to move before, but Chika had been sitting on him the whole time. His body had stiffened, and he hadn't even dared to shift.
Taking a breath, Ren was just about to leave when he saw Chika standing there with her hands behind her back, her toes twisting slightly. She looked like she was waiting for something, and he paused for a moment.
Thinking about her mood, Ren took a deep breath, stepped forward, lifted his hand to gently brush aside the pink bangs covering her forehead, and placed a light kiss on it.
It was the first time Ren had taken such an initiative with a girl. He wasn't even sure if he had done it correctly.
"Don't be afraid, Chika. I'll wait for you outside."
After saying that, Ren quickly turned around. Truthfully, he felt a little embarrassed.
"…I'll go out first."
It wasn't until Ren left the room and the door closed again that Chika, who had just been kissed on the forehead, slowly came back to her senses.
She raised her hand and touched the spot where she had been kissed.
"Ehhhhhhh?"
Only now did she realize—Ren had just kissed her.
"So… that's what a boy's kiss feels like…"
Her face flushed red, and her hands unconsciously pressed against her chest. She could clearly feel her pounding heartbeat.
It hadn't been a particularly romantic setting, yet that kiss had left a deep impression on her.
She couldn't help but recall how she had kissed Ren on the cheek earlier.
"So… does that mean Ren and I feel the same?"
Her heart suddenly started racing, and the blood rushed to her face. Chika felt like her whole face was on fire.
But the strong emotion welling up from deep within made her smile foolishly.
After a while, she slowly turned around. Still unable to stop smiling, she tiptoed and lightly made her way to her suitcase.
Mom, I think I might really be in love.
At that moment, Chika truly understood that her sudden feelings may not have been a coincidence.
After opening the door and stepping out of the room, Ren saw that only Kaguya was standing outside.
Turning to the side, he saw the couple from the Hatamoto family, Hatamoto Mariko and Hatamoto Kitaro, standing a short distance away in the corridor. They were looking anxiously at Hayasaka, who stood facing them calmly.
"…Hatamoto Ichiro's parents."
Ren naturally recognized the couple. Yesterday, Hayasaka had placed the information she gathered in front of him, and he had already reviewed their files.
"First thing in the morning, don't tell me they couldn't find Ichiro Hatamoto in his room?"
"Yes."
Kaguya nodded slightly and glanced at the couple, her expression devoid of emotion.
"That pair set a very poor example. Ichiro Hatamoto must know his parents are cousins."
"It's hard to imagine he doesn't."
Ren didn't believe such a thing could be kept a secret.
"The old man has a strong dislike for Ichiro's parents. He probably hoped to limit the family's negative reputation by keeping them close. It's not like they have good genes. A close relationship doesn't mean excellent bloodlines."
Kaguya agreed with this.
"Scientific research shows that children born from close-relative marriages tend to have problems—either mentally or physically."
"Ichiro Hatamoto may not be physically deformed, but his mind definitely is."
"Maybe, when he proposed to marry his cousin, he didn't even consider whether she was willing."
"If he could get Miss Hatamoto's agreement and propose with her together, there might have been a chance."
Ren nodded slightly but asked the most critical question.
"Kaguya, do you think Miss Hatamoto would agree?"
Kaguya sneered and shook her head lightly.
"Of course not."
"No normal person would have that kind of affection for a cousin. And I doubt Ichiro Hatamoto has the charm to make Miss Hatamoto willing to throw everything away for him."
(To be continued.)
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