Renji gazed into Mahiru's tear-filled eyes. In the moonlight streaming through the window, the face of the genius artist from Sakurasou Dormitory looked like fragile porcelain. Renji smiled softly.
"No matter how much I change," he whispered, his voice low and full of sincerity, "I will never forget you, Mahiru. Never."
He took a deep breath. It was a brave confession meant not just to be heard, but to be felt. "I... I really like Shiina Mahiru!"
Like.
The word felt both heavy and light at the same time. Mahiru looked at him with misty eyes, her lips trembling. "Idiot," her voice was hoarse. "You're saying embarrassing things again."
Renji hugged her tightly, burying his face in Mahiru's hair, which smelled of paint and canvas. "Because I want to give myself completely to you, to pass on my feelings. Mahiru, my angel, please stay with me forever."
"I know."
The answer was simple, but Mahiru said it with overflowing warmth. This was her home. Her heart felt incredibly happy. Renji never ignored her. He didn't just come to the kitchen to hug her on weekdays, he was also always there on their free nights.
That day, Renji felt a strangeness within himself, and perhaps also in the girls around him. Even with Sayu, he felt she was no match for him. After a brief chat, Renji looked back at Mahiru with a burning gaze, but Mahiru refused.
"Your skill... it's too powerful," Mahiru whispered, her hands pushing against Renji's chest. She just wanted to rest, nothing more. "Just go," she said. "Go deal with Misaki or Sayu. Otherwise, I'll be the one who's overwhelmed."
Mahiru realized she could no longer deny it. She was attached to Renji. Just like Sakurajima Mai, the beautiful tsundere girl from another world, whose eyes held Renji's image even though she never said it. Renji felt he should reduce his use of the multiplication skill, afraid he would spend less time with Mahiru. They couldn't match the pair of Jin and Misaki.
Renji returned to his room, intending to see Misaki or Sayu. Suddenly, the door opened. A blonde girl entered.
Renji saw something strange about her arm, and without thinking twice, he leaned down and kissed the girl. He was shocked. Her white hands pushed him away gently, but her resistance disappeared. After a moment that felt like an eternity, Renji released his kiss. In the moonlight, he could finally see her face clearly.
"Rita?!"
"Why are you here?" Renji was startled. He had thought it was Sayu or Misaki, but it turned out to be Rita. Holding back her embarrassment, Rita hit Renji.
"I'm going back to England tomorrow. I just wanted to rest with you, but you went and kissed me!"
Renji gave an embarrassed smile. "It would be strange if I didn't do anything to a charming girl who came into my room late at night." He asked, "But... why are you leaving? Didn't I treat you well?"
Rita giggled, seeing Renji's reluctant gaze. "Idiot. I originally wanted to bring Mahiru back, but after a heart-to-heart talk, I knew she wouldn't go. And... I decided to paint again. Although I can't match Mahiru's talent, I want to keep painting and chase after her figure."
Renji hugged Rita's waist tightly, leaned down, playfully kissed her white skin, and fell silent. Rita hugged Renji's neck.
"Why, can't you bear to see me leave?" she teased. "You're a playboy. With so many beautiful girls, would you feel a loss if I left?"
Renji nodded, full of spirit. "I'm greedy, selfish, and a playboy. You've hugged me, you've kissed me... you're mine!"
"How can you say such shameless words?" Rita rolled her eyes.
Renji sighed. "Because you're leaving. I want to say what's in my heart. If not now, there might not be another opportunity."
Rita smiled and shook her head. "Idiot. I'm just a stowaway here. Mahiru can still go to school, so where would I live? I will come back again."
Rita's meaning was clear. She wanted to improve her academic record and return to school with Mahiru. Only Rita could be by Mahiru's side, a painting genius.
Renji pinched Rita's smooth chin. "In that case, I'll take you to the airport tomorrow. Did you book your ticket?"
"I did a long time ago."
"Come back sooner."
"Okay."
"Sakurasou will always be your home."
"Yes, I remember."
The next morning, Renji woke up. Rita was still fast asleep. Last night was quite intense, but Renji had a great deal of respect for Rita. He didn't go too far. She was still pure. Renji touched the girl's pink lips, smiling happily, and was about to go back to sleep. Suddenly, the door opened.
Mahiru walked in softly. Seeing Rita's face, her cheeks puffed up. "Rita is so sneaky!" Mahiru couldn't be outdone.
Because of that, Renji once again felt Mahiru's softness.
Mahiru had a slender figure and white skin, but her softness was no less than any other girl's. She was like a pet cat. Renji stroked Mahiru's head, and she hugged him with satisfaction.
"Mahiru," Renji said, "Rita is going back to England today. Do you want to take her to the airport?"
"Yes, I do!" Mahiru nodded enthusiastically. Rita was her best friend. She didn't want Rita to leave. Before, she was happy painting because Rita was nearby. But at Sobu High, she was alone. People just stared at her, afraid to approach. Only Rita patiently accompanied her while painting.
Rita was already awake. She looked at Renji with annoyance and hugged Mahiru. "Don't miss me too much. I'll finish everything as soon as I can. So, Renji, don't bully Mahiru. If you do, I won't forgive you!"
Renji smiled and nodded. "Don't worry. I won't bully Mahiru."
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