It seemed Kawakami-sensei had completely misunderstood and assumed he and Ann were dating.
Rinto was about to explain, but Kawakami-sensei smoothly continued her lecture:
"And regarding... those really intimate activities, remember to use proper protection and do it at home. While you're at school, keep everything above the neck, and absolutely no going all the way in the infirmary."
"I don't even know why, but even back when I was a student, the infirmary was always portrayed in romance stories. Maybe it's because this is the only place openly allowed for students to lie down and sleep... But as you know, our school has many sports clubs, and people are constantly coming in and out. You wouldn't want the whole school to know you were fooling around here, right? You'd definitely get disciplined, so control yourselves properly, okay?"
Ann stared blankly for a moment. "...Sensei, what are you talking about? What do you mean, 'above the neck,' and 'intimate activities'...?!"
Miss Takamaki, our adorable young lady, had apparently taken a very long mental detour around Shujin Academy, only just now realizing what Kawakami-sensei was implying.
She instantly flushed bright red, her fair skin beautifully dyed with embarrassment:
"We're not like that! Rinto and I don't have that kind of relationship at all! We're just ordinary friends! Why are you being as gossipy as the others, Sensei...?"
"But Asakura-kun has been bringing you homemade lunch boxes, hasn't he? The whole class already knows about it."
Kawakami-sensei blinked innocently, sincerely believing this wasn't even a big deal.
Ann grew even more flustered. Her mouth opened and closed wordlessly as she glanced rapidly between Rinto and Kawakami, inadvertently letting him catch a glimpse of her cute little tongue.
Ding dong ding dong~
Just then, the lunchtime bell conveniently rang.
Immediately, Kawakami-sensei switched to a cheerful smile:
"Mm-hmm, I understand, I understand! Teachers can't control what happens after class! Feel free to enjoy yourselves—do your best, youngsters!"
"It's perfectly normal for attractive, popular teenagers to date. As long as you both keep your grades up, I won't interfere. I'm not like those stubborn old teachers—I'm on your side, you know! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧"
This teacher's head really had a few screws loose... Rinto and Ann could only stare speechlessly as she cheerfully walked away.
As Kawakami stepped through the door, Rinto noticed a piece of paper flutter out of her pocket.
Instinctively picking it up, Rinto glanced at it—it was some colorful flyer.
Probably just a supermarket discount coupon or something, not particularly important. He tucked it away, intending to return it to her later.
Then, turning back to Ann, he said:
"Well, Ann, let's get lunch too… Ann? Are you alright?"
When Rinto approached her, Ann instinctively took a step backward.
One hand nervously twirled a lock of her lush, wavy blonde hair around her finger:
"Um, Rinto-kun… are we actually spending too much time together? I can ignore those class rumors, but even Kawakami-sensei thinks we're dating now… Even though we never did anything inappropriate, right?"
"I-I mean, I just asked you to make my lunches! And I pay you for it—it's a business deal! Plus, we share that Phantom Thief secret, and we hang out and chat whenever we have free time, and we leave school together… But that's mostly for work! We're definitely not doing anything shady!"
"I just think of you as a really reliable, good friend… And you also saved me, guided me patiently, taught me so many things I didn't know, turning a complete amateur like me into someone experienced… I admit I rely on you, and trust you deeply. I feel safe whenever you're around. Whenever I'm close to you, I feel more confident…"
Rinto interrupted gently: "Ann. Hey, Ann... Calm down. The more you talk, the more you sound like you're confessing. Keep going like this, and even people who didn't misunderstand will start misunderstanding."
…Eh?!
Snapping back to reality, Ann suddenly realized there was now a small crowd gathered outside the infirmary door.
Members of various sports clubs who'd come for treatment, as well as the infirmary nurse who'd wandered off earlier, were now eagerly watching their performance.
Especially that flashy blonde school nurse in her scandalously fitting lab coat, currently licking her finger excitedly:
"Youth really is wonderful—I'm so jealous… You're second-year students, right? You're always welcome to use my infirmary, and I promise to keep the bed nice and clean~. I highly recommend missionary position, by the way—the stains on the ceiling are exactly the same as when I was a student here, so they're perfect for setting the mood…"
Ann blurted out frantically: "Thank you so much for the recommendation, Sensei! Come on, let's go already! (〃＞目＜)"
Miss Takamaki—at heart a pure and innocent girl—grabbed Rinto's wrist and practically dragged him out.
…Throughout their walk afterwards, Ann remained lost in a fierce internal struggle.
She couldn't help replaying every moment since meeting Rinto, as well as the countless rumors from classmates she'd always dismissed.
Though they'd known each other for barely a week, Rinto had unquestionably become the closest person to her besides Shiho.
…But there's no helping it!
Ann argued defensively against her other self—her Persona.
Rinto was calm, dependable, and trustworthy. She couldn't believe he was actually her own age when they first met; she'd assumed he was a cool university student.
Not only had he solved Shiho's troubles at their very first meeting, but he'd also protected her from Kamoshida's harassment, even physically overpowering that awful gorilla right in front of them!
That scene had left a strong impression. It was their first time seeing someone physically able to stand up to Kamoshida.
…No wonder Shiho had fallen for him.
Remembering that moment again, Ann felt her own heartbeat quicken slightly, suddenly understanding why her best friend might have developed a crush.
Then, after that… well, there was even more.
Rinto had saved her when she stumbled into the Palace, descending like an angel to protect her from danger.
Even though it had required her own Persona awakening, and Rinto insisted she'd saved herself, not owing him any favors…
…In truth, Ann had secretly felt something all along.
She didn't understand exactly why, but she had a vague feeling that she only awakened to her Persona thanks to Rinto.