"Ehh…!"
Sitting in a softly lit room, Rito looked around the bright, clean hall with a stunned expression on his face. Everything about this moment felt surreal—almost dreamlike.
As for how it came to this… well, that was a story of its own.
After using the Shadow Clone Technique, Rito had planned for his clones to escort Miko and Shiina safely back to their apartments. A simple, logical plan. But that plan fell apart when Shiina, with her usual quiet firmness, refused.
She had insisted on tending to his injured hand herself.
And before he knew it, the two clones had left with Miko, while the real him was gently—but effectively—dragged to Shiina's apartment.
He sighed softly. Not that I could've refused anyway. The way she said it—earnest, worried—made it impossible to turn her down. Rejecting her kindness would've only hurt her feelings, and that, Rito realized, was something he definitely didn't want to do.
It's not like this is about love, he thought as he glanced around the room again. She just wants to help the guy who got hurt fighting for her.
Still, as he sat there in the home of a girl who lived alone, he couldn't help but feel a wave of unease. Yet that same unease was oddly comforting. The neat furniture, the faint scent of detergent, the warm lamplight—it all carried an ordinary charm that made him relax.
"Don't just stare around like that. It's rather embarrassing," came Shiina's voice from behind.
Rito snapped upright instantly, eyes wide. Shiina stood there holding a small medical kit, her cheeks tinted pink.
"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to—"
She smiled lightly, the edges of her lips curving in that soft, graceful way that only made her more disarming. "It's alright, I understand. But… it's my first time bringing a boy home like this, so I'm a little on edge, that's all."
Her words were honest and unguarded. The small blush deepening on her face only made her look even more adorable.
Rito felt his heartbeat quicken. He averted his gaze immediately, scratching his cheek to hide the warmth rising in it. As expected of an angel… she's dangerous without even realizing it.
He couldn't help but think of how the "poor protagonist" of her original story must've felt—living day after day beside such a dangerously innocent girl.
"I'll help with the wound now," Shiina said, breaking his thoughts.
She knelt beside him gracefully, opening the kit and taking his hand gently in hers. The touch was soft, almost too gentle. Rito froze for a second as her cool fingers brushed his skin.
Mahiru examined the wound quietly. The cut was deep, though already beginning to close thanks to the accelerated healing from chakra. Still, blood had smeared across his palm, and she frowned, her expression tightening in worry.
"Thank you. Also, I am sorry, Yuki-kun." A heartfelt apology echoes in the silent room. Making Rito look up from the ground, staring at Shiina pained look.
"It's alright. Although it pains a lot, still I am already used to it. So, don't worry about it." Rito replied quickly back to it.
Making Shiina look up at Rito expression which looked rather serious, only made Mahiru think, 'what kind of life did Rito live to say that this kind of wound is something he is used to...?' with her eyes staring at him.
"Rather than that. I would have a beauty like Mahiru-san; thank me for my heroic action." At which, a smile bloomed on Rito face, as he continued.
But despite her words, her lips curved into a gentle, genuine smile. The kind that melted the air around her.
And for Rito, sitting there with her hand still holding his—it was enough to make his heart skip a beat all over again.
'Yeah,' He thought with a small grin. 'She really is dangerous.'
"Can you wait? I want to thank you, so let me make dinner for you."
Just after his treatment had finished, Rito had been ready to head home. But when Shiina Mahiru's voice reached him, he stopped mid-step and looked up.
She stood there, sunlight catching faintly in her hair, her calm eyes fixed on him without wavering.
"Yeah, I can," Rito replied, smiling lightly. "Though I might need to call Mikan back at home for a moment."
Shiina nodded once, quiet as ever. Rito took out his phone, calling to let Mikan know he'd be having dinner with a friend. From the kitchen, Mahiru could hear his easy, familiar tone as he spoke, and for some reason, it made her lips curve faintly.
Friend…
It was the first time she'd been called that by a boy. The warmth of that single word lingered longer than she expected.
Rito sat quietly in the living room while Mahiru worked in the kitchen. Every few minutes, he could hear the gentle rhythm of chopping, the faint clatter of utensils, and the soft sound of her humming. When he offered to help, Mahiru refused immediately, insisting he rest because of his injury.
By the time she finally brought the food out, the table was filled with dishes that made Rito's stomach growl on instinct. Every plate was carefully arranged, meat and vegetables balanced in color and presentation. The rich aroma spread through the air, almost making him dizzy.
"It looks amazing," he said, his eyes wide as he took in the sight.
Mahiru smiled faintly. "It's nothing special. I just cooked what I'm used to."
Rito picked up his chopsticks, tasting the first bite — and froze.
The flavor hit instantly: balanced seasoning, soft texture, and warmth that reminded him of home.
"This is… really good," he said before he could stop himself. The surprise in his tone made Mahiru blink, and a small smile tugged at her lips.
"Shiina-san, are you sure you study at our school?" Rito added, grinning a little. "I think Totsuki Academy would suit you better."
Mahiru tilted her head, not quite understanding, but the corner of her lips softened.
"It's not that good," she murmured, though there was a faint blush at her ears. "I never planned that far ahead for my life anyway."
Her voice carried a trace of sadness, one she didn't bother to hide entirely. Rito looked at her for a long moment, then set down his chopsticks gently.
"Please don't deny my words," he said with quiet conviction. "It's not flattery. I really think your cooking is amazing."
The silence that followed wasn't awkward. It was calm—almost peaceful. The light above the table flickered softly, illuminating Mahiru's faintly flushed cheeks and that gentle, practiced smile she always wore at school.
Except now, Rito could see something different behind it.
A quiet loneliness. A distance she didn't seem to know how to close.
He leaned back slightly, letting out a slow breath. As for that smile… I really hope Shiina-san will open up to me someday.
It was just a thought, whispered only to himself. A wish. Something that might never come true.
But for that one evening, as they shared a simple meal in quiet companionship, Rito felt that small, impossible wish take its first step.