Shiratori Seiya once read a saying—he couldn't recall where—that essentially stated every woman is a book, and only by reading her carefully can one truly understand her charm.
But there are many women in this world, and many books.
Not all books are good books, and not all women are good women.
When Shiratori Seiya first met Takahashi Mio, his impression of her was that of a beautifully bound, luxurious textbook. Textbooks have their advantages—like books on advanced mathematics or computer application principles, they possess unique substance and utility. But they would never be as delicate, elegant, or tear-jerking as poetry or prose.
And it seemed to be true. She was foolish, timid, and vain… she didn't look like a 'good woman' in the traditional sense. She was a collection of flaws wrapped in a pretty cover, and he'd accepted her as such.
However, Shiratori Seiya didn't care about these things. He simply felt that as long as they could both get what they wanted—maximize her inherent value and realize her dreams—that was enough.
But as time passed—in just one month—Shiratori Seiya noticed something was off.
Her flaws, which he had initially considered utterly unbearable, were now being unconsciously overlooked by him. It wasn't just getting used to them, though he wouldn't deny that was part of it. He knew in his heart that Takahashi Mio was even more dazzling than he had imagined—dazzling enough to make those imperfections fade into invisibility.
Before Takahashi Mio returned home, Shiratori Seiya only thought she had firm beliefs, perseverance, and willpower. But after following her home, witnessing her courage to burn bridges by forging a marriage certificate, and hearing her promise never to let him down… she might be foolish, but she was willing to rack her brains for solutions. She might be timid, but she was willing to confront her father with a marriage registration form in hand.
As it is said, when people are ill, the awkwardness between a man and a woman easily dissipates, and the more considerate the care, the more they become like a married couple.
Shiratori Seiya looked at the young woman in front of him and unconsciously smiled, feeling that the saying was incredibly apt. Despite being boyfriend and girlfriend, perhaps due to work, Saori, and Shione, they rarely held hands like a couple deeply in love. Yet, at this moment, Takahashi Mio took his hand proactively—her delicate, fair palm gripping his tightly, as if afraid he might get lost.
As they entered the school building and ascended the stairs, her eyes were fixed on Shiratori Seiya's feet, and she would lean in to whisper, "Watch your step."
Seeing this, Shiratori Seiya felt warmth in his heart, yet also a bit exasperated. "Mio, I just have a cold. It's not like I have some incurable disease. You don't need to be so careful…"
Hearing him say that, Takahashi Mio blushed slightly, but still bit her lip and insisted, "What does it have to do with an incurable disease? Your mind isn't clear when you have a cold, is it? What if you fall? Don't even think about me carrying you…"
As if afraid Shiratori Seiya would say more, she quickly tugged his hand and urged, "Alright, talk less if your throat hurts. Let's go."
"…"
When they reached the classroom, she didn't relax. First, she stood at the doorway, scanning the room twice. Then she found a spot that wasn't too cold and wouldn't be directly hit by the sun. Thoughtfully, she took off her jacket, folded it neatly, placed it on Shiratori Seiya's seat, and patted it.
"You sit first. I'll go get some hot water. If you're sleepy, just rest your head and sleep for a bit. Don't worry, it's not cold here—just don't take off your jacket…"
As she spoke, she lowered her head, took Shiratori Seiya's handbag, and rummaged through it. After two turns, she pulled out a bottle of mineral water. Takahashi Mio paused, her red lips parting as she looked at Shiratori Seiya and couldn't help but ask, "You don't usually use a water bottle?"
She seemed to have only wanted to complain about that one thing, for she immediately took a pink water bottle from her own handbag and turned to walk quickly out. Watching her, completely like a little mother, Shiratori Seiya admitted he was somewhat moved, instinctively feeling as if he had truly married her—like a real husband and wife.
As he was thinking, a flurry of hushed discussions suddenly reached his ears.
At first, Shiratori Seiya didn't catch much, only sensing that they were talking about him. He snapped back to reality, and the discussions became clear.
"Is that him? The one they were talking about on the forum?"
"A Kendo Eighth Dan master, and he rejected him? Is it true or false?"
"What level is Eighth Dan?"
"What's his relationship with that genius? Are they siblings?"
"Siblings my foot! Didn't you read the whole post? That girl said she wanted to marry him."
"But wasn't that his girlfriend just now?"
"He's two-timing! Wasn't there a rumor about it before? You should follow celebrities less and pay a little more attention to school matters, alright?"
"Oh, so he's a scumbag…"
Shiratori Seiya was completely indifferent to these words. After hearing a couple of sentences, he prepared to close his eyes and start sleeping. However, just as his eyelids drooped—
Suddenly, a bang sound came from beside him.
He sharply opened his eyes, only to see Takahashi Mio standing beside him, her beautiful eyes glaring coldly at the girls who had been pointing and whispering about him. A few drops of warm water splashed from the cup, landing on his hand. Seemingly startled by Mio's fierce gaze, the girls grudgingly "tsk"ed and turned their heads away guiltily.
Seeing this, Takahashi Mio, like a guard dog, sat beside him. She carefully twisted open the cup and placed it in front of Shiratori Seiya.
Squeak.
"Drink more hot water. Mom said adding some loquat might make you feel better, but we don't have any now, so just make do with this. They say it can detoxify…"
"Thank you."
Shiratori Seiya replied, then cupped the warm mug with both hands. The hot water, carrying the sweetness and coolness of the Ryukakusan in his mouth, flowed down his throat. He immediately felt much better, though he also felt a bit more sleepy.
*a famous Japanese herbal medicine used for over 200 years to soothe sore throats, stop coughing, and clear phlegm. It is composed of natural plant ingredients like Platycodon (bellflower), Senega, and Licorice roots, and acts directly on the throat's mucous membranes without the need for water.
Takahashi Mio didn't speak. She glanced at Shiratori's drinking motion and reached into her handbag for her textbook. But then the same fragmented whispers as before reached her ears again.
A surge of anger immediately rose in her heart.
That crazy woman, always causing trouble. First, she made Shiratori Seiya cook for her, then help her move, and now he's even teaching her kendo, they say… But when Shiratori Seiya gets sick, she's nowhere to be seen. Her not being around is fine—anyway, I can take care of him myself—but if she can't help, why is she adding to the trouble?
Isn't that biting the hand that feeds you?
Thinking these thoughts, Takahashi Mio bit her lip and couldn't help but glare at the young man beside her.
This scoundrel. He's raised a huge problem. He's useless and only bullies me at home.
No matter how she thought about it, it was Shiratori Seiya's fault. Her fists unconsciously clenched tightly.
If Shiratori Seiya weren't sick, that punch would have landed on his shoulder. But she still couldn't help but say:
"You lied again."