Rich, gentle, and just a little bit bossy.
This was the persona Rin was crafting for Kei—the classic "male lead" archetype from a shoujo manga.
According to Moeha's intel, while Kei acted mature and cold at school, she was a pure-hearted girl who cried while reading romance manga. Rin's persona was tailor-made for her. If he just threw money at her, she'd likely block him out of pride. But by being "forcefully kind," he bypassed her defenses.
Moeha and Rin were succeeding, but the unearned money made Kei extremely anxious. She couldn't bring herself to spend it on an apartment.
"This is your fault... I can't just send it back now, he won't take it. What do I do?"
"Well... why don't you ask to meet him in person to give it back?" Moeha suggested casually. "He seems like a nice guy. Just meet him, return the money... and if he happens to be handsome, it's a win for you, Kei-chan."
"Hee-hee... it would be just like a manga."
"!!!"
Thinking about the fated encounters in her favorite stories, Kei's cheeks turned a soft pink. Returning the money in person was a logical solution. If she kept it, she wouldn't be able to sleep a wink.
Under Moeha's prompting, Kei finally sent the invitation.
Kei: [Are you free this afternoon?]
Kei: [If you're lending me money, I should at least sign a promissory note.]
Rin: [Are you stupid? I didn't ask for a note, and you're volunteering one?]
Rin: [Since you're so 'stupid,' let's meet this afternoon.]
Rin: [I'm pretty familiar with Shuchi'in. I'll come pick you up.]
Rin agreed immediately. Corrupting her was much easier in person. He kept the conversation going until her next class started.
While Kei was busy, Moeha double-crossed her and told Rin exactly what she was up to.
Moeha: [Good luck, Big Brother!]
School ended. Kei had been distracted all afternoon, her mind filled with what she would say to Rin.
"Moeha... can you come with me? He should be at the gates."
Kei bit her lip. Meeting an internet stranger for the first time was nerve-wracking; she could feel her heart racing.
"Can't~ I have things to do tonight~" Without giving Kei a chance to argue, Moeha grabbed her bag and bolted.
Though Kei was popular, her cold exterior meant she only had one truly close friend: Moeha. Despite her anxiety, she had to go alone.
At the gates, Kei scanned the crowd. Since they hadn't swapped photos, she didn't know what he looked like. She didn't see anyone who fit the image in her head.
Rin: [Kei, are you out yet?]
Kei: [Sorry, a classmate needed something. I'll be a little late.]
Kei wasn't just nervous—though she was—she also needed to hit an ATM. Shuchi'in didn't have one on campus, so she had to run to a nearby bank to withdraw the cash.
When she returned, most of the luxury cars were gone. Only a few remained.
"Those must be parents or drivers. Aside from them, there's just that one guy talking to President Shinomiya... He didn't leave because he was angry, did he?"
Kei: [I'm out. Where are you? What are you wearing?]
Rin: [Are you the girl with the silver shoulder-length hair?]
Before she could reply, she saw a man standing next to Kaguya Shinomiya waving at her. Before she could walk over, the man and Kaguya approached her.
Kei's mind went blank. Kaguya Shinomiya was the Student Council President—everyone in school knew her.
What is going on!? Why is he with President Shinomiya!?
Eeek!!! Scary! The President's eyes are so scary! I'm going to be killed! I'm going to be murdered by the President!!!!
"Kei, right? Kaguya, stop looking at her like that. You're scaring her."
At Rin's words, Kaguya's gaze softened slightly, though her cheeks puffed out in a pout.
"Hello. I am Kaguya Shinomiya."
"H-hello, President. I... my name is K-Kei Shirogane." Kei looked at Kaguya cautiously, wondering why on earth she was with this man.
"Ignore her, Kei. I'm Rin. The guy who sent you the SC."
Rin patted Kaguya's shoulder helplessly. Usually, Kaguya stayed late for student council work. But because Kei was late returning from the bank, Kaguya had caught him. Kaguya had initially thought Rin was there for her.
Since he was caught, Rin didn't lie. He told Kaguya about Moeha's plan. Kaguya's reaction was a mix of annoyance—those Fujiwara sisters are like bugs, not only throwing themselves at him but inviting others too!—but she understood Moeha was trying to help her friend. Still, she radiated a thick aura of jealousy.
"Uh... if Mr. Rin has a date with the President, I should probably come back another time."
Intimidated by Kaguya's presence, Kei's only thought was Run!
"No need. I just happened to run into her," Rin smiled at Kaguya's adorable jealousy. "Kaguya, if you're free, why don't you join us?"
"Fine~"
Whew...
The moment Kaguya agreed, the murderous intent vanished. It was still uncomfortable, but Kei felt she wasn't in immediate mortal danger.
What is their relationship? The President seems to really like him. Is he her boyfriend? Even with the age gap, that's common in big families, right? Did he help me just because I go to the same school as her?
Whatever... I just need to find a chance to escape!