After club activities ended, Shiraishi Shin and Shiina Mahiru walked home together. Since they were both members of the Breeding Group and neighbors in the same apartment building, they were almost never seen apart unless they were quarreling.
The evening sun spilled across the street, gilding the shoulders of the boy and girl. Shiina Mahiru, schoolbag in her right hand, asked, "Shin, what do you think of the new transfer student, Chitoge?"
"Chitoge Kirisaki?"
Shiraishi Shin slung his bag over his left shoulder in a lazy sweep and gave his appraisal. "Blindingly bright blonde, gorgeous face, slim figure—probably a C-cup. Those long black stockings show off great legs, and the half-foreign bloodline is a bonus. In short, she'll rival you as one of the academy's most popular beauties."
Shiina's eyelid twitched. Eyes narrowing into crescents, she smiled. "I wasn't asking about her measurements, I was asking about her as a person. Still, you certainly observed her closely."
Men really are men—spot a pretty girl and they zero in on the oddest details. Honestly, Big Brother Shin… hmph.
Yet hearing him rattle off those descriptions without a hint of embarrassment secretly delighted her. Shiina stole a sidelong glance at him, and the usual sparkly boyfriend-filter automatically flickered on in her mind.
Shiraishi Shin showed no awkwardness. Gazing at the orange-tinged clouds, he replied, "Oh, that. She's hot-tempered, quick to grumble, but a good kid at heart. She hides it, yet it's obvious she's a lonely young lady starved for real friends."
Shiina nodded. "Exactly. The other girls who approach me usually want something—hanging out with the honor-roll prodigy boosts their own popularity. Chitoge's different; she says what she thinks and acts straightaway. I really like that about her."
That evening Shiraishi Shin cadged another meal at Shiina's place. Sighing blissfully, he said, "So good—only you could cook like this, Mahiru. I wish I could eat it every single day."
Every… single… day?
M-marriage?
Because she'd been cooking, Mahiru's hair was pinned up in a practical high ponytail. Blushing, she murmured, "If it's really that delicious… y-you can come every day."
The words cost her every ounce of courage. Officially they were neighbors, classmates, club-mates—nothing more. Confessions hadn't been exchanged, nor had boyfriend-girlfriend status.
Saying something so forward made Mahiru feel brazen. Inviting a boy to dine whenever he pleased? Unthinkable—unless that boy was Shiraishi Shin. For him, she was willing.
"Really?"
Shiraishi Shin had only meant to lay groundwork for the future; he hadn't expected such quick consent.
"Mm-hm."
"Fantastic. I'll get to enjoy your cooking every day."
"…"
Mahiru's lips curved in a faint, contented smile. "Um, Shin, I need to run to the supermarket later—seasonings are low, and we're out of eggs and some groceries."
"Let's go together. I'll play bodyguard, and since I'll be eating half of it, I'll pay half the bill—no protests, or I'll feel guilty."
Even real couples keep separate tabs, let alone two people who haven't defined anything yet.
His words cut off her objection; she could only nod. "All right."
A short while later Mahiru finished washing the dishes. Glancing at the clock—just past seven—she slipped off her apron and freed her hair from its ponytail, letting it fall down her back.
She threw on a cream-colored jacket and left the apartment with Shiraishi Shin.
Inside the elevator he pressed the button for the first floor. Before the doors could close, someone shouted, "Hold it—let me in!"
"Hm?"
Shiraishi Shin tapped the open-door key as a youth their age barreled in, clutching two bulging garbage bags.
"Phew, made it—thanks. Oh, Shiraishi-san, Shiina-san?"
Amane Fujimiya thanked them, then blinked in surprise at the pair.
"Hello, Fujimiya-san," Shiraishi Shin greeted. "Heading to the first floor too?"
Amane Fujimiya lived just across the hall—room 504 to Mahiru's 505 and Shin's 506.
Like them he was a Seirei Academy first-year, though in a different class.
Fujimiya nodded. "Yeah, throwing out trash and picking up a few things at the store."
They occasionally crossed paths in the corridor and exchanged brief hellos.
He glanced at the two campus celebrities beside him. Compared with them he felt utterly ordinary, but he preferred living his own life without measuring himself against others.
Mahiru offered him a polite smile; Fujimiya flushed, quickly looked away, and gave a small nod.
Shiraishi Shin said, "We're headed to the supermarket too—want to come along?"
Fujimiya declined. "No, thanks. I've still got to dump this garbage; you two go ahead."
"All right."
The invitation had been simple courtesy toward a neighbor and schoolmate.
Walking along, Mahiru noticed Fujimiya trailing well behind them and whispered, "He's keeping his distance on purpose."
"Probably just shy."
Shiraishi Shin glanced at Mahiru's delicate hand and, shameless as ever, took it in his own.
"Mmph…"
Startled by the sudden warmth, Mahiru looked up at him.
He grinned. "Dark streets—let me guide you."
"Mm."
Head lowered, she felt the heat of his palm and answered in a voice barely audible.
Ten minutes later they stepped into the neighborhood supermarket hand in hand. Smaller than a hyper-mart, it carried everything locals needed and was the first choice for nearby residents.