Shiraishi Shin stood at the entrance of the auditorium, watching Alya—the only one bathed in the spotlight—onstage.
As the champion, Alya wore the exclusive empress crown. She looked down at the cheering crowd, the boys especially fervent, shouting "Queen! Queen!" over and over.
Though she had won, Alya felt no joy; the beauty-queen title was only a stepping-stone for next year's Student Council presidential campaign.
Otherwise she would never have joined this ridiculous pageant, allowing herself to be treated like a spectacle.
Where's Shin? Isn't he here? He promised to vote for me.
Ignoring the cheers below, as though they weren't meant for her, Alya searched for the man who should have seen her crowned.
After scanning the crowd for a few seconds she seemed to sense something and lifted her gaze toward the exit. There stood an exceptionally handsome boy; noticing her look, he smiled.
Seeing that, Alya couldn't help smiling back, and her sudden smile drove the audience even wilder.
Until then she had kept an icy expression, perfectly fitting her proud persona, so the students thought nothing of it.
But that smile now added a dazzling hue to her cold beauty, sending the crowd into howls of excitement.
"She really is gorgeous."
Shiraishi Shin wiped away his smile and turned to leave.
When he reached the animal-care area, he saw Shiina Mahiru sitting alone on a bench. He was about to greet her, but as he drew closer he noticed her uniform and black tights were still grimy despite obvious attempts to brush them clean.
"Mahiru, did you fall? Does it hurt?"
Shiraishi Shin stepped in front of her, tension in his voice.
Seeing him, Mahiru shook her head with a smile. "I'm fine. I just need to sit a bit; don't worry."
Shiraishi Shin frowned. "How can I not worry? That was clearly a bad fall. If you won't cherish yourself, I will. How did it happen?"
"Um..."
His intimate words made Mahiru shy, but her heart felt sweet; if possible, she wanted to hear such things more often.
"Tom the cat climbed a tree and couldn't get down, meowing non-stop, so I went up to bring him down. On the way back I slipped and twisted my ankle, but it'll be okay after a rest."
"A twisted ankle has to be treated. If you just wait, who knows how long recovery will take? Why didn't you call me?"
Mahiru squirmed. "I thought I could handle such a small thing, and if I bothered you every time, you might get tired of me..."
Shiraishi Shin tapped her forehead with a finger. "How could I be tired? I'm happy whenever you need me—it means you rely on me. Next time, don't hesitate; just call me. Don't climb trees yourself. If you get hurt again, I'll be heartbroken."
"Mm, I understand."
Mahiru rubbed her forehead, a happy curve on her lips.
"By the way, where's Kirisaki-san? Isn't she here yet?"
"She said she wanted to watch the pageant, so she'll be late."
"Alright, she does love a spectacle. Mahiru, take off your tights for now."
"Mm—huh?"
She nodded reflexively, then added a question mark, her face blazing red.
Noticing her flush, Shiraishi Shin coughed. "I mean, I'll massage your sprained ankle; it'll heal faster."
Oh, that's all.
Mahiru felt relieved yet a little disappointed. "Shin-nii, you know massage?"
He thumped his chest confidently. "Of course I'm all-round."
Mahiru blushed. "I believe you. Turn around first."
No matter how hot the weather, she never went out with bare legs; it made her feel unsafe. Skirts required tights—black or nude—or she wore long dresses or trousers.
Showing her legs in front of Shiraishi Shin made her heart pound.
"O-okay..."
Hearing the trembling voice behind him, Shiraishi Shin turned.
Flawless feet, flawless legs.
He swallowed, then knelt, gently kneading her injured ankle while Mahiru gripped her clothes and bit her lip to quiet her racing heart.
Five minutes later he finished. "That massage prevents congestion, promotes blood flow and reduces swelling. Ice it again when you're home; you'll be fine by tomorrow."
"Thank you."
"With our relationship, no need for thanks."
"Um, I'm going to put my tights back on—could you turn around?"
"Sure thing."
He gave her due respect.
More than ten minutes later, Chitoge Kirisaki finally arrived.
"Sorry I'm late. What—Mahiru fell from a tree and twisted her ankle? Monitor, take her home; you're neighbors, right? I'll handle things here."
Learning of the injury, Chitoge immediately worried and told Shiraishi Shin to take Mahiru back; she could manage alone.
Mahiru objected. "That's not fair, leaving you by yourself."
"Your injury matters. Besides, you two have fed them plenty; I can easily finish the rest. Go on, I'll be fine."
Chitoge was more anxious about Mahiru's injury than Mahiru herself. Rough and impulsive though she might be, she was truly kind.
Unable to argue, Mahiru agreed. Shiraishi Shin carried her on his back out of the school toward home.
"Shin-nii, are you tired?"
On his back, Mahiru asked timidly, wondering if her weight bothered him.
He chuckled. "Carrying a pretty girl? Not tired at all—I'm energized. Others would envy me."
He could have taken the bus or tram, but this was far nicer and earned affection points—why not?
"Shin-nii, you're so..."
She said that, yet it felt wonderful. If only she could ride home on his back every day, Mahiru thought.