Rin stood there silently for a moment, his deep blue eyes calmly shifting between Akane and Hanako.
His face showed no clear impression — no smile, no frown, just a steady, neutral expression that gave nothing away.
The club room felt smaller in the quiet that followed Hanako's bold question, the afternoon light casting soft golden patches across the floor and the scattered occult books on the tables.
Then he spoke, his voice calm and honest.
"Hmm… I'll be honest with you two."
He turned slightly toward Akane first. "Akane, I like you…
Ever since I came to school here, you've always stayed close even if you hit and yell at me."
As he said this, Akane stood there all red and blushing furiously.
Her cheeks burned a deep crimson that spread down to her neck.
