I Got Cheated On, so I Thought I’d Cheat Back and Went to a Group Date, I Ran Into a Classmate Who Used to Boss Me Around and Now We’re Living Together

“I’m sorry, Shiraki… this is all my fault…”

“It’s not Machida-san’s fault. Don’t worry about it.”

Right now, we’re on our way home from the hospital.

…After that incident, Rinne was caught by the police who arrived on the scene, and I was taken to the hospital by ambulance. I wasn’t in life-threatening danger, but I needed treatment for my left hand, which still had the pen stuck in it. At the hospital, they numbed my hand with local anesthesia, pulled out the pen, did a minor surgery, and stitched it up. I kept my eyes closed the whole time because I can’t handle gruesome stuff.

Afterward, I was questioned at the hospital, and we were finally released a little while ago.

The anesthesia has worn off, and my left hand hurts a bit, but it’s not unbearable. I feel proud and think of it as a medal for protecting Machida-san.

“…I wonder what will happen to Rinne now.”

Machida-san said quietly as we walked back to the apartment. The sunlight hit her face, but she didn’t look sad. I think she’s not really worried about Rinne; she’s just curious.

“Well, if I don’t agree to a settlement, Rinne could face criminal charges.”

Whether there’s a settlement depends on how they respond. From what the police said, Rinne looked exhausted and remorseful in the interrogation room. She said it was a moment of anger, which sounded like a typical excuse. Honestly, I just hope there’s no more hysteria.

“With this… any normal connection with Rinne is over. She probably won’t be able to stay at the university.”

The university contacted me after learning about the incident through the police. They seemed strict and wanted to hear my side. I think Rinne will likely be expelled. Depending on the settlement, she might have to take responsibility for what she did. But if her parents show real sincerity, I don’t want to make it a bigger deal. I’ve realized I just want a quiet life.

“By the way.”

I looked at Machida-san walking next to me and said one thing.

“I was glad you got angry for me.”

I hadn’t said it yet, so this was my way of thanking her.

“I’m also glad you said you regret what happened in the past and that you want to live with me.”

“Just so you know… I don’t have any other feelings, okay?”

Machida-san looked away and said that.

“I just want to start over as friends with you…”

…Friends, huh.

Well, I won’t expect too much.

We’ve only reconnected for about two weeks anyway.

“By the way, Shiraki… is your left hand causing you trouble in daily life?”

“…Hm, yeah… pretty much.”

I’m left-handed, and right now, my hand is too swollen and painful to hold chopsticks or a pen. They said it will take 2–3 weeks to fully heal. It’s a bit tough.

“If that’s the case, I’m glad I’m here… I can help take care of you.”

“You… will take care of me?”

“Yeah, this is definitely a debt I owe you… I can’t just leave it like that. Including what happened in the past, I owe you a lot.”

When we reached the apartment, Machida-san unlocked the door first.

“I’ll make dinner, so rest up, okay?”

After changing into comfy clothes and settling in, she said that. But I opened my laptop at the table. Investing in the future. Plotting a story for my novel. Since Machida-san is doing what she wants, I want to do what I want too. I can’t just stop.

“Hey… are you okay?”

Machida-san turned around from cooking and looked worried.

“I can manage typing.”

“…Really?”

“Yeah, it’s really okay.”

“Are you sure…”

Machida-san looked worried but also a little exasperated. Still, she trusted me enough not to nag any further.

“―Yes, it’s ready!”

Soon, dinner was served on the table. Tonight we had rice, miso soup, ginger pork, stuffed green peppers, spinach salad, boiled okra, and some vinegar dishes. As usual, it looked delicious.

“All right…”

Then I noticed something unusual. Machida-san, who normally sat across from me, sat next to me today.

“…Why are you sitting here?”

“Why? I thought I’d feed you.”

“Huh?”

“Eh, what’s that supposed to mean… is it a bother?”

…It’s not.

I was surprised. I hadn’t expected her to go that far to take care of me.

“Alright then… what do you want to eat first?”

Her bright, cat-like eyes looked at my face. She seemed a little shy, which made her look cute.

“Then… the ginger pork first.”

“…Okay.”