The Kansai Villain’s Rebirth: I Accidentally Ended Up With a Harem. - Chapter 29: Akitani Mio Is Cornered.

Akitani Mio Is Cornered.

Akitani Mio’s Perspective

Tennouji-kun, it seems, has been researching pasta for our study session—so much that he’s been eating it for all three meals a day. When I heard that, I couldn’t help but scold him. I mean, that’s just too much! Even Fuyuki-chan looked a little upset about it.

But still…

“Fufu…”

I couldn’t stop smiling. Because honestly, it made me happy. He’s working that hard just to make us feel welcome. When I said, “I’m looking forward to Saturday,” Shi-chan nodded with all her might, and even though Rin-chan pretended not to care, she kept touching her hair—that’s always her tell when she’s secretly excited.

I’ve known Rin-chan since middle school. People call her “the Ice Queen”, but that’s not who she really is. She’s just shy, that’s all. Lately—thanks to Tennouji-kun, maybe?—I’ve noticed she’s become more expressive. Sometimes she fiddles with her hair when she’s happy, or when she’s embarrassed. I feel like I can read her emotions better than anyone else… and somehow, that makes me love her even more.

Shi-chan, on the other hand, is way too straightforward with Tennouji-kun. She doesn’t just touch him—she hugs him! I can’t help but worry he might get flustered. I mean, she’s a girl, too! Shouldn’t that kind of thing be… well, after they start dating!? Shi-chan already said she likes him, so I wonder where that’s going to lead…

“As for me…”

I’m not sure. Shi-chan openly shows her feelings for him. Rin-chan… she might not realize it yet, but I often catch her watching Tennouji-kun from afar. I think she likes him, too.

And me… I still don’t know. But that time in the infirmary, when he caught me before I fell—my heart wouldn’t stop pounding. My face got hot. He looked so cool when he played basketball… and he’s smart, too. I bet he could even keep up with Rin-chan’s grades.

“Tennouji-kun… so Saturday will be at your house, huh… You said your parents are away, and Shi-chan and Rin-chan will be there, but still… I’m nervous.”

The only boy’s house I’ve ever been to was Imamiya-kun’s. So going to a boy’s house again—especially his—and he’s even cooking lunch for us? That’s amazing! I honestly don’t understand why Tennouji-kun gets such a bad reputation. Lately, I haven’t heard those rumors at all. And Imamiya-kun… why does he hate Tennouji-kun so much? He’s too harsh.

“Tennouji-kun…”

I found myself whispering his name again in my room. Ever since he ate my homemade lunch, I’ve been noticing him more. And after what happened in the infirmary… those feelings grew even stronger. I guess I’m a lot like Rin-chan now—thinking about him all the time.

If only I could be as honest as Shi-chan… maybe I could get closer to him, too.

N-no! No no no! I can’t think like that! I have to study! Focus!

…But that night, I don’t think I managed to study a single page.

***

“Alright, that’s the final bell. Good work, everyone.”

“Thanks, see ya~.”

It was Thursday. Another study session wrapped up. Tennouji-kun had gone home early, saying he wanted to keep experimenting with pasta. At least he’d stopped eating it for lunch—that was a relief. Still…

“It’s only proper hospitality. I’d be rude not to make something delicious.”

When he said that, it made me happy. Shi-chan and Rin-chan smiled, too. But… I’m still nervous. Going to a boy’s house—a boy I might like—it’s nerve-wracking.

“Hey, Mio!”

Just as I was trying to mentally prepare myself, a familiar voice called out. It was Imamiya-kun.

“Imamiya-kun? What is it?”

“C’mon, let’s walk home together.”

“O-okay.”

Ever since the lunchbox incident, it’s been awkward talking to him. But refusing would just make things worse—and we live in the same direction anyway.

On the way home, Imamiya-kun kept grumbling.

“Ugh, tests suck… studying’s such a pain…”

He always complains about schoolwork. I get it—it’s tiring—but it’s part of being a student, right?

Then—

“Hey, Mio. How about studying together this weekend? We could invite Rin and Shina, too.”

“Eh—!?”

That was a surprise. He hasn’t suggested studying together since middle school. Ever since high school started, he’s always been like, ‘Nah, I’m gaming.’ So why now? Still… Saturday’s definitely off-limits!

“S-sorry. I already have a study session planned with some friends.”

“Friends? Who?”

“Uh… well…”

“What? Oh, Rin and Shina, right? Then it’s fine, we can study at my place.”

“N-no, it’s not that. We’re studying at… a friend’s house.”

Oh no. If I say Tennouji-kun’s name, they’ll fight for sure. I have to keep it vague.

“So who’s this ‘friend’? Don’t tell me it’s a guy.”

“U-uh… well… yes…”

“A guy!? Don’t tell me—it’s that Tennouji, isn’t it?! You’ve been hanging around him lately!”

Ah—! He guessed it! Oh no, this is bad!

Then, a sharp, cool voice cut through the tension.

“Excuse me, Imamiya-kun. Can I ask you something? Who we study with is none of your business, isn’t it? Why are you interrogating Mio like this?”

“Rin-chan…”

“So it is Tennouji, huh?! No way! You can’t go! Especially not to his house!”

“Honestly, why do we need your permission to study with someone? We’re free to spend our time however we please.”

Rin-chan’s words were calm—but cold. Powerful. She glanced at me and nodded, as if to say, Leave this to me. My chest ached with guilt. I should’ve been the one to speak up… but I don’t think I could’ve said it like she did.

“That may be, but it’s Tennouji! What if he—he hurts you or something?!”

“Do you realize what you just implied? That’s a terrible thing to say—it damages his reputation.”

“He’s a delinquent! A total punk! Just hiding it now! He’s dangerous—he’ll turn on you girls sooner or later! I’m warning you!”

“Thanks for the warning. But we’ll make our own judgments. Shina trusts him, and so do I. I don’t think Tennouji-kun is the kind of person you claim he is.”

“Why won’t you listen to me!? You’ll regret it!”

“And who are you to us, exactly? You’re not our boyfriend, nor our guardian. Do childhood friends have that kind of authority now?”

“Tch—! Always gotta talk back, huh?! Fine! Go ahead, get yourself assaulted for all I care!”

“…You’re despicable.”

Rin-chan’s voice turned icy—sharper than I’d ever heard it. She was furious. And… I was, too. My chest burned with anger I didn’t know I had.

“Do what you want! I’m done!”

“Gladly.”

Imamiya turned on his heel and stormed off. I let out a shaky breath.

“Rin-chan… thank you.”

“It’s fine. I consider this my duty. I don’t care if Imamiya-kun dislikes me for it.”

“Still…”

“Let’s go home. Though I doubt it’ll be a pleasant walk after that.”

“Y-yeah…”

Tennouji-kun would never do the kind of thing Imamiya accused him of. Just thinking about it made my fists tremble.

When I got home that evening, I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I went straight to my room and cried, quietly, until my tears ran out.