When I Told the Most Beautiful Girl in the School That My Confession Had Failed, She Suddenly Started Coming at Me With Unbearably Heavy Feelings - Chapter 13: Cost and True Worth

Chapter 13: Cost and True Worth

I couldn’t hide my surprise when Ryoutarou Kamitsubaki appeared out of nowhere.

Nonoka, standing beside him, glared at Rinne with resentment.

“Been a while~ You doing alright? …Looks like you’ve found yourself a new girl.”

“Fancy meeting you here. You two seem pretty close.”

“Oh? Look closer, and it’s Rinne-chan! What’s the academy’s beauty queen doing in a place like this?”

“I don’t owe you an explanation. You’re an eyesore, so get lost.”

Rinne, radiating displeasure, swatted away Ryoutarou’s approaching hand. Her sharp glare forced him to step back.

Ryoutarou clicked his tongue, looking annoyed.

“Tch, that hurt… I just came to say hi to a friend. What’s the problem?”

“Our Kisaragi’s got a tough personality. She bares her fangs at anyone she doesn’t like.”

“Huh… so you got over your heartbreak and moved on to the next girl already? Pretty shallow, Hinate-kun.”

Ryoutarou smirked, clearly trying to provoke me for his own amusement.

But I wasn’t going to take the bait. My brain isn’t so monkey-like as to fall for cheap taunts.

Rinne, however, seemed to catch fire from his words.

“…That’s not true.”

“…Huh?”

“Hinate-kun isn’t shallow. He’s got a strong sense of justice and doesn’t shy away from sacrificing himself—a straightforward guy. He’s nothing like a monkey who’d settle for any girl. Don’t insult my boyfriend.”

Rinne’s unwavering gaze struck back with conviction.

Her resolute denial that I was just some pleasure-seeking fool showed no sign of stopping.

“Hinate-kun always considers those around him, tries to resolve things peacefully even when he’s in the wrong, and quietly earns the trust of everyone. …And he loves me dearly and won’t be swayed by other girls!”

“K-Kisaragi-san? I feel like your hopes are creeping into that last part…”

“I’m annoyed that we’re wasting even a second of our precious time on people like you. Get lost.”

“…I don’t get half of what you’re saying, but isn’t it a waste to date a guy like that? I could introduce you to some great guys if you want… but, well, falling for a guy like him says enough about your character. With your looks and no effort, I bet you’d prefer someone more convenient, right?”

Ryoutarou’s attack turned toward Rinne.

With a smug, irritating grin, he mocked her, completely ignoring his own flaws.

Rinne was someone who had worked tirelessly. People might see her beauty as natural, but her relentless effort to get there wasn’t something to dismiss.

That’s why I couldn’t stay silent.

“…Saying Kisaragi hasn’t put in any effort? Don’t joke. No matter how tough things got, she kept pushing forward. Her unending effort made her the academy’s top beauty. Someone who only knows 18% of her has no right to say she hasn’t worked hard.”

“Huh? You keep spouting nonsense… Being mocked by people like you pisses me off the most!”

Ryoutarou’s hand reached toward Rinne. She froze at the sudden move.

“…”

“Hey.”

The moment I thought Rinne was in danger, my body moved faster than I expected.

Despite our size difference, stopping him was easy. I grabbed Ryoutarou’s wrist and twisted it, pulling him away from Rinne.

“Ow…!!”

Ryoutarou glared at me, his face twisted in pain. I met his cheap glare with one of my own.

“I don’t want any more trouble. Get out of here.”

“Tch, whatever. Let’s go.”

Unwilling to admit defeat, Ryoutarou acted unbothered and walked away.

“Your boyfriend’s leaving. What are you standing around for?”

“…Uh.”

Nonoka fidgeted, glancing at me as if she wanted to say something but swallowed it instead.

Her indecisive attitude must have annoyed Rinne, who stepped between us.

“Hinate-kun is mine.”

“…”

Watching Nonoka’s back as she hurriedly left, we moved on too. We decided to take a break to recover from the ordeal.

▼▽

“Ugh, what was that about…? They ruined our perfect date.”

Rinne, practically puffing with indignation, took a bite of her ordered pasta.

We’d come to the aquarium’s restaurant to rest.

The restaurant faced the main tank, letting us eat while watching the beautiful underwater scene.

I’d hoped this setting would soothe Rinne, but she was still fuming over Ryoutarou.

“Hey, it’s over now, so let’s calm down.”

“I can’t calm down! That guy said whatever he wanted… I can’t forgive him for insulting my Hinate-kun…!”

“Haha… yeah, he said some crap, but I’m fine. You stood up for me, and that made me happy.”

“…I was happy too. Knowing I’m not the only one who cares.”

“…Saying it out loud is kinda embarrassing.”

“A little embarrassment is just right. It makes the moment stick.”

Today’s events would add another vivid memory to my collection with Rinne.

Having these moments etched in my heart was joyful, but a little bittersweet. I could relive the excitement anytime, but thinking about losing it scared me.

I hoped my connection with Rinne would last, even just a second longer. I didn’t have any reason or worth to keep her tied to me.

▼▽

“Hey, can we check out the souvenirs? I want to get something for my family.”

Leaving the restaurant, Rinne and I browsed the gift shop.

After the date, I was heading to Amane’s place. Since she was pretty upset about our plans being canceled, I figured I’d get her something as an apology.

(What’s good… Cookies? Too ordinary, maybe. But Amane likes cookies. A stuffed animal could work too…)

As I pondered, I noticed Rinne staring at something.

Following her gaze, I saw a pair of necklaces on display. Two dolphins faced each other, forming a heart when joined—a couple’s necklace, apparently.

“You want that?”

“Oh, uh…”

“Twelve thousand yen, huh… Let’s get it.”

“But it’s expensive…”

“What do you think I work for? …You brought me here today, Kisaragi. This is my thanks.”

I called the shop clerk and bought the necklace along with some souvenirs.

Handing one half of the pair to Rinne, I watched as the dazzling dolphin sparkled at her chest.

“As expected, it suits you.”

“…Thank you. I’ll treasure it, as a symbol of your love.”

(I just meant it as a small gift…)

Her interpretation was heavier than I intended, but seeing Rinne happy was what mattered.

Her joy made me happy too, and more than anything, it reassured me. Knowing she’d moved past the days of being bullied and was living happily made me feel like what I did back then wasn’t a mistake.

“Every time you see this necklace, think of me, Hinate-kun.”

“I’d think of you even without it. It’s you, Kisaragi.”

“That kind of response is why you get into trouble.”

Rinne turned away with a sulky expression.

Her bright red ears betrayed her feelings, impossible to hide.