Chapter 6 | That’s What You Call Love!

 

“I like you, Kazu-kun. Please go out with me.”

The sky above the school rooftop stretched clear and vibrant, sunlight cascading in gentle waves. I, Ayanokoji Kazuto, stood frozen as Kurumizaka Nana’s confession hung in the air. Her face glowed bright red, her trembling hands clutching the hem of her skirt, yet her resolute eyes brimmed with an overwhelming flood of emotions.

“Kurumizaka-san…” My voice faltered, barely a whisper.

“I don’t want to betray Rin-chan,” she continued, her tone heavy with conflict. “But I just can’t hold back my feelings.”

Torn between loyalty to her dear friend and the weight of her own heart, Kurumizaka-san’s eyes shimmered with faint tears as she poured out her truth. “I’m willing to throw everything away… Kazu-kun, please go out with me.”

Silence gripped me. What should I do? No—there was no need to deliberate. My heart already knew—

“Kazu-kun!”

Before I could respond, Kurumizaka-san threw herself into my chest. Instinctively, I caught her, her small, soft frame trembling against me.

“If I had met you before Rin-chan… what would’ve happened?” she murmured, her voice fragile.

“That’s…” Words failed me as she clung tighter, gazing up with teary eyes that radiated both charm and vulnerability.

She rose on her tiptoes, leaning closer, her breath warm. Was she about to kiss me?

“…!”

I tried to pull back, but my body refused to move, paralyzed by the moment. Rinka—!

Just as our lips nearly met—

Pipipipipi!

A shrill alarm shattered the scene. My eyes snapped open to the familiar ceiling of my room.

“…A dream, huh?”

☆

“Man, what a waste! That’s so like you, Ayanokoji!”

“What’s that supposed to mean…?” I muttered, rubbing my neck.

Morning in the classroom buzzed with its usual energy. During a casual chat, I’d spilled the details of my dream to Tachibana and Saito. I expected a reaction, but Tachibana’s theatrics—shaking his head in exaggerated exasperation—were over the top.

“But Ayanokoji-kun,” Saito chimed in, “right before the kiss, you thought of Mizuki-san and tried to pull away, didn’t you?”

“Well, yeah.” I nodded hesitantly.

“Doesn’t that mean you’re seriously into Mizuki? If you were just a fan, you wouldn’t have resisted.”

“I wonder…” I trailed off, unsure.

“You’re too damn serious, man!” Tachibana roared. “If it were me, I’d kiss Nana-chan and still date Mizuki! Gahaha!”

“Ugh…” I cringed, grimacing.

“Don’t give me that look! It’s a guy’s natural desire, right? Back me up, Saito!”

“Nah, I’d rather stay faithful, even in a dream,” Saito replied, striking a cool pose with his arms crossed.

“You traitor!” Tachibana snapped, spitting in frustration.

Their bickering faded into the background as my gaze drifted to Rinka, seated at the front. Her posture was impeccable, her back straight, radiating the flawless aura of a popular idol. She seemed to glow, a halo of untouchable grace around her.

“—Ah.”

As if sensing my stare, Rinka turned. Our eyes met. Normally, we’d hold the gaze for a moment, maybe exchange a subtle reaction, but—

She looked away almost instantly. Cold. Distant.

Maybe I was overthinking it, but ever since visiting her family, Rinka had felt… off. Our conversations lacked their usual spark, stilted and brief.

As I mulled this over, my phone buzzed. A message from Kurumizaka-san: “Report on how things are going with Rin-chan! As the commander of Operation Get-Along, I have a duty to know about your relationship! Meet at the usual spot during lunch break!”

Her enthusiasm practically leapt off the screen. Operation Get-Along—her self-proclaimed mission—still seemed to be in full swing. She’d likely heard plenty from Rinka but wanted my perspective too. With Rinka’s recent coldness weighing on me, I could use her advice. I typed back, “Got it, Commander!” and waited for lunch.

☆

The usual spot was the quiet landing by the rooftop stairs. Arriving early, I settled on the steps, lost in thought. Meeting a popular idol like Kurumizaka-san had become routine—an unthinkable shift from my days glued to online games.

Come to think of it, what was Kotone-san up to? I hadn’t seen her since that one encounter.

“Kazu-kun?”

A voice jolted me. Kurumizaka-san’s face was inches from mine, her curious eyes peering into me.

“Whoa…!”

The dream flashed back—her throwing herself into my chest, her lips so close. My face heated up instantly.

“Are you okay? Your face is super red!” she exclaimed.

“I-I’m fine. It’s nothing…!” I stammered, waving her off.

Her sense of personal space was, as always, dangerously close. Unguarded, disarming—it threw me off every time.

“Really okay? You look feverish…” She pressed her cool, soft hand to my forehead, sending my heart into overdrive. “Hmm, maybe a bit warm? Are you feeling alright?”

“No, really, I’m fine…” I managed, stiffening under her touch.

“…Alright, if you say so, I’ll believe you. But don’t push yourself, okay?” Her tone softened with genuine concern.

How could I tell her she was the cause? My pure heart wasn’t built for this. I wished she’d handle me like fragile glass.

“By the way, didn’t you have something to ask me?” she prompted, pulling back slightly.

“Oh, right! You went to Rin-chan’s house last week, didn’t you?” Her eyes sparkled, leaning in eagerly.

“Oh, you heard from Rinka?”

“I got a report from Kasumi-san!”

Of course. Kasumi-san’s loose tongue was predictable.

“And from Rin-chan too. Now I want your side!”

“It’s kind of embarrassing…” I muttered.

“As the commander of Operation Get-Along, I must know the details! Spill it!”

“You’re way too into this…”

They say girls love romance gossip, and even the popular idol Kurumizaka Nana was no exception, practically vibrating with excitement.

Sighing, I recounted my day at the Mizuki household: being suspected of cheating, Nonoa-chan calling me Onii-chan, Kasumi-san entrusting Rinka to me, the drunk mom stumbling in, and Mikio-papa’s cryptic remark—something my brain still refused to process.

“They’ve basically approved you as family, huh? And you two still aren’t dating?”

“Well, no… And lately, Rinka’s been kind of distant. Like she’s keeping me at arm’s length.”

“Rin-chan’s being distant…” Kurumizaka-san thumped her chest confidently. “I, your commander, will enlighten you on the reason!”

“Regretting what, Commander?”

“Inviting you to her house.”

I blinked, confused, as she continued.

“Rin-chan said she’d wait until you sorted out your feelings, right? But with her family giving their approval, she’s overthinking it.”

“Did you hear that from Rinka?”

“Yup. She calmed down later and started regretting it.”

So Rinka regretted her bold move.

“Didn’t expect Rinka to be the type to overthink,” I admitted.

“She doesn’t show it, but Rin-chan’s got a strong side that sticks to her principles. Deep down, she’s kind… and sensitive too.”

Sensitive? Rinka? I nearly tilted my head but caught myself. Rinka, who craved pure connections in games and reality, might indeed have a delicate side beneath her cool exterior.

“In that case, your commander will step up!”

“What’s the plan, Commander?”

“First, you and Rin-chan will go on a date! A sweet, heart-pounding first date!”

“No way!”

“Yes way! I’ll plan the perfect date, so leave it to me!”

“No, no way! A date…” I held up my sweaty palms. “Look, I’m already a mess!”

Just the thought of dating Rinka sent my nerves into a frenzy.

“Plus, a date would cause all sorts of problems, right? If I’m seen with a popular idol like Rinka, it’ll be a mess. Photos will spread on SNS.”

“Hmm, disguises should work.”

“Even with disguises, I bet she’d get recognized. A popular idol’s aura is no joke. Both you and Rinka practically glow.”

“Haha, you’re exaggerating, Kazu-kun. We’re just normal girls!”

She meant it sincerely, not out of humility. That unguarded warmth was likely the secret to her popularity.

“Surprisingly, it’s not that easy to get caught,” she added. “Changing your vibe is key. Blending into the setting… I can’t explain it well, but that’s the gist.”

“Got it.” Clueless about idol life, I nodded along. If Kurumizaka-san said so, it must be true.

“Hmm. How about a date in the game then? You won’t be nervous online, right?”

“Even calling it a date makes me nervous.”

“What? You play with Rin-chan all the time!”

“I know, but… calling it a date makes me hyper-aware. Plus, things are kinda awkward with Rinka right now.”

“Then I’ll join your online-game date and support you fully. …Is that still too much?”

She peered up, gauging my reaction.

“…Why does it have to be a date?”

“I thought a date might help you figure out your feelings for Rin-chan. Maybe I’m being too pushy…?”

“It’s not that I mind…”

Her enthusiasm wasn’t bad—it was just overwhelming. My online-game-obsessed self couldn’t keep up.

“I want Rin-chan to be happy. And you too, Kazu-kun. I want to repay you. For helping me… for helping us.”

Her sincere tone carried weight. She likely knew about my talk with Kasumi-san in the car, probably through her.

“All I did was play a game,” I deflected.

“Even so. I trust you, Kazu-kun. That’s why I feel I can entrust my best friend Rin-chan to you.”

“Why do you trust me…?”

“Well, Rin-chan liking you is a big part, but it’s mostly your vibe.”

“My vibe? Like, I’m barely noticeable?”

“Haha, not like that! Your vibe feels… comforting. Like it’s easy to be around you. People with that vibe are trustworthy.”

Her eyes locked onto mine, firm and unwavering. Was this her idol-honed ability to read people? I couldn’t brush it off.

“Of course, your feelings come first. If you don’t want to date, you can say no.”

“It’s… not that I don’t want to.”

“Really? You’re not forcing yourself?”

“Yeah. I want to get closer to Rinka. That much is clear.”

That feeling had been there since before I knew her true identity. Kurumizaka-san was gently nudging my hesitant self forward.

“Alright! Operation Get-Along enters its final phase!” she declared, her voice ringing with triumph.

Not that it mattered, but Operation Get-Along always felt a bit… vague.

☆

That evening, I logged into Black Plains at the promised time for my “date” with Rinka—Kurumizaka-san included, of course.

“Good evening, Kazuto-kun. You’re early today,” Rinka greeted through the voice chat, her tone as calm as ever despite the faint guilt I sensed.

“I don’t always log in late. Sometimes I’m the first one here,” I replied lightly.

“True…”

She trailed off, and an awkward silence settled in. Was this because I hadn’t been clear with her?

“Hey, Kazuto-kun, can I ask you something directly?”

“What?”

“Do you… hate me now?”

“N-No way! Of course not!” Her uncharacteristic anxiety, so unlike her cool idol persona, made me fumble my denial.

“I see… I had a feeling you’d say that because you’re kind. That’s why I’ve been taking advantage of you… and our ‘marriage.’”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

We echoed each other, then fell silent. Rinka spoke again, softer now. “I feel bad that our family approved you before you could fully accept being my husband.”

“Oh, okay.”

For now, she seemed like her usual self.

“Sorry for the wait! I’m a bit late!” Kurumizaka-san’s cheerful voice burst into the chat as her avatar, Sturmangriff-san, logged in.

“Alright, let’s meet up. The spot’s the fountain plaza in the capital, right?”

Scattered across the game world, we headed to the meeting point. The capital, a bustling hub of Black Plains, was alive with players and NPCs of all races. Its commercial and residential districts thrived with robust housing and trading systems, a testament to the game’s intricate design. The fountain plaza, at the city’s heart, teemed with activity—players meeting, guilds assembling, even a cat-eared character dancing with emotes.

“Kazu-kun! Compliment Rin-chan’s appearance!” Kurumizaka-san sent in a private message.

I glanced at Rin’s blonde elf avatar. Usually clad in typical elven gear, today she wore a cute, forest-themed dress, clearly dressed for a date. Not that I could judge—I’d switched to casual clothes too. Even Kurumizaka-san’s muscular old-man avatar sported a fancy black tuxedo, likely a paid outfit.

“Hurry and compliment her!”

Complimenting a girl felt like scaling a mountain. But Kurumizaka-san had planned this date and was guiding me. I had to try.

Taking a deep breath, I stammered, “…T-T-Today’s Rin is… c-cute!”

I butchered it. Kill me now.

“Thank you, Kazu. I’m really happy to hear that. I think this is the first time you’ve complimented my appearance.”

Rinka’s voice brimmed with genuine joy, not pity. I realized I’d never praised her looks before. For someone who saw herself as my wife, that must’ve stung. Whether our in-game marriage was serious or not, she carried it with weight.

Kurumizaka-san’s push had already taught me something vital, and the date had only just begun.

“Kazu-kun! Next mission: Kiss her!”

“Right after complimenting her?!” I hissed back. “Also, Black Plains doesn’t have that feature!”

“Kazu-kun! Kiss!”

“Have you lost it?! What’s with you?!”

“So, Nana planned this date, right?” Rinka interjected.

“Yup! You two have never been on a date, right? So I’m teaching you how!”

“Teaching? You’ve never been on one either,” Rinka teased.

“Nope, but I’m loaded with knowledge!”

“Knowledge from manga, you mean…” Rinka muttered, half-exasperated.

“Hehe! I’ll make this the most heart-pounding date ever!”

Where did that confidence come from? Still, her energy swept away the awkwardness between me and Rinka, and for that, I was grateful.

☆

Kurumizaka-san led us to the highest mountain peak in Black Plains, a spot unrelated to quests—just a hidden gem for the view. The clear blue sky, golden sun, and endless green plains were breathtaking, a testament to the game’s stunning graphics.

“Pretty cool, right? I asked on a forum, ‘Any recommended date spots?’ and 【Kotone-sama】 told me about this place!” Kurumizaka-san chirped.

Kotone-sama? That name rang a bell…

“The view is gorgeous. No matter how many times I see it, it’s stunning,” Rinka said.

“Wait, Rin-chan, you’ve been here before?” Kurumizaka-san asked.

“Yes, with Kazu, many times.”

“What! You two already had online game dates!”

The next moment, a massive shadow loomed over us, dimming the sunlight.

“Huh? Is it night already?” Kurumizaka-san wondered.

“When Kazu and I came here, it wasn’t for the view,” Rinka said calmly.

“Uh, Rin-chan?”

Kurumizaka-san’s confusion was cut short by a piercing cry.

“Gyapiii—!”

A mountain-sized bird glared down, its massive wings blotting out the sky. Modeled after a hawk, its sharp yellow beak and red eyes radiated menace.

“W-Wah! What’s this thing?!” Kurumizaka-san yelped.

“A world boss,” Rinka replied.

“W-World boss?”

“Think of it as the strongest monster, needing dozens of players to defeat. This is its spawn point.”

“W-What?! This isn’t a date spot?!”

“Nope. You got tricked by that Kotone-sama person.”

“No way…”

Classic internet. Forums were a minefield of misinformation.

“Gyapiii—!”

The boss’s wings glowed divinely, signaling a devastating attack.

“Nana, run!” Rinka shouted.

“W-Where?! Where do I run?!”

“There’s a rock nearby, right? Three steps back from it is the safe zone! Hurry!”

“Which rock? Rin-chan—ah!”

“Gyapiii—!”

Countless glowing feathers rained down like giant swords, flooding my screen with light. The attack was a first-sight killer—deadly without knowing the safe zone, but easy to dodge if you did.

“Party member: Sturmangriff-san has been defeated.”

The chat’s cruel notice confirmed her fate. What was meant to be a date spot had turned into pure hell.

“Ugh! Why did this happen?!” Kurumizaka-san wailed.

☆

After escaping the world boss, Rinka and I joined a revived Kurumizaka-san to tour actual date spots. We admired stunning views, exclaiming, “It’s beautiful!” and played with screenshots, enjoying Black Plains’ detailed character motions and poses. The initial awkwardness melted away, and we lost ourselves in the fun until about thirty minutes before our logout time.

“Rinka-oneechan! Mom’s calling you!” Nonoa-chan’s voice came through Rinka’s mic.

“Sorry, I’ll be AFK for a bit,” Rinka said, leaving her avatar logged in.

In the sudden silence, Kurumizaka-san’s tone softened. “So, Kazu-kun, have you realized your feelings for Rin-chan?”

“Sorry, I was just having fun,” I admitted.

“Ugh… I’m starting to lose confidence. Is Rin-chan just a friend to you?”

Her sadness stung, but I couldn’t lie. I couldn’t claim feelings I wasn’t sure of. With three of us, it felt more like hanging out than a date—no chance to confront my emotions.

“Kazu-kun, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“What do you think of Rin-chan in the game?”

“Huh?”

“You really admire the idol Rin-chan, right? So I was wondering what you think of the game’s Rin-chan. For both of you, the game is a place for pure, heartfelt interactions, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

I hadn’t thought deeply about it, but her words rang true.

“Then how you feel about the game’s Rin-chan… that’s what matters, don’t you think?”

“You’re right. I’ve only been thinking about how I feel about the real Rinka.”

“Exactly! So, what’s it like, Kazu-kun?”

How I felt about Rin didn’t require much thought.

“Someone I want to be with forever… maybe.”

“Huh?”

“Huh?”

Did I say something odd? After a brief silence, Kurumizaka-san asked hesitantly, “S-So, Kazu-kun… when you’re with the game’s Rin-chan, does your heart race?”

“It does. But it’s not a bad feeling. It’s like a comfortable excitement, or like I feel fulfilled being with her.”

“…”

“I mean, Rin and I are close enough to get married in-game. Compared to other friends, she’s special.”

“Kazu-kun…”

“What?”

“That’s…”

“That’s?”

“That’s what you call love—!”

“W-What?”

“Ugh! I should’ve asked how you felt about the game’s Rin-chan first! All that was a waste of time!”

“Uh, Kurumizaka-san?”

“Unaware! You love her without realizing it! From now on, I’m calling you Unaware Kazu-kun!”

“What’s she going on about?” I muttered, her loud voice overwhelming me.

“No… it’s not love. She’s just a close friend.”

“Then, Kazu-kun, have you ever thought about marrying any other friends in the game?”

“No. I can’t even imagine it.”

“See?! That’s what I’m saying!”

“No, it’s just that I don’t have any friends as close as Rin.”

“That’s what makes her a special person! You oblivious Unaware Kazu-kun!”

“Ugh…”

Her relentless energy left me dazed. She was determined to make me admit I liked Rinka.

“Kazu-kun, you like the idol Rin-chan too, right?”

“Well, I’m a fan, yeah.”

“What do you find appealing or cute about her?”

“Everything, I guess. Her whole existence is cute.”

At first, her cool demeanor drew me in, but I’d have noticed her regardless. Just watching her soothed my heart.

“Everything’s cute… Doesn’t that mean you like Rin-chan?”

“No, it’s just fan feelings.”

“Really? Imagine this: You’re in the same class as Rin-chan.”

“Okay.”

Like the start of our second year.

“But Rin-chan’s not an idol. She’s a normal person. What do you think of her?”

“Still cute. I’d probably just stare at her back from my seat all the time.”

“…And you don’t think anything of that?”

“Huh?”

“That’s how you act with someone you like.”

“—What?!”

Zagaan! A thunderbolt struck my mind.

“You kept watching Rin-chan, right? Thinking, ‘She’s so cute today. I wish I could at least say hi.’”

“How’d you know?! Are you reading my mind?! I’m putting on a tinfoil hat!”

“I don’t need to read your mind! Also, what’s with the tinfoil hat?!”

For once, Kurumizaka-san was the one teasing me.

“Oh, I get it! I figured out why you started caring about the idol Rin-chan!”

“Alright, I’ll bite. Why?”

“You sensed the game’s Rin-chan in the real Rin-chan!”

“No way…”

“But you weren’t interested in idols until you were in Rin-chan’s class, right?”

“Yeah.”

“See! You felt the game’s Rin-chan in the real Rin-chan! And dense Kazu-kun mistook his love for fan admiration!”

“Nah, I’m not that dumb.”

“Then why did you, who had no interest in idols, suddenly start supporting Rin-chan?”

“Well… maybe because we were in the same class, and I saw an idol in person?”

I’d never seen an idol in real life before Rinka. Maybe a glimpse on TV, but I was indifferent.

“Okay, Kazu-kun. Do you support me as much as you do Rin-chan?”

“Nope.”

“Ouch! Harsh, but expected!”

“I mean, I do support you. We’re friends.”

“That’s nice to hear! Thanks! But not as much as Rin-chan, right?”

“Well, yeah… And now that you mention it, I might not care about idols in general. I think I’m just supporting Rin’s efforts as an idol.”

“Isn’t that because you like her?”

“…”

I was out of counterarguments. Her words made me wonder if I’d mistaken my feelings for friendship or idol worship.

…No way, right?

But it was a classic romance trope: “I’ve been in love with them all along!”

“Let’s sum it up! Kazu-kun loves the game’s Rin-chan, loves the idol Rin-chan, loves everything about her!”

“Uh, so?”

“So, Kazu-kun… you love Rin-chan herself! You’re head over heels! You’d love her no matter what form she takes!”

“—What?!”

Zagaan! Another thunderbolt.

Let’s sort this out.

I wanted to stay by Rin’s side forever. Being with her was fun, natural. The moment I saw the idol Mizuki Rinka, I became a fan—an intense admiration. Thinking about it, that was odd. Cute girls usually just got a passing thought, but Rinka captivated me instantly.

“That’s amazing, Kazu-kun! Without any clues, you fell for the same person online and in real life!”

“S-Seriously?”

“And you didn’t even realize! You loved every part of Rin-chan without knowing it!”

“W-Wow…”

“Yeah, it’s incredible. Rin-chan’s feelings for you are amazing, but you’re not losing at all… you might even be ahead!”

“…”

“Kuh! I’ve never seen such a precious romance! You’re too adorable, Kazu-kun!”

“…Uh, what?”

“Look, you can’t even retort anymore! Normally, you’d say, ‘Shut up, Kurumizaka-san! You’re as loud as a cat in heat!’”

I wouldn’t say that to a girl. Her retort skills were impressive, though.

“One more time: What do you like about Rin-chan?”

“Her vibe, her looks, her beautiful voice… her behavior… her personality… well, everything.”

“And that wouldn’t change even if she wasn’t an idol, right?”

“…Nope.”

“See, see! You love Rin-chan herself, not just the idol!”

W-What?! Really?

As I floundered, Kurumizaka-san spoke gently, guiding me. “Listen. Wanting to be with someone is what love is.”

“…I-Is that so?”

“Love can exist without knowing looks or status… No, maybe love doesn’t need those things at all. I finally get what Rin-chan meant by ‘pure heartfelt connections.’”

She sounded satisfied, but I was far from it. If Rinka returned now, I wouldn’t stay calm—

“I’m back.”

Her voice made my heart leap.

“Welcome back, Rin-chan,” Kurumizaka-san said cheerfully.

“Sorry for being late. So, where to next?”

“Nowhere!”

“What do you mean?”

Rinka’s confusion was palpable at Kurumizaka-san’s bold declaration.

“Rin-chan! The goal’s been achieved! Perfect score!”

“Sorry, I really don’t get it. Explain properly.”

“Oh, come on, Rin-chan. It’s tacky to spell it out!”

“This is the annoying side of Nana. Kazu, what were you two doing while I was gone?”

“…Huh?”

“Kazu, what’s wrong? You’ve been quiet, and you’re acting weird.”

“Uh, well… huh?”

“Kazu?! What’s going on?! You look like your soul’s been sucked out!”

Even Rinka was teasing me now, piling on after Kurumizaka-san. My head spun, emotions surging.

I liked Mizuki Rinka.

Just thinking it made my heart race, emotions flooding.

“Alright! Let’s call it a day!” Kurumizaka-san announced.

“We still have some time,” Rinka protested.

“It’s fine! We achieved the goal!”

“What is the goal? Wasn’t it to let Kazu and me experience a date vibe?”

“It was, but we got even better results, so it’s all good!”

“I can’t keep up. Kazu, you okay with this?”

“Uh, yeah, that’s fine.”

“…I’m worried about Kazu. Are you really okay?”

“I-I’m fine.”

Sensing my agitation, Kurumizaka-san likely thought I needed time to process. She pushed to end the session.

“Kazu-kun’s at that angsty age! So, we’re done! See you at school!”

With her forceful disbanding, we logged out of Black Plains and the voice chat. My screen now showed my desktop, with a screenshot of Kazu and Rin stargazing at a mountain peak.

“…Do I like Rinka?”

Strangely, the misaligned gears in my mind clicked into place.

☆

The next day, I arrived at school as usual. Rinka was already at her desk, reading with perfect posture—the same familiar scene. Leaning on my desk, staring at her back, was routine too.

“Haa…”

Since realizing I liked Rinka, I’d been restless. My heart itched, hyper-aware of her presence despite my feelings not changing.

“Ah…”

As if sensing me, Rinka turned. Our eyes met—and I quickly looked away.

“—!”

I could picture her shocked expression. My phone buzzed with a crying emoji from Rin, complete with a “Gaaan!” speech bubble. Coming from a cool idol, it was oddly endearing.

☆

“Hey, Kazu-kun! Don’t be mean to Rin-chan!”

Lunch break, back at the rooftop landing. Kurumizaka-san greeted me with a yell, leaving me bewildered.

“This morning, you were cold to Rin-chan, right? She was really sad.”

“Well, uh…”

She puffed out her cheeks and stomped toward me. Give me a break.

“Are you the kind of boy who’s mean to the girl he likes?”

“It’s not like that…”

“Not like that?”

“I was just… embarrassed.”

Admitting it was mortifying. I mumbled, fidgeting, worried she’d think I was creepy. But Kurumizaka-san grinned with a mischievous smirk.

“Hee, hee, hmm!”

“W-What?”

“You’ve properly realized your feelings, huh, Kazu-kun. Ufufu.”

Ufufu? Her meddling-aunt vibe made my mouth twitch.

“Now all that’s left is to confess to Rin-chan!”

“That’s a bit…”

“Fue? Why?”

“I need more time… to sort my feelings. And, like, am I even good enough for Rinka?”

A new worry surfaced. A net-game addict like me could never match a popular idol. I’d felt that since before knowing Rin’s identity. Rinka’s actions and Kurumizaka-san’s nudging had carried me this far, but I hadn’t taken a single step on my own. Deep down, I felt an online-game loser didn’t belong with an idol.

“Idiot!”

“…Huh?”

Her shout echoed through the landing. As I reeled, she stepped closer.

“Good enough, not good enough—what does that even mean?! You like each other, and that’s enough!”

“But, still…”

“Fine, let’s say you’re a useless, mopey online-game addict, like you think!”

“That’s too harsh…!”

“But Rin-chan loves you, including all of that.”

“…”

“Has Rin-chan ever once told you to be someone else?”

“…No.”

“Right? That kind of status nonsense is what Rin-chan hates most.”

“—!”

Her words pierced my heart. How had I missed something so obvious? From the start, Rinka accepted me as I was—not blindly agreeing, but acknowledging me fully, acting as my wife.

“So, what’ll you do, Kazu-kun?! Keep wallowing and do nothing?! Or follow your feelings and charge forward?!”

“Kurumizaka-san…!”

Her vibrant words carried the strength of a popular idol. Kasumi-san had said something similar—acting on youthful impulse was okay. I’d been trapped by societal norms, thinking a regular guy didn’t match an idol.

Let’s stop that.

What did I want with Rinka?

I’d said it all along: to get closer, to deepen our bond. Sure, Rinka might approach me even if I did nothing. But that wasn’t enough.

I wanted to be by Rinka’s—Rin’s—side.

That feeling never wavered, no matter the situation.

“…Kurumizaka-san, you’re like a sun, guiding everyone to happiness.”

“W-What?! What’s that out of nowhere, Kazu-kun?! I’m not…!”

“Really, like the sun. Especially with those red cheeks.”

“Ugh, Kazu-kun! Even I’ll get mad!”

I laughed, saying, “Sorry, sorry,” as she bared her teeth in mock anger. My mind felt clear, thanks to her. I knew exactly what I wanted.

“Kurumizaka-san, I’m going to ask Rinka out on a date.”

“In the game?”

“No, in real life. Before confessing, I want to face her properly.”

I, the guy who sweated at the thought of a date, who hated attention, who lived for online games—a plain, talentless guy.

So what?

I wanted to be by Rinka’s side.

All I needed was to follow that feeling, just like the cool idol who acted as my wife in reality.