After watching Yukinoshita Yukino board the train, Renji Kamisaka gave a brief wave and departed.
From inside the moving carriage, Yukinoshita Yukino watched him in silence, a tumultuous mix of feelings churning in her chest. Of course, she knew Renji Kamisaka. On the very first day of school, she had been sitting in her private car, witnessing the incident unfold. However, it was her mother and older sister who had stepped forward to resolve the issue. At that time, she had been stunned by Renji Kamisaka's punch to Hachiman Hikigaya, and his skillful movement in avoiding the accelerating car.
We officially met each other today, Yukino thought. This person revealed a side of himself that animals adore. When interacting and chatting with him, he isn't like other boys who don't even dare to look at me. The process seemed so natural. This indicates that he's not just a gentle boy, but also very confident. People like that are truly charming. At least, that's what I think, she mused, a realization that surprised even herself. Much more reliable than Hayato Hayama.
However, another thought crept in. But is he pursuing Shiina Mahiru-san? Thinking of the many coincidences between these two—living together in the same house, going to school together, being classmates and desk mates, even working together as the male and female class representatives. It's truly unbearable that these two aren't together! But, judging by Shiina Mahiru's words, it seemed she didn't harbor any male-female feelings for Renji Kamisaka. Wait, why am I even wondering if they're dating?
Touching her hot cheeks—an unfamiliar sensation—Yukinoshita Yukino shook her head vigorously, trying to push Renji Kamisaka out of her mind. Yet, she still felt envious. She also wanted to cling to those kittens. The cat food in her pocket, she finally gave it to them now. She wanted to continue giving it to them in the future, a small excuse for their next interaction.
Without dwelling on Miss Yukinoshita's turbulent mood, Renji Kamisaka arrived at a convenience store. After all, he wasn't short on money, so sometimes he wanted to buy some snacks to satisfy his cravings. Cola and instant noodles were favorites among those who enjoyed spending time at home. Of course, he had another reason for buying those snacks. Sayu Ogiwara seemed reluctant to spend money. After all, all her money came from Renji. This girl was very sensitive. Although Renji Kamisaka pampered her, she was still confused and hadn't thought everything through, so she wasn't willing to go out and work. However, solutions are always found by humans. Sayu Ogiwara would always find her purpose. Before that, it was enough for him to give her a warm home and mend her heart, which had been wounded by her family.
Picking out groceries, he noticed frozen food products with the words "Ogiwara Foods Corporation" written on them. Unexpected. This should be a product of the company run by Sayu Ogiwara's family. Her brother is also the CEO of the company. I didn't expect it to be distributed in Kyoto, Renji thought. It seems that even in Hokkaido, Sayu Ogiwara was a rich lady. But what a shame. Her brother didn't care about her at all, and her mother didn't like her either. This is why Sayu Ogiwara didn't want to go back to that home. Fortunately, Renji Kamisaka intercepted her in time, took her 'first blood,' and brought her home. Otherwise, who knows what would have become of this girl, confused by life.
"Ogiwara Foods?" Seeing these words, Renji Kamisaka showed a sarcastic expression. That company is so big. What kind of brother are you if you don't even care about your own sister? He sighed. Alright. I stand in Sayu Ogiwara's shoes and feel sad about what she experienced. I should spoil my own girl. Anyway, if Sayu Ogiwara's brother comes, I won't let Sayu go back.
After buying snacks and some fresh ingredients, Renji Kamisaka went to the cashier to pay.
"Hello, the total is 88,563 yen. Would you like to pay with cash or card?" A clear, pleasant girl's voice reached his ears. He glanced over instinctively and his eyes lit up. The girl was wearing a convenience store uniform. With a neat high ponytail, a cute face, and a slender body, she exuded a gentle feeling. Her expression seemed very firm, and she smiled, which made people feel good about her.
What caught Renji Kamisaka's attention the most was the name tag on her chest, which read "Aoyama." It was clear. She was the girl from "The Pet Girl of Sakurasou" he hadn't yet met, Nanami Aoyama, who was working hard to become a famous voice actress.
"Card swipe, please," Renji Kamisaka said, looking at her for a moment, then shifting his gaze and taking out his bank card.
After finishing his shopping, he left the store. Now wasn't the time to contact Nanami. Anyway, I already know one of the stores where she works. I'll come back to "meet" you by chance if I have the opportunity. A small plan formed in his mind.
Back at Sakurasou, Renji Kamisaka put the ingredients into the refrigerator. The snacks were simply placed in the cupboard. Suddenly, the door was pushed open. Without waiting for his reaction, a soft object appeared. It hugged him from behind.
"Is that Sayu?" Renji Kamisaka held her small hands and gently played with them. He turned around and hugged her. "What's wrong? Did you miss me after not seeing me for a day?"
Sayu Ogiwara pouted her lips and replied irrelevantly, "That Yukinoshita-san who came today was really beautiful." There was a clear note of jealousy in her voice.
"So what?" Renji asked, probing.
"Do you have any thoughts about her?" The girl pouted, filled with unbearable jealousy.
Renji Kamisaka's lips curved. "What if I said yes?"
"..." Sayu Ogiwara stopped talking. She didn't know what to say. After all, she was picked up by Renji. If she didn't accept him, who knew what would happen to her now that she had no money and no place to live. She had no right to tell Renji if he had other girlfriends.
Seeing her silence, Renji Kamisaka sighed and raised his hand to stroke her hair gently. "Sayu, if I had a girlfriend, would you leave me?"
Hearing this, Sayu finally couldn't help but voice her opinion. "I don't want to leave." Her voice was tiny, filled with fear.
"It's alright. I don't have the heart to see you go," Renji said, his voice softening. "If you insist on constantly worrying about gains and losses, I can only resort to cheating and not giving you time to think!" As Renji Kamisaka spoke, his hands began to move erratically towards her calves, tickling her gently.
The girl finally smiled and hugged his neck. "I'm attached to you, and I won't leave even if you chase me away." She paused for a moment, then whispered, "Besides... Misaki-senpai, you've already taken action, and I didn't stop you, right?" Her voice trembled slightly, acknowledging something deeper. "Renji Kamisaka, it does take time for me to accept it, but one thing is for sure... I don't want to leave you."
Renji Kamisaka used a little more strength in his arms to hug her tightly, as if to reassure Sayu of his presence. "Do you know Ogiwara Foods Corporation?"
The girl's body trembled, an unexpected reaction. Then she raised her tearful eyes and looked at Renji with a wounded expression. "Did you investigate this to get rid of me? Am I hindering your pursuit of Shiina-san?"
"You fool! What are you thinking? Am I some irresponsible person in your eyes?" Renji retorted, his tone slightly angered by Sayu's misunderstanding. "I investigated you because I want to know more about you. I want to know about your past and your family. That way, I can find a way to deal with the situation when your family comes knocking on my door." He sighed. "Otherwise, what will I say if people accuse me of human trafficking?"
Sayu Ogiwara burst into laughter, throwing herself at Renji, leaning into his arms and saying flirtatiously, "I just said I volunteered."
Yes, regardless of whether it was voluntary or not, Renji thought, hugging Sayu back tightly. After all, Renji Kamisaka couldn't hold back any longer. Gold cannot be robbed. Skills have been activated. A new understanding was etched in his mind, a deeper bond formed.
Enjoying the story? You can read 7 chapters in advance on p@treon/Rzzzy!