Thursday. 4:00 PM – Local Study Café
Ren arrived right on time.
Not a minute late.
Not with messy hair.
Not with cotton candy still stuck on his shirt (thanks, Mei).
Because when the girl waiting for you is Emi Tachibana, the class president and walking definition of perfection, you do not mess up.
She was already seated—books aligned, highlighters color-coded, her tea untouched until he arrived.
"You're punctual," she said with a nod.
"You threatened me," he replied.
"Motivation is motivation," she said with a straight face.
Study Time With Pressure
Emi was intense.
"Ren-kun, that's the wrong formula."
"Ren, read the next paragraph aloud—no skipping."
"Ren, fix your posture. You'll develop early back pain."
Ren nearly cried.
"Are you a teacher… or a military officer?"
Emi glanced sideways. "I'm someone who wants you to succeed."
Ren blinked.
"…What?"
She sighed softly, lowering her voice.
"You're smart, Ren. But you always hide it. Dumb it down. Laugh things off. Why?"
Ren looked away.
"…I guess… I never thought I needed to stand out."
Emi stared at him. Then smiled—a rare, genuine one.
"Well, from now on, you'll have me watching. So be careful."
After Studying: Unexpected Softness
They stepped outside the café just as the sun was setting.
For once, Emi looked… relaxed.
"You know," she began, "when people look at me, they see 'perfect,' 'cold,' 'strict.' It gets exhausting."
"I can imagine," Ren said.
"Then don't imagine. Understand," she said, poking his forehead. "You're closer to me than anyone else."
He stared at her.
"…Why?"
Emi hesitated.
Then leaned closer, just slightly.
"…Because when I'm with you… I don't have to be perfect."
She Walked Away With Her Books Clutched to Her Chest
"Tomorrow's Rika's turn," she called out over her shoulder. "You'd better not be late."
Ren stood there in stunned silence.
Was that… her version of a confession?
Back in his room that night, he saw a text.
📩 Emi: "By the way… you look kinda cool when you're focused. Just don't let it go to your head."
He couldn't help but smile.
Four girls. Four different feelings.And one more to go.