Lab Rat

"I'm sorry, Hayazawa. Haruto was with me yesterday because he was worried. Please don't be angry with him. Be angry with me instead." 

Mari's eyes widened, and she shook her head vehemently. "Oh, please! I can't be angry with you when you're like this!" she exclaimed, her voice rising slightly. 

"This isn't your fault. It's his fault." 

She shot a glare at Haruto, who stood a few steps away, his hands in his pockets and an awkward smile on his face. 

Ayaka managed a small, bright smile, her tone gentle. "But Haruto's always talking about how smart and beautiful you are. He really cares about you." 

Mari's cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she glanced at Haruto, her expression softening. 

"Really? He does?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise and a hint of shyness. 

She walked over to Haruto, her fingers playing with the hem of her sleeve. 

"So even when you're a jerk, you're still sweet, huh?"