Chapter 334: Love At First Sight

"I'll hold the umbrella," Tsubame said as she opened the umbrella and positioned it over both Amamiya and Hayasaka.

"Put me down. I'm fine," Hayasaka muttered, covering her cheek with one hand. She wished she could teleport away from this embarrassment.

Failure.

Absolute, capitalized FAILURE.

Her plan had seemed flawless. So why had everything spiraled so wildly out of control?

"Kaguya, you should head back," Amamiya said, glancing over his shoulder at her. "I'll take Hasaka-san to the health room."

Kaguya's hands clenched into fists at her sides, her pink lips pursed in indignation.

How can I leave like this?!

This wasn't how things were supposed to go. They should have walked home together, sharing an umbrella in the rain. Instead, it had become an awkward foursome, with her relegated to the sidelines.

"I'll come with you," Kaguya said after a moment, forcing herself to sound casual. She took a folding umbrella from her bag. "It's late, and the health room doctor might not be there. I could help."

"Alright," Amamiya agreed with a nod. "Let's go together."

"…."

The four of them walked through the rain-soaked campus. The cold drizzle blanketed the quiet grounds, shrouded in mist, as they finally reached the health room.

A female doctor, clad in a crisp white coat, sat behind the desk on duty. She rose to greet them as they entered.

"What happened?"

"Doctor, this girl twisted her ankle while coming down the stairs," Tsubame explained.

The doctor nodded and gestured to a bed. "Lay her down here."

"Understood."

Amamiya carried Hayasaka to the bed and gently set her down. Just as he straightened up to leave, Hayasaka reached out and grabbed his collar, pulling him closer.

"Natsuki-san," she hissed in a low voice, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Something's not right with you."

Her tone was serious, demanding.

"We're not that close, so why go this far to help me?"

She bit her lower lip, glaring at him.

"I sprained my foot, not broke my leg. There's no need for the princess carry."

Her mind raced with suspicions. He's never been particularly altruistic or helpful before. So why now?

"Besides," she continued, "I'm not some helpless young lady or someone like Umi. I'm just a regular schoolmate—barely someone you talk to. Why are you being so... proactive today?"

There's something off about this guy!

Amamiya seemed unfazed by her probing. Calm and composed, he leaned closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear.

"Does Hasaka-san really want me to explain?"

"Go ahead."

"It's not an easy thing to say right now. I'm worried you might not take it well."

Hayasaka frowned, confused. "Why wouldn't I take it well?"

She blinked, momentarily thrown off. What could he possibly want from me?

We barely talk! Even if he needed help, shouldn't he go to someone like Kaguya-sama?

Curiosity—and perhaps a touch of pride—got the better of her. She bit her thumb, using her sharp tone as a shield. "Just spit it out already. Men shouldn't be so hesitant; it's irritating."

Amamiya's gaze met hers, unwavering. He took a deep breath and, with a seriousness that caught her off guard, confessed:

"I… fell in love with Hasaka-san at first sight."

"…What?"

Her pink lips parted in shock, and her usually composed demeanor cracked.

It took her two full seconds to process what she'd just heard.

"Come again?"

Did he just say… love at first sight?

Impossible. It must be a joke!

Her mind reeled, struggling to make sense of the sudden confession. This wasn't just unexpected—it was absurd!

"Hasaka-san, didn't you hear me clearly? Let me repeat myself," Amamiya raised his voice slightly, his tone firm. "I'm saying that I—"

Before he could finish, Hayasaka swiftly reached out and covered his mouth. Her gaze darted nervously toward Kaguya, who was engrossed in conversation with the female doctor a short distance away.

This is bad. Really bad.

It was bad enough that she'd intercepted her young lady today, but if Kaguya overheard a confession, her life would spiral into chaos.

Amamiya gently grasped Hayasaka's wrist and said, "Hasaka-san, please accept my confession."

"Who in their right mind would agree to that?!" Hayasaka shot back, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Sorry, but I refuse. A man confessing his love after we've barely exchanged a few words? It's far too frivolous."

She crossed her arms over her chest, her expression a rare mix of irritation and disbelief.

"Besides, the so-called 'love at first sight' is nothing but lust at first sight."

Her words were sharp, her tone unwavering.

Love at first sight?

No matter how she analyzed it, it was a flimsy line meant to charm naive girls. But why would he say that?

Could it be… he knows my true identity? Is he trying to use it against me?

She dismissed the idea almost immediately.

Impossible. Not even the young lady herself has uncovered my disguise. There's no way Amamiya of all people could.

She struggled to find a logical explanation. But then, a fleeting thought crossed her mind, and her heartbeat quickened.

Could it actually be... genuine?

Amamiya's tone grew serious.

"I've spoken from the heart, and I won't give up easily. Please, exchange contact information with me."

"I refuse—"

Before she could finish, Hayasaka caught sight of Kaguya approaching. Her expression shifted instantly as she lowered her voice and changed the subject.

"I get it. Just… leave for now!"

She glared at him, urgency lacing her tone. No matter what, Kaguya couldn't overhear what had just transpired.

"Alright," Amamiya said with a calm smile, standing up and leaving the health room.

Even honest people have their limits.

After enduring Hayasaka's endless tricks, it was time to turn the tables. Amamiya's careful observation had revealed a peculiar pattern: whenever Kaguya appeared, Hayasaka would mysteriously vanish. It was clear she was deliberately keeping her distance.

Why?

The answer was simple—she feared being discovered.

In that case… Hayasaka-san, you really don't want Kaguya to find out, do you?

The rest was easy.

Predictably, there was no serious injury. The doctor's examination found nothing wrong, and Hayasaka herself admitted the pain was mild. The doctor handed her a bottle of ointment before sending them on their way.

"Thank you for your time, Tsubame-senpai," Hayasaka said politely, bowing slightly. "I'm sorry for troubling you."

"You're welcome," Tsubame replied with a warm smile, brushing her bangs aside. "We're schoolmates, after all. Anyone would help."

"Exactly," Amamiya chimed in from the side. "And that includes me."

Hayasaka shot him a sharp look. I didn't ask for your help!

"The rain has stopped," Amamiya remarked, looking up at the now-clear sky.

"Ah…" Kaguya paused, biting her lip in frustration. "It really has."

Too much. This is too much!

The rain had stopped, and with it, the perfect chance to walk home together under an umbrella.

The four of them reached the school gate and parted ways.

"Hayasaka..." Kaguya's cheeks puffed in irritation as she turned to glare at her maid. "I need an explanation. I'm supposed to be the heroine here! This wasn't the plan!"

"Accidents happen every minute, every second. Even I can't control everything," Hayasaka replied with a knowing smirk, her hands folded neatly in front of her. "But don't worry. Not only can I arrange for you and Amamiya to share an umbrella, I can also make him invite you out on a date."

Kaguya's heart skipped a beat. Her voice came out sharper than she intended.

"What's your plan?"

"It's simple…" Hayasaka said as she walked toward the car. "Let's discuss it when we're back home."

"Tell me now," Kaguya demanded, quickening her pace to catch up. "Don't leave me hanging halfway!"

"…"