I have a Childhood Friend?

An Unexpected Visit

Renji lay sprawled across the couch in his room, arms stretched behind his head, staring at the ceiling with a deep sigh of relief.

He was alive.

Not only had he managed to avoid his scripted death, but things had turned out far better than he expected. His appearance had changed, his power had grown, and even his reputation was shifting in ways he never could've imagined.

"I really pulled it off, huh?" he murmured, a satisfied smirk forming on his lips. "Not bad, Renji. Not bad at all."

He closed his eyes, letting himself sink into relaxation. But just as he was about to enjoy his well-earned peace—

Knock! Knock!

A light rapping sound echoed from his door.

Renji groaned. "Can't I get a break?"

A servant's voice came from the other side. "Young Master, your friend is waiting for you in the hall."

Renji sat up immediately, blinking in confusion. "My friend?" He frowned. "I have a friend?"

He thought back to his past self—the original Renji Asakura from the game. As far as he remembered, no one particularly liked this character. He was an arrogant, spoiled noble who was destined to be a stepping stone for the hero.

And yet… someone was here to see him?

And the servant had said her.

A girl?

"…Alright, I'll be right there."

Curiosity overtook his exhaustion as he got up and made his way to the hall.

—---

As soon as he entered, his eyes landed on a girl standing in the middle of the hall, waiting for him.

She wasn't dressed in extravagant noble attire—her outfit was plain and simple. But even so, her natural beauty surpassed that of even high-ranking noble ladies.

Her long, dark brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her warm brown eyes carried a sharp yet kind glint. She looked at him with mild surprise before her eyes widened.

"What the… What happened to you?" she asked, stepping closer. "Your hair… your eyes…"

Renji quickly composed himself. "I awakened my bloodline."

The girl's eyes sparkled with interest. "Wow… that's amazing. And your new look—it really suits you."

Renji blinked.

Wait.

Did she just… compliment him?

That had never happened before. In his past life, the only "compliments" he received were from family members out of obligation. And in this world, Renji Asakura was never admired—only tolerated.

For the first time in his life, a girl had called him beautiful.

His face felt a little warm.

"…Uh," he coughed, scratching his cheek. "Thanks."

But sorry what is your name?

The girl's expression suddenly darkened.

"Wait." She took a step forward, narrowing her eyes at him. "You… you don't remember my name, do you?"

Renji stiffened. "No, I—"

SLAP!

A sharp sting spread across his cheek.

"Gah!" Renji stumbled back, clutching his face. "What the hell?!"

"How could you forget my name?!" she huffed, crossing her arms.

"I didn't forget! I was just—"

"Then say it!"

Renji hesitated.

The girl's eyebrow twitched dangerously.

"…Uh."

"You forgot," she deadpanned.

"W-Wait! I just—"

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before looking at him again. Just because I met you after one year you already forget about me.

"My name is Rin Tsukihara. Never forget it again."

Renji immediately nodded. "Oh! Rin Tsukihara! Of course! I'll remember it until my death—no, even after death!"

Rin looked at him for a moment before a small blush crept onto her face. She quickly looked away. "You better."

After a moment of silence, she huffed again, shoving a small bundle into his arms.

"Here."

Renji looked down at the neatly wrapped food package. "What's this?"

"It's something I made for you," she said, crossing her arms again. "I heard about your fight with the hero. Even though you lost, you still did really well. So… I made this to celebrate."

"…Celebrate my defeat?" Renji raised an eyebrow.

Rin pouted. "You're always so arrogant. Just eat it and tell me what you think."

Renji sighed, shaking his head with an amused smile. He unwrapped the package and took a bite.

His eyes widened.

"…This is incredible."

Rin smirked proudly. "Of course. I'm the best at cooking. No one can match me."

Renji chuckled, taking another bite.

As he ate, he couldn't help but feel something odd.

Rin Tsukihara…

She wasn't in the original game as someone who cared about Renji Asakura.

So why was she acting so familiar with him?

…And why did he feel like this wasn't the first time she had done something like this for him?