Chapter 128: The Pitiful Akane, Trapped in Minami’s Hands 

"Where are you going to stay tonight?"

Minami's question was direct.

And—

It hit the core of the problem.

Even with her expert level of deception, Akane's carefully maintained composure—

Came crashing down.

The sudden typhoon had left her trapped in Minami's apartment.

But…

Actually spending the night here was another story entirely.

Sure, she had a mischievous personality.

But when it came to things like this—

She was completely inexperienced.

Not just staying over at a guy's house—

She had never even stayed over anywhere before.

"M-Mi-Minami-kun."

Akane gulped.

She raised a trembling finger, still desperately clinging to hope.

"Can you lend me an umbrella?"

"Sure."

Minami didn't even look at her.

He just answered nonchalantly.

Akane quickly grabbed the umbrella, picked up the bag with her wet clothes, and hurried to the front door.

She slipped on a pair of slippers.

Opened the door.

And then—

WHOOSH!!!!

A wall of howling wind and blinding rain slammed into her.

Her lavender hair was instantly whipped around by the merciless gusts.

Lightning flashed across the pitch-black sky.

And then—

A torrential downpour came crashing down, completely drenching her in an instant.

Even the small roof outside the apartment entrance couldn't block the sheer force of the storm.

Akane said nothing.

She just silently pulled her foot back inside.

Closed the door.

And returned to Minami's side.

"Satisfied?"

Minami didn't even look up from his book.

His tone was completely neutral.

"..."

Akane's face burned.

She opened her mouth—

But had nothing to say.

Yeah…

Did I really need to test it myself?

Outside, the sky itself was practically collapsing.

Wind.

Rain.

Thunder.

And she had actually thought an umbrella could help her get through that?

That was beyond wishful thinking.

Just as she was about to say something to change the subject—

Minami flipped a page and casually spoke.

"So, you're staying the night, then?"

His voice was calm.

Completely unfazed.

"...Mm."

Akane's lips parted slightly.

She wanted to argue.

But the words died in her throat.

Instead, she just nodded.

Because she had realized something.

In front of Minami—

All her usual tricks.

All her usual tactics.

Were completely useless.

No matter what—

She always ended up doing exactly what he expected.

It was almost unfair.

She lowered her head, sipping her water quietly.

She hesitated.

And then—

In a small voice, she asked—

"What are you reading?"

Yeah. 

From the very beginning, Minami had been flipping through that book in his hands.

What the hell is he even reading?

Akane was curious.

But more than that, she had her suspicions.

Minami Shouji—the so-called Demon King of Shuka High, the rumored study freak—was probably reading something ridiculously complex, right? Hardcore Calculus?

Perfect.

If she found out what it was, she could prepare herself to finally beat him on the next exam!

With that in mind, she asked her question.

And Minami—completely unfazed—answered without hesitation.

"Just reviewing my textbook."

"Eh…?"

Reviewing?

The Demon King Minami?

The same Minami who was always ranked #1?

The same Minami who crushed national mock exams with ease?

The same Minami who could leave anyone in the dust purely through his natural talent—

Needed to review?

That was as ridiculous as saying a cheetah needed to practice running.

It was that absurd.

So absurd that Akane found herself opening her mouth in disbelief.

But before she could even speak—

Minami seemed to already know what she was going to say.

Wordlessly, he turned the book around, showing it to her.

Unlike most Japanese high school students who took notes separately,

Minami had directly written all over the pages.

Every blank space was filled with notes, underlines, and annotations.

And the most surprising part—

It wasn't just class material.

Even things the teachers hadn't covered in class—

Minami had researched, analyzed, and neatly documented in his own words.

"..."

For once—

Akane had nothing to say.

No wonder he always ranked first.

A genius like him—

And on top of that, someone who worked this hard?

If Minami didn't take first place, that would be the real shock.

What kind of monster is this guy…?

As she watched him continue reading, completely ignoring the perfect girl beside him—

Akane couldn't help but feel a strange sense of admiration.

Minami-sensei is really amazing…

…No!

Wait!

What am I thinking?!

Akane lightly slapped her own burning cheeks.

Don't forget!

This was the same guy who had been tormenting her since school!

And she was feeling impressed by him?!

S-Sure, he had helped her out today.

And yeah, he had taken her manuscript seriously…

B-But still!

This was the same guy who had bullied her all day!

How could she feel something as ridiculous as admiration?!

Minami-sensei?!

Akane, have you lost your mind?!

Her brain was in complete chaos.

She was supposed to be the one in control—the dominant one in social interactions!

She was Shinjo Akane!

And then—

"Akane."

"Yes!"

She instinctively sat up straight, her back stiff.

"Get up. I'm making dinner. You're helping."

Minami spoke as if it were an order.

"Okay."

Akane replied immediately—

And then, her lips twitched.

Wait.

No.

This wasn't right.

Wasn't the correct scenario supposed to be Minami running around, waiting on her?

Wasn't she supposed to just sit back, sip a drink, and wait for him to serve her food?

Why did she just instantly agree to help him?!

Sigh…

Whatever.

Akane turned her gaze toward Minami.

He might be annoying, but she had to admit—

He had helped her a lot today.

Hmmm…

Yeah, okay.

Fine.

She tied an apron around her waist, walked up to him, and spoke decisively.

"Minami."

"Hm?"

Minami, who had been considering what to cook, glanced at her.

"What do you need me to do?"

Akane asked directly.

"Just help with some small stuff. You can at least peel potatoes, right?"

Minami answered.

And for a moment—

Akane was stunned.

"…That's it?"

When she imagined helping, she thought he'd have her prepare miso soup or side dishes.

But—

All he wanted her to do was peel potatoes?

That…

That just felt like busywork.

"I should be helping more."

Akane declared confidently.

If she was already helping, she might as well do something worthwhile.

But Minami—

Just shook his head.

"No."

"Huh…?"

"I have a feeling anything you cook would taste awful. Just prep the ingredients."

He looked at her like he actually meant it.

Like he genuinely believed she couldn't cook.

"Ha?"

What the hell did he just say?

The moment she noticed the doubt in his gaze—

Something inside Akane snapped.

What was his problem?!

Did he seriously think she was that useless?!

Her carefully maintained perfect image meant she had to cook sometimes!

She even made bento boxes when she felt like it!

She knew she wasn't a bad cook!

"I cook at home all the time! If I help, the food will taste better!"

Akane declared proudly, her expression determined.

Any other normal high school boy—

Would have been swayed by her confidence.

Would have immediately nodded and let her take charge.

But—

"No."

Minami still shook his head.

"..."

Akane's mouth fell open.

"You don't sound serious about it. You're just saying it because you feel like it."

Minami shook his head again, looking completely unconvinced.

"Even something as simple as miso soup won't taste good if it's not made with real effort. Don't waste my ingredients. Just peel the potatoes."

"..."

She snapped.

Without hesitation, Akane grabbed the spatula straight from Minami's hands.

"Minami, SIT DOWN."

"Hm?" Minami looked up at Akane, raising an eyebrow.

"You want me to just sit here and wait? What about dinner…?"

"I don't need your help! I can do it myself!"

"I don't think you can. I should probably help."

Minami still looked skeptical. He furrowed his brows and started getting up.

"I said I don't need help! Just sit there and wait for me to finish!"

Akane shot him a deadly glare, aggressively rolling up her sleeves before storming to the stove.

At first, she had planned to just half-ass something simple for dinner.

But then—

Minami had to give her that disgusted look.

And then—

He had to say, "I don't think you can."

Her blood pressure skyrocketed.

Now?

Now she was determined to prove him wrong.

Fine!

I'll cook for you!

"I'll make something so delicious you won't believe it!"

"You think I need your help?!"

"I don't need you at all!"

At the stove, Akane was grinding her teeth in pure frustration.

And then—

Thirty minutes later.

"How's that, Minami?! My cooking!"

Breathing heavily, Akane placed her carefully prepared dishes on the table.

Crispy, golden-brown tempura, neatly arranged.

A steaming bowl of miso soup, rich and fragrant.

Lightly pickled mentaiko, refreshing and flavorful.

"Not bad."

Minami nodded.

He had to admit—compared to the girls he knew, Akane's cooking was definitely a step above.

Her seasoning was solid.

Her ingredient prep was skilled.

And most importantly—

It was made with heart.

Minami glanced at the system notification.

A long row of [You have received 60 affection points from Shinjo Akane] flashed across the screen.

He nodded to himself.

Yeah…

From a certain perspective, this definitely counted as made with heart.

"Hmph."

Seeing that Minami didn't make any sarcastic remarks this time, Akane felt a sense of victory.

But then—

Something felt off.

Wait a minute…

Something wasn't right…

Wasn't Minami supposed to be cooking for her while she just helped out a little?

How did things get flipped around?

Why was she the one sweating over the stove while Minami sat there happily eating?!

This was the complete opposite of what she had envisioned!

"I…"

Akane stared blankly at the dishes she had painstakingly prepared.

No…

Could it be…?

Was Minami doing this on purpose?

Did he deliberately provoke her competitive spirit?

Did he know she'd take the challenge and end up cooking everything herself?

Akane glanced at the table full of food.

Then at Minami.

He looked as calm as ever, eating without a care in the world, scrolling through his phone like this was completely normal.

…

No way.

Akane stared at his composed, unreadable face.

It was impossible.

There was no way Minami had planned this.

If there was any boy in school who completely failed to understand the intricacies of a girl's heart—

It was definitely Minami Shouji.

After all, a guy who actually understood women wouldn't have just straight-up told her, "I don't think you can cook."

That was ridiculous!

And besides—

To be so in tune with her personality—

To manipulate her like that—

It would take an insane level of emotional intelligence!

If Minami really had that kind of skill—

Then what kind of person was he?!

On top of being a top student, he'd also have frighteningly high social awareness?!

That…

"Yeah, right."

Akane lifted her bowl of miso soup, sipping it as warmth spread through her chest.

Then, with a mischievous grin, she glanced at Minami.

A guy as thick-headed as him?

No way.

That kind of manipulative genius didn't exist.

She smirked to herself, reassured.

Meanwhile—

Across from her, Minami calmly continued eating.

Even as he thought to himself—

She cooked her heart out, gave me all these affection points, and is now sitting there all happy…

Man.

This girl is way too easy to trick.