Chapter 45: Honest Talk at Sakurasou Dormitory

The detective who arrived at the scene was, of course, Daisuke Kousaka, a man with a fierce face but a fair heart. Following him was Hina Ebina, who had slipped away—she really did go to report the crime. But even she wasn't as fast as Renji Kamisaka, who cheated with his abilities.

The five perpetrators who had been kicked in the groin were awakened and interrogated separately. The results proved that all five were fugitives from a criminal organization that had fled from Osaka. They had snake tattoos on their bodies and called themselves the Black Dragon Society, rooted near the school, living by collecting protection fees and working as criminals for others.

And the one who hired them to take action was Toshihiko Takayama, the senior from the soccer club who had been knocked unconscious by Renji Kamisaka. When Renji Kamisaka found him, Toshihiko Takayama was secretly filming the situation inside with a camera. Presumably, he wanted to film the scene of the girls being harassed to blackmail them.

What made Daisuke Kousaka feel embarrassed was that Toshihiko Takayama had quite a significant background. He was the illegitimate son of the head of a large financial group, the Takayama family. After regaining consciousness, he fiercely threatened Daisuke Kousaka, saying that if he didn't let him go, he would complain to his father and have his position as police captain revoked. His father was a respected regional council member!

Daisuke Kousaka was so angry he wanted to hit someone, but fortunately, his subordinates stopped him. In the end, Daisuke Kousaka could only detain the man for one day, and the incident ended after the council member came to free him. As for the five members of the Black Dragon Society, they were, of course, "shot dead"—a subtle euphemism for a far crueler fate that awaited the fugitives. These people had indeed done many bad things.

Afterward, Daisuke Kousaka was somewhat grateful that he had released the man after the council member came to argue. Otherwise, Toshihiko Takayama's death would have been blamed on him. Yes, Toshihiko Takayama died later. It's said his bones were never found… Of course, that was all in the future. Back to the present.

After giving his statement, Renji Kamisaka handed the camera to Daisuke Kousaka as evidence. Then he was dismissed from the police station. Although Daisuke Kousaka appeared fierce, he was actually quite friendly when dealing with innocent high school students. And he thoughtfully drove Yui Yuigahama, Hina Ebina, and Yumiko Miura home in a private car.

Finally, it was Renji Kamisaka and Mahiru Shiina's turn. Since both lived in the same area, they were naturally dropped off together. Before leaving, Daisuke Kousaka patted Renji Kamisaka's shoulder appreciatively, and said that if he wanted to become a detective after graduating, he could come directly to him to handle the entry procedures. After watching the video, Daisuke Kousaka clearly admired Renji Kamisaka's skills and courage to bravely attack five villains without changing his expression.

Renji Kamisaka, of course, smiled and brushed it off. Isn't it good for me to be carefree? Do I have to find a job and be scolded by my boss? However, a thought crossed his mind: This detective's name is Daisuke Kousaka? Could Kirino Kousaka be his daughter? This is interesting.

Daisuke Kousaka dropped them both near Sakurasou and left, as he still had missions to carry out.

On the way home, Mahiru Shiina bit her lip, her eyes looking complicated, rethinking the events that had just transpired. Although Detective Daisuke Kousaka didn't reveal the specific situation to her to protect the girls' feelings and mental state, seeing Senior Takayama lying helpless, she guessed something. She felt guilty—she had involved her two friends.

Suddenly, Renji Kamisaka stopped in the middle of the quiet pathway. Mahiru Shiina was stunned and stopped as well, looking at him confused.

"Renji, what... eh!" Before she could finish her sentence, Renji Kamisaka suddenly opened his arms and hugged her tightly, saying passionately:

"It's alright, Shiina, you're fine." Renji's voice was relieved, full of warmth. "I'm really glad I got there so quickly."

Mahiru Shiina paused, her body stiff, about to push him away. However, her raised hands slowly lowered. The girl's cheeks flushed, her heartbeat racing erratically. Her eyes were somewhat damp, a mix of relief, shock, and... something else.

"Renji, how did you get there?" she asked, her voice slightly muffled in Renji's embrace.

Renji Kamisaka smiled faintly. "I don't know why, but I suddenly felt uneasy, so I ran, following a strange intuition." He looked at the evening sky, "Perhaps God guided me."

Mahiru Shiina rolled her eyes, though there was a faint smile on her lips. Which God? I'd find it more believable if you said you were stalking me. Mahiru Shiina mumbled to herself, feeling the warm embrace and his strong heartbeat against her chest. The girl's heart couldn't help but tremble. Although Mahiru Shiina was still displeased with Renji's affair the night before, the feeling of being cared for, of being protected, was truly appealing to her. She greedily wanted to feel this hug a little longer. So, she couldn't break free from the embrace.

After a moment of silence, she suddenly asked seriously, pulling her face back slightly to look at Renji. "Renji Kamisaka, I want to know the truth, can you tell me everything?"

Renji Kamisaka showed a hesitant expression. Daisuke Kousaka had told him some of the inner truths when he took his statement separately, but he didn't want this beautiful girl to worry.

"Tell me, okay?" Mahiru looked at him pitifully, her eyes pleading. I even let you hug me, can't you fulfill my small request?

Renji Kamisaka sighed helplessly, then nodded. "We'll talk about it later when we get back, it's not convenient here."

Mahiru Shiina's cheeks flushed, realizing their position in the middle of the street. It's indeed inconvenient, but you're still hugging me so boldly. she thought, As I expected, this man is already two-faced, how could he not have any thoughts about her? Somehow, she didn't seem to resent the fact that Renji had thoughts about her.

Back at Sakurasou Dormitory, the atmosphere was calmer, though a tension still lingered between them. Renji Kamisaka greeted Sayu Ogiwara who was waiting, and said that he and Mahiru Shiina had something important to talk about privately. Sayu Ogiwara looked at them both with an annoyed but understanding gaze, a faint smile on her lips. Mahiru Shiina's face flushed, a sign of embarrassment. She had even declared that she would never fall in love with Renji Kamisaka. But now… it seemed she was somewhat eating her own words.

However, Sayu Ogiwara had no intention of disturbing them both. She looked at Mahiru Shiina with an understanding gaze and quietly leaned close to her ear. She whispered a sentence. "Shiina, don't try to be a hero, okay? If necessary, you can call me for help." A mischievous glint in Sayu's eyes.

Mahiru Shiina opened her mouth, wanting to say that she wouldn't do anything indecent to Renji Kamisaka. She didn't need his help either. But Sayu Ogiwara still ran out and thoughtfully closed the door, not giving her a chance to speak.

Well, this is Renji Kamisaka's room. Just as Renji Kamisaka was about to speak, Mahiru Shiina stood up and said in an undoubtable tone: "Let's talk in my room."

"Is that okay?" Renji asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's fine, after all, you saved me…" She mumbled, her voice almost inaudible, leading the way towards her room.

They arrived at Mahiru Shiina's room. Inside, it was very clean and simple. Mahiru's gentle, calming scent hung in the air. The room of a young lady like an angel, everything displayed the style of a well-behaved girl. All sorts of decorations were neatly arranged on shelves and tables. Just like the smile she displayed, cheerful and bright. But Renji Kamisaka knew about her deepest longing for family, and the pressure of being hurt by her mother's words.

Allowing a boy into her own room, Mahiru Shiina was still very shy, her cheeks slightly flushed. She just wanted to say something to break the ice. But Renji Kamisaka suddenly opened his arms again and hugged her once more, this time in the middle of her room.

"Ah! Renji Kamisaka, what… what are you doing?" Her delicate body trembled, and her beautiful face flushed, looking very flustered.

"If you intend to do anything bad, I told you, I will use physical means to make you... unable to get up again." Her tone was firm, though there was a slight nervousness.

Renji Kamisaka smiled gently, "I know, don't worry, I'm just hugging you." He tightened his embrace slightly. "What I'm about to say will be a bit surprising for you, so I hope I can say it while holding you."

Mahiru Shiina opened her mouth, shyly lowering her head, hiding her face in Renji's chest. She wanted to say that it wasn't necessary. She wasn't a child who needed to be held to hear the truth. However, experiencing his warm embrace, noticing the man's gentle gaze, her body felt electrified and became numb. Becoming weak, unable to break free. She silently acquiesced to his actions… Only she knew how desperate she had been when surrounded by several villains who used crude words to tease her. And Renji Kamisaka appeared like a hero, saving her. This was already a bonus.

Renji Kamisaka was in a very good mood. He looked at the golden-haired girl in his arms with flushed cheeks, unconsciously using his hand to cup her chest, but she didn't struggle, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

"Alright then, I'll start talking, okay?" Renji began, his voice softening. "I think the smart Shiina-san has already guessed. That Toshihiko Takayama, who confessed and was rejected by you, spent money to hire five villains, wanting to bully you, and then film the process to humiliate and threaten you." Renji sighed. "Yumiko Miura, Yui Yuigahama, and Hina Ebina were involved because of you."

As those words were uttered, Mahiru Shiina unconsciously clutched his clothes, her fair, delicate hands clenching into fists. The girl's beautiful lips pressed tightly together, frowning and biting her lip softly. She showed a guilty expression, and her eyes were slightly misty, tears beginning to well up. It could be seen—because her friends were involved because of her, Mahiru Shiina felt deeply guilty.

Renji Kamisaka raised his hand and gently touched her hair, caressing it. His action was very natural, as if he was accustomed to comforting. "Don't overthink it, you can't blame yourself for this." He looked into Mahiru's tear-filled eyes. "If you want to blame someone, just blame Toshihiko Takayama, who was originally dark-hearted, and wanted to destroy you after being rejected. He is fundamentally a bad person."

Being patted on the head, Mahiru Shiina felt warmth in her heart, like a small fire igniting in the darkness. She lowered her head and said nothing, but the hand that had been clutching his clothes tightly slowly loosened. Instead, her body leaned closer, as if seeking comfort in that warmth.

His gentle touch, the sweet scent of her body—everything made Renji Kamisaka's face flush. He tried to stay calm, but his heart pounded.

It was only natural—he was just an ordinary boy. Of course, there was a reaction.

On the other hand, Mahiru herself was not entirely calm either. Her smooth cheeks were flushed, her body trembling slightly. She knew very well what was happening—and it was terrifying. A strange feeling slowly growing within her, something she had always avoided, now gently but surely embraced her.

"Cough cough, I'll continue," Renji Kamisaka pretended nothing was happening, and slowly opened his mouth seriously, trying to shift the attention. "Things are not that simple."

"According to the information Detective Kousaka gave me." Renji tightened his embrace slightly, as if to give strength. "That Toshihiko Takayama is the illegitimate son of Councilman Takayama."

"And Councilman Takayama is currently in a period of career advancement, and he needs political achievements as bargaining chips to continue his promotion. Otherwise, he will be pushed out by others and lose his identity as a councilman."

Mahiru Shiina suppressed the embarrassment in her heart and looked at him confused. The political achievements of a councilman, what does that have to do with her?

Renji Kamisaka sighed. "Shiina-san, the construction projects currently being undertaken by both of your parents' families are very beneficial for promoting regional development, which is the best performance of political achievements." Renji explained patiently. "So, as long as he makes his illegitimate son and you achieve a relationship, Councilman Takayama will have a way to obtain those political achievements."

Hearing this, Mahiru Shiina was stunned, then laughed coldly with self-deprecation, a bitter laugh filled with bitterness. "Then he really has no vision." She lowered her head, her voice hoarse. "Those two people don't care about me, their daughter, at all, and even wish they didn't have me…" She swallowed, "Dating him won't get any support from their parents. In fact, their parents can't wait for her to graduate from high school and find someone to marry. This way, those two people don't have to care about her anymore, and they can divorce and pursue their own love."

Renji Kamisaka didn't answer, just hugged her tightly, feeling the subtle tremor in the girl's body. Mahiru Shiina's self-deprecating words, coupled with her lost expression, looked like a wounded little animal seeking protection. It made him feel pity from the bottom of his heart. Moreover, the opportunity was rare. It wasn't easy to hug her, and she didn't resist. Then he had to hug her for long enough.

Mahiru Shiina's cheeks felt hot, and she unconsciously pushed him, moving slightly away. "Don't hug so tightly… your business… I'm uncomfortable." She was a little annoyed, this pervert, doesn't he know what he's like now?

Renji Kamisaka smiled sheepishly, loosening his embrace slightly. "Sorry, it's a natural reaction... You just need to get used to it." He reassured, "Don't worry, I'll just hug you, and I won't do anything else."

Mahiru Shiina rolled her eyes at him. He could say such shameless words. "You… why do you want to hug me?" She couldn't help but ask, curiosity overpowering her embarrassment.

Renji Kamisaka had no intention of confessing clearly. He said it himself. If he dared to confess, he would dare to refuse. So, he answered very shamelessly. "I just want to hug you."

Mahiru Shiina was silent, staring at him. This man is too cunning. He didn't give me a chance to refuse him at all. She didn't know what to do. After a moment of silence, she looked at him confused.

"Hey, Renji Kamisaka, what do you think I should do?" Mahiru asked, seeking guidance. "Should I tell those two people about this?" Those two people, of course, referred to her parents.

Renji Kamisaka shook his head with a smile. "No need, I will help you solve it. Shiina-san just needs to be herself and maintain her beautiful smile." He looked at Mahiru gently. "For boys, the smile of a beautiful girl is the greatest encouragement."

"How are you going to solve it? His father is a councilman, and he's probably already been released," Mahiru asked, doubtful. "He will continue to make trouble for me in the future… Renji Kamisaka, you don't need to take risks for me…"

"I'm willing to risk everything for you!" Renji Kamisaka stared intently into her eyes, the intensity of his gaze unwavering. "After all, I am the landlord of Sakurasou Dormitory. It's my duty to protect my tenants from harm."

Mahiru Shiina stared at him blankly, thinking, 'This landlord of mine is really meddlesome.' Although she complained inwardly, her heart felt warm, as if enveloped in a gentle warmth. She didn't dislike this attentive boy. Her own parents, who were still related by blood, didn't care about her at all, but this man cared. Although he was an unreliable scumbag, she really liked this warmth and couldn't refuse it at all.

"Then how do you plan to solve it?" The girl sighed, feeling that he was just boasting to coax her. Even so, she was deeply touched. However, she didn't want this gentle man to be harmed because of her.

"It's simple. Just solve the person who created it, and it's done," Renji said casually, as if discussing something trivial.

"Huh? How are you going to solve it? Kill him? And the councilman too?" Mahiru asked, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Renji Kamisaka rolled his eyes with amusement and ruffled her hair roughly. "Am I the type of person who likes to kill people? Don't worry, there's more than one councilman in this world." He smiled mischievously. "He's just a councilman, not the prime minister. He's not that important." Even the prime minister wouldn't scare me. The famous 'National Service Graveyard' proves this. If one shot isn't enough, I'll add a few more shots, Renji thought to himself.

Seeing him boasting, Mahiru Shiina pursed her lips, not saying a word. But after thinking about it, she shyly raised her hands and hugged his waist, saying softly: "Renji Kamisaka, thank you." There was a genuine tone in her voice. "But I don't want you to be in danger because of me. I still have to tell my parents about this. After all, I am their daughter."

"That's why I said, just leave it to me. It's not too late to tell your parents if I really can't solve it. If you really feel guilty, then..."

"Bang!"

Renji Kamisaka immediately kissed her delicate cheek, a lightning-fast touch that surprised her. Seeing her startled expression, he smiled and said: "Consider this my reward." He looked at Mahiru, who was still frozen. "Get some good rest. I still want to eat the bento you make tomorrow."

With that, he reluctantly released Mahiru's slender waist. Then, with a feigned expression of pain, he bent over and awkwardly shuffled out of her room, a movement clearly implying his physical discomfort from the "excessive" embrace.

Mahiru Shiina was stunned for a long time before she reacted, the gentle touch on her cheek still lingering. This man hugged her and thought naughty thoughts. Then... thinking about his hunched posture, his painful expression, and his cautious retreat, she couldn't help but let out a small, crisp laugh. Then she spat at him.

"Tch! He's really a pervert!"

Even though she said that, her heart was still trembling uncontrollably, a warm feeling spreading in her chest. She suddenly frowned again. Now that man felt uncomfortable because of her. Who would he go to to "relieve his discomfort"? Maybe Sayu. Or Misaki Kamiigusa-senpai. Perhaps both together. Thinking about his actions at the door that day, Mahiru Shiina squeezed her legs in embarrassment. She buried her face in her pillow, trying to hide the blush that flooded her cheeks.

She seems to be getting weirder because of this person, she thought. So annoying... She suddenly regretted letting him go. But if she had let him stay, she would have been eaten, right? She wasn't the casual type of girl.

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