Chapter 205: Confession Failure

"Momo, who's the guy lying on the ground?"

"That's the pseudo-Rider Kuuga Ultimate Form."

In the living room, a young girl wearing a beret sat cross-legged on the couch with a young Rinji beside her.

This girl was Ryuju Momo. Because of Rinji's partnership with the Ryujuka Group, he'd gotten to know the leader's daughter.

They were watching a movie released a few years ago.

"Wasn't he super strong just now? Why'd he suddenly get beaten up?"

"Routine."

Momo answered with an uninterested look.

"Redeemed characters always get nerfed."

"There's such a thing?"

"Yeah. When a villain turns good, the tragedy starts. That's how dramas work," Momo said flatly. "Like in my dad's group—anyone who tries to retire has to cut off their pinky. No matter how glorious their past, once they leave, they're nothing. Even their enemies won't show mercy."

"Man, why do you always talk about such violent stuff?"

"…"

Young Momo glanced at Rinji.

"You've really changed a lot."

"Huh?"

"You're like a wild lion turned circus lion."

"Is it that exaggerated?"

"That's actually putting it mildly."

Momo turned to face Rinji directly.

"Have you looked in a mirror lately? You're nothing like the kid I first met. That intimidating aura's gone. Now you're like a lump of dough someone kneaded flat."

"What a metaphor."

Rinji chuckled bitterly, then pulled out his phone and glanced at the time.

It was time to meet Hayasaka again.

After months of getting to know her, Rinji had made a decision.

He would confess.

---

In a certain Shinomiya residence in Tokyo, several black-suited guards stood in the hall.

Shinomiya Kaguya, expressionless, walked out with an older, butler-like figure.

Though she usually stayed at the harbor mansion during school, she was required to report back to the main house regularly.

She didn't want to return to that cold place devoid of familial warmth, but she had no choice.

For once, Hayasaka Ai had requested leave in advance and didn't need to accompany her.

As she changed out of her maid uniform into regular clothes and was about to leave, a woman in black from the main family called her.

"Hayasaka, your behavior has become unacceptable lately."

"What?"

"As Lady Kaguya's personal attendant, you should be on standby at the mansion, not wandering off."

Her tone treated Hayasaka no different from a common servant, completely disregarding the fact that Hayasaka was still just a middle school student.

"…"

"Also, I've received reports that you've been spending time every day with a boy," the woman said coldly. "You need to understand—some things are allowed, but others are not. This is for your good… and for the boy's safety."

"…"

"Do you understand, Hayasaka?"

"…Yes."

Hayasaka stood with her back to the woman, clenching her fists and biting her lip, her face full of frustration.

…

Hayasaka's mind was spinning as she replayed what the family's steward had said.

She knew the Shinomiya main house wanted to control her completely. If they found out about her relationship with Rinji, they'd eliminate him without hesitation.

The Shinomiya family absolutely had the means—and they definitely wouldn't care if Rinji was just a child.

When she arrived at the park, Hayasaka saw Rinji already sitting on their usual bench.

The moment he saw her, he waved enthusiastically.

"Hayasaka!"

"Rinji…"

Still shaken from the warning, Hayasaka forced herself to hide her emotions and walked over.

Rinji immediately sensed something was off. Hayasaka was unusually distant.

"Um… Hayasaka… did something happen?"

"No. You're overthinking it." Her tone was cold.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"I see…"

Rinji hesitated, glancing at her expression. His face flushed slightly.

"Actually… I came here today because I wanted to tell you something."

"…What is it?"

Faced with her question, Rinji hesitated for a moment, then mustered up his courage and blurted out, "I like you, Hayasaka. I've liked you ever since the first time we met. So… will you go out with me?"

"…"

It was Rinji's first confession, and he gave it his all.

Hayasaka's eyes widened.

Maybe she had never imagined this boy would one day confess to her.

At first, she was happy—but she immediately buried that feeling deep inside. She knew a relationship between them was impossible. If she said yes, she couldn't imagine what those people would do to Rinji.

Her eyes turned cold.

"I'm sorry. I can't accept your confession."

"Huh?"

Rinji's eyes went wide.

Hayasaka continued, "The Shinomiya family rules state that unless it's for strategic purposes, family members are not allowed to fall in love."

"That's a ridiculous reason!"

"Regardless, I'm sorry. I can't accept it. And with my work becoming busier, let's not meet anymore… I'm sorry."

"…"

Rinji lowered his head in silence as Hayasaka stood quietly in front of him.

Finally, he looked up and smiled. "It's okay. I kind of expected this outcome anyway."

"I'm sorry…"

"Really, it's fine. Hayasaka should have the freedom to make her own choices."

Rinji smiled and handed her a paper bag from beside the bench.

"I made this apple pie before I came today. Haven't tasted it yet, so I don't know if it's any good."

"…"

"I'll get going then."

With that, Rinji waved and left.

This failed confession would likely send him into a slump for a while. He didn't know the real reason, but he assumed Hayasaka probably just didn't like him.

"I'm sorry…"

What Rinji didn't see was that after he left, Hayasaka stood clutching the paper bag, her tears falling silently to the ground as she repeated her apologies over and over.

Right now, the one who should be in the most pain was her.