Maybe it was the alcohol, but even though Chihiro Sengoku never commented on Mitaka Jin's behavior, tonight, a sense of blame quietly surfaced in her heart.
Did Mitaka Jin really think she didn't know? Misaki might act carefree every time he rejected her, but Chihiro had seen her crying alone in her room at night. She never said anything because she believed it was the students' private matter—something a teacher shouldn't interfere with.
But today, perhaps because of the alcohol—or maybe because she was tired of watching it all unfold—Chihiro suddenly lashed out.
"If you like her, then try harder! What are you doing just sulking here? And what about all those other women you toyed with?"
"This is on you. You're the one who's too scared to commit. Keep acting like this, and I guarantee you—Misaki will be taken by someone else!"
Mitaka Jin's tone grew defensive. "That's impossible. She and I are childhood friends. I know her best. She wouldn't—"
Chihiro scoffed coldly, "Is that what gives you the confidence to keep hurting her? Because you think she'll never leave?"
"As a teacher, maybe I shouldn't say this—but you're being a scumbag, Jin. You're taking her feelings for granted, assuming she'll always be there no matter how badly you treat her."
"Whatever. Do what you want. Just don't come crying to me when you lose her for good."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Mitaka Jin alone with his thoughts. He couldn't say anything—only sighed deeply, the weight of regret creeping in.
—
Meanwhile, Misaki lay in the guest room at Shiro Sakamaki's apartment, staring at the ceiling, tossing and turning.
Would Jin be okay with her being gone all night?
She picked up her phone, thinking of messaging him… but after a long pause, she set it back down with a quiet sigh and shut her eyes.
—
The next morning
Shiro woke early—he needed to get Misaki back to Sakurasou so she could change before class. He knocked lightly on the door, but got no response.
He opened it cautiously and found Misaki still sound asleep.
"Misaki-senpai, it's time to wake up. You'll be late!"
He nudged her gently, and after a moment, she groggily opened her eyes—only to blush furiously a second later.
Anticipating her reaction, Shiro quickly covered her mouth, sighing with a helpless smile. "Before you scream, maybe remember where you are and what happened last night?"
The memory clicked, and Misaki awkwardly laughed, cheeks still flushed. "Ahaha… Sorry, I totally forgot…"
"Come on, senpai. You can't go to school dressed like that," Shiro said, pointing at her rumpled clothes from yesterday. "The Disciplinary Committee would have a field day."
He showed her the time on his phone—it wasn't late yet, but the trip to Sakurasou and then to Suimei High would cut things close.
She didn't respond.
Turning around, Shiro saw Misaki had buried herself under the blanket again. Glancing at the change of clothes she hadn't touched, he quickly understood.
"Okay, I'll go wash up. You change first," he said, stepping out and shutting the door behind him with a soft click.
Only once the door locked did Misaki peek out. Having forgotten to bring clothes, she had slept in just her underwear—and even someone as playful as her couldn't help but feel embarrassed in front of her junior.
—
By the time she finished dressing, Shiro was already waiting.
"Sorry, I'm not great at cooking, so let's just grab breakfast outside," he said with an apologetic shrug.
"That's fine! Let's go!"
It was still early, so traffic was light. Shiro sped a little, but kept it safe, and they soon arrived back at Sakurasou.
To their surprise, Chihiro—who never woke early—had actually made breakfast.
When she saw them, she waved them over. "Hurry up, you two! Eat before you're late."
Mitaka Jin was already at the table. He smiled briefly at them, grabbed two slices of toast, and stood up.
"I've got some errands. You guys take your time." Without another glance, he walked out the door.
Misaki opened her mouth as if to speak—but in the end, said nothing.
Shiro didn't pay it much attention. He'd already guessed what kind of guy Mitaka Jin was, and didn't think much of his distant attitude.
Chihiro watched everything silently, heart aching as she wondered what would become of those two childhood friends.
After finishing their meal, she excused herself—she had no classes that morning and went back to rest.
"I'll walk you to school, Misaki-senpai," Shiro offered.
"It's fine! School isn't far, I can go on my own," she replied with a grin.
"What about lunch?" he asked. Since Misaki had stayed over, she hadn't packed one.
She waved it off. "The school lunches are decent. I'll just eat there."
Shiro hesitated but nodded. "Alright then… Call me if you need anything."
"Got it. See you later!"
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