Chapter 25

"Rinka!? What's with that outfit!?"

"Oh, is it really... that strange? It's my usual outfit, you know! ...Ouch, I bit my tongue..."

"It's because you're forcing yourself to use that tone of voice..."

During lunch break, I suddenly called Rinka to the old school building. I've come here so many times that it feels as comfortable as being at home. In such a place, I confronted the blonde Rinka.

"What happened to the cool idol look? This way, you'll end up being the same kind of ladylike idol as Seikawa."

"...I've always been the ladylike type."

"No, that's not possible! Even the teacher was surprised, right!?"

I don't know if it's against the school rules, but anyone would be surprised to see the serious Rinka wearing a blonde wig. The classmates were constantly flustered and tried to talk to Rinka whenever they got a chance. Well, Rinka kept saying, "It's my usual self," which only confused the classmates even more!

"Am I cute like this?"

"......You're very cute."

In response to Rinka's downcast question, I nodded with a mix of embarrassment. Rinka looked anxious, but to be honest, she was cute. The different hairstyle brought out a different charm. It felt familiar because it was the same hair color as Rin from the online game...

"That's right... Then, Wato-kun won't be able to take his eyes off me, right!"

"In every sense of the word!"

I thought she was trying to spend more time with me, but now this. Such a sudden image change. I can't help but be confused since I don't know the reason.

"Rinka! What's with that hairstyle!"

"Rinka-senpai...? Why such a... Oh, could it be that you're admiring me...?"

After a while, Kurihara and Seikawa also arrived. I had contacted them beforehand. It was better to inform them. They approached Rinka, who was flustered, and strongly demanded an explanation.

"Rinka, that hair color suits you and you look cute. But I want to know the reason."

"It's always been this way."

"...That's a bit of a stretch..."

Kurihara, who rarely smiles wryly.

"Rinka-senpai. If you're admiring me, why did you change your hairstyle like this... Wait, no. That's a wig, right?"

"No, it's my natural hair."

"It's not, right!? It's a wig, right!? Could it be... Wato-senpai!? Over here!"

Seikawa, with a fierce expression, pulled my arm and moved to a corner of the classroom. She whispered to me so that Rinka and Kurihara couldn't hear.

"...You didn't tell Rinka-senpai about my wig, did you?"

"I didn't."

"Really, really? You're not indirectly threatening me by holding it over my head, are you?"

"Rinka wouldn't do something like that... Anyway, I didn't say anything about the wig."

"Then why...?"

"Excuse me, can I interrupt?"

Suddenly, Rinka intruded between me and Seikawa. She gripped my arm tightly with both hands. I noticed a hint of hostility in the atmosphere she was creating, as if she was trying to take me away from Seikawa.

"Wato-kun is my husband."

"Y-Yes, I understand that. You two make a very good couple."

"Yes, we are a couple. Wato-kun should only look at his wife, and he doesn't need a mistress."

"Huh...?"

I don't know what she's trying to counter, but for some reason, it felt like Rinka vs. Seikawa over me. Well, Seikawa looked confused and clueless...

Sensing the chaotic atmosphere, Kurihara spoke up brightly.

"Ah! The break is almost over! Let's go back to the classroom!"

"......Yes, that's right. Rinka-senpai, if you have any concerns, please let me know."

"There's no problem... there isn't."

Seikawa, who forced a smile, left the classroom with Kurihara. I was left alone, looking at Rinka's blonde hair.

"The blonde hair suits you too. How about trying a hairstyle like Rin's next time?"

"......If it's not the ladylike type, it's meaningless."

"Eh?"

"To monopolize my husband's attention... "

Rinka, with a bitter expression, left the classroom without saying anything more. The reason is unclear, but maybe she's feeling competitive towards Seikawa.