Chapter 9

After school.

While heading to the restroom after updating in the library, a notification chimed.

"This was interesting as always. I couldn't help but laugh at the scene where the enraged Mika plants bamboo shoots under Ryosuke's house. Thank you, author."

It was a comment from Nira-san.

"Mwahaha"

I couldn't help but grin.

As Rin said, Nira-san hadn't given up on my work. Despite it not being the usual update time, they still wrote the first review as usual.

The reason for my grin wasn't just this. Today's review had a postscript.

"Postscript: I was worried something had happened since there was no update this morning. (I felt a bit lonely) Please take care of yourself and keep up the good work."

There was no way this wouldn't make me happy, and it was inevitable that my facial muscles would relax.

I once again felt grateful for the existence of Nira-san, a significant reader. I vowed to continue updating without fail from tomorrow.

When I returned to the library, Rin was sitting in the seat next to mine.

She was sitting straight like a college student at a final interview, reading a paperback. The book was covered with a book cover, so I couldn't tell what she was reading.

However, the scene of the composed and beautiful girl reading a book was so enchanting that it felt like a painting that could be framed.

Ah, Rin is really cute.

"What's with that face, like a melted color cone? It's disgusting."

"Sounds familiar, that phrase."

While receiving Rin's harsh words upon noticing my presence, I sat down in my seat.

Suddenly, a memory from my younger days flashed through my mind.

"This situation reminds me of the past."

"Which one? The one where you clutched the amulet for a safe delivery and prostrated yourself in front of the ATM at the convenience store?"

"Which world line is that me from?"

"A peaceful world line where neither dystopia nor World War III happens, right?"

"Only I'm not peaceful. Well, you know, it's about when Rin and I first met. I was writing in the library, went to the restroom, and when I came back, Rin was there."

"Oh..."

Rin looked up from her book and gazed at the ceiling. For a moment, she had a nostalgic expression.

"Indeed, that happened."

She muttered softly, as if letting it slip.

"Ah, right, right."

I almost forgot. I had to tell Rin the most important thing right now.

"Thanks, Rin."

"For what?"

She tilted her head to the side with a composed face.

"About lunch."

"Oh, the bento? Don't worry about it. It's as rare as a prince falling off his horse in front of a princess, just a whim of mine."

"Did I use up all my luck in one lifetime?"

"Is a lifetime of luck enough for someone like you? You've just made all the shoujo manga readers your enemies."

"Wow, what a massive accident! But, the bento thing, I'm super grateful."

After a pause, I continued.

"The person I mentioned at lunch, the one who's my best reader. They left a review after the update."

"Oh, that's good, isn't it?"

Rin replied in a somewhat indifferent tone without missing a beat.

"Yeah, just as you said. Really, thank you."

"Don't praise me too much."

"Why not?"

When I asked, Rin hid her mouth behind the book and glanced at me.

"It's embarrassing, isn't it..."

She let out a slightly high-pitched voice.

...C-cute, so cute.

I reached out impulsively.

"If I pet you now, I won't bring you a bento from tomorrow."

"Sorry, I got carried away... Wait, what?"

I couldn't believe my ears. I pinched my cheeks to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

"What's with that? Are you imitating a protagonist who just transferred to another world? It's not funny, so stop it, it's creepy."

"Will you bring me a bento from tomorrow?"

I was more concerned about this than her sharp words.

Rin closed her book with a thud and leaned in, looking at me with a somewhat mischievous smile.

The innocent and playful smile of a child, unlike the usually cool and expressionless Rin.

I couldn't help but catch my breath.

A small laugh escaped her lips. In a rare, teasing tone, she said,

"Well, what should we do?"

At that moment, I sincerely wished the prince would fall off his horse. If I could eat Rin's homemade bento, I didn't care if I became the enemy of all shoujo manga readers.

Feeling this strong emotion from within, I realized again how much I liked Rin.

The remnants of our conversation brought back a nostalgic memory.

The day I first met Rin.

The day I fell in love with Rin.

Now, I think about it.

Rin, at that time, was my princess on a white horse.