The class president was loud enough to draw everyone's attention.
Rin did not mind all this attention, but he had a feeling it could negatively affect Shelly's mental health. So he decided to quickly clarify the rumor that he had let fester for this long.
"Class president, please be careful what you say. Senior Reina and I are acquaintances who help each other out. Saying more than necessary could affect both our reputations."
Rin stressed these words, knowing that the class president was smart enough to choose now to make one but even smart people make stupid mistakes sometimes.
Unfortunately for Rin, the class president chose to make hers now.
"Huh? Of course there is nothing between you and Senior Reina yet. But weren't you interested in her? Isn't that why you asked me to—"
"No. I asked you about that (the paperwork handling) because I didn't have any other intentions. I did not have any other intention."
Rin totally had other intentions when he asked to deliver the paperwork. In fact, it was for the reason the class president suspected—to get close to Reina.
But it was his dirty laundry he did not want to air out in public, especially not in front of Shelly, who was already sensitive about such things.
The class president looked taken aback by his response, and her eyes widened as understanding dawned on her.
"Oh! I-Is that so? Then you should have corrected those rumors—"
"I didn't know there were rumors."
"Oh."
Lie after lie fell from Rin's lips. He was so natural at it that no one seemed to doubt his sincerity.
The class president quickly realized that she was making a fool of herself and decided to change the topic. Luckily for her, there was a new presence beside Rin she could use.
"By the way, I don't think I have seen the friend standing beside you before. Who's she—?"
"She's—"
"I'm Rin's 'only' friend. My name is Shelly. It's nice to meet you."
Rin was not sure whether it was his delusion or not, but he could swear that Shelly put a little more emphasis on "only" when she spoke. Her words seemed to take the class president aback.
"O-Oh, I see. It seems like I made a mistake. I-I should get going now. I-I will see you around…maybe."
Shelly had stepped forward, so all Rin could see was the top of her head. But he could not imagine her gentle face making a harsh expression—especially one strong enough to make the class president flinch and run away with her tail tucked between her legs.
Rin was curious, but when he saw Shelly's face, it held the same gentle expression as always. She looked slightly hurt when she saw the class president running away, and it made Rin feel sorry for the gentle-natured girl.
"Did I do something wrong to make her run away?"
"No, you did not do anything. Some people are just more sensitive than others and do not like attention."
Shelly asked in a confused voice, and Rin immediately reassured her to reassure her.
'Taking care of a girl like Shelly is harder than I thought. I just hope it works out well.'
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"Shall we go to another stall? Would you like to eat something? There is a fast-food stall nearby. You can wait here for me to bring something back or—"
"Can I go with you? I don't want to be here alone."
Shelly grabbed Rin's sleeve as he started to move away. Her face did not show it, but irritation bubbled beneath the surface.
'There are too many pests lingering around Rin. Thankfully, the biggest one reassured me that she will not become an obstacle. Otherwise, I would have to start with her.'
Shelly had known about Rin's choice of school as soon as he started searching for it online. She did not know why he came here, but she had disliked this place ever since she first noticed it.
After visiting this place a few times to keep an eye on (stalk) Rin, her dislike for it grew stronger.
The only saving grace of this place was the students' lack of interest in approaching Rin. They talked with him, but no one tried to get close to him. Of course, it was also due to her "persuasion" that reinforced their decision.
The second someone showed even a hint of interest in Rin, Shelly made sure to send them a "sternly worded email" along with some persuasive evidence and a little bit of "care." Even those who were clean could be made to keep their mouths shut with the help of some technological magic.
'None of this would have happened if those pests had just stayed away. Thankfully, it seems like my lessons are sticking.'
Rin was still alone, still hers, and still as supportive as he had always been. The world would be perfect if things stayed like this.
"Shelly, what would you like to have? They have churros and breadsticks. Ah, but you like sour stuff, right? Do they sell anything sour—?"
A sincere smile bloomed across Shelly's face as she stepped beside Rin and looked at the food as well.
"I will have this."
She pointed to the sweet candy that Rin liked as her choice. Even though she did not like sweets, she could put up with them for Rin's sake. It would be even better if they could share.
Her choice made Rin frown with concern.
"Are you sure you want something sweet? You don't usually like sweets. I am sure something savory would suit you better—"
"No, I want it. That way, we can share. And if I want something different, we can always come back for more."
Rin's frown eased, and he nodded.
"You are right. We can come back for more. Well, if this is your choice, then I will buy it for you."
Rin was not only attentive toward her, but he was also so caring and sweet. It was hard for Shelly to imagine a future without him.
Her mother had once told her that she would just "know" when the person who was everything to her appeared in her life, even before she had met Rin. And her mother had been right.
As soon as Shelly had gotten to know Rin, she was sure he was the one for her. Now, she just needed Rin to realize it too.
'Just a few more years. Mother said I can work with her once I am done with school. I should push myself to graduate early and start working. That way, I will be able to support myself and Rin early. All he would have to do is wait for me and spend time with me.'
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I can finally start doing 2 chapters/day from now on. Please give me power stones and Golden Tickets. Basic character images have been updated in the app, so do vote to show who your favourite is. I'll try and include them more in the future.
Goals for Extra Chapters have also been updated. You can check them in the story summary.