Crossover: I Took In a Runaway High School Girl

While biting her lip, Shiina Mahiru extended her small, beautiful hand and gently tugged at Renji Kamisaka's clothes. That small movement showed her hesitation, but also her desire to get closer.

"Eh... Renji, are you asleep?" Mahiru's voice was soft, almost a whisper, accompanied by a blush on her cheeks.

Renji Kamisaka opened his eyes, looked at her wary expression, and sighed helplessly. He could feel the girl's confusion and inner conflict.

He patted the spot next to him on the sofa and said in a deep, yet gentle voice, "Come a little closer."

Shiina Mahiru's face flushed, but when she met his undeniable gaze, she gently bit her lip and remained sitting there shyly. Her inner turmoil was evident.

Renji Kamisaka moved his arm, a decisive yet gentle movement, and wrapped it around Mahiru's slender waist.

Shiina Mahiru's delicate body trembled, and she unconsciously turned her head in confusion to look towards the kitchen. Sayu Ogiwara was still busy there, creating an awkward yet intimate atmosphere.

"Shiina, you don't think I did what was in the news, do you?" Renji lowered his head, looking straight into Mahiru's golden eyes, trying to find honesty and trust.

Shiina Mahiru averted her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes. She struggled with doubt and curiosity. "I'm not saying that, it's just... did you do it?"

Renji Kamisaka didn't answer directly, but instead said, "Before I answer your question, I want to ask, if I did, would you stay away from me and hate me?" He wanted to know how much he meant to the girl.

"No!" She immediately shook her head, quickly and firmly, "Didn't the news say that those two people deserved it? Maybe it was divine punishment." She tried to justify Renji's actions, showing her gentle and understanding side.

Renji Kamisaka looked at the girl who was trying to forgive him, and the corner of his mouth curved upwards, showing appreciation and tenderness. "Don't worry, I didn't do it myself. I just asked some friends... well, just some cats." He tried to lighten the situation with humor, yet remained honest.

"My initial goal was just to let my cat friends sneak into their car and cause trouble, even better if it caused a car accident that crippled them, and our problem would be solved." He explained his actual plan, showing his strategic and protective side.

"When I saw the news this morning, I was also surprised that there really was a supernatural occurrence." Renji shrugged, as if not believing what had happened.

"But it's okay..." he said while tightly hugging the girl's slender waist, as if seeking protection and warmth. "Even if we really do face a supernatural event, I will protect my tenant."

Shiina Mahiru's eyes slightly welled up, touched by Renji's sincerity and determination. Why does he keep saying 'my tenant'? Wouldn't it be better if he just said he wanted to protect her? However, she also knew, because she once said that if he dared to confess, she would also dare to reject him, so he wouldn't say it directly. She appreciated the man's caution and gentleness.

While thinking, Shiina Mahiru turned her head and glanced at Sayu who was still busy, then suddenly leaned over and quickly kissed Renji's cheek, a spontaneous action that showed her gratitude and budding feelings.

"Thank you... but, I already made plans with Miura-san and the others to go sing and relax today. Can you let go of me first?" She asked softly, her cheeks already red to the tips of her ears.

She regretted such a shameless action, which was kissing a boy's cheek as soon as she did it. He won't think of me as a casual girl, will he?

While Renji Kamisaka was careful with Shiina Mahiru, wasn't angel-sama also careful with him? She knew he was lying. The events in the news must have had something to do with him, but she wouldn't be afraid of him because of it.

Hearing her words, Renji Kamisaka looked at her seriously, showing his concern and care. "You're going shopping again after that incident? What if someone targets you again?"

"Um... I won't be that lucky..." Mahiru replied unhappily, but when she met his serious gaze, her tone softened again. "But... I already made plans with them... Wouldn't it be bad if I broke my promise?"

Renji Kamisaka sighed, giving in to the girl's stubbornness, yet remained protective. "Give me your phone number. I need to check on your safety from time to time."

"You should have my phone number, right? Why didn't you call me when something happened yesterday?" Shiina Mahiru lowered her head in embarrassment, not saying a word. Could she say that she thought she was incapable? After all, when something like that happens, people usually think to call the police, right? But she remembered back to when she called the police yesterday, and that bastard was still released, and she felt even more guilty. Her mood was complicated.

Renji Kamisaka suddenly kissed her smooth cheek tightly, a spontaneous and affectionate action, and said straightforwardly, "Who told you to kiss me earlier? I have to return your kiss." He smiled, showing his teasing and gentle side.

"Alright, now you can go out. Don't forget to bring pepper spray. You have to call me if something happens, understand?" He gave an order in a firm, yet caring tone.

"Okay." Mahiru agreed obediently, feeling the warmth and protection from the man.

Seeing her agree, Renji released her slender waist and turned to walk towards his room, leaving confusion and unspoken feelings between them.

Shiina Mahiru covered her cheek, her small mouth unconsciously pouting. Could she say that she suddenly regretted agreeing to Miura and the others? She really wanted to stay at home, near Renji.

Looking at her slender waist, she remembered the feeling of being hugged by him earlier, and actually felt a little reluctant. She didn't know when it started, it was as if she no longer completely refused to be hugged by him or have her slender waist hugged.

The girl with the complicated mood finally left Sakurasou Dormitory. The best friends were still the trio from yesterday: Yui Yuigahama, the dumpling-headed beauty who liked to listen to other people's topics of conversation and was insightful, Yumiko Miura who looked dashing and had the aura of a queen with her golden hair, just like herself, and Hina Ebina, who wore glasses and had a nosebleed when she saw boys together, thinking of conveying some strange knowledge to her.

Meeting again, the girls were all a little excited, but there was a hidden tension between them. Yui Yuigahama led the conversation.

"Hey, have you guys seen the news? I usually never watch it, but this news was broadcast forcibly, and my mom also dragged me to sit on the sofa and watch it for a while."

"Me too!" Hina Ebina immediately raised her hand in agreement, showing her enthusiasm.

Yumiko Miura raised her hand and flicked her hair stylishly, "Me too, I saw the news and felt it was unbelievable."

"Yesterday, I used my phone to find out in my friends' chat group, and that Toshihiko Takayama, a third-year student and senior in the soccer club, was the culprit who tripped Renji Kamisaka towards the criminals yesterday." Yumiko explained in a concerned tone.

"I didn't expect him to look so good, but his heart is so dirty. He actually hired criminals to surround us girls." Yui added in a disgusted tone.

"Luckily, Renji Kamisaka arrived just in time, and we were saved, but... Shiina, do you know why he showed up there?" Yumiko Miura suddenly stared at Shiina Mahiru with great interest, probing deeper.

Shiina Mahiru blushed slightly when she mentioned that person, showing an unexpected reaction. She lowered her head unnaturally and said, "I asked him, and he said he suddenly had a bad feeling and came following a divine sign."

"Wow, divine guidance? It feels so romantic!" Yui Yuigahama's eyes sparkled, staring straight at Shiina Mahiru, while gossiping, "Could it be that you and Renji-san have a telepathic connection? He felt that you were in danger as soon as it happened?"

"By the way, you two seem to live in the same direction, go to school together every day, and sometimes go home together... Are you two really not dating?" Yui asked in an inquisitive tone.

Yui Yuigahama was also very nervous when asking this. Actually, she had been paying attention to Renji Kamisaka since the incident on the first day of school. If only Shiina Mahiru was really dating Renji Kamisaka, she would definitely feel a little sour.

However, Shiina Mahiru immediately shook her head, quickly and firmly. "No, it's just a coincidence. Aside from whether we're dating or not, I don't plan to date any boys in high school."

"Really? Then, does he have a girlfriend?" Yui Yuigahama asked unconsciously, showing unexpected interest. Her voice even sounded a little cheerful.

Hina Ebina immediately raised her glasses, looking at her with a smile that wasn't really a smile, as if knowing something that others didn't.

Yumiko Miura nudged Yui's arm playfully, "Yui, don't tell me... you've fallen for Renji?"

"Ah, no! It's just that, I... I was just asking." Yuiigahama Yui blushed, explaining in confusion, feeling embarrassed for being found out.

"It's just that Renji-san saved us, right? I was wondering what we should do, what kind of gift would express our gratitude." Yui tried to change the subject, but her face was still red.

Miura Yumiko smiled knowingly, as if she knew what was on Yui's mind. "Just give yourself to him, and he'll definitely be happy. Our Yui is a cute bishoujo."

Yuiigahama Yui's face became even redder, and she stomped her feet in embarrassment, "Then why don't you offer yourself, Yumiko?"

Miura Yumiko said bluntly, "Is that even a question? Although I'm grateful to Renji-san, there's already someone in my heart! As for who that person is, I don't think I need to say it, right?" She showed her loyalty to the person she loved.

Yuiigahama Yui pouted and nodded slightly, understanding. Indeed, there was no need to say it. It must be Hayama Hayato. However, Ebina Hina seemed to realize everything. She knew that Hayama was only using Yumiko as a shield.

"Alright, alright, stop teasing Yui. Shiina-san, you haven't answered. Does Renji-san have a girlfriend?" Hina said with a mysterious smile, returning the focus to Mahiru.

The three girls stared sharply at Shiina Mahiru, waiting for her answer with curiosity and a little tension.

Shiina Mahiru suddenly felt a crisis, a strange and unexpected feeling. Without thinking, she blurted out a shocking sentence. "Of course, and he's already living with his girlfriend!"

A girl's instinct had spoken. If only that cheating man knew that there were three beautiful girls who had feelings for him and wanted to thank him, who knows what would happen. In any case, she would first label him 'living with his girlfriend' and destroy all potential rivals from the start!

"Ah? He has a girlfriend, and he lives with her..." Yuiigahama Yui's shoulders slumped, and her tone was clearly filled with disappointment.

Realizing the strange gazes from the other three, she quickly shook her head and said with an awkward smile, "It's not that I care, I was just asking. Anyway, what kind of gift should we give to express our gratitude?" Yui immediately changed the subject, trying to hide her feelings.

The three of them also secretly agreed not to tease her anymore, showing empathy and understanding. After all, heartbreak is a painful thing. As friends, they should take care of each other's feelings.

However, the problem arose. If they couldn't give him a girlfriend, what gift should they prepare? The three girls thought for a moment then looked at Shiina Mahiru knowingly, as if she had the answer to everything.

Miura Yumiko asked, "Shiina, you're Renji's classmate, so do you know what kind of things a person like him likes?"

Shiina Mahiru opened her mouth, caught in a dilemma. Of course, she wanted to reveal his perverted thoughts and his desire to build a harem, and block these three beautiful classmates. But Shiina Mahiru didn't want to ruin his reputation. First, that wasn't something a girl with her personality would do. Besides, he was so gentle to her, and she couldn't bear to see him hated by others.

So, after thinking about it, she answered honestly, but a little reluctantly, "Didn't he say it when he introduced himself on the first day of school? He likes light novels, anime, and manga."

"How about we each prepare a manga or light novel to give to him? What do you think?" Yui suggested enthusiastically.

"Sounds like a good idea!" Hina agreed quickly.

"Let's leave it to Shiina!" Yumiko pointed at Mahiru, as if she was an expert on this.

"As expected from his classmate, I even forgot his introduction! I didn't expect you to remember it, Shiina!" Miura Yumiko gave her a thumbs up, showing her admiration.

Yuiigahama Yui pouted, feeling a little left out. Actually, she also remembered Renji Kamisaka's self-introduction.

Ebina Hina raised her glasses, wiping the drool from her mouth, and showed a mischievous smile, revealing her irresistible fujoshi side.

Miura Yumiko immediately realized this and glared at her sharply, warning her. "Hina, you're not thinking of giving Renji manga about strange things between boys, are you? Please stop that idea!"

"Why not?" Ebina Hina protested, feeling unappreciated. "Listen to me, Shiina. At first, I didn't understand the charm of BL, but after learning about it, I like it so much. Renji will definitely like it too!" She tried to convince Mahiru of her tastes.

"This is the meaning of evangelism!" Hina added enthusiastically, as if she was on an important mission.

Shiina Mahiru was completely stunned by Hina's enthusiasm. She had always been curious about what Ebina Hina meant by 'friendship between boys,' so she pulled Miura Yumiko aside and asked her in a soft voice, showing her curiosity and confusion.

"Yumiko, what exactly does BL mean?"

Miura Yumiko covered her face, not wanting to speak, feeling embarrassed to explain that to an innocent friend like Mahiru. "Hina, be quiet! You're still a cute bishoujo even if you don't talk!"

After scolding Ebina Hina who had already fallen into her fantasies and started having a nosebleed, Miura Yumiko blushed shyly and explained the meaning of BL to Shiina Mahiru with an embarrassed expression, while leaning close to her ear.

Shiina Mahiru also blushed after hearing it, her face turning red from embarrassment and shock. She immediately shook her head firmly. "No, Ebina-san, you can't give Renji something like that!"

"That's not gratitude at all, that's repaying kindness with evil!" Mahiru insisted, showing her rejection of Hina's idea.

Even though Shiina Mahiru still couldn't accept Renji Kamisaka's cheating thoughts, but feeling his warmth, she didn't say it out loud, but her heart was still pounding. But if Renji Kamisaka was poisoned by Ebina Hina's manga and stopped liking girls, she would definitely cry.

NO. She absolutely didn't want Renji Kamisaka to like boys. That thought popped into her head suddenly, showing an unexpected feeling.

Renji Kamisaka at Sakurasou Dormitory suddenly felt a chill, as if there was danger lurking.

Ebina Hina's proposal was rejected with three unanimous votes. She immediately dropped her shoulders and sighed helplessly, feeling unappreciated. "Why don't you understand friendship between boys?"

"No, we will never understand, and we don't want to understand. Hina, be quiet! Please choose a more normal gift!" Yumiko asserted firmly.

After going around in circles, spending more than an hour, the girls chose gifts. They planned to give them to Renji Kamisaka on Monday, showing their gratitude.

After buying the gifts, they shopped again and played in the afternoon, finally getting out of the psychological shadow of being surrounded by criminals yesterday.

It was almost time to say goodbye. On the train, Miura Yumiko couldn't help but say to Yuiigahama Yui who looked absent-minded, showing her concern and support.

"If you like someone, you have to approach them early." Yumiko advised, showing her wise and caring side.

"Oh... ah?" Yuiigahama Yui, who nodded unconsciously, immediately blushed to the tips of her ears, and said softly, "What are you talking about, Yumiko?" She tried to deny it, but her face betrayed her feelings.

"Don't pretend. Don't you have feelings for Renji-san? At least dozens of times, you always secretly looked at Renji Kamisaka when you were chatting with me and Hina." Yumiko revealed her observations, showing how sensitive she was to her friends' feelings.

Yuiigahama Yui was stunned, not expecting her feelings to be so obvious. "Is it that obvious?"

"If not? So what are you afraid of? Yui, you're very cute, you know. Be a little more confident." Yumiko encouraged, trying to build her best friend's confidence.

Yuiigahama Yui quickly shook her head, trying to clarify. "That's not what I meant. I do care about Renji Kamisaka, but that doesn't mean I like him."

"Alright, stop denying it. Hina and I will help you!" Miura Yumiko glanced at her playfully and patted her chest as a guarantee, showing her loyalty as a friend.

"I know you're worried about the fact that he has a girlfriend, but how do you know if he has a girlfriend or not if you don't ask? Maybe that girlfriend is just something Shiina made up?" Yumiko revealed her theory, showing her intelligence and intuition.

"Ah? But why would Shiina do that?" Yuiigahama Yui asked blankly, confused by Mahiru's motives.

"Idiot, aren't you good at reading the atmosphere? Didn't you notice Shiina's strange expression when Renji Kamisaka was mentioned?" Yumiko explained patiently.

"I think she also likes Renji Kamisaka, so she deliberately said that he has a girlfriend." Yumiko concluded, showing her understanding of girls' feelings.

"Yui, you're still too naive. When it comes to romance, all girls are selfish." Yumiko advised, showing her mature side.

Yuiigahama Yui was confused for a moment, processing the information she had just received.

Enjoying the story? You can read 7 chapters in advance on p@treon/Rzzzy!