Crossover: I Took In a Runaway High School Girl

They enjoyed a delicious hot pot meal, laughter and chatter filling the warm dining room of Sakurasou. Chihiro Sengoku, already feeling the effects of beer, instructed Renji Kamisaka to handle Shiina Mashiro's transfer procedures. Since Misaki Kamiigusa was currently living alone on the third floor, Renji simply arranged for Mashiro to stay in the room next to Misaki-senpai. Misaki Kamiigusa was overjoyed by this, her eyes sparkling. She had initially planned to move to the second floor, closer to the others, but she still preferred the beautiful view from the third-floor window. Now that little Mashiro was next door, she wouldn't feel lonely anymore.

After the meal, Sayu Ogiwara gently nudged Shiina Mahiru out of the kitchen and busied herself. She would be embarrassed if Shiina Mahiru took all the housework from her. And this was also a way to flaunt her "girlfriend's power" in front of Mahiru. Shiina Mahiru had no choice but to leave the kitchen. With Sayu busy, she found herself idle, feeling a little awkward.

After Renji Kamisaka escorted Mashiro to her room and ensured she was comfortable, he returned to the second floor and settled onto the living room sofa, digesting both his meal and his thoughts. He had school tomorrow. He hadn't contacted Sumireko Sanshokuin in the past two days, and he wondered what this beautiful, formidable woman was doing. So he promptly sent her a message.

"Sumireko, are you asleep?"

Miles away, from the balcony of her luxurious apartment, Sumireko Sanshokuin, who was observing the side of Sakurasou with her high-tech binoculars, curled her lips into a small smirk. She pulled out her phone, tapped her fingers, and quickly replied. "What do you think? Sleeping right after eating? Do you think I'm a pig?"

Renji Kamisaka: "Hehe, it's just a coincidence. I just finished eating too, and I'm lying around bored."

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Well? Have you managed to coax Shiina-san?"

Renji Kamisaka: "Of course? Who do you think I am? Mahiru and I have already made up."

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Oh, now you're even calling her by her first name. Just how far have you gone?"

Renji Kamisaka: "Perhaps to the point where kissing and hugging are considered okay."

Sumireko Sanshokuin couldn't help but purse her small lips, the image of Renji hugging Mahiru flashing through her mind. How could you say something like that?

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Who are you?"

Renji Kamisaka: "I am Renji Kamisaka, Sumireko."

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "No, that's not it. How could Renji Kamisaka, as my future boyfriend, kiss and hug Shiina?"

Renji Kamisaka: "I think I know who I am now, Sumireko. I'm the legendary light novel protagonist!"

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Hah, shameless!"

Renji Kamisaka: "By the way, there are now two Shiinas in Sakurasou."

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Is that the one you brought home holding hands this afternoon?"

Renji Kamisaka: "You saw her?"

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Yes, she looks very cute. What's her name?"

Renji Kamisaka: "Her name is Shiina Mashiro, she's Mahiru's cousin. See how similar their names are?"

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Are you happy? You can hug two Shiina-sans now."

Renji Kamisaka: "I don't mind if you sit in the middle, Sumireko."

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Hey, is this the police? There's a pervert here, a super pervert who cheats on multiple girls and harasses them!"

Renji Kamisaka: "Don't even mention it. Yesterday, a very fierce police officer invited me to become a detective after graduation, saying I wouldn't even need an interview. If I applied directly, she'd immediately give me the captain position."

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Were you finally reported to the police by a pretty girl because you're a playboy?"

Renji Kamisaka: "No, actually, I went to the police station because I did something heroic. I saw some delinquents bullying Shiina-san and the others, so I defended them."

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Were you hurt?"

Renji Kamisaka: "Unfortunately, they were the ones who got hurt. Otherwise, I could have just pretended to faint and waited for a pretty girl to happily give me a lap pillow as a reward."

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "A lap pillow? Do all of you like that?"

Renji Kamisaka: "I don't know about the others, but I probably like it, though there's usually no chance to lie defenselessly on a girl's lap." He added, "Sumireko, can I reserve your lap for tomorrow?"

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "You're truly a playboy, and you still want my lap pillow? Why do you think I'd agree?"

Renji Kamisaka: "Perhaps because I'm too greedy. Even though I know you probably won't agree, I still want to try begging you."

Seeing this, Sumireko Sanshokuin's lips curled slightly. Alright, for now, I'll forgive you for being too close to Shiina and too good at coaxing me.

Sumireko Sanshokuin: "Meet me on the school rooftop tomorrow."

Renji Kamisaka: "Okay!"

Ending the conversation, Renji Kamisaka couldn't help but smile. He was still looking forward to Sumireko's lap pillow, a small promise that warmed his heart. But even if he looked forward to it, that was still tomorrow's business.

Renji Kamisaka's gaze fell on Shiina Mahiru, who had just emerged from the kitchen, her hands still damp. He waved her over. The girl's cheeks were slightly flushed, and after a moment of hesitation, she still walked closer, pretending to be calm, though her steps were a little stiff.

"What?" Mahiru asked, her voice slightly strained.

"Hehe, come sit next to me." Renji patted the sofa beside him.

"What if I don't come?" She imagined the scene of Renji entering while holding hands with her cousin, Mashiro, and her mouth slightly pouted, a cute expression of jealousy.

"Come on, Mahiru," Renji urged, his smile unwavering.

"NO."

"Come."

"I won't come!"

"Are you really not coming?" Renji Kamisaka looked her up and down, his eyes radiating determination.

"I'm really not coming." Mahiru nodded seriously in response, hugging herself.

"Alright, alright, I'll come to you then, okay!" Renji suddenly stood up, swiftly walked towards Mahiru, and effortlessly lifted her slender waist. He then quickly returned to the sofa, Mahiru now settled in his arms.

Shiina Mahiru hadn't even reacted when she was already sitting in his embrace, her beautiful face instantly flushing crimson. "You, how could you do this?"

"I couldn't help it, who told you not to come? I had no choice but to go and hug you myself." Renji Kamisaka rested his chin on Mahiru's fragrant shoulder, inhaling the captivating scent of a young girl, and couldn't help but ask with concern, "What were you thinking just now, Mahiru? I saw you occasionally glancing at Mashiro while eating hot pot, and drifting off into thought."

Shiina Mahiru was stunned, and her heart warmed, Renji's gentle touch easing her tension. She couldn't help but raise her hands and gently wrap them around Renji's neck. "Renji, you noticed."

"Of course, I care about Mahiru a lot, so it's natural for me to pay attention to your expressions. On the contrary, it would be strange if I didn't notice." His words were full of affection, and Shiina Mahiru glanced at him, her face a little flushed, then couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.

"There's actually nothing, it's just... Renji, you already know about my family situation, right?" She whispered, resting her head on Renji's shoulder. She had known for a long time. This man was not only attentive and cared for her, but he also understood her. Without knowing her family situation, her relationship with her parents, it would have been impossible to have such natural reactions and actions. But at that time, she hadn't thought about it at all, and had only selfishly plunged into sadness, acting spoiled towards him, and her heart had been comforted by him.

"Yes, I already know that Mahiru is unloved by her parents. I asked Chihiro-sensei about it, and even bought her a dozen beers as a gift," Renji confessed, a little amused.

This reason warmed Shiina Mahiru's heart. Since it was her cousin Chihiro who revealed it, it had nothing to do with Sayu. She had only told Sayu about this. However, her cousin was truly immoral. She told Renji Kamisaka about her situation for just a dozen beers. Yes, she didn't blame her cousin. Instead, she was slightly grateful. If her cousin hadn't said anything, how could this man have come and paid attention to her?

Thinking about this, the girl's cheeks and eyes became damp, tears beginning to well up. She was a little touched. Compared to her cold and indifferent parents, even her cousin cared more about her than her own parents did.

"I'm sorry, I was truly curious about Mahiru's situation. I was so worried about you being alone in the park in the rain that day and not wanting to go home," Renji said, his voice soft.

"You still dare to say that, you idiot." Shiina Mahiru glared at him, then continued: "You could have just forcefully pulled me and gone home together with an umbrella, but instead, you made yourself catch a cold by going back out in the rain."

Renji Kamisaka smiled and said, "Wasn't I thinking about you? We weren't as close then." He cupped Mahiru's face. "The only way I could think of to make you obediently go home was to walk back into the rain myself, making you feel guilty and obediently go home. Wasn't I very despicable?"

"Yes, you really are despicable!" Shiina Mahiru affirmed, yet she couldn't help but rub her cheek against Renji's chest, her tears falling there. "Thank you for being so despicable," she whispered, her tone full of affection. "And thank you for being so kind and sweet."

Renji Kamisaka lifted her delicate chin and slowly brought his lips closer.

"Wait a moment! You pervert, do you still want to listen to me say what's on my mind?" She raised her hand playfully to cover Renji's lips. She wanted to be naughty right now, that pervert!

"Alright, of course, I want to hear Mahiru's thoughts!" Renji Kamisaka immediately decided. It wouldn't be too late to kiss her after listening.

Shiina Mahiru relaxed into Renji's embrace, thought for a moment, then spoke, her voice calmer now, yet laden with emotion: "Ever since elementary school, I was always the well-behaved, cute, and adorable little angel in everyone's eyes." She sighed. "There was actually a reason why I tried so hard to be the best."

"When I was little, the only times my mom and dad took me to parties were when I saw my cousin Mashiro becoming the center of attention from relatives and friends." Her voice trembled. "Cousin Mashiro just sat there quietly, focused on painting. She was like a princess in a fairy tale, shining brightly under everyone's admiring gazes. Mashiro's parents were also proud of her. Everyone said she was a genius, and Grandpa even built her an exclusive painting studio to develop her genius painting skills."

"I was thinking at that time," Mahiru continued, "that was so great. As long as you achieved something, you could get a lot of praise, and the eyes of parents, relatives, and friends would all be on you. I thought if I became this good too, my mom and dad would definitely come home and live with me, and I could experience life with the loving protection of my mom and dad like other children." She sighed mournfully. "But I was wrong."

"Do you remember when I was in the park in the rain?" She looked at Renji, her eyes glistening. "Thanks to hard work, I managed to rank first alongside the Yukinoshita family's daughter and was accepted into Soubu High School. I even got to deliver a speech on stage as the new student representative." A bitter smile touched her lips. "I thought, since I was this good, I should be able to make a small request for my mom and dad to come home and celebrate with me."

"But my mom and dad refused my request." Her voice broke. "Mom said I wasn't needed or wanted by them, and told me not to do unnecessary things. They didn't want to see each other, and they also didn't want to come back to that house and live with me." Tears streamed down her cheeks. "I was so sad, so I left that house out of resentment and then moved to Sakurasou. You know the rest."

"That day, in the rain, my mother called and told me to come back and live there, but do you know why?" She looked up, her eyes filled with anguish. "She said that I had to stay in that house as their daughter until I graduated from university, after which they wouldn't care what happened to me." A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Suddenly I felt it was so ridiculous."

"I worked hard for over a decade to make myself outstanding, well-behaved, and everyone's little angel, but it was all for nothing." She sobbed. "Yes, I was indeed an unwanted child from the start. My birth actually became an obstacle for them both to divorce." Mahiru closed her eyes, letting the tears flood her face. "They conceived me from a night of passion due to family interests." She felt disgusted. "Even though they give me money every month, they never come home. Even if they do, it's only for work purposes, as if to show affection to someone else." She clenched her hands. "If they didn't need me, why did they give birth to me? To give birth to me and then neglect me, what kind of parents are they?"

Speaking of this, Shiina Mahiru was already sobbing uncontrollably, her chest rising and falling rapidly. Unlike when she confided in Sayu, telling her worries to Renji Kamisaka only made her more vulnerable, all her emotional defenses crumbling.

"Hey, Renji, do you think I'm very stupid? I worked hard for over a decade for a family that would never be harmonious, only to realize that all my efforts were in vain." She looked up, her red and swollen eyes gazing at him. "I gave up on myself, thinking that since no one cared about me anyway, I would just stand in the park in the rain... hoping to catch a cold and fever and just die." Her voice was barely a whisper at the end, a heartbreaking confession.

Hearing this, Renji Kamisaka raised his hand and gently wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes, his touch full of tenderness. Then he lowered his head and kissed Mahiru's forehead, a kiss that conveyed affection and acceptance. "Mahiru isn't stupid at all. They are the ones who are stupid." He whispered, his voice firm yet comforting. "They don't know how to cherish you, but I will." He pulled Mahiru tighter into his embrace. "Mahiru, Sakurasou will always be your home."

"Pfft, do you say that to Sayu too?" Mahiru scoffed, trying to hide her smile amidst her tears.

"Uh... that's not important. What's important is... I've already embraced you, and I won't let you escape," Renji said, his voice slightly amused yet full of determination. "Don't forget, I can be very despicable."

"Yes, you are the most despicable. So, my despicable Mr. Renji, can you continue what you were doing... Mmm...!" Mahiru said, her tone turning teasing, a mixture of shyness and emotion.

Renji Kamisaka didn't hesitate and lowered his head to kiss the girl's cherry lips, a deep and meaningful kiss. Everything was understood without words; all the wounds, all the hopes, all the promises encapsulated in that touch.