Macho Man Doesn't want a Slice-of-Life

To be honest, Hayasaka couldn't make sense of Karura's thought process.

In normal relationships, if a third party liked the same person, they'd be seen as a rival—or even an enemy.

But the way Garuda spoke, it was as if having a boyfriend was like sharing a hobby.

Having the same hobby made them companions. That logic might work for anime or music—but not for love.

"Karura, why do you… like Rinji?" Hayasaka asked cautiously.

"Because he's strong! Super strong!"

Karura replied excitedly, her expression glowing as if she were bragging about a treasured item to a friend.

"I first saw him on the Kengan Ship. He beat dozens of fighters by himself, and that's when I decided—I wanted to have his children."

"Ch-children?"

"Yeah. My family always said to marry someone strong and give birth to powerful offspring." Karura smiled. "And Rinji just happens to be the strongest."

"…"

Hayasaka's hands, resting on her skirt, slowly clenched. Her jaw tightened.

"So you… see Rinji as what? Just a tool to make babies?"

"Of course not."

Karura smiled.

"I really love Rinji. After all, when choosing a partner, I want someone I genuinely like—even if strength is the first priority."

"I see…"

Hayasaka slowly relaxed her fists.

Karura's sense of love seemed very different from a normal person's. Hayasaka decided to probe a bit more.

"There are a lot of girls who like Rinji. So, by your logic… are they all your friends too?"

"Of course~" Karura replied. "Anyone who appreciates Rinji, I don't dislike."

She didn't seem to have a strong sense of possessiveness—or any normal concept of relationships at all. Hayasaka could see that clearly.

"Then… just hypothetically," Hayasaka's cheeks reddened, and she asked quietly, "what if Rinji… had already been kissed by another girl?"

"A kiss?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Like, mouth-to-mouth?"

"Yes."

"That won't do." Karura suddenly stood up.

Just as Hayasaka thought, 'Ah, she finally has a normal take on relationships,' Karura suddenly turned toward the kitchen.

"I haven't kissed Rinji yet. I'll go now—"

"Wait!"

Hayasaka lunged forward and grabbed Karura's wrist, pulling her back.

"What's wrong, Ai?"

"Now's not the right time."

"Why not?"

"Because… because you and Rinji haven't been dating that long. Things are moving a bit fast." Hayasaka adjusted her expression and smiled. "I'm just thinking about your relationship in the long run."

This was a lie.

She simply didn't want to take any more emotional hits from watching Karura and Rinji together.

If she had to witness them kiss right in front of her, the rationality she'd barely been holding onto might completely collapse.

The only reason she could still remain composed was that, despite how close the two were, they hadn't actually done anything intimate yet.

And according to a certain Japanese media survey: Out of 1,000 people aged 20 to 50, only 1% ended up marrying their first love.

Excluding the bizarre answers like "2D characters" or "people met online," when asked "What's your current relationship with your first love?" 84% answered "Just occasional memories, no contact," 9.1% said "Never contacted them directly, but sometimes hear about them," only 0.2% said "they're currently my partner," and 1% said "they're my spouse."

Even if it was self-comfort, the data was right in front of her.

Strictly speaking, she and Rinji had never officially dated. Rinji and Karura were his first love, and that was one of the key reasons she could stay calm.

After all, the future was still uncertain.

"You really can't let me go right now?"

Karura looked troubled.

"But I was planning on handling the baby-making with Rinji during this trip back."

'Terrifying execution power.'

Hayasaka was dumbfounded.

What worried her now was that Garuda and Rinji might actually be part of that successful 1%, since both of them were pretty far from being normal.

"So… did you confess to Rinji first, Karura?" Hayasaka tried to steer the conversation elsewhere.

"Yup."

Karura smiled.

"I told him I wanted to have his children, and then he asked if I wanted to go get a marriage certificate."

"…"

Hayasaka lowered her head in silence.

In every possible way, she was completely different from this girl named Karura.

Whether it was her boldness or her initiative, Karura acted decisively even if it came off as shameless—whereas Hayasaka, who acted reserved, was in fact hesitant.

While she was still debating how to confess her feelings, Karura had already chosen to express hers in the fastest and clearest way possible.

While she was worrying about emotional distance or complications, Karura had thrown those worries away and gone straight to the point.

"While I was thinking, you were already acting."

"Huh? What's wrong, Ai?"

"Nothing. Just that… maybe I should learn from you." Hayasaka smiled.

Deep inside, she had made her decision.

---

When Rinji finished washing the dishes and came out, Hayasaka was already putting on her shoes, ready to leave.

"You heading out?"

"Yeah." She turned and smiled. "Walk me out?"

For some reason, Rinji felt like something had changed in her presence.

"Uh…"

"If you want to ask Karura first, I'm sure she'll be okay with it," Hayasaka said as she looked toward Karura. "Right?"

"Yup." Karura smiled and nodded.

"Well then…"

Rinji put on his shoes and walked out with Hayasaka.

Neither of them spoke in the elevator. It wasn't until they reached the front of the apartment building that Hayasaka suddenly asked, "By the way, Rinji, do you know where President Shirogane works part-time?"

"At Dainippon Bank. I got him that job," Rinji replied. "Why are you asking?"

"A certain tsundere young lady at home needs the info. Just don't tell her it came from me."

This maid sold out her mistress without hesitation.

"I see. So Shinomiya does have feelings for the president. If she were just a little more honest, things would be a lot simpler," Rinji said with a smirk.

"Yeah. If only she were more honest…"

Hayasaka murmured and suddenly stepped closer to Rinji.

He flinched and instinctively stepped back, only to find himself against the wall.

"You really like Karura, don't you, Rinji?"

"Yeah. She's a wonderful girl."

"I think so too. She's so likable that I can't bring myself to hate her. She's incredibly tolerant," Hayasaka said with a soft laugh. "And really straightforward. That's what you like about her, right? I plan to learn from her."

"Mm, mm! As expected of you, Ai—you understand me."

Hearing Hayasaka praise Karura, Rinji nodded earnestly.

"She really is amazing, especially—"

"Especially the part where she confessed to you first?"

"…I guess so."

Rinji could tell—Hayasaka was acting a little different today.

Hayasaka gave a slight smile, took out a pack of cigarettes, and held it up in front of Rinji.

"You're still the same. You never let your guard down around me."

"…"

Rinji reached for his pocket and realized—his own pack of cigarettes was gone.

Just as he was frozen in confusion, Hayasaka leaned in close and gently lifted his chin with her fingers.

"She got you because she was decisive. That's what I need to learn. Right or wrong—I won't let hesitation leave me with regrets again."

"What—!?"

Before he could react, Hayasaka's lips pressed against his.

It was their first kiss.

For both of them.

A few seconds later, their lips parted.

Hayasaka took a few steps back, looked at the stunned Rinji, and touched the corner of her mouth.

"No matter what choice you make… I won't hesitate anymore. Your first kiss—belongs to me now."

With that, she turned and jogged off into the distance.

As for Rinji…

He was still frozen in place.