TLPSO 12

chapter 12:

Teasing and Awkward Kindness

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The morning after our study session in the library, my world looked just a little different from yesterday.
The warmth I’d felt sitting so close to him. The low voice that brushed against my ear. And the way he’d suddenly called my name—“Hina.”
All of it lingered sweetly in my heart, like an aftertaste I couldn’t forget.

My “observation” of him was no longer just about uncovering who he really was.

That day at lunch, I decided to be a little bit bolder.
I placed one of my handmade chocolate cookies quietly on his desk.
“Here, Rei-kun. A thank-you for helping me with math yesterday.”
“…I don’t need it,” he said, frowning like I was bothering him.

But I already knew his secret—that he actually had a weakness for sweets.
“Aww, really? But these came out so good. Don’t you love sweet things, Rei-kun?”

At that, his hand froze mid-motion.
“…How do you know that?”
“Research results!” I said proudly, puffing out my chest.

He sighed deeply, like he’d accepted defeat. Then, after quickly checking to make sure no one was watching, he snatched the cookie like a kitten stealing food and popped it into his mouth.
“…It’s not like I wanted it. You just wouldn’t shut up.”

Even as he grumbled that adorable excuse, I saw the faintest smile tug at the corner of his lips.
Observation Record #6: When given sweets, he’ll complain but still eat them. If he had a tail, it’d definitely be wagging.

Peeling away his cool façade bit by bit—only I got to see that side of him. The thrill of it, and the feeling that we were growing closer, made me even bolder.

But that afternoon, I learned something important: our relationship wasn’t just about me making all the moves.

After class, I stepped outside, ready to head to the clubroom—
and froze.
“What… Rain!?”

Just moments ago, the sky had been clear. Now it was smothered in thick gray clouds, and cold rain was pounding the asphalt.
I should’ve checked the forecast…

As I stood under the eaves, helpless, someone silently came to stand beside me.
It was Rei.

He was holding a large black umbrella. An awkward silence stretched between us. Was he going to pretend he didn’t see me and just walk away?
That’s what I thought—until—

“…Geez,” he muttered, letting out an exasperated sigh before snapping the umbrella open.
Then, without looking at me, he said gruffly,
“…Get in. You’ll catch a cold, idiot.”

I stepped timidly under the umbrella.
It was just a little too small for two people. Our shoulders brushed.
The smell of rain mixed with the faint scent of his clean shirt.
My heartbeat was so loud it was embarrassing.

This wasn’t one of my “observations.”
This was his gesture—a clumsy, reluctant, but impossibly warm kindness.

We walked to the station almost in silence.
But it wasn’t uncomfortable at all—the only sound was the soothing rhythm of rain tapping against the umbrella.

“…See you,” he said quietly at the parting path.
“Yeah. …Thanks, Rei-kun. You really helped me.”
“…Whatever,” he replied shortly, turning his back and walking off into the rain.

His broad back looked more dependable than ever before.

On my way home alone, my cheeks still burning, I realized something for sure.
What I felt now wasn’t just curiosity anymore.
His secrets, his awkward moments, his clumsy kindness—
I had fallen completely, hopelessly in love with all of it.