The heavy door of the luxury sedan closed with a soft thud, instantly cutting off the roar of the rain. Inside, it was quiet—too quiet. The scent of expensive leather and Rin's subtle perfume filled the small space.
Haruki sat on the left, and Rin on the right. Even though the seat was wide, the air felt thin. Haruki could still feel the lingering warmth from where their shoulders had brushed under the umbrella.
"To the young lady's residence first, or should we drop the gentleman?" the driver asked, looking through the rearview mirror.
"Drop him first. He's already half-soaked," Rin commanded, her voice regaining its usual sharp edge, though she refused to look Haruki in the eye.
As the car glided through the flooded streets, Haruki noticed Rin staring out of the window. Her reflection in the glass showed a hint of a blush that she was desperately trying to hide.
"Rin," Haruki said softly.
She flinched slightly but didn't turn. "What?"
"Thank you. For the ride. And for... you know, letting me walk with you."
Rin finally turned her head. Her damp hair was clinging to her face, making her look vulnerable instead of intimidating. "Don't get the wrong idea. I just didn't want my classmate to collapse from a fever and ruin our class attendance record."
Haruki smiled. He knew her 'logic' was just a shield. "Right. The attendance record. Very important."
The car hit a small bump, causing Haruki to slide slightly closer to her. For a moment, their hands were inches apart on the seat. Haruki saw her fingers twitch, as if she wanted to reach out but was held back by years of being the 'perfect, cold heiress.'
"You know," Haruki continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You don't always have to be the Ice Queen. Especially not when it's just us."
Rin's breath hitched. She looked at him, and for the first time, the walls in her eyes seemed to crumble. "It's not that easy, Haruki. People expect things from me. My parents, the school... everyone. Being cold is the only way I know how to protect myself."
Haruki reached out, his hand hovering over hers. "You don't have to protect yourself from me."
Before she could respond, the car slowed down. They had reached Haruki's apartment. The moment was broken.
Haruki opened the door, but before stepping out into the rain, he turned back. "See you tomorrow, Rin. And stay warm."
As the car drove away, Rin pressed her hand against the spot on the seat where Haruki had been sitting. It was still warm. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, a small, genuine smile finally appearing on her lips.
But back at the school gate, Hana and Aimi were still standing under the pink umbrella, watching the car disappear into the distance.
"He chose her today, didn't he?" Aimi asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Hana gripped the umbrella handle tighter. "Today... maybe. But the story isn't over yet, Aimi."
Next Chapter: # Chapter 8: The Fever and the Unexpected Visitor