Another day of school, another day of stalking…
Kenichi Shirahama!
Renka silently moved through the halls, peeking behind corners to watch the gardener's lovely interactions with people. Oooh, wonder what he's talking about!
In the end, she had no real gameplan, and could only fantasize about asking him out. So for the time being, she'll gather information about him— his interests, the things he did for the day, what he discusses with other boys, and more importantly… who he has a crush on!
(Or if he's dating Miu yet! Better not be…)
Suddenly, her sharp ear picked up a familiar name: her own.
"Don't bother me, Shirahama! And keep your damned cat away from me!" yelled out the familiar gruff voice of the Hermit, only audible when he believes no one else is within earshot. He seemed awfully worked up about his last encounter with the accursed feline.
"Cat? Well, Miu has been feeding a stray at Ryōzanpaku, but he's never been anywhere your hou—"
"I'm not talking about the actual animal! That stupid Chinese girl of yours, Renka! I can't even stand the sound of bells anymore!"
"Oh, her. W-well, it's not like I can do anything about it! Besides, she's not all bad… whenshe'snottryingtoseducemethatis—"
What was that last line? Renka didn't catch it, but clearly the blonde did; he seemed perturbed for whatever reason, pausing to glower at the shorter boy.
"Tch. She's a pain…"
"Sorry pal, can't help you there. Maybe… you could just give her a chance—"
"Over my dead body! I'll never give that stupid cat anything—"
… Renka frowned, the faux prince's words inexplicably stinging. She pulled away from the corner, eyes trained on her slippers.
Hmph. Why does she care? Of course he wants nothing to do with her. Duh. That's the whole point of… annoying him.
… Grrr! She's pissed off. And it's his fault for why she feels so mysteriously unsettled.
She'll make a mental note to torture him again later, sometime before the year ends!
BONG BONG BONG…
The clock struck 12, and the fabled prince sighed as he left the classroom, intent on finding something else to eat besides the unpalatable lunch that Honoka packed for him.
Soon, it'll be all over, and winter break will begin. Then he can focus on his training, his company, and whatever else needs tending to.
And he can stop having to wave at these squeeing classmates of his, entirely consumed by his idol-style looks…
… But for now, he gave off one last genial wave for the year, and powered through the last few tutoring-related questions that people swarmed him with. If he can just make it to the roof, he can decompress with a curry bun or some other cheap snack from the konbini. Didn't have time to make himself lunch to replace the Shirahamite's stomach-churning dishes, since he was busy with a company emergency. The hectic life of a CEO.
But alas, something always gets in his way. Literally. A familiar aura ran right into his chest as he turned the corner.
"Ah, I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention," he cordially apologizes, eyes still closed…
… But his ears picked up that familiar jingle that can haunt even the likes of Hermit.
"Nyah! Watch where you're going!" Renka's familiar shrill cry rang out, fully clad in her school uniform. She always looked like less of an evil temptress in her white button-up compared to that skimpy qipao, but Tanimoto knows the truth; her threat level is far too high despite her innocuous appearance.
A glance behind the prince revealed that a whole armada of fangirls have gathered outside the classroom to watch him walk away. And they're observing the current scenario. Intently.
There was a faint evil glimmer in her eye…
"You—!" Tanimoto grunted, following her gaze behind him to note his little fanclub: the entourage that had no idea who his real identity was.
Shit. This could either be the best or by far the worst position for him. Seeing his chances of luck with her around him, probability may become bored of screwing him over.
"Sorry, Renka," he continued softly, hurrying away. Don't tempt the gods.
Well, that's a bizarre sight. She's never seen him speak to her with the same warmth as he gives everybody else. He's much nicer when his groupies are around, isn't he?
… Perfect. It's all to her advantage.
She followed after the illustrious president of the drama club, voice sickeningly sweet. "Aw! You don't have to apologiiiize… Natsu-kun!"
And Tanimoto questioned that faux saccharine tone— as if he wasn't doing the same with her. He whirled around—
"Natsu-kun? Who the—"
Damn it, the audience was still there—
"— Oh, but it was my fault, so I must."
He shot a glare under his friendly mask, trying to figure out what the cat was up to. It must be another one of her dirty tricks.
But she maintained that innocent demeanor!
"Ahhh, but Natsu-kun! Remember? I'm your very own kitten, nyah!"
Gasps from their nearby classmates filled the air. Concerned whispers and murmurs. It has begun.
"Wha…?" Tanimoto's eye twitched, trying to navigate around this thorny situation. "What do you mean by 'kitten'?"
A droplet of sweat fell to the floor, the panic discreetly growing within azure orbs.
"What do you mean? You're the one that always calls me your kitten! Isn't that right…"
She took a step forward, leaning into his ear to whisper— just loud enough that the girls behind him can still make out what she's saying—
"... daddy?"
The soft gasps are now loud and horrified. There's an outcry of heartbroken girls behind them, intermingled with the anxious buzzing to try and piece together whatever had just taken place.
Are Tanimoto-oji and Renka a couple?
Why'd he choose her, out of all the other girls? What about me?!
That weird transfer student— she's a brute! Did you see what she did to Takashi-kun?!
She's not even pretty!
How could he do this?! He just helped me with my homework last night…
Damn it, I was gonna ask her out! She's got a great rack—
The cat's whisper sent a shiver down Tanimoto's spine, and the resulting fallout led his eyes to boil with rage, cheeks burning rosy red. Who knows if he's scarlet from vexation or embarrassment?
"I— I don't know what you mean—"
The disgruntled prince attempts to shy away from the madness she was creating, physically pulling away from the scenario. This is bad. Could all his hard work over the last few years be unraveled by just one stupid word?
Renka closes the gap between them, a mad fire dancing within her eyes, reflecting the incineration of his reputation.
"You told me to call you daddy that one night. Or have you forgotten?"
Some girl behind them is puking. She can't believe this. How did she ever fall for someone who was so dirty?! Her life is over!
"I have no idea what you're talking about—"
This fucking cat! Was she trying to ruin his reputation?! He held his hands out, palms facing forward, as if to deny all accusations and keep her at bay should she try anything else. Oh, how he wished he never gave her that 'daddy' tease. His own words will be his biggest downfall, adding salt to the gaping wound.
"Oh! You don't have to be shy about it! I thought everyone knew I was your kitten!"
Despite the guard he put up, she still managed to slip her arms around his burly bicep, squeezing as if he were a plush toy.
"When are we going to that place that you promised you'd take me to?" she giggled as she dragged him away, still speaking within earshot of his grieving audience. He never made such a promise, but it's important to establish that their so-called relationship had some kind of history!
"Renka?!" Tanimoto resisted her pull, trying to retrieve her limb from his grasp before the toned physique of his arm was highlighted. They mustn't know about his true physical prowess, damn it—
And he's pulling away from her?
Yay! Maybe he's realizing she's crazy!
No… that's so shameful. What a terrible boyfriend!
If he's actually dating her, then he's treating her poorly.
I expected better from him. A true gentleman wouldn't—
"Oh, look. You better be nice to me," Renka wickedly chuckles, gesturing to the audience.
Tanimoto gritted his teeth. Damn her! Damn the audience! Damn everything! They're so easily swayed by her lies, just sitting back and watching all of this like some sort of reality show. Quick to pass judgment, quick to start gossip; people are worthless — no matter what you've done for them, they'll believe the first cheap rumor they hear!
Well, then! If he's going to lose, he might as well make the most of it. He can at least get away from this mess if he goes along with her.
"I just need to get my jacket. It's pretty chilly out here," he muttered, hoping there wasn't some sort of advantage that he just unintentionally gave her.
"Oh, all right, daddy. I could've just kept you warm, you know! Me, your furry little kitten! Nyahahaha—"
She darted off, bells fading in the distance as she headed towards the school roof. She never intended to go anywhere with him; her mission was accomplished, and now she'll get the hell out of dodge before his audience disappears. That's what he gets for pissing her off!
And Tanimoto was left in her wake, watching the cat-shaped blur vanish like thin air— stranded with the rabid sharks that were thirsty for answers.
"... Tch. No kiss goodbye?" he muttered beneath his breath, a dark expression overtaking his features. He was indeed going to gain something from this.
So he followed through with his original plan of heading towards the school roof, school bag slung over his shoulder, mind spinning with various plots of revenge.