CHAPTER 22: AISLE FLIRTS AND FEVERED HEARTS

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Today was supposed to be simple.

I had a list, a budget, and a reusable shopping bag that still smelled like kimchi from that one time Ayame decided we needed to make traditional fermented side dishes "for culture."

I just wanted eggs, rice, medicine for Sora’s fever, and peace.

But no. Fate—who clearly binge-watches soap operas—had other plans.

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The convenience store bell jingled as I stepped inside, glancing down at my shopping list.

"Eggs, milk, ramen, ginger, fever meds... got it."

I headed for the medicine aisle, when a voice chirped behind me.

"Oh! Excuse me! Can you reach that for me?"

I turned. And time slowed.

She was tall. Not just tall—statuesque. Curves that looked drawn by a very thirsty anime artist, thick thighs encased in leggings, and a soft hoodie that clung to her chest like it owed rent. Her eyes were big and shiny, and she smiled like she knew the chaos she caused just by existing.

I reached for the box of cereal on the top shelf. "This one?"

"Mhm! Thanks, you’re such a lifesaver!"

I smiled awkwardly. "No problem. I’m just tall and expendable."

She giggled. "I’m Rin. You’re cute."

I blinked. Did she just—?

"I—uh—Ren. Ren Sakuragi. I live nearby."

"Nice to meet you, Sakuragi-kun. Can I... get your number? Just in case I need more cereal rescued."

My brain exploded.

[System Notification] "Warning: You are entering ’Flirt-Zone’ with a civilian. Abort mission or face harem turbulence."

I should’ve said no. I should’ve made up a fake number. I should’ve pretended I was a monk.

Instead, I handed her my phone.

She texted herself. "Now I can call you when I burn rice or get lonely."

I died inside.

---

Back at home, I managed to stash the groceries before anyone asked questions. I tried ignoring Rin’s texts. I really did.

But every time I replied to clarify she shouldn’t fall for me, she just... fell harder.

Rin: "You’re so sweet! No guy’s ever told me I shouldn’t fall for him. That’s romantic!"

Ren: "That’s not—wait—how is that romantic???"

Rin: "Like a tragic prince pushing love away because he’s protecting everyone 💕"

I slammed my head into a pillow.

[System Notification] "New Quest: ’Reverse Romance—Failing at Rejection’ Rewards: None. Consequences: Jealous explosions."

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Later that evening, I heard the doorbell.

"Delivery!" came a familiar voice.

I opened the door—and there she was. Rin. Holding grocery bags. And a small pink lunchbox.

"I added snacks. Thought you might be hungry," she smiled.

Behind me, I heard chairs squeak. Footsteps approached.

Mei peeked from behind the kitchen wall, eyebrow twitching.

Akane leaned against the banister, one brow arched.

Ayame stood at the top of the stairs, arms crossed. Not even blinking.

Rin turned around, taking in the room. "Hi! I’m Rin! I—uh—brought groceries and meds!"

Before anyone could speak, Rin’s foot slipped on the welcome mat.

She stumbled forward, groceries flying.

I dove. Caught her waist just in time. Her face ended up inches from mine.

Her chest squished against me. Her breath hitched.

And my harem? They all glared like I just kissed someone’s mom in a church.

[System Notification] "Achievement Unlocked: ’Disaster Casanova’ Bonus: -30 Trust Points"

I laughed nervously. "It’s not what it looks like."

Ayame scribbled on her ever-ready whiteboard: "It never is."

---

Rin sat at the edge of Sora’s bed, gently pressing a cool cloth to her forehead. Her movements were soft, careful. She’d already made a light broth, helped Sora sip a few spoonfuls, and now sat there humming something under her breath—something sweet and slow, like a mother to a child.

It was strange.

Not because Rin was here. Not because she insisted on staying the night after delivering groceries. But because of how... natural she looked in this moment. Like she belonged here.

I stood by the doorframe, watching.

Not interfering. Just... watching.

And behind me, by the kitchen archway, came the sounds of whispered voices.

"You saw the way her waist dips?" Ayame hissed.

"That’s not even fair," Mei muttered. "It’s like her hips were drawn by an artist with a grudge."

"She bent over once, just once, and I swear even Ren flinched," Elira added. "His hand hovered near her waist for a full second."

I didn’t.

Okay, maybe I did.

"She’s so... soft-looking," Akane said. "Like—like a cushion with legs."

They all laughed—quiet, sharp, awkward laughter. It didn’t reach their eyes. I could feel that.

"She doesn’t even live here," Ayame muttered.

"She just showed up, took over the kitchen, took over Sora, and now she’s... staying?" Elira’s voice lowered. "Did anyone ask us?"

"She even brought medicine," Mei added. "Like, thoughtful? Seriously?"

Rin reached down and brushed Sora’s damp hair back again. Her shirt tugged just a little as she moved, clinging in all the right places. I caught the girls glance sideways.

"She’s built like temptation," Ayame whispered. "No wonder the market guys keep flirting with her."

I closed my eyes for a second.

I could hear the unspoken words behind their sarcasm.

Why her?

Why now?

Why him?

"Okay, she’s sweet.

Said Akane.

But... this is our house. Our Ren."

---

But then... Rin proved she wasn’t all flirt and chaos.

She found Sora curled on the couch, pale and shivering. Immediately, Rin opened a bag and handed me ginger, fever strips, and a bottle of electrolytes.

"She needs rest. I can stay until she stabilizes," she said, brows furrowed with concern.

And... she did.

She held Sora’s hair as she vomited. She tucked a blanket around her. She stayed past dinner. Past midnight.

And eventually, Rin fell asleep in the corner of the room, curled on a beanbag like a gentle puppy.

The tension faded. Even Mei grudgingly said, "...She’s not awful."

Sora muttered weakly, "She’s nice. Pretty. Smells like strawberries."

I nodded. "She really does."

And the girls said nothing else.

Until the next day.

Sora didn’t get better. She worsened. Pale. Dizzy. Nauseated.

I took her to the clinic.

We waited.

I held her hand.

She squeezed it.

Then the door creaked open quietly.

I turned, expecting silence—routine—but the nurse stepped in with a clipboard and a strangely careful look on her face.

She glanced at Sora, then at me, then back to Sora.

Her voice was low, almost reluctant.

"We... got the test results."

Sora froze, her hand resting on her thigh.

The room suddenly felt colder.

The nurse looked at the clipboard, then at us, then back again. She inhaled slowly, as if trying to suck the words back in before they could escape.

And yet... they did.

"Congratulations... she’s pregnant."

I heard Sora gasp beside me.

And I—

I forgot how to breathe.

My brain broke.

[System Notification] "New Quest Activated: ’Fatherhood.exe’ Reward: ??? Penalty: Explosive misunderstandings incoming."

I looked at Sora. She looked at me.

And whispered, "It’s not what it looks like."

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