Chapter 77: Maybe That’s the Point…

“Can’t sleep either?”

Akira’s eyes snapped open, turning to the source of the voice. Rina was standing at the sliding glass door, wearing a simple tank top and shorts with a curious expression.

“Figured the tub might help,” he said, keeping his tone casual even as his pulse quickened slightly. “Want to join?”

She hesitated for only a moment before nodding. “Yeah, actually. It’s been a long day.”

Rina disappeared inside to change, returning shortly in a modest one-piece swimsuit.

She entered the hot water with a satisfied groan, positioning herself across from him. The tub wasn’t massive, but the distance between them felt deliberate… close enough to talk, far enough to maintain propriety.

“So,” she began, her wet hair clinging to her shoulders, “how are you actually doing with all this? The test, the rumours, Kenji’s accusations?”

“Better than I expected,” Akira said honestly. “I knew once people saw I was willing to take the test, it would ease some of the suspicion.”

“That was pretty smart, actually. Using his attack against him.” Rina tilted her head, studying him. “Most people would’ve gotten defensive or angry. You just… stayed calm.”

“No point in getting worked up. The truth will come out.”

“Yeah, but…” Rina shifted slightly, the water rippling between them. “I can’t imagine how I would react in your shoes.”

“I’ve learned that staying calm works better than reacting.”

“Mm.” She was quiet for a moment, studying him in the moonlight. “You know, when I first asked you to be my fake boyfriend, I had a very specific plan. Get Kenji’s attention, make him realise what he lost, shatter that ego of his.”

Akira remembered that conversation clearly: how she’d texted him, said it was important, then laid out her strategy when they met. “And it worked. He was definitely rattled.”

“Yeah, he was.” Rina’s expression softened slightly. “But here’s the thing… that plan was all about him. About proving something to Kenji, proving I wasn’t just some vanilla girl he could disrespect and move on from.” She paused. “But somewhere along the way, it stopped being about him.”

“When did that happen?”

“I don’t know exactly. Gradually, I guess.” She moved closer, her voice becoming quieter. “The fake relationship started to feel… not so fake. At least not on my end.”

Akira didn’t know how to respond. She must have misinterpreted his silence, because she let out a nervous, airy chuckle. “Forget I said that.”

“Rina…”

“I’ve been meaning to ask, though, you and Mia. You two seem really close. Like, more than I thought.”

“We’re just friends,” Akira said, though the word felt hollow after Mia had claimed the title of girlfriend.

“Just friends who share a bed?” Rina raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk playing at her lips. “I’m not stupid, Akira. The whole school can see she has feelings for you. And the way you look at her… it’s different.”

“It’s complicated,” he admitted.

Rina moved a little closer, the water shifting around them. “With me or with her?”

“Both. Neither.” He sighed. “I don’t know.”

“Well, that’s honest at least.” She tilted her head, water droplets catching the moonlight. “You know what I realised? Being your fake girlfriend taught me something.”

“What’s that?”

“That I actually like the real version better.” Her voice was softer now, almost teasing. “The version that exists when it’s just us. No act, no plan… and the version of you that exists when you think no one is watching.”

“Is that so?”

“Hmm hmm… like how you handled Kenji’s threat, challenge and today the accusation. Most guys would’ve been defensive. You were just… solid about it.” She tilted her head. “It was attractive.”

A small laugh escaped him. “You’re saying my composure under pressure is attractive?”

“Among other things.” Her gaze didn’t waver. “Have I mentioned you look good since you started working out? I mean…”

There was the flirtation… it was subtle, almost casual, but it was definitely there. Akira felt something shift in his chest. This was dangerous territory. The kind that ended relationships before they could begin.

“You’re not bad yourself,” he replied, the words coming easier than expected. “That one-piece does you justice.”

Rina’s cheeks darkened, whether from the heat or embarrassment, he couldn’t tell. “Yeah? Maybe I should send you a picture then… I mean, if you want.” She paused. “Actually, I did some modelling work last summer. Nothing big, just local swimwear and athletic stuff. The photographer said I should pursue it. I can send you those, too.”

“Careful, Rina,” he said, his voice dropping an octave as he leaned back against the edge of the tub. “If you send me those, I might start getting ideas about making this ’fake’ relationship permanent.”

Rina smirked, her eyes locked onto his. “Maybe that’s the point.”

Just as the atmosphere reached a fever pitch, a familiar chime echoed deep within Akira’s skull as the crimson text appeared in his vision.

[SYSTEM PROMPT: DESTINY DIVERGENCE DETECTED]Rina Kageyama is seeking validation and a real connection. Your next move will define your status with her.

[A: The Patient Strategist (Keep it Casual)] – “I’ll look forward to them.” (Reward: +10 Rina Affinity, Low Essence Spike)

[B: The Alpha Claim (Make a Bold Move)] – “Forget the pictures. I have the real thing right in front of me.” Claim her properly and end the ’fake’ boyfriend charade. (Reward: +1000 PP, Unlock ’Co-Captain’s Prize’ H-Scene, Massive Essence Spike)

[C: The Playful Tease (The Middle Ground)] – “Send them tonight. I’ll tell you exactly what I think of each one at school tomorrow.” (Reward: +25 Rina Affinity, Moderate Essence Spike)

Akira looked at Rina. Her damp skin glistened under the moonlight, her chest rising and falling with slightly shallow breaths. He thought about the 48-hour dormancy Ayaka had commanded. He thought about the steroid test and then about Mia finding out.

Then he looked at the way Rina’s lips parted, her gaze flickering down to his mouth, shattering his resolve at dormancy.

He had spent too long being the outcast. He wasn’t going to let the fear of a test stop him from taking what was right in front of him.

“I don’t think a little kiss will make a significant spike in my essence,” he thought.

He chose B.

“Forget the pictures, Rina,” Akira said with a sudden, predatory confidence.

He didn’t wait for her to respond. He reached across the small gap, his hand sliding behind her neck, his fingers tangling in her wet hair.

He pulled her forward through the water until their chests were inches apart, the warmth of their bodies radiating more heat than the tub itself.

“You wanted to know what it takes to make me lose my cool?” he murmured, his gaze dropping to her lips. “You’re looking at it. We’re done pretending. If you’re in this tub with me, you aren’t doing it to get back at Kenji. You’re doing it because you want me.”

Rina’s breath hitched, her bravado momentarily replaced by a sharp, genuine gasp of desire. “Akira…”

“Am I wrong?”

“No,” she whispered, her hands finding his shoulders. “You’re not wrong. I haven’t wanted anyone else since that night we talked out here.”

Without further thought, Akira closed the distance, slamming his lips against hers.

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