COTE: Horikita Is My Childhood Sweetheart

Chapter 181: No...Isn't it possible?

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With one step, then two, Shiina approached Rin silently, like a graceful leopard hunting its prey. She moved without making a sound~

Rin, who was flipping through the book in his hand, suddenly felt someone poke his back. Startled, he turned around, only to see Shiina standing there with a light, sweet smile.

Her gorgeous purple eyes sparkled with joy, like a mountain stream flowing gently in spring, exuding a warmth that felt healing just by looking at her.

Shiina retracted the slender finger she had used to poke Rin's back. Smiling, Rin said, "Shiina, you're here in the library too?"

"Hmm~"

Shiina raised her eyebrows and nodded. "Rin, why didn't you tell me you were coming to the library? I was really looking forward to discussing classic novels with you here!"

Her words, tinged with playful complaints and dissatisfaction, were adorably endearing~

Ever since Shiina had lent Rin the book "Whose Body?", the two had frequently exchanged thoughts about the characters and their impressions of the plot over Line.

Their Line conversations never seemed to stop, and after a few exchanges, the two had grown quite familiar with each other.

However, since Shiina wasn't very adept at using her phone, she typed messages slowly. For this reason, she often found online communication cumbersome and inconvenient.

Because of this, she hoped to sit face-to-face with Rin to discuss the plot verbally.

Rin looked at the soft, cute girl, who tilted her head slightly and gazed at him with anticipation. He smiled and said, "I didn't know you were in the library too, Shiina. Next time I come here, I'll make sure to let you know in advance."

"Good, it's settled then!"

Shiina raised her eyebrows in delight before glancing at the book in Rin's hand. Seeing the title, she looked surprised. "Rin, why are you reading a chess book? Are you planning to learn how to play chess?"

"I'm considering it. Shiina, do you have any recommendations for chess books?"

"No, I'm afraid not. While I love reading, chess books aren't something I've ever explored, so I can't help you there," Shiina said, a hint of regret in her voice.

"That's alright. Chess books are just for fun anyway. If you really want to improve at chess, you have to use a laptop to play one-on-one against the Ai," Rin replied with a shrug.

"I see."

Shiina blinked, her sparkling purple eyes revealing a sense of curiosity and expectation toward Rin.

She looked up at him and said eagerly, "Then, Rin, since you don't have your laptop with you, you can't practice chess right now, can you?"

"That's right," Rin confirmed with a nod.

"Then, Rin," Shiina said, stepping closer to him, her expression full of expectation, "how about we talk about "Whose Body?" instead?"

As she stepped closer, a faint fragrance wafted from her, filling Rin's senses. Her soft, graceful body pressed gently against him, and he suddenly felt the pleasant pressure of softness.

Rin rubbed his nose awkwardly and said, "Of course, we can do that. But I left your copy of "Whose Body?" back at my dorm. I don't have it with me."

"Then, Rin, go back and get it quickly! Or..." Shiina leaned in closer, her voice soft but insistent. "I'll just come back to your dorm with you, and we can talk about it there."

Rin gave Shiina a subtle look after she made her suggestion. This literary girl, who loved mystery novels, always became particularly proactive and enthusiastic when discussing the things she was passionate about.

And now, Shiina was suggesting going to Rin's dormitory to chat about classic novels.

She's just a little white rabbit. Isn't she afraid that I might be a big bad wolf?

Noticing Rin's subtle gaze, Shiina suddenly realized she might have been too excited. A faint blush spread across her fair cheeks, making her already soft and delicate figure appear even more charming and girlish.

"No... it's not a problem, right, Rin?"

- Huh?

What Shiina was concerned about now wasn't the fact that she'd just invited herself to a boy's dormitory, but whether Rin would even agree to let her go.

"I don't mind, as long as you don't, Shiina."

"I don't mind at all!"

With her cheeks still slightly flushed, Shiina broke into a happy expression. "Rin, let's go quickly—time is precious!"

While Rin, as a boy, wasn't in any rush, Shiina, despite being the girl, was the one in a hurry.

Rin grabbed the chess tactics and combination skills book he had borrowed and completed the checkout process at the library.

On their way to the dormitory building, Shiina walked with a light and happy step, exuding an infectious joy that lifted Rin's mood without him realizing it.

Because of her quiet personality and her preference for reading alone, Shiina didn't have many friends in Class C. There was no one she could share her love of mystery novels with.

Rin was the only person with whom Shiina could talk openly and freely about her interests.

That was why she cherished their time together and looked forward to spending more moments discussing their shared hobbies. This was the main reason for her excitement now.

As they passed a self-service beverage vending machine on the way, Rin stopped and looked at Shiina.

"Shiina, would you like something to drink? My treat."

"Hmm."

Shiina tilted her head slightly and glanced at the array of drinks displayed in the vending machine. She pointed to a canned drink in emerald green packaging.

"Matcha soda. Rin, what do you want to drink? I'll treat you this time."

"That's not necessary."

"It is necessary!" Shiina said firmly, looking at Rin with a serious expression.

"Alright, then… buy me a bottle of honey peach."

"Wow, Rin, you really have a sweet tooth!"

"Yeah, I'm not a fan of bland or bitter drinks."

"Oh, I see."

Shiina nodded thoughtfully, committing Rin's preference for sweet drinks to memory. She made a mental note not to order coffee or soda water for him in the future since he didn't seem to like them.

While Rin had already purchased the matcha soda for Shiina, she was still clumsily navigating her phone to pay for the honey peach drink using her personal points.

It took her nearly forty seconds to complete the purchase. Finally, she let out a sigh of relief, gently rolled up her skirt, and squatted down to retrieve the bottle of honey peach drink from the vending machine's tray.

"Here's your drink, Rin~"

"Thank you," Rin said, taking the drink from her hand. In return, he handed her the bottle of matcha soda he had purchased for her.