Chapter 1

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I, Tōru Yonakura, a second-year high school student, have a childhood friend of the same age.

Rin Asakura is an exceptionally talented girl, excelling in academics, sports, and the arts. And I, her childhood friend, know that these attributes are not due to innate talent but the result of relentless, steady effort.

When we were in elementary school, Rin was not particularly good at studies or sports, and there was no hint of any artistic inclination.

But from a certain point, she suddenly awakened and achieved greatness through overwhelming effort, leaving others far behind.

Having witnessed her steady growth from middle school to high school, I feel a mix of admiration and a slight sense of loneliness, as if she has moved far away.

Unlike me, who is introverted and enjoys anime and web novels, Rin is bound to become popular in her class, no, in the entire grade.

She will surely lead a life that shines brightly, far surpassing someone like me.

Or so I thought, but that didn't happen.

"What's with that deflated cola look on your face? You're infecting me with your negative aura. Can you stop it right now?"

This childhood friend of mine has a bit of a sharp tongue.

With her natural sharp wit, she cuts down any boys who approach her, maintaining a firm and resolute attitude.

As a result, she has no male friends and few female friends, but she doesn't seem to mind much.

"No, sorry, I was just spacing out."

Hearing this, Rin sighs deeply.

"Trans, you stay up too late. Shouldn't you ban the internet?"

"Are you telling me to die?"

"Of course not. I just want you to get run over by a truck and have a happy life in another world."

"Being reborn and dying are the same thing, you know?"

When I point this out, Rin's stern expression softens slightly, and she raises the corners of her mouth just a little.

Despite her stern demeanor, her innocent smile makes my heart thump.

I think to myself, if she just smiled silently, she would be incredibly popular.

Rin is an incredibly beautiful girl, regardless of my subjective opinion.

I genuinely believe she is the cutest girl in the world.

Is that subjective?

No, she is the cutest in the world.

With her well-proportioned features and elegant facial structure, her skin is as white as milk, and her chest boasts two prominent curves.

Her long black hair, which reaches her waist, is half-up, half-down, tied with a red ribbon, making her look adorable.

She is of average height for a girl but has a slender, model-like figure.

Rin, whose name befits her, is a beauty that evokes the image of a traditional Japanese maiden.

Yeah, she's definitely the cutest in the world.

I often think that if she were to hold a katana or a bow, she would look incredibly fitting.

Just as I'm thinking this, a sharp remark comes flying at me.

"What are you staring at? It's creepy."

"I'm not staring."

Maybe I was glancing, but I'm too embarrassed to admit it.

"All criminals say the same thing."

"If being a criminal were this easy, all the prisons in Japan would be packed."

I often think that if she were a bit softer in her tone, she would have many more friends.

However, I don't find her sharp tongue at all unpleasant.

In fact, it gives me a sense of comfort, like eating meat and potatoes made by my mother.

It's not that I have some masochistic fetish... I know there's a reason for Rin's sharp tongue, and as her childhood friend, I understand it.

In a way, her sharp tongue is a common language between us.

Moreover, for me, who is deeply in love with her, being able to hear her harsh words every day is a form of happiness.

The only concern I have is that... people in school whisper that Rin and I have a "dog and owner" relationship, and I need to do something about it someday.

No, I'm not into that, really.

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I want to confess to Rin someday.

I've liked her since elementary school.

I've been walking a long, one-sided path for a very long time.

However, for me, who is fundamentally socially awkward and passive, confessing to a girl, especially one I've had a crush on for 10 years, is as difficult as jumping in front of a truck to be reborn in another world.

But deep down, I want to confess, I want to be with her.

Even though she is always cold and sharp-tongued, I want to make her happy because she is actually very kind, affectionate, hardworking, and lonely.

But I have a "reason not to confess," so it can't happen.

Ah, but I want to tell her I like her.

Even after entering high school, this feeling has only grown and grown, but I haven't acted on it, leading to a restless and frustrated life.

Or so I thought.

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"Trans-kun"

"...What is it, Rin?"

We are in Rin's room.

With a relaxed, uncharacteristic smile, Rin says,

"I... like you..."

She then clings to me tightly.

And then, she pushes me down.

The sweet scent, like the nectar of a flower.

Her warm body, like a spring sunbeam.

The soft, pliant sensation of her chest pressing against me.

Just before my head short-circuits, Rin, who is on top of me, slowly lifts her body.

I am in a position where I am looking up at her, with her arms stretched out.

Looking up, I can see a supreme smile, full of tenderness and affection, even in the shadow of the backlight.

"I'm not letting go anymore."

With a voice full of love, Rin returns to my chest and buries her face, clinging to me.

Gently placing my hand on her small head, Rin lets out a ticklish sound.

What is this adorable creature...

I mutter in my heart, wondering how this happened, and recall the events leading up to this moment.

The trigger goes back a little.