As you can guess by the title, this isn't exactly a continuation of where the last chapter left off—in fact, it mainly focuses on Shiina/Kamakiri. It still does technically take place, but I didn't know where to incorporate it into the story as an actual chapter. I kinda already glossed over their current relationship in the previous chapters plus it wouldn't work in the chapters to come either.

Truthfully, I wasn't even gonna post this (wrote it just for fun), but because I loved it so much, here it is as a measly bonus lol.

The Naru/Shiina doomsday events will continue in the next official chapter, coming tomorrow hopefully.

Vote & Comment! <3

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"You stop by way too much."

Kamakiri wasn't the tiniest bit pleased to see me. It was nothing new—whenever I had spare time and ducked in during lunch, he never was. Nevertheless, he didn't turn me away. The first few times he did. He'd even lock the door or ignore me until I had no choice but to back down. However, after realizing how adamant I was to come by, he gave in before long.

Now, there was never a time I visited where the door wasn't unlocked. He never barked at me to leave either. Although he exasperatedly uttered demeaning stuff, after spending enough time with him, I already knew this was his way of hiding his embarrassment.

"I made you lunch again," I said, taking a seat in front of him. "This time, I think it turned out very well. Possibly to rival even you, Master."

"What a pain."

I clasped my palms. "Just one bite. I won't ask for anything else."

Begrudgingly, he extended his palm. "It better be good."

I brightened. Digging into my bag, I handed it off. "It's super delicious! Will make you smile, guaranteed."

"Coming from you, that sounds like baloney."

"Jeez, you say that but you always eat them."

"'Cause I don't like wasting food, no matter how disgusting."

I pursed my mouth. "Well this won't be disgusting."

"What happens if it is?"

"I'll accept any punishment."

The corners of his lip quirked up. "To think you're that confident. You must really want me to punish you, huh."

I shuddered. Oh no. I mean, I was confident, but Kamakiri was Kamakiri. Thus far, there hadn't been a single meal he didn't mercilessly tear apart. Whenever I thought it was rather good, he found qualms. There was a high chance today would be no different.

I didn't mind his feedback. Cooking used to be something I avoided at all costs because I wasn't any good. Since he'd started exchanging tips with me, I began experimenting a lot. Possibly because I was competitive at heart, I wanted to wipe that smugness off his face—see him smile from the deliciousness. It was a pipe dream, I knew, yet I aimed for that. Seeing as he was a better cook than me, I didn't mind relying on him to accomplish that.

Yet, that wouldn't become a reality for who knew how long. I'd gotten ahead of myself.

"A-actually," I said.

"Too late. Chopsticks."

Defeatedly, I extended the spare ones I'd brought. I watched in anticipation as he indifferently opened the container and stared down at it. It felt like centuries, him digging in and indulging bites of everything.

He lowered his chopsticks before long.

I swallowed hard. "What is it this time? It tastes like a horse took a dump and I offered it to you? Or maybe like feet after an intense track and field meet?"

Utterly mute, Kamakiri beckoned me closer.

My lungs squeezed. Oh, gosh. It was so bad he didn't want to waste time spelling it out for me? Well, what did I expect? Impressing him with my cooking was a long shot. This outcome was far more realistic.

Burying my apprehension, I shuffled up to him. On my knees, I ducked my head, unable to meet his gaze.

He ruffled my hair.

My torso recoiled.

Indifference or repulsion were the last things present on his countenance. Rather, it was an expression I couldn't quite decipher.

Confusion bubbled within me. "Wh-why are you petting me. . . ?"

"Even dogs need positive reinforcement when they do something good."

Slack-jawed, my heart swelled. "You mean—"

He let his arm fall. "It wasn't bad."

Time moved in slow motion.

I couldn't believe my ears.

"R-really? It wasn't?"

Spotting my ear-splitting grin, and definitely sparkling eyes, his lips downturned.

"Don't get so happy. I didn't say it was good."

"But, but, you never praised me like this before!" I clasped my palms, giggling. "Yay! I can't believe it. If something like this isn't bad, it'll only be a matter of time before it is good. Then, then, you'll smile. . ."

Kamakiri's eyes widened the slightest. Bashfully, he rotated away. "That day won't come, idiot. Besides, find some other interest than my smile."

Tittering, I laid my hands on my lap. "I'm curious, though. I want to see what kind of smile you'll show when I serve you something delicious. Tasty food is sure to bring one out of people."

"You've seen me smile tons of times."

"Not a genuine one," I argued. "Some part of them are obnoxious. I'm sure you'd look a lot better if you wore them often. Not to mention more approachable. Oh, like when I first met you. I never saw you without one and each and every time you were so—"

My heart slammed against my ribcage, shutting me right up. What was I saying? What was I going to say?

This and that Kamakiri were two different people. I mean, technically they were the same, but that Kamakiri was fake. The one I fell in love with never existed, therefore my first crush—and all the emotions I'd experienced because of him—was automatically void.

"Hmm." Unbeknownst to me, Kamakiri had lessened the distance between us. His smirk was present, brown eyes boring into mine. "Now I'm curious. I was what?"

My cheeks flamed. "N-nothing."

"It didn't look like nothing to me. If it was, I doubt you'd be blushing this much." His amusement broadened. "Say, was I really that good-looking? I must've been, considering you liked me so much."

!!!

He wanted to give me a heart attack.

I couldn't answer that! No, I refused to. I wasn't giving into his tease.

"I recall no such thing," I gritted out.

"That so? I remember it very clearly. You'd get so happy whenever I talked to you, then would fidget and blush, and struggle to get a word out. Your head was filled to the brim with thoughts of me. . ."

"I-I didn't think about you all the time!"

I'd shouted it reflexively and straightaway regretted it. Every inch of my face and ears flushed.

He had such a twisted personality! It was so twisted!

"What does it matter to you, anyway?" I snapped, glaring—though I was sure it didn't intimidate him at all due to how red I was. "I was super obvious, I know. You were making fun of me from back then all the while I fawned over you like an idiot. Sorry you had to be my first love."

Kamakiri's smirk vanished. Something akin to melancholy downturned his mouth.

"I'm. . . sorry, too."

It was so quiet I'd nearly misheard him.

"I even made you cry. There were so many opportunities to back down. I didn't do it hoping to make you fall for me, but that's not an excuse. I knew the truth yet I hurt you anyway."

This was the most honest he'd ever been. Usually he avoided expressing sincere sentiments altogether and brushed it aside with offhanded snark. This apology now. . . was certainly unexpected. I had an inkling he felt guilty this entire time, but I never thought he'd acknowledge it. He already notified me he stopped hanging around those delinquents he once called 'friends' following the carnival incident, which was why I assumed he wouldn't bring it up again.

"It definitely hurt," I admitted. "A lot. But, without that pain, neither of us would be here now."

Once more, I'd stunned him into silence.

"I already said I'd face you again. That I forgive you. I don't want to recall the past we've already moved on from. When I think of you, I'd rather remember moments like these. You complimenting a lunch I put my all into. Offering me tips, or looking out for my health. Keeping the door unlocked because you low-key don't mind if I visit. . . Even if I did fall for a version of you that wasn't genuine, I'm glad we met. That the you I interact with now isn't the perfect prince from back then. Sure you're unsociable, are harsh with your words, and have a twisted personality—"

"How is any of that a compliment?"

I laughed. "It isn't. But I promise I still prefer this version. So, when you think of me, I want you to perceive the current me too. Sure in the future we'll probably disagree. There's no guarantee either of us won't hurt the other either. But, I want to reach a point we can move past that by talking it over and reaching an understanding. This all may be wishful thinking, but that's how I feel."

Kamakiri listened to me all the way through.

"You say really embarrassing things," he finally muttered.

"I do?" I spotted something interesting out of the corner of my eye. "No way, are you blushing?"

"Shut up. It's the lighting."

"Sure, sure, tomato cheeks."

Kamakiri flinched at that one. "You. . ."

I couldn't stop giggling. Usually, I was the one getting flustered. This was somewhat refreshing.

"Hey, Kamakiri," I said again. "Can I ask you a few questions?"

"No."

"Come on, please? Simple things to get to know each other better. At least until you finish eating. Then I'll leave."

Albeit miffed, he resumed eating. "You have a lot of free time."

"That's the point. It is lunch time," I excused, getting myself comfortable. Hugging his soft penguin plush pillow to my chest and chin, I continued, "If you don't want to answer, just say so."

"What a waste of time."

"Question one," I declared regardless. "What foods do you particularly dislike?"

"Pass."

"At least cooperate a bit. . ." I rose a finger. "For the record, I can't stand onions. Hmm. . . beets or turnips, and a bunch of other vegetables, too. I also stay away from spicy things since my tongue is weak and can't handle the flavour. And—"

"You talk too much," he complained. "Green peas, all right."

"For real? But I gave you green peas before in a few lunches I've made and you ate it!"

"I told you I don't like wasting food. Besides, I can eat it as long as it's with something else. I'm not a baby."

"Even then. . . I'll make sure not to include it next time," I promised. "Is there anything else?"

"Mushrooms."

"Oh, I don't like mushrooms either. They have a weird texture and taste pretty nasty. What do you think of eggplants?"

"I'll eat it if I have to."

"My mom used to sneak eggplant into most of her dishes because she knew I hated it. Mushrooms and other things too." I chortled. "I used to pretend to eat them when in reality I forced them onto my younger sister. I mean, I get they're good for you, but it was overkill. You don't like what you don't like, right?"

"If she went that far for you despite that, she must've cared a lot about you."

The words didn't come straightaway. My mouth quirked higher. "I know. The little things I complained about, or didn't pay much attention to at the moment. . . becomes so much more precious when I think back on it."

I'd informed Kamakiri about my mom a while ago, and would sometimes bring her up. He didn't make me feel uncomfortable about it at all. Rather, ever since I had that conversation with Igarashi, these memories of her I'd once forced myself to bury in my mind now came out like commonplace.

"What are your hobbies?"

"Reading. Cooking. Stargazing."

"When's your birthday?"

"October 23rd."

"Favourite colour?"

"Red."

"Favourite animal?"

". . .Penguins."

Aww, that was cute!

"You said you have an older brother, right?"

He groaned. "You're still asking questions?"

"A bit longer," I pleaded. "So? Is he like you?"

"Nothing close. He's annoyingly straightforward, a busybody, not to mention noisy."

That was the exact opposite. I wonder if they looked alike. . .

"You mentioned before that he likes Mortal Mania. Is that true?"

"You remember that? I guess. He never shuts up about them."

I beamed. "He has taste! What are his favourite tracks? Albums?"

"How should I know? Nor do I care."

"Why not?"

"Never really listened to them to have an opinion."

"No way! You have to! I'll lend you CDs."

"I don't have a CD player."

"Then, I'll send links!"

His eyebrows ominously furrowed together. He squeezed my mouth with his fingers. Somehow, amidst our conversation, he'd concluded eating. "You're babbling way too much today."

"Sorry," I muffled beneath his hold. Despite it, I tittered. "But I can't help it. I finally feel like I've gotten to know you better and I'm happy."

Kamakiri rigidified, newfound colour staining his complexion.

"W. . .weirdo," he muttered. "It's almost like you still have feelings for me or something."

My lungs malfunctioned. "I-I do not! As of right now, I have zero interest!"

"So that doesn't eliminate the possibility you'll fall for me again in the future?"

Lips flapping wordlessly, heat scalded my face.

His mouth upturned. It was the gentlest expression I'd ever seen—as if I were staring directly at an angel.

My brain melted into an unintentional puddle.

"If that is the case," Kamakiri whispered, gingerly cupping my cheek, "this time, I won't let you be sorry. Feel free to give me your entire heart, I'll treasure it."

As if shot by an arrow, my heart stopped beating completely.

"I-I s-said I-I w-won't."

"Then why're you blushing, tomato cheeks,'" he teased.

!!!

He was toying with me.

He was. . . right?

If he thought putting on that princely smile, caressing my cheek, laughing, and saying heart-melting words would have me giggling like a schoolgirl, he was sorely. . . mistaken.

I wasn't the same lovesick girl from back then. I was perfectly aware of his true colours. He wanted the last laugh.

Unless. . . he meant it.

And was implying he genuinely had romantic interest in me and desired total possession of my affection. . .

I inwardly admonished the notion.

Keep it together, me!

Stop spiralling, my sanity. . . !

I had zero interest in him, remember?!