The warm aroma of coffee and desserts filled the café as Hina sat across from Haku, silently staring at the table.
Or more specifically—staring at the absurd amount of food covering it.
Pancakes.
Sandwiches.
Fries.
Cake.
Drinks.
More snacks.
Hina’s soul practically left her body.
He ordered… all of this?
Inside, she was already crying.
At this rate, my entire monthly allowance will be gone… I’ll have to wash dishes here, or maybe even beg on the streets…
Meanwhile, Haku looked completely unbothered.
He happily ate, as if this was perfectly normal.
“Hm?”
He said while chewing, glancing at her.
“Why aren’t you eating, Shorty?”
Their eyes met.
The moment Hina looked into his blue eyes, her power activated.
Warm happiness.
Playfulness.
Pure enjoyment.
He was genuinely having fun.
“N-No, I’m fine.”
Hina replied quickly.
Actually, she was terrified that eating more would somehow increase the bill.
After a moment—
Hina spoke again.
“Haku… can I tell you something?”
He looked up.
“What?”
Hina hesitated.
“Lately… I’ve been feeling like someone is following me.”
Haku froze.
Completely.
His fork stopped mid-air.
He stared straight into her eyes.
Again, her senses reacted.
Shock.
Relief—
Because she was safe right now.
Then immediate concern.
Deep concern.
Hina softened.
“Hey, don’t worry.
I’m not sure.”
She said gently.
“It might just be my imagination.”
Then she reached forward—
And placed her hand over his.
“It’s okay.”
That single touch shattered Haku’s composure.
His heartbeat accelerated.
Fast.
Too fast.
Heat rushed to his face.
His ears turned red.
His breathing caught in his throat.
W-What is this…?
His thoughts blurred.
Hina blinked.
“Haku?
Hello?”
He snapped back.
“Ah—!”
Haku quickly lowered his gaze, avoiding her eyes.
He couldn’t let her read his emotions.
Not now.
Not like this.
Instead, he stared at their hands.
Then slowly…
He placed his free hand over hers.
His grip was warm.
Gentle.
Protective.
“Don’t worry,” he said quietly.
“I’ll protect you.”
Hina smiled.
A warm, soft smile.
“I know.”
Haku’s heart skipped.
Again.
Then suddenly, as if embarrassed by his own sincerity, he puffed up.
“Of course, I will.”
He said dramatically.
“Shorty will get lost without me.”
Hina stared.
Then lightly hit his arm.
“What was that mood swing?”
Haku grinned.
“Truth hurts.”
“Idiot.”
They both laughed.
Time passed quickly.
Eventually, they reached the counter.
Hina stood up nervously.
This was it.
The end.
The death of her wallet.
She approached the cashier.
The woman at the counter smiled politely.
“Yes?”
Hina swallowed.
“How much is the bill?”
The woman checked the register.
Then looked back.
“Oh, your bill has already been paid.”
Hina blinked.
“…What?”
“Paid already.”
Her eyes widened.
“By whom?”
The cashier smiled and pointed behind her.
Hina turned.
Her eyes landed on Haku.
He was casually waiting near the door, hands in pockets, pretending nothing happened.
Realization hit instantly.
A soft smile appeared on her face.
She turned back.
“Thank you.”
Then she walked toward him.
She said nothing.
But inside, warmth bloomed.
He’s really kind…
Once outside, Hina spoke.
“Let’s get ice-cream.
I’ll pay this time.”
Haku raised a brow.
“You’re paying?”
“Yes.”
He smirked.
“Fine.
Ice-cream helps short people grow taller.”
Hina pouted.
“I’m not that short.”
“You are.”
“I’m not.”
“You are.”
She glared.
He laughed.
At the ice-cream shop, they picked flavors.
Haku chose his.
Hina chose hers.
They walked while eating.
Then—
Without warning—
Haku suddenly stepped behind her.
Before Hina could react—
He leaned close.
Very close.
His chest nearly touched her back.
Their faces were only inches apart.
Then—
Haku took a bite of her ice-cream.
Hina froze.
Her brain stopped functioning.
Completely.
When their eyes met—
Her power activated.
Mischief.
Playfulness.
Teasing satisfaction.
And something else.
A faint thrill.
Haku straightened.
“Hm…”
He said.
“Good flavor.”
Hina’s face turned bright red.
He continued shamelessly.
“You actually have decent taste, Shorty.”
She still couldn’t speak.
Too close…
That was way too close.
Before she recovered—
Haku took another bite.
And another.
And another.
Until—
Her ice-cream was gone.
Silence.
Hina stared.
Then exploded.
“HEY!
THAT WAS MY ICE-CREAM!”
Haku burst into laughter.
Loud, genuine laughter.
Hina lightly smacked his arm.
“You’re horrible!”
He laughed harder.
Eventually—
Even Hina started laughing too.
The evening passed with warmth and laughter.
By the time Haku walked her home, night had fallen.
Stars glittered overhead.
They stopped near her house.
Then—
Both froze.
Someone was already there.
Standing in front of Hina’s house.
Tall figure.
Dark hair.
Grey eyes.
Ryu.
Silence fell.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Heavy.
Awkward.
Tense.
Hina’s eyes met Ryu’s.
Her power activated.
Annoyance.
Sharp annoyance.
Directed at—
Haku.
Then Hina looked at Haku.
His emotions surged into her senses.
Jealousy.
Irritation.
Possessiveness.
Her eyes widened.
She couldn’t understand.
Why are these two reacting like this…?
Neither of the boys said a word.
Yet the unspoken rivalry between them was loud enough to shake the silence.
End of Chapter 18.