Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

"Alright, go on in," Kanade urged, stopping in front of a women's clothing store.

If Mahiru wasn't comfortable going home in her soiled dress, she could pick out a new outfit here. The stained dress could easily be sent to a laundry service for cleaning.

"You can go ahead by yourself. Let the staff know if you need help. I'll wait outside."

Given the store catered exclusively to women, with items like swimsuits and lingerie on display, Kanade felt it inappropriate for him to enter. He resigned himself to idling outside, though he wished there was a nearby place where he could strike up a conversation with other guys about "date tips" or shared hobbies.

"Okay…" Mahiru nodded, her voice barely audible.

Kanade took out his phone, preparing to pass the time scrolling, but he soon heard footsteps approaching him.

Already? he thought, glancing up. Surely it hadn't been long enough for her to choose something.

To his surprise, it wasn't Mahiru but two unfamiliar women, both dressed stylishly and exuding a mature air.

"Hey there, are you by yourself?" one asked, her tone casual but inviting.

"Care to join us for a cup of tea?" the other chimed in, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Kanade blinked in confusion.

Do I really look like I'm alone?

It seemed obvious to him that anyone standing outside a women's store was probably waiting for someone. Did he somehow come across as a lone wolf prowling for unsuspecting women?

Still, he politely declined. "No, I'm waiting for someone…"

Before he could finish, he felt an arm snake around his.

He turned to see Mahiru, who had unexpectedly reappeared, still wearing her white dress.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," she said smoothly, tightening her grip on his arm. "Let's go."

Without waiting for a reply, she pulled him away from the two women.

"..."

Kanade glanced at her, puzzled. Did she not find anything she liked? Or… was she helping him out of a sticky situation? Surely she wasn't jealous or worried he might run off with someone else…

Regardless of her reason, her timely intervention had saved him from an awkward encounter.

"Is everything okay?" he asked cautiously.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Mahiru turned to him, her expression neutral, though a hint of irritation glinted in her eyes. After a moment's thought, her lips pursed, and she asked, "Did I interrupt something? I hope I didn't ruin your fun."

"What are you talking about?" Kanade chuckled, exasperated. "Do I seem like the type to fall for random strangers like that?"

Mahiru huffed softly, avoiding his gaze. "…We should go back home," she murmured, her earlier boldness giving way to hesitation.

Kanade nodded, prepared to agree, but a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Kanade-kun…"

They both turned to see a calm yet curious Kato Megumi standing nearby. Her head tilted slightly as she studied them.

"Are you two… on a date?" she asked, her tone as neutral as ever.

The word "date" hung in the air, its implications clear. For Kanade, their outing could technically qualify as one, but when he glanced at Mahiru, her discomfort was palpable.

"No, it's not like that," he quickly clarified. "We just happened to run into each other."

Mahiru had previously made it clear she didn't want others knowing about their unique relationship, so Kanade respected her wishes and explained the situation to Kato. He recounted the events with the strangers and Mahiru's intervention, framing it as her helping him out of a tight spot.

When he finished, he looked at Mahiru again. She still seemed uneasy, her fingers lightly gripping his sleeve.

"Don't worry," Kanade said reassuringly. "Kato-san isn't the kind of person who spreads gossip."

Mahiru looked up at him for a moment before nodding slightly, her grip tightening.

"..."

She's still anxious, Kanade realized.

"Kato, are you free right now?"

"I am," Kato replied with a small nod.

"Great. Let's find a place to sit and talk."

At a nearby dessert shop, Kanade clasped his hands together and bowed slightly.

"So that's the story. I'd really appreciate it if you kept this to yourself."

With Mahiru's consent, Kanade revealed that they were neighbors and explained their platonic "mutual assistance" dynamic. He left out more sensitive details, like his rejected confession and their shared meals, instead crafting a believable mix of truth and omission.

Convincing lies always contain elements of the truth, and Kanade trusted Kato's understanding nature.

"You're pretty sneaky, Kanade-kun," Kato said with a faint smile, scooping a spoonful of her dessert. "Luring me into a sweet bribe like this."

She savored the tart sweetness, her expression distant, as though weighing her next move.

I've been outmaneuvered, Kato thought. She had no real intention of causing trouble but found herself quietly amused by Kanade's tactics.

"Because you're such a kind person, Kato-san," Kanade teased lightly, though guilt lingered in his tone.

He knew Kato well enough to predict she wouldn't refuse a direct request, but guilt pricked him nonetheless for roping her into their mess and bribing her with sweets.

"Sorry about this, Kato-san. I'll make it up to you somehow."

Meanwhile, Mahiru watched their exchange in silence, feeling like an outsider.

She understood Kanade was smoothing things over to avoid misunderstandings, but a part of her wished he didn't feel the need to explain their relationship so thoroughly.

Maybe… it wasn't so bad if others misunderstood.