Crossover: I Took In a Runaway High School Girl

The atmosphere in the dessert shop became a soft hum, sweet aromas and cheerful chatter blending into a gentle backdrop. Yumiko Miura felt she couldn't continue like this. So, she took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and looked at Renji with her large, watery eyes, full of determination.

"Renji-kun, may I ask you something?"

"Of course," Renji said, his smile relaxed, almost too relaxed. "I'm always very enthusiastic about beautiful girls and happy to answer. You can ask as many questions as you like."

Yumiko Miura glanced at the nervous Yui Yuigahama beside her, then said with a smile, trying to hide a slight tremor in her voice, "Do you have a girlfriend? I mean, a confirmed relationship?"

Shiina Mahiru felt her heart clench at this. Earlier, she had said he had a girlfriend and they were already living together, so how would he end this situation? She regretted it immensely, she shouldn't have said that. Yet, at the same time, she also anticipated Renji's answer.

Renji didn't overthink it and replied with a smile, "Currently, I don't have a girlfriend, but right now I'm living in the same place as a girl I like, and we plan to develop in that direction."

This made Shiina Mahiru feel relieved, a quiet sigh escaping her. There was nothing wrong with that. At least it wouldn't change her image in the eyes of her friends. Shiina Mahiru still cherished her friendship with Yumiko and the others.

"I see, so you're single right now?" Yumiko continued, a hint of surprise in her voice.

"That's right, I wouldn't just confirm a relationship, because in my opinion, dating a girl means having the responsibility to take care of her for the rest of her life." Renji looked at them with a serious gaze, his smile fading. "Otherwise, relationships that don't last will only hurt each other in the end."

This made Yumiko Miura's heart warm, something unexpected piercing her. The same went for Yui Yuigahama, who nodded in agreement without saying a word. Renji's figure suddenly grew taller in their eyes.

Renji's gaze fell on Yumiko Miura's beautiful face, his mischievous smile returning. "So, Miura, why are you asking me about girlfriends? You're not interested in me, are you?" He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering, almost a whisper. "Coincidentally, I like your personality, Miura. We could try being friends..."

"Ah? Me? No, no, no, I can't do that, that's not me!" Yumiko Miura's mouth widened, and she quickly waved her hands in refusal, her expression flustered, her cheeks flushed crimson. Although she knew that Renji had been teasing her intentionally or unintentionally, she didn't expect him to confess directly. Yumiko Miura's cheeks were already flushed up to her ears, and she was a little bewildered, like a deer caught in headlights.

Renji, rejected, let out a long sigh and showed a convincingly disappointed expression. "I'm sorry, I've troubled you. Just ignore what I said earlier."

Yumiko Miura suddenly felt guilty. She certainly hadn't felt this way when she had rejected other boys' confessions before. But facing Renji, her savior, she felt incredibly uncomfortable, a small pang in her chest.

Seeing him acting comically, Shiina Mahiru couldn't help but snort, her small laugh like bells. "Yumiko, don't be fooled by him. Didn't he just say he's living with a girl he likes? He's clearly not serious about confessing to you!"

Yumiko Miura was stunned, then glared at Renji.

Renji spread his hands helplessly, a small smile on his lips. "It's true that I admire Miura. If you had agreed to my confession, I would have made a fortune."

"You wish!" Yumiko Miura glared at him, her tone displeased, yet tinged with amusement. "Although being admired is good, I still want to tell you something serious, Renji-kun." She took a deep breath. "I already have someone I like, so I won't accept your confession no matter what."

Shiina Mahiru blushed after hearing this. At first, she had also solemnly promised Sayu that she would never be tempted by him. But now she had fallen into his trap and didn't want to leave when he hugged her?

Facing Yumiko Miura's serious words, Renji also nodded gravely, his expression returning to calm. "I know, I won't say it again." He added, his voice softening, "But don't misunderstand, Yumiko Miura. The admiration I spoke of is merely a man's appreciation for a beautiful girl and your personality. I also yearn for such a friendship, that's all. I didn't mean to disrespect you."

Hearing that, Yumiko Miura smiled and nodded, relief radiating from her face. "I know, so don't take it to heart. Although I can't date you, I'm willing to be good friends with you."

"In that case, please give me more advice in the future, Yumiko." Renji took the initiative to extend his hand to her.

"Please give me your advice, Renji-kun." Yumiko Miura blushed and shook hands with him, warmth spreading through her skin, then quickly separated. She blushed at his familiar address. But since he promised to be good friends, it seemed there was no problem with changing to a familiar address.

"And you, Mahiru, Yui, Hina, can you be my friends?"

"Of course!" the girls said in unison, small laughs mingling with their voices.

So, Renji also shook hands with the three beautiful girls as a matter of course, feeling the different textures of their skin. He also gained the privilege of calling them by their first names. Of course, Mahiru had long been in the same group as him.

After talking it over, the atmosphere improved, feeling lighter and full of laughter. Yumiko Miura didn't mind his earlier confession, and immediately started a new topic as a representative of the lively atmosphere, as if nothing had ever happened.

Yui Yuigahama found that she was relieved he hadn't confirmed a relationship with anyone. So she followed Yumiko's topic and joined the conversation with renewed energy, her eyes sparkling. Shiina Mahiru was an angel with perfect communication skills, so there was no need to worry.

Only Hina Ebina continued to stare at Renji. Her gaze was intense, as if she wanted to see through him, to understand the mystery behind the man.

Renji was well aware that Hina had just seen the evil spirit. This should have been Miko Yotsuya's prerogative, and the evil spirit's magnetic field... a special state. Hina was affected by the magnetic field, so she saw it once, and she probably wouldn't have the opportunity to see evil spirits in the future.

So Renji didn't intend to explain. The main reason was that he didn't want to disturb this peaceful daily life. People like Mahiru, Yumiko, and Yui should be afraid of ghosts. It wasn't good to tell them that there were evil spirits, and it wasn't good to feel afraid.

And Hina Ebina was also very perceptive. Seeing that he didn't say much about the evil spirits, she also understood that he was thinking of himself and others, thinking of taking everything on and protecting the girls alone. A responsible and considerate man, Hina Ebina was slightly touched. At the same time, she was even more pessimistic about Hayama. Compared to Renji's straightforwardness and responsibility, Hayama's gentle smiles used to maintain a small circle were truly ridiculous.

However, since Hina Ebina also liked the atmosphere of this small circle, she wouldn't break it. But, how long could this small circle formed by Hayama and Yumiko last? After graduating in three years, Yumiko would definitely confess. And Hayama would destroy this harmony with his own hands because he had someone in his heart and rejected Yumiko's confession. Then he would deeply hurt Yumiko Miura.

Rather than that, it was better to let Renji pursue Yumiko.

Although Hina Ebina always got nosebleeds from her B1 fantasy plots, she was one of the most transparent people in the class.

After chatting for a while, Renji's phone rang, its vibration felt in his pocket. It was Chihiro Sengoku calling, asking him to pick up Mashiro Shiina from school.

Renji was speechless, a little frustrated. "Teacher Chihiro, aren't you at school? Why don't you bring her back when you go home? It's only a few steps away."

Chihiro Sengoku said confidently, "I have to go to a social gathering and I'm preparing to meet successful people. I don't have time. If you don't come, my cousin will be kidnapped. Don't cry."

Okay! Renji was defeated. He was really afraid that the cute Mashiro would be kidnapped.

"You won't succeed at your social gathering, Teacher Chihiro. I think you'll still have to go back to Sakurasou in the end." After saying something that infuriated the 29-year-old beautiful girl, Renji hung up.

Then, he said goodbye to Yumiko Miura and the others. "Sorry, I have to go to Suimei High School to pick someone up. Are you going home or continuing to shop?"

"It's still early, we plan to continue shopping." Yumiko Miura smiled and shook her head, then continued to ask, "Who are you picking up? Is she the girl you like and live with?"

"She's Mahiru's cousin. She's too simple-minded. I'm afraid she'll be kidnapped."

"Mahiru has a cousin? Why do you have to pick them up?"

"Ask Mahiru for the details. She knows the situation. Don't forget to contact me if you encounter any problems. Since we're friends, I'll definitely come right away if you run into difficulties." Renji smiled and waved his hand, handing over the task of explaining the matter to Mahiru, then waved goodbye and left.

Before leaving, he leaned close to Hina Ebina's ear and said something, his voice low, almost a whisper. "Don't tell anyone about seeing that kind of thing."

Hina Ebina's eyes sparkling. Of course! Renji isn't simple. Sure enough, I wasn't hallucinating earlier. Renji really eliminated that evil spirit with just a glance.

"Ah, wait, your jacket!" Shiina Mahiru only just realized that Renji's clothing was still on her.

"Wear it, and bring it back to me when the time comes." After saying that, he left, his steps quick.

Shiina Mahiru was stared at by Yumiko and the other two. "Tell us the truth, Mahiru, are you the one living with Renji-kun?"

Shiina Mahiru nodded helplessly. "It's me. We both live in a house called Sakurasou, which is next to the high school affiliated with Suimei University of the Arts." She looked into their curious eyes. "But we're not living together, we're just living in the same house!"

"Then is he talking about the person he likes, is that you?" Yumiko Miura continued to ask with great interest, her tone eager.

Yui Yuigahama also pricked up her ears and listened intently. She was also very concerned about this question.

Shiina Mahiru looked into the curious eyes of her three best friends and knew that she couldn't hide it. Perhaps this was the best way. Why should she insist on not letting Yumiko get hurt and get a boyfriend herself? She shouldn't have forced her own ideas onto Yumiko on her own initiative, and asked him to pursue Yumiko under the guise of doing good for Renji.

She understood it when he took off his jacket and draped it over her in front of others. What he cared about was Shiina Mahiru.

In that case, there was no need to hide in secret. If she did it secretly, she felt that she would be hurt in the end, and Yumiko and the others would also be hurt. That's why he did this to become legitimate friends with Yumiko and the others.

Thinking this, she nodded openly, a decision that felt liberating. "Yes, I do like Renji, but I don't plan to confirm a relationship with him, at least for now."

"Huh? Why?" Yui Yuigahama was very confused, her eyes wide. "Since you both like each other, why don't you confirm the relationship?"

"You'll know later, please keep this a secret for now. Anyway, I want to tell you that I don't mind Renji dating other girls." Shiina looked at them one by one, her face serious. "After all, we haven't confirmed this relationship yet. So, if any of you like him, feel free to pursue him. I'll accept it, and wish you all the best." She looked at Yui Yuigahama with particular attention, her gaze soft.

Yumiko Miura opened her mouth, not knowing what to say, words caught in her throat. But after saying that, she probably understood the complicated relationship between Renji and Mahiru, so she didn't ask too many questions.

Yumiko Miura glanced at Yui, who was also in a complicated mood, then sighed. "Yui, what do you think?"

"Ah? What do you think?" The bun-haired girl looked confused, her eyes blinking.

"Idiot, you don't want to date Renji? I'm asking for your opinion. If you really like him, you can ask Mahiru for help!" Yumiko said, a little exasperated.

"Alright... I... I actually don't want to date Renji, how do I put it... I'll tell you." Gritting her teeth, Yui Yuigahama told them about the car accident at the beginning of the school year and that she was the owner of the dog.

Yumiko Miura fell silent, staring at Yui with wide eyes.

"So, you just wanted to find an opportunity to say thank you, but due to various reasons, you kept putting it off and didn't express it?" Yumiko summarized.

"Maybe that's all there is to it." Yui lowered her head guiltily, her voice small.

In fact, that wasn't entirely true. After being saved by Renji, Renji's standing in her heart would be even higher. It was just that she was embarrassed and reluctant to say that she liked Renji.

And, Shiina Mahiru said that she liked Renji. Although she hadn't confirmed their relationship for some reason, if she and Renji really became a couple, then Mahiru would definitely be sad. She didn't believe that Shiina Mahiru wouldn't mind if Renji dated other girls. Otherwise, why did she say last time that she had a boyfriend and they were already living together?

For the sake of a best friend, for the sake of friendship. Yui Yuigahama decided to keep her feelings for Renji deep in her heart, burying them under layers of loyalty.

So, the friendship between Yumiko Miura and the other beautiful girls was truly touching. Renji's admiration wasn't fake, but sincere. They all cherished each other. Even for the sake of their best friends, they could hide their feelings and help each other.

Enjoying the story? You can read 7 chapters in advance on p@treon/Rzzzy!