Ding-dong! Ding-dong!
Early the next morning, while Nanami was squeezing toothpaste for a groggy Mashiro, the doorbell rang.
"Hold on~~~!" Nanami yelled toward the door before handing the brush to Mashiro. "It's probably Kaede forgetting her keys. I'll get it."
She wiped her wet hands on a towel and rushed to the foyer.
"Morn— oh?"
Nanami expected to see Kaede or Suzu, but instead, she found a stranger. A girl in a pale pink puff-sleeve shirt and a pleated skirt. She had dazzling blonde hair just like Mashiro and looked exactly like a porcelain doll.
After a brief daze, Nanami's brain kicked into gear. I don't know her, but any girl this cute showing up here is definitely one of his lovers!
"He isn't awake yet. Take a seat in the living room; I'll go get him."
"...?" The blonde girl tilted her head. She stepped back into the yard, checked the nameplate on the gate to ensure she was at the right house, then followed Nanami inside.
"Wait here." Nanami, her face flushed, ran upstairs and shook Rin awake.
"Get up! One of your lovers is here for you!"
"...Who?"
A bleary-eyed Rin was confused. A lover? Who?
"How should I know? Just get dressed and get down there. Kaede and Suzu will be here soon." Nanami opened the wardrobe and tossed a set of clothes onto the bed.
"Huh...?"
Rin got up and started dressing. A lover Nanami doesn't recognize? Who could it be? Nanami knew almost everyone he was involved with.
As he pulled on his pants, Nanami helped him with the buttons on his shirt. Before he could even wash his face, she pushed him downstairs.
Looking at the girl's back, Rin furrowed his brow. He didn't recognize her back—which was strange, because Rin could usually recognize his girls just by their legs. He was certain he didn't know her.
"Who is it? I don't think I know her."
"Eh? You don't?"
Sensing the whispering behind her, the girl on the sofa turned and winked at them.
Confirmed. He definitely didn't know her.
Rin walked forward, observing the girl. Her face was as exquisite as a doll's, and she wore a gentle, practiced smile.
"You must be Mr. Rin. My name is Rita Ainsworth. I was Mashiro's roommate in England."
"Ah, right." Rin's eyes widened. He remembered now—both from his past life memories and from Mashiro's stories—that she had a roommate in England. Given Mashiro's inability to care for herself, she needed someone to look after her.
Rin turned a teasing look toward Nanami. "Nanami, your senior is here."
"Nanami, your rival is here."
"Eh?" Nanami blinked. Before she could process the comment, a freshly-brushed Mashiro walked into the room.
"Nanami... so slow. Rita? Rita, you're here."
Mashiro ran to Rita and hugged her without hesitation, rubbing her cheek against Rita's like a kitten. Rita returned the hug, patting Mashiro's back like she was soothing a child.
"I was worried about you, but seeing you so well makes me feel much better."
"Mmm. Rita too."
Watching the embrace, Rin nudged Nanami with his elbow.
"Your rival is here."
"EH? EH-EH-EH-EH!?!?"
After the brief hug, Rita stood up and clasped her hands in front of her. She bowed slightly in a formal introduction.
"I am Rita Ainsworth. I was Mashiro's roommate in England. It is a pleasure to meet you all."
Before Mashiro and Rita could catch up, Kaede and Suzu arrived with breakfast.
Seeing Rita, Suzu immediately shot a suspicious look at Rin. Like Mashiro, she assumed Rita was just another lover Rin had found somewhere.
Suzu didn't know, but Kaede did. Rin hadn't met this girl before, and there were no intimate signs. After learning Rita's identity, Kaede invited her to the table.
"Mashiro's English roommate... Miss Rita, did you fly in last night? If you haven't eaten, join us."
"Mmm," Mashiro nodded, pulling Rita into the seat next to her. "Kaede's cooking is delicious."
"In that case, I won't be polite. This is... called porridge? I've never had a breakfast like this before."
As they ate, Rin discreetly observed the two. He remembered Rita existed, but he forgot the specifics of the plot... Didn't she come to take Mashiro back?
Before Rin could ask, Mashiro voiced the question at the table.
"Rita... why are you here?"
"Cinderella's magic has worn off. Or as they say here, I've come from the moon to take Princess Kaguya back." Rita winked at Mashiro with a hint of mischief. "Mashiro, come back with me right now~"
"..."
"..."
They stared at each other in silence for three seconds.
Under everyone's gaze, Mashiro stood up, took Rita by the hand, and led her to the foyer. Then, in one smooth motion, she pushed her out the front door and slammed it shut.
Ding-dong! Ding-dong! Ding-dong!
Rita began frantically pressing the doorbell. Mashiro walked back to the table and calmly resumed her breakfast. Looking at Mashiro's poker face, Rin nearly choked on his laughter.
Kaede gave Rin a look and kicked his leg under the table. She didn't have a "cuckold itch" this time—she just knew Mashiro had very few true friends. It would be a waste to lose one over a misunderstanding.
Rin finished his porridge and wiped his mouth.
"You guys head to school. I'll go see what her deal is."
"Mmm," Mashiro nodded. "Tell Rita I'm not leaving. Actually... make her stay here."
Rin ruffled Mashiro's hair with a smile and headed to the door.
He opened it to find Rita, who showed no anger at being kicked out, only a gentle, knowing smile.
"Did Mashiro send you?" Rita winked.
"Yeah. She told me to tell you she isn't leaving."
"So you're the messenger? However... I think you and I are actually on the same side."
Rin had heard Mashiro say things like 'If you like him and I like him, we're on the same side.' Is Rita about to use the same line?