Chapter 12: Why Are You So Curious?

The lecture hall was filled with whispers, everyone waiting for Mika's introduction. When it was her turn, all eyes were on her.

"The reason I chose to major in law is that I want to become a lawyer, just like my Prince," Mika explained, her face blushing.

Immediately, every pair of eyes in the room turned to me, as if I were the answer to the riddle. Mika smiled. "Not him," she said quickly. "He's much older and more mature."

"Oh!" Kazuma yelled, clarifying. "So Mika-chan is in love with someone else, and not Akira?"

"Yes, you're right!" Mika replied, smiling proudly. "I'm in love with Kenzaki-san." She looked at me, her eyes still confused. "But why is Kazuki-san's brother's name Akira? The names are so different."

I just fell silent. My mind focused on the lesson. I could feel the strange stares from my classmates, both male and female. I looked at Ayaka. Her eyes were fixed on me with admiration. "What is it?" I asked. Her face immediately turned red.

During the break, Mika went straight to me. "Akira-kun, does Kenzaki-san like ramen or udon?" she asked, her voice rapid like a reporter chasing a story.

"Um... he likes ramen," I answered, a bit flustered.

"What about drinks?"

"Green tea."

"What brand?"

I sighed. "I don't know."

"Stop it!" Ayaka's sharp voice interrupted. Her face was red with jealousy. "I don't know who you are, but stay away from Akira!"

Just then, Reina arrived with two big lunch boxes. "I made too much. Let's eat together," she said.

The four of us walked to our favorite bench under a tree, but Mika kept following.

"Is this going to be awkward?" she asked, noticing the silence between us.

"I'm not going to steal him. Don't worry," she said, glancing at me.

"You mean... you're not interested in Akira?" Ayaka asked, a bit relieved.

Mika smiled. "Of course not! I just want to win the heart of Kenzaki-san. He's my Prince."

"Pfftt!" Both Kazuma and I spat out our drinks. Ayaka and Reina were surprised, but then Ayaka smiled. "In that case, you're not a rival. You can join us!"

For the rest of the break, Ayaka and Mika gossiped about Kazuki-nii. Mika asked about his favorite food, drinks, and other things. I desperately wanted to explain that Kazuki-nii was married, but every time I tried to speak, Ayaka would always interrupt me.

I could only sigh, realizing that my new problem was much more complicated than I had imagined.