Chapter 13: Why Does My Heart Beat For You? It Should Have Been For That Person

Days passed. The campus routine began to take shape, and I tried to follow the advice of my Prince. I spent all my free time in the library, reading thick law books. If I studied hard, I was sure I would become the perfect wife for him. I would be his ideal partner, who could support him every step of the way.

With a stack of books in my arms, I walked out of the library, my mind filled with images of Kenzaki-san. I wasn't looking ahead.

CRASH!

I bumped into someone, and the stack of books in my arms scattered across the floor. I was startled, and I fell to the ground.

"Are you okay?" A deep, calm voice filled my ears.

I looked up, and my eyes met a pair of captivating golden eyes. It was Akira, Kenzaki-san's adoptive brother. He knelt down to help me pick up the scattered books. When his hand touched a book at the same time as mine, a small shock, like a jolt of electricity, ran through my body. My heart started beating fast, with an unusual rhythm.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled. "I wasn't looking."

But I couldn't hear anything. My entire world was focused on his face. His silver-gray hair, his golden eyes, and his calm expression. Why was my heart beating so fast? This wasn't Kenzaki-san. But why did this person make my heart beat as if he were my real Prince?

My face felt hot. I quickly stood up and hurriedly gathered the rest of my books.

"I... I'm sorry, Akira-kun. I'm in a hurry," I said, then ran away, leaving him behind.

As I ran, my heart continued to beat uncontrollably. I had to focus. I had to remember. My love is only for Kenzaki-san! He is my Prince! I can't fall for anyone else! I can't!

Since that incident, my routine started to change. I often spent time with Kazuma and the other students. That night, we hung out at a cafe. They all looked surprised.

"This is the first time you've joined us, Akira!" one of the students exclaimed.

I sighed. "Kazuki-nii suggested I try to interact with others," I explained. "I'm trying to change."

They all nodded, seeming to understand. The conversation flowed, from serious topics to silly ones.

"Akira," one student said. "Who do you think, among the girls in our class, would be the most suitable to be a future wife?"

I paused, thinking. "As for the ideal wife type, I guess Ayaka and Reina."

"Why?"

"Ayaka... she's caring, and Reina is very organized. Both of them have a great sense of responsibility. They would be amazing wives," I explained.

"And is there anyone else?" another asked, curious.

I was silent for a moment. I shouldn't say it. But my lips moved before my mind could react.

"I think... Mika Tanaka, too," I said unintentionally.

They were all shocked. "Mika? Why?"

"She's very disciplined and firm. She also seems very caring and smart," I continued, without realizing what I was saying. "And she looks like she'd be good at cooking for kids."

The students were silent for a moment, then they nodded. They were convinced. "Akira, you and Mika are a perfect match! You're both an ideal couple!"

At a filming location, Mika suddenly sneezed. She rubbed her nose, then returned her focus to her phone. On the screen, dozens of messages were being sent to me, asking if Kazuki-nii was home or where he was.

Meanwhile, I was still at the cafe, looking at my phone. There were dozens of messages from Mika asking for Kazuki-nii's whereabouts. I really wanted to answer her, but Ayaka kept inviting me to go bowling.

Despite all that, one question kept nagging me: Should I tell Mika the truth about Kazuki-nii?