Chapter 18: The Truth Behind Akira

That afternoon, a tired and frustrated Renji stood in front of the campus gate, accompanied by Ayaka and Reina. Their plan had completely failed. The Anti-Akira Alliance was dissolved on the spot, leaving Renji with a profound sense of frustration.

"Damn it... why did everything turn out this way?" Renji muttered. He decided to go home, leaving Ayaka and Reina behind.

However, at the bus stop, his eyes caught sight of the person he loathed. Akira. He was sitting on a bench, reading a thick book, looking completely at ease. A strange sense of curiosity welled up in Renji's mind. Why would someone like him be liked by Mika, and even by others?

"I have to find out," Renji mumbled to himself.

He got on the same bus as Akira. From his seat, he continued to observe me.

The bus stopped, and Akira got off. Renji followed him secretly from behind. They walked towards the supermarket. That's when Renji saw it.

An elderly couple was struggling with their messy groceries. Suddenly, their shopping bag ripped, and all of its contents spilled onto the street.

"Oh no!" cried the grandmother.

I immediately knelt down, helping them tidy up the scattered groceries. I did it with great patience and a full smile. "Be careful, Grandma," I said. "Let me help you carry this."

Renji, who witnessed the scene, was speechless. This was a side of Akira he had never seen before.

"Ah, so this is it... but this isn't enough," he mumbled.

He continued following. Renji saw me stop a small child who was about to be hit by a motorcycle. I gently held the child's hand, warning them not to cross carelessly. Then, I gave a few biscuits to a stray cat that looked hungry.

Each of those small actions, each smile and kindness, felt like a hammer blow to Renji. The guy who had seen me as a rival, was now beginning to see me as a human being.

The journey continued until finally, I arrived at a luxurious restaurant. Renji was surprised. It was his usual hangout spot for relaxing after a modeling photoshoot.

He saw me enter the restaurant, and his eyes landed on a beautiful waitress. It was Hanamura Kobayashi, his favorite waitress.

"Ah, so this is his plan?" Renji mumbled. "You're trying to make that girl fall in love with you too?"

Renji prepared to confront me. But the scene he imagined never happened. The waitress just smiled and handed me a uniform.

"Here you go, Akira-san," said Hanamura. "Welcome to your first day on the job."

My eyes widened. "Wait, you're working here?"

"Yes," I replied, nodding.

Renji was speechless, all his intentions to confront me evaporating instantly. He finally understood. I wasn't trying to make anyone fall in love with me. I was just doing my best to live.

"Why is he doing this...?" Renji muttered.

Hanamura, who had just finished serving a customer, approached Renji. "I'm sorry, Renji-san, do you need anything?"

"No, I'm fine," Renji replied. He looked at Hanamura. The girl had a warm smile and caring eyes. Amidst all the chaos, she was the only person who didn't ask anything of me.

Renji finally knew why Akira was so well-liked. It wasn't because of his looks or his past reputation. It was because of his gentle, kind, and sincere nature. He did everything without expecting anything in return. He didn't ask for any favors from the people he helped.

Tears welled up in Renji's eyes. He realized that Mika was indeed a perfect match for Akira. Mika's true Prince wasn't him, but rather the man who lived with humility.

He no longer felt any hatred. Instead, he felt a sense of peace. Because amidst all that chaos, he found something more valuable.

Renji realized that Hanamura Kobayashi, the waitress who patiently served him, was the person he had been looking for all along. He no longer needed to chase Mika. He had found his own destiny.

"I'll be back tomorrow," he said to Hanamura. "For your new jacket?" Hanamura asked. Renji just smiled and said, "No, I just want you to serve me tomorrow."

Renji walked out, his heart filled with relief and a sense of profound emotion. He wouldn't chase Mika anymore. He would start following Akira's path. To become a better man, more sincere, and more caring. And on that journey, he would chase Hanamura Kobayashi's heart.