Chapter 65: The Confrontation

Rina's discovery that Haruka's strange behavior is a crush, not a scheme, does not make her less territorial. In fact, it makes her more so. A direct rival for her cosplay crown is one thing. A direct rival for my affection is a declaration of all-out war.

"We have to do something about this," Rina declares during an emergency meeting in the studio with Miki and Hana. "She is following him around like a lost puppy. It is pathetic. And annoying. Very, very annoying."

"What do you want to do?" Miki asks, looking up from her accounting ledger. "Put a restraining order on her?"

"I am considering it," Rina mutters. "But first, a warning shot." Her eyes glitter with a familiar, dangerous light. "We are going to confront her."

"Is that a good idea?" Hana asks nervously. "She might get angry."

"She is about to learn what happens when you try to poach another girl's man," Rina says, cracking her knuckles. "Even if that man is also her brother."

The confrontation is planned with military precision. They corner Haruka after school, behind the gymnasium, a classic location for dramatic shonen showdowns. I am, thankfully, not invited.

Haruka is just packing her gym bag when she finds herself surrounded. Rina stands before her, arms crossed, flanked by Miki and Hana. It is a formidable sight. The three goddesses of Team Ectiqa versus the lone ice queen.

"Ito-san," Rina begins, her voice cool and even. "We need to talk about your… extracurricular activities."

Haruka immediately goes on the defensive. "I have no idea what you are talking about," she says, her voice dripping with her usual haughty disdain.

"Really?" Miki says, pushing her glasses up her nose. "Because according to multiple eyewitness accounts, you have been observed engaging in a pattern of suspicious behavior, primarily centered around the male Hinamata sibling. Hiding behind corners, peeking from behind bookshelves, and an unusually high frequency of 'accidental' hallway encounters."

Haruka's pale skin flushes a delicate, tell-tale pink. "That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! I have a busy schedule! I do not have time for such… juvenile activities!"

"Then why did you run away from him yesterday like he was on fire?" Hana asks, her voice full of a genuine, innocent curiosity that is somehow more damning than a direct accusation.

"I was not running away!" Haruka sputters, her composure starting to crack. "I… I suddenly remembered I had left the kettle on at home! It was a potential fire hazard! I was acting as a responsible citizen!"

Rina just smiles, a slow, predatory smile. "A kettle. Right. Look, Ito-san, let's cut the theatrics. I know what you are doing. And I am here to tell you to stop. He is not interested."

"You do not know that!" Haruka blurts out, the words escaping before she can stop them. It is a fatal mistake, a clear admission of her intentions.

The three girls just stare at her. Haruka realizes her error, and her blush deepens to a furious, mortified crimson. She quickly regains her composure, her expression hardening back into its familiar, icy mask.

"This is an absurd conversation," she says, grabbing her bag. "I do not have time for the delusional fantasies of a girl with an obvious brother complex." She glares at Rina. "And for the record, Hinamata, stay out of my business."

She tries to push past them, but Rina does not move. "It became my business," Rina says, her voice a low, possessive growl, "the moment you decided my brother was your new hobby."

The two rivals stare at each other, the air crackling with unspoken threats. Finally, Haruka scoffs and stalks away, defeated but defiant.

Rina watches her go, a triumphant smirk on her face. She has won this battle. But she knows, with a certainty that chills her, that the war is far from over.