Chapter 140: The Literature Presentation Redemption (and Escalation)

The Japanese Literature presentation, the original catalyst for so much chaos, finally arrives. This time, there are no spies in the library, no frantic rooftop escapes. Just me and Aiwa, standing at the front of the classroom, armed with a PowerPoint presentation that is surprisingly coherent despite the sabotage attempts.

The atmosphere is electric. Everyone knows about the kiss. Everyone knows about the rivalry. This presentation feels less like a school project and more like a public declaration of… something.

Aiwa looks terrified. She is hiding behind her notes, blushing furiously, avoiding eye contact with everyone, especially me. Rina and Haruka are in the back row, radiating waves of critical judgment. Kenji is giving us a thumbs-up so enthusiastic he almost dislocates his shoulder.

I start the presentation, my voice surprisingly steady. I talk about Lady Murasaki, about the Heian court, about the themes of the poem. Then, it is Aiwa's turn.

She takes a deep breath. She looks down at her notes. She opens her mouth… and freezes. Pure, unadulterated stage fright.

The class holds its breath. Rina and Haruka exchange smug looks.

Then, Aiwa closes her eyes for a split second. I see her hand go to the 'Starlight Paladin' pendant hidden under her blouse. She takes another deep breath. When she opens her eyes, the fear is gone, replaced by a cool, focused calm. LUNA-Lite takes the stage.

"As Hinamata-kun has established," she begins, her voice clear, articulate, and carrying easily across the room, "the poem explores the concept of 'mono no aware'…"

Her performance is flawless. She is not just reciting facts; she is embodying the quiet, melancholic beauty of the poem itself. She moves with a subtle grace, her gestures precise, her explanations insightful. She even manages to incorporate a few quiet, witty remarks that get a chuckle from the class. She is captivating.

When she finishes, there is a moment of stunned silence, followed by genuine, enthusiastic applause. Even Rina and Haruka look grudgingly impressed. Mrs. Sato is beaming.

As the applause dies down, Aiwa takes her bow. The LUNA-Lite persona recedes, leaving shy Aiwa in its place, blushing furiously at the unexpected praise.

And then, she does it again.

Fueled perhaps by the adrenaline of her success, or maybe by a calculated desire to push back against Rina and Haruka's control, she turns to me. Right there, in front of the entire class, in front of Rina and Haruka, she gives me a brilliant, dazzling smile – a smile that is pure, unadulterated Aiwa, full of warmth and genuine affection.

"We did it, Rui-kun," she whispers, just loud enough for those nearby (namely, Rina and Haruka) to hear. And then, before I can react, she leans in and quickly, chastely, kisses me on the cheek.

It is not the desperate, chaotic kiss from before. It is a sweet, simple, affectionate gesture. A public thank you. A staking of a claim.

The classroom explodes. Again.

Kenji lets out a whoop of triumph. Rina makes a sound like a strangling cat. Haruka's eye starts twitching violently. The gossip network goes into overdrive.

Aiwa, her face now the color of a fire engine, grabs her bag and practically flees the room, leaving me standing alone at the front, feeling the heat of a hundred stares and the combined weight of Rina's and Haruka's murderous intent.

Operation: Re-Woo Rui has just achieved a critical victory. And my life expectancy has just dropped significantly.