episode 2

Project: Love-Hate — Part 2: Lunchtime and a New Rival

The lunch bell rang, and the classroom erupted in commotion. Rin breathed a sigh of relief and took out her lunch box. She was trying to forget the awkward conversation from that morning, but then there was a commotion at the classroom door.

The home instructor (class teacher) entered with a new boy.

"Class, pay attention. This is Reo. He's part of our class from today."

Reo was tall, his hair neatly combed, and his glasses enhanced his serious look. He looked like a perfect, promising student. The girls in the class whispered at him.

"Reo, you can sit in the empty seat next to Rin," the teacher gestured.

Reo smiled and walked towards Rin. He put down his bag and extended his hand to Rin, "Hello, my name is Reo. I hope we'll become good friends."

Rin smiled and shook his hand, "Hello, I'm Rin. If you need any help with your studies, let me know."

They had just begun talking when suddenly a tiffin box landed between them. It was Len. He stood between Reo and Rin as if it were a wall. The morning's playfulness in his eyes was gone, replaced by a strange irritation.

"Hey, new guy, I'm Len. The most popular boy in this class. And yes... Rin doesn't need anyone's help, he's already busy enough," Len said, crossing his arms.

Reo looked Len up and down, pushed up his glasses, and said in a calm voice, "I didn't think Rin was your property. Are you two in a relationship?"

Rin's face turned red at this direct question. "Absolutely not!" she yelled. "Len, go back to your seat and stop bothering me!"

Len didn't like Rin's indifference, especially in front of Reo. "Okay, I'm leaving. But Rin, you have to come with me to the café this evening. I already made plans," Len said, a bit possessively.

"When did I say yes?!" Rin called out from behind, but Len had already left the class, waving his hand.

Reo looked at Rin and asked in a low voice, "Does he always bother you like this? If you want, I can talk to the teacher."

Rin looked at the empty strawberry milk packet on her desk, the one she had drunk that morning. He told Reo, "No... it's just his habit. He's just a total idiot."

Even though Rin had called Len a fool, Reo noticed that there was no hatred for Len in Rin's eyes. The game was about to get more interesting, as Len had to work a little harder to save his spot.

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