He"s had plenty of chances. Since Kazuya and Lyn broke up, to get close with Lyn. But, never once used those chances to even sc.r.a.pe a lawyer of his feelings. There were occasions where he thought she knew. But even then, he couldn"t see anything in her eyes that resembled understanding, or how she treated the guys, she knew liked her.

"He still doesn"t understand it exactly, what he wants from you. It"s already clear as day that he can"t hold back his feelings anymore. No matter what he does, he can"t dismiss his feelings. But that doesn"t necessarily mean he understands what he wants from you. If he was just any normal guy, he would probably find the opportunity to confess. Theory wise, that"s the best course of action to take.

But Rhys understood that some theories never play out; in this case, it"s a theory regarding romance than science. It"s clear as day that there will be irrationalities.

Reality is different. Reality wise, confessing is impossible - because who would have the heart to confess after hearing her deep feelings. Seeing how deeply she cares for another person? "

....

Rhys awkwardly looks up from his book. In the end, the two of them ended up going to a library nearby. Coincidentally, it"s a library owned by his parents.

He didn"t realize it until the staff members started greeting him. He wonders why she chose to come here of all places. "Ne ne senpai, there"s supposed to be a book here regarding the world"s end. I don"t know the t.i.tle, though."

Normally, that wouldn"t be very helpful. But, since it"s a book Lila wants to read in his families" library, it must be the one father mentioned before. Rhys found it for her and hands it over.

For a moment, n.o.body said a word. The only sound that he could hear was the sound of her flickering pages.

"Say, what would you do if the world would end tomorrow?"

". . I would tell you I love you and then propose."

"Are you teasing me?"

"No. No, never mind. Forget what I just said." Rhys said while averting his gaze. Rather, what is he doing suddenly confessing like this out the blue? Yet, for some reason, these words left his mouth.

He felt the black hair girl"s hand brushed against his back, he dropped the book in his hand. His whole face was a bright red, and he could feel his cheeks burning hot.

Lyn"s eyes widened, surprised. She looked at him, puzzled. "Why are you blus.h.i.+ng?"

.. Or rather, why are you asking that so casually? Alright, two can play at this game. "What, I"m not." Rhys denied.

But unfortunately, his red-stained face betrayed his words.

"Your lying."

"I--I"m not. I"m not blus.h.i.+ng."

"It"s obvious; your face is bright red."

. . He can"t argue against that. "I"m happy."

"Yeah, yeah."

"Guess what? I like you too." Lyn said with a bright smile.

"Your like is clearly different than mine. But....I guess I can take that." Rhys said especially since she"s smiling so very brightly right now.

Lyn tilts her head in confusion at his words. "Since the others will be awhile…and my place is nearby, do you want to read together?"

"Books? Okay!!!" Lyn said excitedly.

Her excitement embarra.s.sed him and he looked away. "What"s with her.."

..

S--so, he brought her here. But, his gaze landed on Lila perched on his bed and looking around the room curiously. He should have at least cleaned up. First, there"s no place for her to sit but the bed. No, calm down. It"s not like anything can happen.

The others, probably won"t be too long. But, he figured that if they stayed in the library any longer, somebody would spot them.

"What kind of book is this?"

"Which--" Rhys pauses in mid-sentence seeing her hold up a book." Read this, and you"ll get closer to her. "That dammed Ameno. He played it repeatedly, and he still doesn"t understand what he"s supposed to learn from it. What"s more, it"s a girl"s book.

"It" s--- it"s not mine."

"Oh, I see. It looked pretty, so I wanted to play it."

Gah. . .why does she look so sad? d.a.m.n. Oujiro takes the game from her hands and slips it inside the console. "It"s mine, and I got it for you."

Lyn stared at him for a few minutes before she laughed, "I see. For a moment, I thought you would use this as a chance to get close to me."

Rhys looked at her speechless. It seems like she understood already. He supposes there is no need to pretend anymore. But he does not know how to tell her.

"Ah, even though it"s a girly book. Is it okay to read it together?"

"It"s fine."

Since they can be together, he does not mind what they do these days as long as they spend it together. Lyn sat down on his lap, and he blinked. Right so this is what she means by reading it together? It seems like he has underestimated her yet again. If he knew reading involved getting so close like this, Rhys would have rejected her on the spot.

Why would he dare do something this risky? It is already difficult for him daily, why would he do something suicidal? He cannot risk Lyn disliking him.

He pressed his lips on her temple and Lyn laughed. "What"s wrong Rhys? Are you okay?"

"I was thinking something."

"I see, mmm me too." Lyn trailed off. "Say Rhys, how much longer will things remain peaceful?"

At that comment he blinked. "It isn"t exactly peaceful now."

"I mean between us. How much longer will--" Rhys cuts her off by pressing his fingers on her lips.

"Don"t think of anything too complicated."