Don't toy with a dress-up darling. (Harem x shy oc)

Chapter 2

As the school day came to an end, Max found himself walking home with Marin by his side. The golden rays of the setting sun bathed the streets in a warm glow, casting long shadows that danced along the pavement.

"So, how was your day, Max?" Marin asked, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.

Max offered a small smile, appreciating Marin's genuine interest in his well-being. "It was... better than I expected. Thanks to you, of course. You really stood up for me back there."

Marin chuckled softly. "You're welcome. Nagatoro can be a handful sometimes, but she's not as mean as she may come across. Still, no one should be made to feel uncomfortable or belittled."

Max nodded in agreement, grateful for Marin's understanding. "You're right. And, um, I appreciate you looking out for me. It means a lot."

Marin's smile grew warmer. "Hey, that's what friends are for, right? We've got to support each other, especially when things get tough."

As they continued walking, Max felt a sense of ease in Marin's presence. It was as if he could be himself without fear of judgment or ridicule. With her, he didn't feel the need to hide his shyness or vulnerabilities. He could simply be Max.

"So, tell me about your manga," Marin said, changing the topic. "I'm curious to know more about the story you're so passionate about."

A flicker of excitement ignited within Max as he recounted the plot of his Tom and Jerry manga. He shared the quirky characters, the funny situations, and the underlying message about the importance of friendship and understanding.

Marin listened intently, her eyes lighting up with interest. "Wow, that sounds like a fun and heartwarming story. I'd love to see it sometime, if you're comfortable sharing it."

Max blushed slightly at the thought of showing his manga to someone, but with Marin's encouragement, he felt a newfound courage. "Yeah, maybe I could show you sometime. I'm still working on it, but I'd love to hear your thoughts."

"I'd be honored," Marin replied sincerely. "And if you ever need any help or feedback, I'm here for you."

As they reached a quiet park on their route home, Max couldn't help but notice the serene beauty of the surroundings. The fading light painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees.

"Thanks for walking with me, Marin," Max said, his voice soft but earnest.

Marin smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure, Max. I enjoy spending time with you. We make a good team, don't you think?"

Max nodded, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging in Marin's company. They were different in many ways, but their shared understanding and compassion brought them together in a way that felt natural and comforting.

As they continued their walk home, Max knew that he had found a true friend in Marin.

As Max and Marin continued their walk, their lighthearted conversation was interrupted when they passed a girl who seemed to recognize Max. Her name was Komi, and upon spotting Max, she immediately turned and hurried away with an air of unease.

Max's heart sank as he watched Komi's retreating figure. A knot of anxiety formed in his stomach, and he began to second-guess himself, wondering if he had unknowingly done something to upset her.

"Did I... did I do something wrong?" Max stammered, his voice trembling with worry.

Marin placed a reassuring hand on Max's shoulder. "I don't think so, Max. Komi has always been shy and introverted. It's possible that she just feels nervous around new people, especially if she's not used to seeing you outside of school."