He looked down at Rio with a practiced smile. Even without a mirror, he knew his eyes and expression radiated warmth. To others, he was the perfect captain and the perfect boyfriend. Honestly, having someone of Rio's visual caliber by his side wasn't bad for his reputation. In fact, he thought of it as a rather decent game. Though the way her fingertips brushed against him whenever she touched his tie sometimes made his skin crawl, this level of acting was nothing compared to volleyball serve practice.

Just then, Rio tightened her grip on his tie. She pulled it so taut that the knot pressed against his throat, forcing Oikawa to lean down toward her. Rio stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips right against Oikawa's ear.

"Toru, you came out 15 minutes later than usual after practice yesterday, didn't you? Where were you?"

Her voice was sweet, but it was laced with obsession.

Honestly, Rio-chan, she's far too quick to notice things. He thought her personality—trying to keep every second of his life under her thumb—was truly something else. Oikawa let his eyes crinkle into a relaxed smile.

"Ah, Iwa-chan asked me to help him pack up the volleyballs. Are you jealous, by any chance? Oikawa-san is starting to feel a little hurt, you know?"

He threw the words out playfully as he lightly wrapped his arm around Rio's waist. The envious stares of those around them poured in once more, and the sharp edge in Rio's eyes melted away instantly. Rio leaned her head against Oikawa's chest, looking satisfied. The heavy scent of rose perfume wafted from her hair.

Ugh, my head seriously hurts. This scent, this touch. Whenever I'm with Rio, I feel like a well-made taxidermy butterfly. It's like she's pinned me down with the word 'love' just to admire me.