Blaze : "This next video is kind of different."
Sudo: "How so?"
Blaze : "You will see, let's start the video."
Only people who have meaningful friendships can enjoy a vacation to its fullest. There's nothing quite as uncomfortable as traveling without close friends, especially when you're traveling with a group. Just imagining it made me feel like throwing up.
"Do you hate traveling?"
"I don't hate it. I don't think I do, anyway..."
Only while we chatted, I tried to imagine what it would be like. I'd never traveled with a friend before. I had gone to New York with my parents a long, long time ago. Not a single millisecond of it had been fun. Just remembering that bitter time wore me out.
Horikita: "This is the first time that we learned something from Ayanokouji-kun's past, are you hiding something about your past?"
Ayanokouji: "No."
Haruka: "Kiyopon, then why did you say that it wasn't fun?"
Ayanokouji: "Because my dad brought me there for business purposes, I did nothing but wait for him to finish his work and after he was done working we went straight home to rest."
"What's the matter?"
"Just recalled something a little bit traumatic."
Matsushita: "Why was it traumatic Ayanokouji-kun?"
Ayanokouji: "Who knows?"
Everyone: 'Vague as always'
My dry laughter echoed through the hot hallway. No, this wasn't good. If I let my negative aura spread, Ichinose would grow troubled. However, it seemed like my anxieties were unfounded. Ichinose continued talking, seemingly untroubled by my words.
Ichinose: "That's not true Ayanokouji-kun, you have a very calming and mature aura around you."
"Hey, I still have some things on my mind. May I ask you some questions?"
Ichinose had a radiant presence, though it was different from Kushida's. I could say that she acted without an ulterior motive. Even when talking with a person like me, she put her best foot forward.
Ike: "What do you mean by that?! Kushida is an angel!"
Ayanokouji just kept quiet.
"We've been separated into four classes from the start, right? Do you really think they separated us by ability?"
"Hey... There's something I want to ask you, Ayanokouji-kun. Is that okay?"
It was like that bright, cheery Ichinose of a moment ago had disappeared. My body stiffened slightly.
"If it's something I can answer, I will."
Asahina: "What does she wanna ask you, Ayanokouji-kun?"
Ayanokouji: "Just watch."
Besides, what question couldn't I answer with my massively impressive brain, filled with the knowledge of a hundred million books?
"Has a girl ever confessed her feelings to you?"
Ike: "There's no way that happened right?!
Miyamoto: "Yeah! A gloomy guy like you can never get a girl!"
That...wasn't in any of the hundred million books I'd read.
Everyone jaw dropped that he has read hundreds of millions of books while one particular person is awestruck on how many books he has read.
Hiyori: "Wow Kiyotaka-kun, can you recommend some more books?"
Ayanokouji: "Sure Hiyori, I would love to."
Ichinose : 'Ayanokouji likes reading, I'll keep that in mind.'
"Really? Do I look like a guy who's ever had a girl confess her feelings to him?"
Was she going to call me disgusting, or a virgin, or a shitty moron? Would I cry? I was still only a first-year high school student, you know? It was way too early for this. Right? Hey. You think so too, right? Besides, I was certain that, proportionally, the number of people who had confessed their feelings was low compared to those who hadn't. It was a baseless theory, though. Who knew the real number of people who had died in solitude, hidden in the shadows of humanity's prosperity?
Ichinose: "I would never say that to you Ayanokouji-kun!"
"Oh no, I'm sorry. It's nothing."
It didn't look like it was nothing. However, it did look like she didn't plan to make fun of me. Rather, she was actually worried about something.
"Did someone confess to you?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Kind of."
Shibata: "That early? I mean who wouldn't confess to Ichinose, she's cute and popular."
When he said that everyone nodded agreeing to what he said.
It seemed like many students were striving every day to couple up like Hirata and Karuizawa.
Random student: "Who doesn't?"
"Well, if you're okay with it, can you spare a little time after class? I have some questions about confessions. I know all too well how busy you are with the incident right now, but..."
"Sure, that's okay. I don't really have much to do."
"Don't have much to do?"
"I don't think there's much point in looking for evidence or another witness. Doing that would be a waste of time and a headache."
Hasebe: "Evidence? What do you mean Kiyopon?"
Ayanokouji: "This was during the time where Sudo fought Ryuuen's lackeys."
Hasebe: "Oh that time!"
"But you went to the scene of the crime the other day to investigate, right?"
"That was for something else. Anyway, it's fine."
Sudo: "What do you mean by that Ayanokouji?"
Ayanokouji: "It's nothing, just ignore it."
"Thank you."
I wondered what all this confession stuff had to do with me. Had she made up a lie like "Ayanokouji is my boyfriend" to mislead people? I considered it for a moment, but then thought it'd be smarter for her to use a more reliable, pretty boy.
Ichinose: "Don't say that to yourself Ayanokouji-kun, you have something that makes you different from others."
Sakayanagi: 'Of course, he is a masterpiece after all'
Amikura: "Honami is right, Ayanokouji-kun, out of all the boys here I think you are the best candidate to be a boyfriend."
Asahina: "There right Kouhai-kun, don't sell yourself short."
"I'll be waiting at the school entrance after class."
"O-okay. I understand."
Even though I knew absolutely nothing was going to happen, I was pretty excited. That was what being a man was all about.
Students overflowed through the school doors as they made their way home. I was a little worried about finding Ichinose, but my anxieties quickly disappeared. She stood out even in this sea of students. Although her cuteness could have been one reason why, she also had the type of presence that dominated wherever she was.
Ichinose: "*blushing intensely* T-thanks f-for t-the c-c-compliment A-Ayanokouji-k-kun."
Ayanokouji: "I am just telling the truth, Ichinose."
Amikura: "*whispers to Ichinose* you like it when he compliments you heh Honami-chan~"
Ichinose hides her blushing face with her hands.
To be honest, I didn't really know how to describe it. I could only describe it as an intoxicating, gentle power. A power that was amplified by how many of the first-year students recognized her. It was similar to Kushida, but even more so. Ichinose was popular with boys and girls alike. They greeted her one after another. Because of that, I wasted about five minutes just trying to find the right time to call her myself.
"Ah. Ayanokouji-kun. Over here, over here!"
Ichinose eventually noticed me and called me over. Pretending like I'd only just arrived, I casually raised my hand.
"So, what should I do next?"
"I plan to finish this as soon as possible. Follow me."
I put on my shoes and followed Ichinose to the other side of the building. We arrived at a spot right behind the gymnasium. This did seem like the kind of place where someone would confess their feelings.
"Now then..."
Ichinose took a deep breath, and faced me. No way... Did Ichinose plan to confess to me?!
Sudo: 'Please confess to him! Please! So that I won't have a rival for Suzune's love! Please!'
"I think..."
No way, there was no way this could—
Amikura: 'Yes! Honami-chan, confess to him!'
"I think someone will confess their feelings to me here,"
Everyone: "Huh?!"
"Huh?"
With that, Ichinose took out a letter and showed it to me. It was a cute love letter adorned with a heart sticker. Although she wanted me to read it, it felt rude to look. The handwriting was pretty, much like the letter's exterior. The handwriting was cute, definitely not like a boy's.
I noticed something that concerned me. The meeting time and location were written in the letter. It was set for Friday evening at 4:00 PM, behind the gymnasium. That was about 10 minutes from now.
"Wouldn't it be better if I weren't here?"
Shibata: "He's right Ichinose, why did you invite him?"
Ichinose: "Just watch Shibata-kun, I have explained it in the video."
"Love is kind of alien to me. I don't know how to respond without hurting her feelings. I also don't know if we can stay good friends afterwards. I want you to help me."
Asahina: "Really Honami-chan? I thought because you're cute and popular, you have experienced love before."
Ichinose: "It's true Nazuna-senpai, that was my first time receiving a love letter."
Amikura: "*smirk and whispers to Ichinose* So, does that mean that Ayanokouji-kun is your first?"
Ichinose: "*blushing intensely* *whispers back to Mako* Don't say it like that Mako-chan!"
"I don't really think I'm the person to ask for this. I don't have any experience with romantic confessions. There are probably other people in Class B who could help."
"The person confessing her feelings to me...is from Class B."
Kanzaki: "Wait really?! Then who?!"
Ah, that's what it was. I now understood why she'd asked me to come.
"I'd like for you to keep this secret. If not, things will probably get unpleasant. Knowing you, Ayanokouji-kun, I doubt you'll go around telling people."
Ayanokouji: "Umm... what makes you say that?"
Ichinose: "I'd say that the way you talk, you sound so calm and mature."
Ayanokouji: "I see." 'I'm always like that though'
"But Ichinose, aren't you used to people confessing their feelings to you?"
"Huh?! N-no way. Not at all! I've never experienced this before."
Asahina: "That's quite shocking, a beauty like you never experienced confession before is truly a turn of event."
If she hadn't told me herself, I absolutely would not have believed it.
Everyone: "No one would."
Ayanokouji: "I really don't understand why this is happening."
I didn't think this confession was surprising, because Ichinose was so cute. Furthermore, judging how she'd interacted with the other students, she had a great personality.
Amikura: "*whispers to Ichinose* How does it feel that your crush is complimenting you? H~on~a~mi-chan."
Ichinose: "*whispers back to Mako* EHHHHH?! Mako–chan, please stop!."
"So...will you please pretend to be my boyfriend?"
Every guy present: "I am so jealous! You're lucky Ayanokouji!"
Whoa! Has this situation seriously devolved into such a cliché?
"I did a bit of research, and discovered that the rejected person hurts less if the object of their affection is already in a relationship..."
"I understand that you don't want to hurt anyone, but won't it be worse if they find out you lied?"
"I could say that you and I broke up, or that you left me or something."
Random student: "No matter what you do, you can't avoid the person confessing getting hurt. But it would hurt that person more if you're lying."
I didn't think that was the solution here...
"Honestly, I think it would be much better for you to talk with this person one-on-one. Truthfully."
Random student: "Yeah, it's better that way than lying your way out."
"But— Ah!"
Ichinose seemed to have noticed something, and awkwardly raised her hand. Apparently the person in question had arrived earlier than expected. What in the world kind of visual kei guy was this person? The new arrival had a boyish, androgynous face. He was even wearing a skirt.
Everyone (except Ayanokouji and Ichinose): "Wait, a girl?!"
No, no. First impressions aside, she was a girl. I'd suspected as much after seeing her handwriting. Unlike when a boy revealed romantic feelings for another boy, this confession would probably be smooth. I might've thought that because I was a guy myself, though.
Class 2C (except Honami and Chihiro): "Wait Chihiro-san/Shiranami-san, you're the one who confessed to Honami/Ichinose?!"
Shiranami: "Ummm... y-yes. *bowing down* Sorry if I stressed you out that time Ichinose-san"
Ichinose: "It's fine Chihiro-san, it's in the past anyway. Don't mind it."
"Um, Ichinose-san... Who is this person?"
The new girl seemed a bit unnerved by the unexpected appearance of a male student.
"This is Ayanokouji-kun, from Class D. I'm sorry for bringing someone that you don't know, Chihiro-chan."
"Is he by any chance...your boyfriend, Ichinose-san?"
"Ah... Well..."
Ichinose probably meant to say that yes, yes I was. But guilt over lying seemed to stop her answer. The words got stuck in her throat.
"So why is this Ayanokouji-kun person here?"
Confused by this unexpected situation, Chihiro began to cry. Tears welled up in her eyes.
Is he her boyfriend? Why would he be here if he wasn't? Chihiro was probably struggling to understand what was going on. Ichinose, seeing Chihiro's tears, grew flustered. Uncertain of what to do, she started panicking. I'd expected Ichinose to be a stalwart, reliable person, but apparently she had an unexpected weak point.
"Um, do you mind going somewhere else, please? I have something important that I need to talk with Ichinose-san about,"
"P-please wait a minute, Chihiro-san. That's, um... Well, to tell you the truth, Ayanokouji-kun is..."
Ichinose was trying to make the first move and turn her down. She probably thought it would be harder if Chihiro directly said, I like you.
"What is it?" Chihiro asked.
"So, Ayanokouji-kun, he's... Well, he's my—"
There was nothing I could do in this situation. Well, nothing except...
"I'm just a friend."
Ike: "Wait, weren't you supposed to pretend to be her boyfriend?"
Ayanokouji: "I want to avoid Ichinose regretting her decision of lying."
I cut Ichinose off before she could finish.
"Ichinose. I didn't think this was something I should say, considering no one's ever confessed to me before. But I think it was a mistake for you to call me here."
I spoke honestly, for both their sakes.
"It's true that confessing your feelings isn't easy to do. You spend every day in complete anguish, as you create the experience in your head over and over. And yet, you still can't confess your feelings. Even when you think the time has come to actually do it, you can't say the words 'I like you'. They get stuck in your throat. That's what I think. Don't you think you should answer someone when they desperately long to express their feelings? If you make the situation unclear, both of you may regret it later."
The girls started looking at Ayanokouji on new light, they thought he was a gloomy guy but after watching a video they start thinking he's more than meets the eye.
Nanase: "Senpai, you really are boyfriend material!"
Ayanokouji: "No I'm not."
Amasawa: "Yes you are senpai!"
Haruka: "Wow Kiyopon, I didn't know that you're a love expert." 'My boy grew up so fast!"
Ayanokouji: "I am not a love expert, I just wanna say the downside of her idea."
"Uh..."
Ichinose had probably never experienced seriously falling in love with someone before. Therefore, she didn't really know what to do, or if she were doing something wrong. Trying to prevent someone's pain was useless. If you turned someone down, their feelings would inevitably be hurt.
Well, if you managed to come up with a suitable excuse, you probably could make things a little easier. An excuse like "I want to concentrate on my studies" or "There's someone else that I like." Or, like what Ichinose had attempted here: "I'm already dating someone." But no matter what answer you gave, the other person would definitely be hurt.
Random student: "Listen to what he said."
Kiryuin: "My my Kouhai-kun, wanna take me on a date?"
Ayanokouji: "*sigh* Do I have a say in it?"
Kiryuin: "No~"
Even more hurt if the excuse were built on a lie.
I left without waiting for Ichinose's reply. I headed back, but didn't return to the dormitory right away. Instead I stopped by the tree-lined pathway, leaned against the handrail, and sighed as I looked up at green leaves.
About five minutes later, a girl ran past me. There were tears in her eyes. Despite that shocking image, I loitered there a while longer to kill time. Around sundown, Ichinose trudged back from the gym and walked over to me.
"Ah..."
Upon seeing me, she looked a little awkward and hung her head. But then she immediately glanced back up at me.
"I was wrong. I didn't respect Chihiro-chan's feelings. I just wanted to avoid hurting her, and to run away. That was my mistake. Love is really tough, huh?" She muttered as she leaned against the handrail next to me.
Random student: "Yes love is really tough and complicated."
"I asked her if we could carry on like usual, but... I don't know if we can go back to how things were."
"That depends on you both."
"Yeah... Thanks for today. For coming along with me for such an odd request."
"It's okay. Days like this happen, anyway."
Horikita: "Why are you saying that, being in the middle of a confession is like a normal thing for you."
Ayanokouji: "Because it makes my day more interesting, I know that I want a peaceful life but I want it to be interesting sometimes."
Horikita: "I don't understand you."
Sakayanagi: "Believe me, no one can understand him fufufu."
"I guess our positions got reversed, huh? I planned on helping you, but then you ended up helping me."
Hoshinomiya-sensei: "What are you saying? You've helped him tremendously."
Ayanokouji: "It's not something worth the praise, besides I am just a trigger. She was the one who overcame it."
Ichinose: "You're being modest again."
"I'm sorry for acting so full of myself back there,"
Ichinose blinked a couple of times, as if I'd said something odd.
"There's no need for you to apologize, Ayanokouji-kun. None at all."
She stretched her arms towards the sky, and hopped off the railing.
"Now it's my turn to help you. If there's anything I can do, I will."
I wondered how Class B's Ichinose Honami planned to resolve this difficult situation. I had to admit, I was looking forward to seeing it.
Class 2C: "So that's how your relationship began huh?"
Ichinose: *blushing* y-yes."
Blaze : "Okay that's the end of the video."