In a typical high school somewhere in a generic city, a story of quiet determination unfolds.
"Ichinose-san, I like you. Please… will you go out with me?"
But before we get to her response, let's rewind.
Hiroshi, our unassuming protagonist, had been obsessing over this moment for months.
"Should I confess to Ichinose-san?" he wondered late one night. "But… we've barely spoken. Won't this sudden confession feel awkward? It's not like we have a history together—just a single moment in the hallway."
That moment, though brief, had been unforgettable. She had crouched down to help a freshman pick up their scattered books after they'd tripped, her voice soft and reassuring. Hiroshi had stood at a distance, struck by her quiet kindness.
He sighed deeply, ruffling his hair in frustration. "What am I even doing?"
Despite his doubts, he couldn't get her out of his mind. He spent hours reading articles and watching videos on relationships, looking for the perfect approach. But one insight stood out:
"This isn't just about me," he realized. "A relationship isn't a prize you win—it's a connection you build. If I really care about her, I need to take the time to understand who she is."
With renewed determination, Hiroshi decided to focus less on confessing and more on simply getting to know Ichinose-san.
---
The next day, Hiroshi saw her in the hallway, chatting with a friend. His pulse quickened, but he forced himself to approach.
"Good morning, Ichinose-san," he said, his voice steadier than he expected.
She blinked in surprise before smiling. "Good morning… Hiroshi-kun, right?"
The way she remembered his name gave him a spark of courage. They exchanged pleasantries, and though brief, the interaction felt like a step forward.
In the weeks that followed, Hiroshi found small, natural ways to become a part of her world. A greeting here, a quick question there. He learned she loved rainy days for their tranquility and always carried a small sketchbook in her bag.
One lunch period, he noticed her doodling small flowers in the corner of a notebook.
"You're pretty good at that," he said.
She looked up, startled, before offering a shy smile. "Thank you. It's just a hobby."
"It suits you," he replied, and her cheeks flushed pink before she quickly closed the notebook.
Bit by bit, they shared more moments—exchanging jokes, walking to the train station together, and discussing their favorite anime episodes. Hiroshi discovered her quiet sense of humor and her surprising love for spicy food.
---
One rainy afternoon, they stood at the school gate. Hiroshi handed her his umbrella.
"Here, you'll need this more than I do."
She hesitated. "What about you?"
"I'll be fine," he said, grinning. "Besides, I like the rain."
She laughed softly. "Thank you, Hiroshi-kun."
---
One evening, Hiroshi sat on his bed, staring at the notes he'd been keeping on his phone. Each line captured something he'd learned about her. But it wasn't just about what he liked—these were pieces of her life that he cherished.
"I need to know if she feels the same," he thought.
The next day, as they walked to the station together, Hiroshi stopped by a quiet park along the way.
"Is something wrong?" Ichinose-san asked, tilting her head.
He took a deep breath, gathering all his courage. "Ichinose-san, I like you. Please… will you go out with me?"
She blinked, the words hanging in the air. For a moment, her expression was unreadable, but then her lips curved into a gentle smile.
"Hiroshi-kun... I've noticed how kind you've been. Let me think about it, okay?"
Though not the answer he'd hoped for, her sincerity reassured him.
"Of course," he said, smiling back. "Take all the time you need."
And as they continued walking under the fading light, Hiroshi felt something warm bloom in his chest. It wasn't a victory, nor a defeat—just the first step of something real.
---