The moment those words echoed—
The air froze.
Ichinose Honami's face flushed bright red in an instant.
Her mind—
Blank.
Because what Shiranami Chihiro had just shouted…
Was right.
Completely, painfully right.
And not just her—
Even Shiina Hiyori, who was peeking from below, only needed a single glance upward to understand.
Ah.
So that's how it is.
Then why—
Haven't they started dating yet?
...
The confession had already ended.
The answer—
Didn't even need to be spoken anymore.
Because the one who confessed…
Had already decided to leave.
"Thank you for coming."
Chihiro bowed once more.
When she raised her head again—
The tears at the corner of her eyes were gone.
But her voice—
Still trembled slightly.
"Please… face your feelings properly."
Then—
She said it.
Clearly.
Firmly.
"Please date Ichinose."
No hesitation.
No retreat.
And then—
She turned and ran.
The hem of her dress fluttered in the air.
Tears scattering like light.
She disappeared past the corner—
...
At that exact moment—
The three hidden observers moved in perfect sync.
Lower head.
Crouch.
Hold breath.
Three times.
Like trained professionals.
Backs pressed tightly against the wall.
Hearts pounding.
Not daring to make a sound.
Thankfully—
Chihiro didn't look their way.
…Or rather—
She did.
She had noticed long ago.
That unmistakable golden-pink hair.
She knew exactly who was there.
Because—
This was her goal from the beginning.
This confession—
Was never just about confessing.
It was a push.
A final push.
For them.
For those two.
If Ichinose hadn't followed—
She would've called her over.
But since she came on her own—
Even better.
Competition creates urgency.
Truth spoken aloud creates clarity.
So she said it.
Out loud.
In front of him.
In front of her.
Now—
They couldn't pretend anymore.
...
And if—
Just if—
He had accepted her confession?
Then fine.
She would date him.
That was acceptable too.
After all—
She didn't dislike him.
And being with him…
Wouldn't be bad.
More importantly—
If they dated…
Then…
That kind of thing would happen too, right?
...
Meanwhile—
Behind the wall.
Sakayanagi Arisu slowly glanced sideways.
Then upward.
Then downward again.
And quietly thought—
"…This is getting interesting."
Above her—
Ichinose was still frozen.
Her face burning.
Her thoughts tangled.
Her heartbeat—
Out of control.
And for the first time—
She couldn't tell what she should do next.
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