The winter sun hung low in the sky, scattering pale light across the empty park. The bare branches of the trees cast long shadows on the snow-speckled paths. Kaede walked beside Jousuke, her hands tucked into her coat pockets, her breath forming small clouds with each step.
"Jousuke…" she began hesitantly. "I… I was thinking… maybe we should talk with Leah and Sakurai-san too."
He glanced at her, still a little stiff from the emotions of the last encounter. "You… want to call them here?"
Kaede nodded, biting her lip. "Yes. I think… it would be better for everyone to be honest. But… only if you agree."
Jousuke exhaled softly, looking at the faint snow drifting from the trees. "Okay… let's do it."
They found a secluded spot near the edge of the park, benches surrounding a small clearing. Kaede was the first to take a seat on one of the benches, gesturing for Jousuke to sit beside her.
Within minutes, Leah arrived, scarf wrapped tightly around her neck, cheeks flushed from the cold. She gave Kaede a brief nod before turning to Jousuke.
"Jousuke…?" Leah's voice was quiet, uncertain, but the way she clasped her hands betrayed her tension.
"Hi, Leah," Jousuke said softly. "Thanks for coming."
Then Sakurai-san appeared, her calm demeanor in contrast to Leah's nervous energy. "Daikuhara-san," she greeted, bowing slightly. "I… hope I'm not intruding."
Kaede waved a hand gently. "No, it's fine. I… wanted us to talk. All together."
Jousuke swallowed, feeling the familiar tightness in his chest. He sat on the bench between Kaede and Leah, while Sakurai-san settled on the other side of Leah.
"Jousuke…" Kaede began, voice barely above a whisper. "We… we know what happened the other day. We just…"
She trailed off, glancing at him, unsure of how to continue.
He exhaled, closing his eyes briefly. "Kaede… I… I'm sorry for disappearing like that. I didn't know how to handle… everything. The feelings… the pressure… and… my grandfather…"
Leah and Sakurai-san exchanged quick, concerned glances.
"My grandfather passed away," Jousuke continued, voice cracking slightly. "I stayed with Ryuusei for a while… just to… figure things out. I didn't want to hurt anyone, and… I didn't know how to face anyone."
Kaede's hand moved instinctively to squeeze his, giving him warmth and reassurance.
Leah's eyes welled up. "Jousuke… I had no idea…"
Sakurai-san's expression softened, but her voice was steady. "We understand. We were worried, but… we didn't know what you were going through."
Kaede took a deep breath. "Jousuke… we all… love you. I know you're under a lot of pressure… but I think it's better if we're honest about our feelings."
Leah nodded, gripping her hands nervously. "I… I love you too. I've always… cared about you, and I couldn't hide it anymore."
Sakurai-san's calm eyes met his. "Daikuhara-san… I love you as well. I've wanted you to know… for a long time."
Jousuke's throat tightened. The weight of their confessions pressed down on him, but he also felt the support and trust in the way they spoke.
"I… I appreciate all of you," he said softly, eyes glistening. "I… I need time to think. I want to be fair… and I don't want to hurt anyone. Can you… give me until Monday?"
Kaede's lips parted slightly. "Of course… take your time."
Leah nodded, though her voice was shaky. "I… I understand. I'll wait."
Sakurai-san inclined her head. "Yes… take your time. We'll respect your decision."
The tension in the park softened, replaced by a quiet warmth. Kaede leaned slightly closer to him, brushing a stray lock of hair behind his ear.
Leah shyly reached out, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Even if it's hard… we'll be here for you."
Sakurai-san placed her hand gently over his other shoulder. "No matter what… you're not alone."
Jousuke looked at them, his chest swelling with emotion. "Thank you… all of you. I… I won't forget this. I feel… lucky. Really lucky."
Kaede smiled softly, her fingers brushing his. "You don't have to thank us… Jousuke. Just… let us be here with you."
Leah let out a small, almost inaudible sigh of relief, while Sakurai-san maintained her calm, reassuring gaze.
The park was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of trees and distant footsteps. The sunlight warmed the tips of their cheeks, though winter's chill still lingered. For the first time in days, Jousuke felt a sense of relief. Not from choosing, not from resolving anything—but from the support and honesty of those he cared about.
Kaede's eyes softened. "We'll all wait… and when you're ready… you'll let us know."
Jousuke nodded, his hands clutching his knees as a few tears slipped down his cheeks. Leah and Sakurai-san noticed, their own expressions softening.
Together, the four of them sat on the park benches in quiet solidarity, the snow drifting gently around them. Words had been spoken, hearts had been laid bare, and though nothing was resolved, a bridge had been built—a fragile, heartfelt bridge—between their intertwined feelings.
The weekend stretched ahead of them, three days for Jousuke to reflect, three days for emotions to settle, three days for hearts to prepare for the eventual answer that would come.
And as the light faded from the winter sky, the three girls each placed silent hands over their hearts, hoping, fearing, and longing—for the boy they loved.