"I like Classmate Ichinose. Please, please go out with me."
Ichinose was dumbfounded by such a confession and couldn't help but cast a pleading look at Amane-san.
Amane-san, meanwhile, hid to the side, lightly covering her mouth, waiting to watch the show.
"Um... Shiraha-san, your confession is a bit sudden, I haven't mentally prepared myself yet."
Only half an hour had passed from receiving the confession letter until now.
Ichinose felt that deciding on such a major life event as dating in such a short time was a bit rushed.
"Classmate Ichinose, do you dislike me?"
Shiraha-san didn't choose to badger her about whether to accept, instead opting for a roundabout approach.
"How could I? I don't dislike Classmate Shiraha."
"Then, Ichinose, if you don't dislike me, can I assume you've accepted my confession?"
"Eh?"
Only then did Ichinose realize she had been taken advantage of.
Although there were many reasons to refute Shiraha-san.
The options of 'not liking' and 'hating' were all unavailable.
In this situation, trying to refuse while 'not disliking' would inevitably make her feel guilty and unable to speak up.
"I think... we might not be suitable. I don't mean that Classmate Shiraha is bad or anything, but... I currently have no plans to date anyone."
Ichinose clutched at this like a lifeline.
Sure enough, this answer made Shiraha-san pause.
"But at the previous gathering, didn't Ichinose say she hoped to date someone she liked at school? Is Ichinose deceiving everyone?"
Shiraha-san's questioning gaze grew sharper.
Especially the word 'deceiving' made Ichinose flustered.
She tried hard to recall the circumstances under which she would have said such a thing, and after a moment, she remembered that when they were discussing relationships, she had indeed said she wanted to find someone she liked to date.
It's over.
Ichinose hadn't expected Shiraha-san to still remember something from so long ago.
"I haven't deceived anyone, it's just... it's just..."
Ichinose again looked to Amane-san for help.
Amane-san, who was enjoying the drama from the side, ignored Ichinose's pleading gaze.
Seeing that Amane-san really wasn't going to help, Ichinose had to figure out a way herself, searching for a method to refuse her confession without hurting Shiraha-san.
"Classmate Ichinose, do you like me?"
Shiraha-san directly asked the crucial question.
This question could actually end the confession quite easily if she was firm in her attitude.
But Ichinose had already given up the right to use all negative words from the start.
Meaning her answer could only go two ways.
One was 'liking', but answering this way would undoubtedly lead her into a trap, and the only outcome would be accepting the confession; otherwise, it would be impossible to end it perfectly.
The other answer was to emphasize that she didn't dislike her, which was to avoid the topic of whether she liked her and play tai chi with the other person. Someone with a bit of insight would understand Ichinose's attitude and thus end the confession.
But for someone who had made up their mind, not even a sliver of an opportunity would be let go.
Which would Ichinose choose?
"I don't dislike Classmate Shiraha, but I think our relationship as classmates would be easier to maintain."
Ichinose spoke very clearly and politely.
If it ended like this, it seemed acceptable.
However, Ichinose clearly hadn't anticipated that Shiraha-san was the type of person who wouldn't give up until she hit a wall.
"But we haven't even dated yet, Ichinose, how do you know that kind of relationship wouldn't be better than now? Shall we try it? If Ichinose can't adapt then, couldn't we just break up?"
Shiraha-san placed her hands on Ichinose's arms, looking at her with a pleading expression.
Amane-san on the side took out her phone and quickly recorded Shiraha-san's confession.
Seeing that the confession encountered obstacles, she tried to dilute the concept of dating and blur it into an 'attempt' by two people.
It sounded like a good suggestion, to try being together first and break up if it didn't work out, if one thought that way.
Then congratulations, you've already fallen into the trap.
Because the moment you agree to 'try', the meaning of dating has already been achieved. As for 'breaking up if it doesn't work out'... isn't that just breaking up?
It's just a more easily accepted way of saying it.
So, would Ichinose agree to Shiraha-san?
Initially, Ichinose's heart fluttered when she heard Shiraha-san's suggestion, but after she regained some rationality, she immediately realized that this was no different from dating, and she hesitated for a moment.
"I'm sorry, I can't reciprocate, Classmate Shiraha."
Ichinose ultimately chose to reject Shiraha-san.
Shiraha-san, despite being mentally prepared.
Still couldn't help but shed tears the moment Ichinose refused.
"Why? Why do you refuse me, Ichinose, when you don't dislike me? Do you know how sad I am? Even, even if you just give me a reason to refuse me..."
Watching tears continuously stream down Shiraha-san's cheeks.
Ichinose was at a loss for what to do.
If she didn't give Shiraha-san a reason, Classmate Shiraha would probably not give up, coupled with the terrifying analysis Amane-san had given her earlier.
Ichinose took a deep breath and looked towards Amane-san.
At this moment, Amane-san was still waiting for the confession to conclude.
She completely failed to notice the hint of apology in Ichinose's gaze towards her.
I'm sorry, Amane-san, I'm afraid only this explanation will make Classmate Shiraha give up.
"Because I like Amane-san, it's impossible for me to date Classmate Shiraha, you understand that, right, Classmate Shiraha?"
Ichinose said loudly.
"Eh? Why am I being dragged into this?"
"Ichinose, you like Classmate Amane?"
Amane-san and Shiraha-san looked at each other in shock.
Amane-san was even more dumbfounded; she was just watching the drama, and Ichinose directly threw the blame on her. This was completely undeserved trouble.
"Wait, Classmate Shiraha, let me explain."
Seeing Shiraha-san's gaze at her turn strange, Amane-san quickly intended to explain.
"No need to explain, I understand everything."
What do you understand?
Amane-san felt a bit dizzy.
If Ichinose's words today reached Suzune's ears, she would probably have to pack her bags and be kicked out by Suzune to live in a different dorm again.
"No wonder Ichinose rejected my confession, it turns out she fell for Classmate Amane. If it were anyone else, I might still be unconvinced, but Classmate Amane... But Amane, don't get too smug!!! I will snatch Classmate Ichinose back one day!!!"
Shiraha-san declared war loudly to Amane-san with a serious expression.
Amane-san silently pressed Ichinose, who was beside her, and pushed her in front of Shiraha-san.
"I'm giving her to you now, do you want her? If you do, take her away quickly."
"I can't do that, I don't need my love rival's pity. I will snatch Ichinose back from you with my own hands!"
After saying that, Shiraha-san turned around and gave Ichinose a deep, affectionate look.
"Wait for me, Ichinose, I'll do my best."
"Ah, oh, okay, good luck then..."
Ichinose no longer knew what she was saying.
Apparently... things were a tiny bit different from what she had imagined.
But... it should be fine, right?
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