“Ou…sniff…sniff…Waaa…”

 

“ . . . “

 

 

In an empty classroom after school, Kyoya was crying profusely.

 

Even Kyoya, who is dashing and handsome, looks filthy.

 

“I’m so happy…sniff…sniff…”

 

“…You’re a mess”

 

Even as I say that, Kyoya continues to cry without a care in the world.

 

I’d like you to stop, it’s embarrassing me.

 

 

“Come on, Kyoya. Don’t cry over him.” (Hinata)

 

“That’s right…”(Kusuba)

 

I don’t know why but Hinata, who is also present here, is glaring at me with a fierce gaze as she wipes Kyoya’s tears.

 

I mean, seriously? Why is she even here?

 

And don’t say that…

 

“But Kusuba is a real slob. Why can’t you just go confess yourself?” (Hinata)

 

“Hey! Don’t just say that out loud and I’m not going to confess.” (Kusuba)

 

 “What?!” (Hinata)

 

 

 Hinata shouted in disgust.

 

 But I can’t help it.

 

What I wanted to ask Kyoya was, ‘What should I do now?’

 

It’s hard for me to think of an idea, so I thought I’d ask Kyoya, who’s really good at this kind of thing, for a suggestion.

 

“So don’t just start ahead.” (Kusuba)

 

 

 “I don’t get it though, I thought you liked Rika” (Hinata)

 

“…no…I don’t” (Kusuba)

 

“Yeah, sure, Ren. I know what it feels like not to be honest.” (Kyoya)

 

 

 Kyoya, who just stopped crying a while back, expressed some unwelcome sympathy.

 

 It’s different.

 

 

 …Maybe

 

 

 

 “I want to talk about my feelings and emotions. So please be gentle with me, seriously.” (Kusuba)

 

“I don’t know where you’re heading at” (Hinata)

 

“Seriously…” (Kusuba)

 

“Well…Satsuki, let’s try to forgive Ren. He’s trying to move on.” (Kyoya)

 

“If you like her, just say you like her. And if you get rejected, then cry, feel sorry for yourself, and reflect on your life and that’s all.” (Hinata)

 

Hinata expresses her suggestion in a very strong manner.

 

If I were to be honest, I think what she is saying is right.

 

But I don’t understand.

 

 I don’t know if I like Tachibana or not.

 

 “You definitely like her” (Kyoya)

 

“Hey…why…what are you saying…” (Kusuba)

 

“I can tell what you’re thinking by just you expressions You’re my best friend after all” (Kyoya)

 

 Then, Kyoya gave me a dazzling smile.

 

 Which is extremely annoying.

 

“You said Ren should know what to do. The important thing is what you want to do, no? There is no right or wrong.” (Kyoya)

 

“Well…Yes…that may be true…” (Hinata)

 

 

 “It’s not like I want to pretend that Ren likes Tachibana-san. It’s just that I’ll do my best to help Ren whatever his decisions are and what chooses to do. But he will have to decide that himself.” (Kyoya)

 

Kyoya said that in an unusually serious tone.

 

But no doubt he was correct.

 

I already knew it without being told.

 

If that’s so, then why is this troubling me so much.

Why am I having such difficulties facing myself?

 

I already knew the answer to that question.

 

“So, what have you decided on?” (Hinata)

 

Hinata stared at me with an annoyed expression.

 

On the other hand, Kyoya had a grin on his face, as if he was waiting for something interesting to happen.

 

If I face myself properly, I’m sure I’ll come to the right decision.

 

But I’m afraid of it, afraid to accept it. I must have been unable to look forward.

 

Just what…do I want to do?

 

 

 “I think I like Tachibana-san” (Kusuba)

 

“Oooooh!” ( Kyoya)

 

 

 “And…then?” (Hinata)

 

 

 “…But that doesn’t mean I know what to do. I don’t know whether I want to be in a so-called romantic relationship. Maybe I’m afraid that the current relationship will change or I’m just happy the way we are…” (Kysuba)

 

“…oh” 

 

“I’m having much more fun than before, I don’t even know anymore… What could I possibly want? If I get greedy and lose what I already have, I’ll never get it back. And I don’t want that to happen. Absolutely not.” (Kusuba)

 

Before I know it, I start thinking about it.

 

I decided to move forward because I thought it was okay to get hurt.

 

“So, what do you plan on doing?” 

 

 Kyoya and Hinata didn’t try to rush me.

 

They just looked at me with different expressions and looks.

 

“…but I want to know Tachibana better. I want to return the favor to Tachibana. If she is hurt, in trouble, or sad, I want to be with her. I think that’s what it means to like someone. It’s not that I don’t want her to be my girlfriend, but if I can protect her with all I can, I want to do it…”

 

“Oh, oh oh oh oh OH!” (Kyoya)

 

 

 “… ‘I don’t want her to be my girlfriend, but if I could protect her’…” (Hinata)

 

I had added a weak line at the end and fell face down on my desk.

 

I was completely out of energy. My small pride, my energy, my stamina, everything was finished.

 

“Ok, narcissism time is over. So what to do now?” (Hinata)

 

“Don’t call it ‘narcissism’ time…” (Kyoya)

 

She’s still as bitter as ever…

 

“Ah, Ren! I’m so happy for you! You’re finally growing up” (Kyoya)

 

“Ahhh! I don’t know what I am supposed to do!” (Kusuba)

 

“I mean, you want to get to know Tachibana-san better, right? No matter what it takes!” (Kyoya)

 

“Why don’t you just say you want to go out with her? You’re one real coward, aren’t you?” (Hinata)

 

“Shut up…” (Kusuba)

 

“There there, Satsuki. But anyway, it’s the same. In my mind, it’s already decided.” (Kyoya)

 

“What the hell is decided…?” (Kusuba)

 

“What is?” (Hinata)

 

When Hinata and I asked Kyoya what he was talking about, he just crossed his arms and intentionally laughed with pride.

 

 “Fufufufu! Of course!” (Kyoya)

 

I’m having a really bad feeling about this.

 

But I guess I already knew this would happen…

 

 

“Double Date!!” (Kyoya)

 

I’m really no match for normies…

 

In the end, I couldn’t help but think that.