Confession

The next day I woke up an hour earlier than usual. I spent that extra hour exercising my body.

I also didn't forget to order a spy camera detector.

Other than my body feeling sore, I started school as usual.

Of course, I didn't forget to bring the chocolates.

I walked to school with Akira again. He asked me how yesterday went with the Ice King. I told him it was exhausting and... unique to say the least.

I hope my advice about getting a counselor would help him.

Akira wasn't satisfied but didn't push further.

He no longer pulls out the "BFF" card for more information and lets things go more easily.

Ah~ He's trying to be a much better friend.

'He really is.'

I think I'm in love~

'But I thought-'

Platonically. I'm in love platonically.

'...'

Anyway, when I walked into the classroom, I was welcomed by two warm, gentle stares.

?

Warm? Gentle?

After one quick look around, I located the sources easily.

Once my eyes met Tatsuya's, he lifted the corner of his lips a little. It seemed like he was happy and was thanking me.

I suppose he used my advice and found it useful. I basically used 'her' plan and upgraded it.

When I looked at Ryuu, he nodded and smiled. I saw the expectations in his eyes.

I smiled gently and nodded back. I also can't wait for today.

"Oh? You're really quite popular, Haruka." Akira whispered from beside me with a smirk.

"Oh please. I'm only popular with the unique people." I turned around to glare at him. "Unlike Mr. Popular who seems to know everyone."

While I had two people to greet me, Akira was met with many peers wishing him a fine morning. Even on our walk here, so many people would talk to him! Some weren't even students!

If I didn't know Akira that well, I would have felt like my status as a best friend is in danger.

"Ah. That's true I guess." Akira looked at me curiously as we took our seats. "You really are popular with the unique people."

"Yeah..." I sighed. "It feels like I'm the main heroine of a harem otome game."

I saw Akira flinch when I said that.

"The heroine of a harem otome game?" Akira cautiously asked.

"Yes. I'm close with the temperamental delinquent, the cold rich second generation, and the cheery class mascot." I then looked at Akira with a smirk. "If I add you, you'll be the best friend Mr. Popular that everyone loves."

"Oh my~ Are you flirting with me?" Akira covered his mouth with his hand, looking bashful and shy.

"You wish." I lightly laughed. "I already have a route in mind."

"Mind telling me?" Akira asked while looking at me with a weird look in his eyes.

"Na." I waved my hand.

"That's a shame." Akira looked a bit sad.

Interesting... He's acting weird... Does he know?

Write that down. I'm asking him later.

'Ok, it's noted.'

"Good morning, Haru!" Yuu just entered the room and spotted me fast.

"Good morning." I returned the pleasantry.

Ugh.

I don't mind helping Ryuu and Tatsuya since they still have a chance to return to normal. But Yuu is just fucked up.

I can really not just get rid of him?

'No! Murder is bad!'

When did I say murder? I just want to get him sent to prison.

Were you planning to kill him? You cruel monster!

'I- Shut up!'

"Good morning!" Akira butted in with a smile.

"Hey, we can practice today, right?" Yuu walked straight to my desk and put his hands onto it. He leaned forward, clearly ignoring Akira.

Practice? What pract-

Right... The sports festival.

...

Have I ever told you how dumb you are?

'Shut up! I was nervous, ok!'

So you do admit you're dumb.

'I said shut up!'

"Oh, have you settled things with the dance and cheer teams?" I leaned back, doing my best to not look nervous.

"Basically! We just have a few things we need to work out, but we have plenty of time! So we can, right?" Yuu's eyes were sparkling.

I never ever have hated you more than now.

'...' TT w TT

"I also brought some cookies we could have during breaks." Yuu had leaned forward more and whispered to me behind his hand. I'm guessing so Akira couldn't hear what he was saying.

"Cookies?" I asked while pushing Yuu back a little. He was too close for comfort.

"Sugar cookies and chunky chocolate chip cookies." Yuu's smile was sly as if the prey was hooked. "I won't give them to you unless we practice. They're a reward."

"Cookies..." I muttered unconsciously.

Yuu smiled a bit brighter.

"I should make some for Ryuu."

"???"

Yuu's face looked so confused and angry. Maybe because of my response or me calling Ryuu with honorifics. Or maybe both.

God, I love that expression. Suffer.

'The cookies though...'

Fuck his cookies. It's probably drugged or something. Also, is that really what you are hung up on?

'But cookies!'

I said, FUCK HIS COOKIES, you sugar addict.

'...' TT^TT

I'll make some back home ok.

'I love you!'

Akira was snickering on the side from seeing the expression on Yuu's face. Yuu broke out of his stupor.

"You want to make cookies?" Yuu smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes.

"Hm? Make cookies?" I looked at him confused. "Why would I do that though?"

"But... Right, right, I was just speaking randomly." Yuu most likely thought that it was just his imagination.

"Alright then? When do you want to practice?" I tried my best to not grin.

"We'll do it during the after school hour of prep." Yuu answered me.

"Ok." Yuu left with a weird look on his face.

"What was that?" Akira asked, still grinning.

"I don't know. Don't ask me." I winked at him. Akira received my intention and winked back.

Then homeroom started, which was then followed by classes. And what comes after? The most important event today. Lunch.

"So are you going off with Yamamoto-kun again?" Akira questioned me.

"Yep." I answered back.

"Are you going to tell me what's happening?" Akira looked at me with a sly smile.

"I will if things go well." I shrugged.

"Then I wish you good luck." Akira gave a genuine smile.

"Thanks." I return that smile with the same one.

"Haruka."

"Let's go." I smiled as I slowly looked up at Ryuu.

I already packed up my stuff, so I walked with Ryuu towards the rooftop. Ryuu was walking in front of me this time.

However, as I walked out the door, something pulled me back.

"Holy f-" I managed to stop myself from swearing out loud as I stumbled back into someone's chest.

"Neh, Haru, don't forget you still owe me." Yuu whispered into my ear.

I quickly pulled my hand from his grip and shot away from him before turning around. Yuu smiled innocently.

"Oops, sorry. I guess I grabbed you too suddenly, hehe." Yuu acted apologetic.

I really want to punch his face right now.

'Don't.'

"What do you mean I still owe you?" I asked cautiously.

"Eh? You forgot?" Yuu feigned hurt. "Remember~ You said you'd get something for me from the vending machine."

Yuu pouted. "Just because I went to your house doesn't mean that can be forgotten."

...

I feel like the whole world is against me.

'I'm sorry.'

At this point, I'm used to your stupidity.

'... Why do you do this to me?' TT w TT

"Right." I slowly nodded.

"That's all. See you later, Haru~" Yuu waved as he headed back to his seat where some classmates were waiting.

"Haru?" Ryuu walked back in. "What's holding you?"

"Nothing anymore." I turned towards Ryuu and smiled. "Let's go."

We walked to the rooftop once again. As we walked, I checked my stuff to make sure everything was here.

Lunches? Check.

Utensils for two? Check.

Chocolates? Check.

'Her' locked away so 'she' can't fuck things up? Check.

'Let me out!'

Just stay in there quietly.

'I'm not going to mess things up!'

I don't trust you. You messed up before so why not now?

'I never messed things up!'

Really? Name one time you didn't fucked up something important.

'Well, there's... this... and... that... and... Just shut up!'

Just watch ok?

'Fine. But I'm also going to do a confession later.'

Sure. But It's my confession right now.

We reached the top of the stairs and opened the unlocked door that leads to the rooftops.

I once again saw the amazing view of the sceneries around the school.

'Wow.'

Amazing right?

'Yeah! Though not as good as feeling it while I'm in control, it still feels better than watching it from memories.'

"Haru."

I turned around to face Ryuu.

I saw him standing there waiting.

Waiting for my answer.

I took a deep breath and then looked straight into his eyes.

I can see the expectations in them.

I guess it's time to confess my feelings.