5:20 PM
Fuutarou glares at Ichika.
Fuutarou:"You really find a way to say the worst things at the worst times, huh?"
Ichika:"I'm just asking. I mean, aren't you being just a little too selfish, Mr. Overly Popular?"
Fuutarou:"I'm only going through a popular phase."
Ichika:"Really? If multiple girls pining for the affection of one guy isn't the definition of overflowing popularity, then what is? Apologize to those men not fortunate enough."
Fuutarou:"Okay, you made your point."
Itsuki:"Hm?"
Ichika and Fuutarou didn't notice, but their voices got through to the current studying Itsuki, who raised her head in expectation after hearing what she thought were familiar voices only to see no one. Out of panic, Fuutarou and Ichika hid behind a corner.
Itsuki:"That was odd. I must be really starving if I'm starting to hear voices...No! I mustn't let that overtake my senses!"
Fuutarou:"...Let's move somewhere else."
Once outside, Fuutarou and Ichika continued.
Fuutarou:"I should talk to her, but I don't have time right now."
Ichika:"So you're not going to answer my question?"
Fuutarou:"...I'm not obliged to answer it."
Ichika:"Hmm, all of this would be over quickly if you simply gave us your answer."
Fuutarou:"..." [You say that like I don't know…]
Ichika:"Oh, maybe you need a push! How's this? I'll tell you how I fell for you!"
Fuutarou hesitated, but there was some curiosity.
Fuutarou:[She's willing to tell me, just like that? Maybe if I say yes, I can put the pieces together more easily?] "V-Very well, I accept your offer."
Ichika:"Great! But in exchange, I have one request."
Fuutarou:"What's that?"
Ichika:"It wouldn't be fair if you only heard my story, so you have to promise to ask the rest why they came to like you."
Fuutarou:"...On second thought, never mind."
Ichika:"Eh? Just like that? Are you that self-conscious?"
Fuutarou:"Self...conscious?"
Ichika:"That's it! You're embarrassed...because you already love someone, don't you?'
…
Fuutarou:"I don't."
Ichika:"So cold! If that's the case, then it shouldn't be a big deal, should it? I mean, wouldn't being with that special someone be truly wonderful? Spending time with them, going on dates, holding hands. Eventually, the emotions flare up and you fall on top of each other and kiss...all in a romantic location...like under a bell..."
At that moment, Fuutarou almost twisted his neck with how fast he turned around.
Fuutarou:[How the hell does she know that? Was it just a guess? Is she just remembering one of her acting gigs? Was it her?]
Fuutarou was about to ask how she knew, but he stopped himself.
Fuutarou:[No, that's stupid. Asking would give me away too quickly.]
He coughed as a confused Ichika looked on.
Fuutarou:"What would you know about romance? It's not as if you've k-kissed someone before."
Ichika:"No, I've done it a couple of times."
Fuutarou:"Huh?"
Ichika:"Yeah, they were usually done during season finales or at the very end of the movie. Stories sure like to end as soon as the couple gets together for some reason."
Fuutarou:"O-Oh, I see."
Ichika:"It's not like I have feelings for those guys. It's professional and we both understand that. What, were you jealous?"
Fuutarou:"No, you just said that so casually."
Ichika chuckled.
...
Ichika:"I'm serious, you know? About liking you. I know I've done terrible things because of it...Things I may never be able to forgive myself for, but the others as well. They love you for a reason." [I'm not expecting anything for me...But…]
Fuutarou:"..."
Ichika:"Even though I know I'm not in the position to say this...As an older sister, it does make me a bit angry that you're so adamant in delaying this. I may be able to talk with you just fine, but think about how the others feel, how much it hurts them to see you, constantly thinking "Will he?" only to be disappointed again. That's why...I have to hear your answer now. What is your final choice!?"
Fuutarou:"...Do you really want to know the answer?"
Ichika:"Of course I do, you dummy!"
Fuutarou:"Are you truly, super sure?"
Ichika:"How many more times do I have to say 'yes'!?"
Fuutarou:"...Very well. I'll make an exception, just this once. But it's not my fault anymore if you can't handle it."
Ichika:"I'm ready." [It's fine if it isn't me. If it's Nino...If it's Miku...If it's Yotsuba, or Itsuki...Then at least I can finally put these feelings to rest, these worries…"]
…
Fuutarou:"I'm choosing no one. That's my answer."
…
Ichika:"That's really your final answer?"
Fuutarou:"Yeah."
Ichika:"So everyone is getting rejected...I guess we couldn't break the wall around your heart. That's a little disappointing. I wonder how the rest will react to this."
Fuutarou:"...I'm not rejecting them."
Ichika:"Huh? What do you mean you're not rejecting them? Aren't you choosing no one?"
Fuutarou:"...At one point, I had the thought of flat out rejecting h-them...But I recently came to another decision, I'll simply ignore their advances...I'll ignore those feelings they have for me...We'll continue studying...We'll continue school...We'll pass with no problem...We'll graduate...Eventually, those feelings that they harbor for me will fade away with time. That's all there is to it. I believe this is the rig-"
Before he could finish, Fuutarou felt a surge of pain across his cheek. It was a slap. The sound vibrated across the area they were at. Once he regained his composure, Fuutarou saw a crying Ichika.
Ichika:"You indecisive, hypocritical piece of scum!"
"What's going on?"
"A couple fighting?"
Fuutarou:"Ichika…"
Ichika:"Don't you 'Ichika' me! All this time you've had, and you're really going with that lame ass excuse!? You really think leaving them like wet blankets will really fix anything!? And even after that, you have the balls to walk up to me and try to get me back to school, while you pretend nothing is wrong with your choice too!?"
Fuutarou:"..."
Ichika:"Screw that childish crap! Here I thought you could...Argh! I'm so stupid!"
Ichika turned around and ran away, unable to look at Fuutarou anymore as he stood there.
Fuutarou:"...This is why I didn't want to tell you...What the hell am I supposed to do then…?"
End of Chapter 57