Sad, empty, despaired and depressed.

These were the feeling of one Isshiki Iroha is feeling.

The happy-go-lucky and sly fox that is Isshiki that everyone knew changed to a pessimistic Kouhai, a mere shadow of her former self. The sly and foxy smile that she used to give has tarnished like an old rusted silver jewellery.

The reason for her change because is because of an accident that happened a week ago. Her Senpai, 'Hikigaya Hachiman' had jumped out of his classroom's window, the reason behind his action was surrounded with rumours and mystery on the exact details of the accident.

Some say it was a public suicide and some say that it's a joke that had gone too far. All of this, however, is a lie, as Isshiki knows Hachiman enough to know that he won't do anything this dangerous without reason.

The reason she knew this is because she overheard the recounting of the events from the classmates of Her Senpai, 'Hachiman' that he prevented an insane murderer killing his classmate and teacher.

Try as she might, she couldn't keep her façade up as every time she smiles, every time she blinks she sees the face of her Senpai.

His smile, his unnatural way he showed his kindness and his genuineness.

She reminisces of the time when everyone was happy. When he was happy.

"It hurts Senpai..." she muttered to the wind.

"Why did you- Why must you-" sobbing out loud on the roof, what people didn't know that during her lunch break, she cried her eyes out on the rooftop.

The roof was the place where she secretly listened to the request that left his mouth on one faithful day.

"I just want something genuine…"

A pure wish from someone that has always hidden behind a façade of indifference and cruelty as a method to solely a problem.

Because of that small wish, Isshiki without hesitation confessed her feelings to Hayato, even though she knew that she would have been rejected.

She would never give up. She too wishes for something genuine. Something that's real, the truth behind lies. She can tell that she can move in the right direction if he is around.

Because… He was- is always been there for her.

The helping hand

Even when it's not in his character to go and get himself involved with others

Whether it's ridiculous or not, he was always with her.

Giving her the advice she needed, providing comfort when she needs it and even then he works hard for her sake.

Without her even realizing it, a person named Hikigaya Hachiman has become a part of her life.

A person less than a lover yet more than just a friend, a 'brother'.

Yes, a 'brother' it's the most suitable terms for describing her relationship with Hikigaya Hachiman.

Born as the only child in her family, she never knew what having siblings felt like. But, the interaction between them made her think that this is what being siblings is really is all about. However, she has started to want more. Her teasing him, and her act of being a spoiled child only to him has become the routine.

It has been a long time since she's dreamt about someone who could give her the warmth of family. She was lonely. Because of that, she tried to seek something that could free her from her loneliness. She started to seek Hayama. She thought that his sparkling personality could free her from the chain of loneliness and despair.

But now, she realizes that her feelings towards Hayama aren't love.

It is something else. Respect? admiration?

Is it just admiration for his nobility, not love?

She had known it; she has finally found the things that she wanted from all this time.

However, just as she was about to reach out and grasp it firmly in her hand then the next moment it was gone.

This is what hurt her more, it hurts more than a rejection. The thought of losing Hikigaya is something that would hurt more than being stabbed by a thousand knives.

She cannot stop her feelings.

She- she couldn't stop falling for him.

"-Love you…" she whispered out softly

"I love you" she spoke out loud, gaining strength in her voice.

"I love you Hachiman-Senpai!" shouting out loud, loud enough for anyone to hear but no one heard because of the wind muffling her voice.

With the words spilling out of her mouth with the only audience being the empty rooftop. She is alone. That was her true genuine feelings, the emotion growing so hot in her chest that she can't contain it anymore.

She is deeply in love with him.

If there is still a chance, someday, maybe one day she will tell him her feelings.

She prays that the chance will come.

This time, she will grasp it so tightly that it wouldn't be able to disappear.

That second chance…

Will it come?