DISCLAIMER: I do not own Nisekoi, its characters and some familiar scenes in anime/manga. All credits to the manga-ka Naoshi Komi.

AN: Ya-Ha! I'll write the review's reply at the end of this chapter since some of my reply are getting longer and I just love replying that way 3. Now about this chapter, gah! I don't know but I'm 100% sure that Raku is OOC. I actually don't know how to write his character right that's why I think he always ended up OOC in this fic T_T. Sorry. And by the way, do you guys notice the title of this fic? It simple as Nisekoi: FalseTrue Love because I actually didn't think much about the title because I didn't even expected me continuing this till now. So do you guys mind suggesting a good title? I just wanted to know your opinion about it hehe.

Forgive me for wrong typos and grammar. You know I'm trying my best to improve it :)))

Enjoy reading!

False/True Love 23: Behind the Reason

The rumor that was spreading in the school about Raku and Onodera is something only the students were insisting that that set up about them is true. And in their circle of friends only Chitoge was convinced that it was true. And beside that rumor about them, some are also making issue now about Raku and Chitoge's fake relationship. After all it's the famous couple we are talking about, so they are wondering; they are curious if their feelings for each other didn't developed at all from the time when they were still acting. Because in their opinion, it was impossible that none of them developed their feelings for almost 3 years faking it. For them there is a hundred percent possibility that one of them – it will be great if they both – developed their feelings for each other. But the way they see, and if they will only base on how Chitoge acts, they don't have a second thoughts to conclude that she doesn't developed even a little bit romantic feelings for Raku. If they only knew how good Chitoge acts like it's really nothing.

The whole day ended with the students, without stopping, talking about Raku and Ondera, also Chitoge. Onodera felt so wary because of the questions their classmate were asking that she's actually answering even though the truth that there was nothing special about her relationship with Raku hurts her like hell. Before leaving the room with Ruri, Onodera took a glimpse of look to Raku and thought what is he planning to do to stop the rumor? I hope it's not like what I'm thinking.

Raku and Shu was now the only student left in their classroom since all of their classmate already leave to go home. Raku sigh in frustration. He felt exhausted because of the whole thing that was happening. Everyone was so eager to know the truth about the rumor and they kept on asking questions repeatedly even though they already answered it for the nth time. Raku look outside the school ground in the window and once again sigh.

"This is your entire fault Maiko Shu." Raku grunted accusing him, face him and lean in the wall. Shu just gave a him a look like he is innocent and he doesn't have any idea what he is talking about and it made Raku sigh in annoyance, "It's your fault that what happened yesterday was so sudden. We are both not ready especially Onodera and you should have known that. And since we actually did not able to think what might happen if someone sees us the rumored happen unexpectedly."

"Hmm?" Shu hummed with his neko-like smile and eyes twinkling mockingly, "I just wanted to help you. And I did help you, right? You already gave your answer and she also knows the reason why. If you are having a trouble about the rumor, which you both know not true at all, it will for surely perish once they notice that nothing change about you two."

"Change about us?" Raku asked with thoughts there's nothing to change.

"You know if there really is something going on between you and Onodera. If you two just act how the way you treat each other as just close friend like before, they will surely realized that what you two kept on saying is the truth. I think the students will realize it on their own that nothing special going on since they will probably keep an eye on you two until they are satisfied with their own assumption." Shu explained while Raku is attentively listening to everything he was saying. So Shu continued, "And I also think that they actually believe of what you two are saying, it's just their curiosity and wondering that pushing the thoughts of you two dating. After all, it's new to them."

"Guess you have the point. But…" Raku pause thinking if he is sure to continue what he wanted to ask to Shu, he's having a second thought, but he only has him to talk about everything and to ask for help so he continued, "do you have a way or idea to stop the rumor as soon as possible?"

Raku knew that it's not that good, but it also not that bad, to ask this to Shu although he knows himself he said to Onodera that he will be the one who will think of a way about it, but… he can't think a good one. Actually he have an idea, the only idea he can think as of now and that's the only way running in his mind and what's on his mind is not an easy way that's why he is asking for Shu's suggestion; even though sometimes his best friend only think about wicked options that will entertain him, he still asked him thinking he can be a help in a crazy way once again.

"I only know one way." Shu started with a smile in his lips, Raku swallow in nervous seeing that Shu's smile proves that the entertainment already start for him, but since they are already into it, he let him continue, "Since everyone is curious if you two are really dating and everyone is also now wondering about you and Kirisaki-san feelings, why don't you show them that your affection is not for Onodera but for Kirisaki-san. Make them see; make them know that even though Kirisaki-san is showing that she doesn't develop her feelings for you, it's another thing about you."

For a moment Raku look at Shu in awe like he can't believe what he just heard from him. A smile formed in Raku's lips in realization that Shu didn't waste his time asking for his help. At first he really doubt asking him but it's not like he doesn't believe and trust him, in spite of everything they are best friend and he knows that he will help him whatever he can do. And what Shu suggested was actually close to what he wanted to do. Honestly speaking, what he planned to do is confessing in public if he can even really pull it right without faltering and getting anxious. Imagine Raku confessing in public, god, he will for surely felt like dying in anxiousness of his heart and the mixed emotion within him once he done it. But now that he heard Shu's opinion, he felt thankful that he asked him; in all fairness, Shu has a point.

That's right; he doesn't need to shout out in front of everyone that he likes the girl that used to be his fake girlfriend just to let them know, most especially her, about his feelings. Since he can still do it in a way that will make everyone notice it just by showing it only to her. Make Chitoge notice his affection sound much better.

"Shu… is that really you? Man thanks for that suggestion." Raku can't still believe what he just heard from his best friend while patting his shoulder and nodding his head, with smile, in approval to what Shu said.

Thinking about it, he felt nervous of what he is going to do because we all know that conveying the feelings to the person we like is not an easy task. And certainly he is feeling cautious about it because this will be the first time for him to show and let the girl he likes – and in purpose to everyone – know what he felt towards her. But there is one thing that worried Raku about doing it; that is Chitoge and her ignorance about them. It is possible that she will be conscious of what he is doing but because this is Chitoge we are talking about, he is sure that she will just put it aside and ignore it. That is what will make it difficult for Raku. Nevertheless, even with knowing that it will happen he is still determined to do everything he can to make her notice his feelings for her.

"I'm glad I'm able to help you again." Shu said and fixed his eyeglasses then took his bad while slightly giving a soft laugh because of the smile forming in Raku's lips. Somehow, Raku looks like getting lost in his thoughts (he always gets lost in his own thoughts) that he cut when he tapped his shoulder and said, "Let's go home now."

˳˳˳˹˹»ɴɪƧƏʞȯɪ«˼˼˳˳˳

The next day Raku and Onodera was still the talk of the students though that day Raku already started showing how his feelings change towards Chitoge. He showed how much he care and important she is for him with his every action. It's as if some of their classmate saw him acting like when he was her fake boyfriend but in a different way and with more affection. Every little action of Raku was being watched and it all has different meaning to their classmates especially to the girls. One way or another it seemed everyone was keeping an eye to Raku whoever he is with; Onodera or Chitoge.

If everyone compare them – since comparing is inevitable – most of them can say that in some way nothing changed between Onodera and Raku. They are still the same as before; comfortable in the company of each other in a friendly way. Again, if they only knew… it's true that before they are comfortable companying each other even though they like each other, but that's only because before they are not aware of each other's feelings. But it's different now. It's hard in Onodera's part to act its fine. Sure she was still feeling comfortable whenever they are together and talking but it definitely hurt her inside knowing that she can't cross the line anymore; that they can be nothing more than a friend because he already has someone he likes. It's hard for her to convinced herself to do her very best to be strong in front of him and everyone. It hurts her that she has to act that nothing changed though she also wanted it.

And if it's Chitoge, everyone was undoubtedly convinced by her action that she doesn't feel anything for Raku. And it made them wonder why is that so because for them Raku is not half bad, right? And he actually has the looks. May be Chitoge just really have a different taste in guy since she grew up in America.

But what if it's Raku? What does they think how Raku acts in front of her? Goodness! The girls can't stop themselves from squealing when they noticed the way Raku look at Chitoge; and the way he smile whenever he is looking at her. They notice a different vibes of happiness in his smile and how he lovingly looked at Chitoge. For them, Raku looked so in love with Chitoge but he can't tell it to her that's why he was trying to show it to her and make her feel it. And basing on Raku's actions, everyone now was convinced that what Raku and Onodera told them is the truth. There's nothing about them and they are just a good friend.

But everyone is still wondering of if it's really true that Chitoge didn't feel like liking him before; or if she is just starting to like him now because of how Raku showed her how he care for her and how important she is for him. Everyone knows that Raku is that kind of person especially to those close to him, still the way he shows it to Chitoge is different; it is special in his own way; he also really protective to her like he will risk everything for her. That's why it's puzzled them of why Chitoge acts that way – like it's nothing; there is nothing. It may be true that before they were just acting – or may be not – but one thing is for sure, what Raku was showing now is not an act anymore since they already stop acting as fake lovers. It excite everyone at the thought that maybe – they actually wish – that their fake relation will turn into reality.

˳˳˳˹˹»ɴɪƧƏʞȯɪ«˼˼˳˳˳

It's been one week and the situation still hasn't changed though the talk about Raku and Onodera has lessened; the comparison between Onodera and Chitoge for Raku is now what they are facing. Of course it didn't make them happy at all that they are the talk of everyone and it's actually getting in Chitoge's nerves that they are comparing her with Onodera because it's not right to compare them because they are friend. And about that issue there is also Ruri that's getting mad because they are hurting her best friend mentally even though she knows that no one intended it; and then there's Shu that looked like just watching what will going to happen next. Raku knew that he's at fault because of his sudden change of action towards Chitoge but he doesn't want to hurt anyone. Speaking of his change of action towards her, as he expected Chitoge is getting annoyed now about it. She actually can act all the way through that she doesn't care a bit about it but because of their classmates that kept on bugging her about it, Chitoge snapped. So one afternoon she confronted him about it when they are just the only student in their classroom.

"Oy Raku what on earth crazy things are going in your mind? Do you actually realize that you are acting like you are a different person? And our classmates see it differently on how I see it. What a joke!" Chitoge hissed and the annoyance can be heard in her voice whilst she is still sitting in her seat and arranging the things on her bag.

"Huh? What do you mean? What do you see and what they see?" Raku innocently asked like he doesn't have idea even though he really knows it because the girls are also bugging him about it.

"Don't act innocent." Chitoge faced him in poker face with the look in her face like she is telling him to explain what he needed to explain if he doesn't want to get hurt or else he will get knock from her.

"What if whatever they see or think is true?" Raku answered her in question coolly looking at her with his cheek resting in his palm. Chitoge gulp knowing that she is not ready to answer any of his questions because she actually expected that he will just explain whatever his reason.

Chitoge you should have think first before you act. Chitoge told herself when she remembered what Raku said to her in the roof top. If these talk ended up to that topic she is definitely not ready about it. She has to find a way to end the conversation.

"What are you talking about?" Now it's Chitoge's time to act innocent and that made Raku laughed softly. Somehow he felt like he really knows Chitoge well since he already presumed how she will respond and act about it.

"That my feelings for you have now developed or what do you call that - bloom." Raku answered casually without stuttering. Raku felt like he is now ready to confess; that this is the right time to do so. He also felt like he really needed to tell it to her if she keeps on ignoring his way of just showing it.

"What a joke!" Chitoge simply answered with a tint of red showing in her face that she tried to hide. "Look for someone you can fool around."

Chitoge stand up from her seat. She can't continue this anymore. No matter what, she has to get out of the room. She was about to step when Raku stopped her, "Wait Chitoge," he said now standing behind her holding her in her wrist and asked her with his serious tone, "What if I really like you; for real?"

"I don't think so that's true." She said straightforward.

"Why don't you believe it's true?" The next question Raku asked. This will be the start of the hardest part of confessing for Raku; the part where Chitoge being Chitoge; the hardheaded gorilla.

"It's way too unbelievable!" It can be heard in her voice that she really doesn't believe; if that so then he will make her believe no matter what. And if she sounded like she just doesn't want to believe then maybe she doesn't want him to return the feelings, but he wanted to, so he will make her want to believe.

"How come it's unbelievable for you? Why can't you believe that what everyone thinks is the truth?" He asked one after another.

"In what way do you want me to believe? And why are you expecting me to believe it?" Chitoge answered with another question. Her voice is getting colder. She doesn't want to continue what they are talking about anymore. She wanted to get out but she can't get away from his grip. She's trying to get away from him but he was tightening his grip to the point that he can't seem to notice that he's actually hurting her. Wrong topic Chitoge! You really shouldn't have asked him about that issue anymore and continue being ignorant. She thought lecturing herself.

"You have to believe me and everyone because I even purposely let them know that something change about us – well maybe just about me; some feelings have develop; I like you Chitoge. You have to believe me because I need you to and it's the truth." Raku answered softly like he is pleading her to believe him. His grip in her wrist is loosening, her back still facing him. But whenever he felt like Chitoge is trying to get away from him he is tightening his grip again but this time carefully.

Perhaps the reason why Raku suddenly has full of courage now to directly tell everything he wanted to say and how he felt to her is because he knows that he is already running out of time. There are only few weeks for them to be together. It's already March for Pete's sake. Once they graduate they will have their different ways and be separated. And he even don't have any idea what is Chitoge's plan after graduation; and if she planned on going back to America, he at least doesn't want her to leave without knowing what he truly feels for her. He maybe doesn't need to hear her answer about his confession – since he already knew it – but it much feel better if he will hear it coming from her lips. He still wished to hear those words from her.

Impossible! Impossible! Impossible! I don't believe him. This is a joke! What's happening? Chitoge is in panic. Thankfully she is not facing Raku and he can't see that her face is now red as tomato. Her heart is beating fast. She felt like crying in agitation. She wanted to smack Raku as hard as she can because of what he is saying. Whatever happened she definitely won't believe him even supposing she undeniably admit to herself that the words I like you Chitoge from him sounds like a great hit love song ever.

"I didn't know you are corny Raku. Are you practicing confessing to someone? If you just say so, I can help you." Chitoge pun trying to set aside the fact that Raku confess to her for the – how many times is it already? She is bitching around, really.

"I don't need to practice anymore since I'm already confessing to you." Raku said matter-of-factly.

"Raku please stop fooling around already. I'm not buying your jokes anymore." Chitoge said annoyed.

"Do you really think I'm just fooling around?" Raku asked in return with a hint of annoyance in his voice also.

"Yes!" She promptly answered that Raku countered saying, "Stubborn gorilla."

"Why are you so stubborn? Why can't you believe that what I'm telling is true; that I like you?" Raku sigh exasperated thinking that he didn't imagine this to be this hard than he already expected. He thought that once Chitoge knew that he likes her she will also admit what she felt for him. Guess it's really not that easy. But why?

"Because other than it's unbelievable, it is also impossible to happen. So how do you expect me to believe?" Chitoge almost shout in madness she is feeling; she knows she can get away from him but somehow there something in her that stopping her. Oppositely, Raku is determined to continue what they already started. And can't still find the answer of why Chitoge sounded so sure that what he is saying is not true. Do I look like a liar to her!

"How did it become impossible? What is so hard in believing that I like you? Did I fail showing it and make you feel what I feel for you? Is there something missing or something I have to do to make you believe?" With those questions of Raku a sudden question to himself popped in his mind is it about behind her reason? Raku thinks that what behind her reason is connected to why Chitoge doesn't believe him. And I don't think going back to America is what behind her reason.

"EVERYTHING!" She shouted and continued, "Everything is impossible and unbelievable, don't make me repeat for Pete's sake; and there's nothing for you to do about it. So can you just please stop keep on telling that you like me." She ended biting the lower part of her lips. It hurts her that she can't feel anything other than not believing his confession. Whether it really is true or not, she can't do anything about it.

"Then I'm sorry because I don't think I can do that. If the only way is to keep on telling that I like you, I will do it. I like you Chitoge. It's not a like as a friend but as a girl that I wanted to be my girlfriend… and this time for real. No more faking, no more acting! I like you! I like you! I like you!" Raku confessed repeatedly as if he doesn't know what to tell her anymore. And this time he really felt nervous because somehow he felt like this is his last chance and so he softly added, "Please just believe me!"

"You're unbelievably persistent. I'm also asking you to please stop already. How many times do you want to hear from me that I don't believe it? I won't believe it! I won't believe it! I won't believe!" Chitoge actually wanted to believe him with his last confession. The sincerity in his voice and the way he pleaded hurt her more. Though she actually wanted to believe, she can't seem to do so because of some reason that is a fact true. So she keep on chanting to her mind that she don't believe him and trying her best not to listen to what he is saying anymore but it seems like her ears is absorbing, every words that he is saying, in its own that made her burst in madness. If telling him the reason why she can't believe him is the only way to make him stop then she will give him what he wants.

With a tears budding in her eyes, Chitoge faced him, with a hint of pain in her voice she said, "How can I believe you? Tell me Raku how to believe that what you are telling is the truth when the truth I know is that you like Kosaki-chan and she likes you back."

The statement widens Raku's eyes. He didn't expect hearing those from Chitoge. He has no clue how she found out about it but now it answered his question of why she doesn't want to believe and what's behind her reason. And it's actually an acceptable reason.

"How did you found out?" He still asked though it doesn't matter anymore since what matter now is make her believe that it's not the truth anymore. And Chitoge really didn't manage to answer him when they get back to reality. Someone's voice broke the wall building up in their own world.

"C-Chitoge-chan…" the voice can't believe what she just heard and then they both turn to look in their way. They can't believe that they actually forgot everything; their surrounding and where they are. Because their conversation got serious they didn't notice that the door has been open for a couple of minute already.

Chitoge's eyes widens when she saw her friends. She forgot that they just go to the faculty room because their homeroom teacher asked for them and the reason why she was left alone with Raku in the room is because they are waiting for them since they decided to hang out together. That maybe was the something that stopping Chitoge earlier but it won't stop her anymore. Just the thought of them heard what she and Raku was talking about – which she is sure they really heard – made her run faster away from the room without giving any lame excuse.

˳˳˳˹˹»ɴɪƧƏʞȯɪ«˼˼˳˳˳

When Chitoge calmed down she stop running and just walk in the hallway while hitting her head for not being careful. Now everyone knows that she actually knows that Raku and Onodera like each other. Maybe that will help them now to be together. She thought and remembered how she found it.

For the reason that Chitoge already graduated from being an insensitive girl ever since she admitted to herself that she like Raku; one way or another she seemed a little bit aware of the antics of the person who is in love. And she unintentionally noticed that thing about them. Since then she got curious if Raku likes someone and so she tried to observe his every actions towards the girls he accompanying. She noticed that Raku looks like treating everyone in the same manner but except one, that is Onodera. She noticed how he gets blush whenever he is facing Onodera; he even gets excited just by talking about her. She also noticed how the way he smiles like he is the happiest man in the world whenever they are together. It's like being with her and talking to her is his happiness; likewise to Onodera. Before, Chitoge only thought that maybe Raku was just really nice to Onodera since she is one of the nicest girls she knows; but it turns out she's wrong about it. She even remembered that time when they are in a restaurant having a study group and then Shu asked Raku which he liked… to order.

"So? Which do you like better, Raku?" Shu asked him while he looked like busy thinking about something.

"Well, of course that would be Onode-…" he was about to answer without hesitation but the moment he realized what he was about to say he instantly stopped and try to throw Shu's second question to Onodera.

Chitoge bitterly smile at the memory. Even though it happened way back in their first year day, she just realize what he wanted to say back then when she prove that what she noticed is true. If before Chitoge doesn't have any idea back then why Raku acted that way, now it's different because she is fully aware why.

"Of course that would be Onodera." Chitoge whispered to herself; completing the sentence that Raku didn't manage to finish back then.

Oh and remember the day that Chitoge made Raku and Onodera have their supposed to be date? It's actually her plan to have the proof she needed because she actually just can't accept that what she noticed between them is truth. And after that, she got the proof she needed when she heard Raku and Shu talking about it, likewise to Onodera and Ruri.

Now, can she really believe what Raku said; that he likes her? Chitoge wanted to believe but she doesn't want to fool herself. It is a big joke for her even though she really did noticed the sudden change of his action towards her. And because she noticed it she tried to ignore it and stay away from him recently but it didn't budge him at all. But it doesn't matter now at all. What's done is done; they can't change it anymore. Kirisaki Chitoge you can't be hopeful about it! She reminded herself. She can't be hopeful about it because there is a possibility that Raku was just confused and she doesn't want to add any confusion to him. But what if there is someone that will prove to her that his confession to her is the truth?

"C-Chitoge-chan?" That voice again. Onodera called her name. Because of having a deep thought about them she stopped walking a moment ago in the entrance looking at the sky that is getting darker.

"Kosaki-chan…" She called back and faced her with a smile in her face.

Chitoge can sense and see in Onodera's eyes that there something she wanted to say. She also wanted to ask her about something. But Chitoge already felt exhausted to confront her and she thinks she is not ready to answer her at all. She doesn't want to hear anything anymore concerning their feelings. She was about to walk away but Onodera stopped her. Chitoge knows she's been running away from her problem, but that's the only thing she can do in the few weeks they will be together. She really doesn't want any more confrontation. But it seems like she have no choice about it. Maybe this is what they call the right timing to do everything that needed to be done.

"You lied to me Chitoge-chan, isn't that right?" And that's the first question from her that made Chitoge look away especially the moment that the tears from Onodera's eyes fall in her face.

AN: Yay! A cliffhanger nyahaha. I think what will going to happen in the next chapter is predictable now, no? XDDD.

ＲＥＶＩＥＷ'Ｓ ＲＥPＬＹ

【 xXxUsakonxXx】 》Yay! Hello; a new reader and reviewer? Thank you so much for the review ^^ and for the compliment kekeke.

【 eLf】 》And I'll say I love you for loving this fic 3 and you're always welcome ^^ the pleasure is mine :D. Haha run away from it huh? But I think I'll do the same thing. But if it were me, guess I won't care that much about it too. If it does hurt then it hurts, I guess haha. I honestly think that what I'm writing about what Chitoge doing in this fic is what I'll do… someday? Haha XDDD. Aww~ Then what language you're use in your fic; and where you from btw? :))

I'm glad to know that you felt what I wanted the readers to feel once read the chapter. I actually always thought my fic never deliver what I wanted for the readers. I always thought it's just nothing but a lame story that I just wanted to post haha. Anyways, why didn't you think Raku would confess to Onodera? I thought that it is the only way to answer her confession hehe. You really think so? Haha 'cause I really think that if they are already a couple then maybe no more faking relationship. But that is also possible since they are doing it for their family member having war. And yeah I bet that will hurt her a lot like hell. That's a nice plot also, don't you think? XD. and about your question about why Chitoge is still putting an act, I guess this chapter already answer you :)) and the question about how Raku will make her believe him, I think thios chapter also answered that? ^_~

Oh so it's like Chitoge overheard the confession between them? Guess this chapter is like that but it reverse the character XDD.

【 abby 】 》It's good to know that you felt like reviewing this fic, it made me really happy ^^ it's okay if you're a silent reader, at least I'm aware now that there is a reader with username abby reading this :)) thanks

【 HoneySama】 》Ya~ I was actually waiting for you next review and thought you're not reading this anymore after that first review of your hehe :P and thank you so much for loving this fic ^^. Well, we can discuss it whenever I have a time. And about the last update where Raku mistook his feelings for a best friend really disappointed me. Gah! When I was reading it I really thought he already understood what Shu wanted to deliver from his question. He really made me excited and squealed for nothing, that stupid beansprout lol XDDD. But it actually good that Chitoge's relationship to him is improving, it leveled up. It's something like getting-to-know-each-other; from strangers to friends to best friends and then lovers though we all know that not all best friends are ending up as lovers' nyahahaha. Hmm… other mangas… I don't think that's possible because I actually already stopped reading romcom stories XDD. The mangas I'm updated now are only One Piece and Nisekoi mehehe, Gekkan Shojou and New Prince of Tennis, too. And then the manga that I really like are Beelzebub (because of TatsuGarde), Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (SunaKyou), Eyeshield 21 (HiruMamo), Fruits Basket (KyoTohru) and… that's all I guess? XDD. But I also read some manga that I actually like the story but I don't like who they ended up with like Strobe Edge, Heroine Shikaku and Ao Haru Ride.

【 Hospitaller1080】 》 Let her act what she wanted haha. Again, thanks for reading this fic ^^ it's good to know that you're still keep reading :D