DISCLAIMER: I do not own Nisekoi, its characters and some familiar scenes in anime/manga. All credits to the manga-ka Naoshi Komi.
AN: About this chapter? I'm speechless. I just write it in a span of moment lol XDDD. So I let you judge (review/comment) whatever you think about this chapter after reading this ^^
Forgive me for wrong typos and grammar. You know I'm trying my best to improve it :)))
Enjoy reading!
False/True Love 24: Choices to Make
"You lied to me Chitoge-chan, isn't that right?" the first question Onodera asked to Chitoge.
Chitoge heave a sigh with that question thinking which lies is she asking even though she already has the idea which one she was asking. She really has no way out now. But was she gonna answer her truthfully or will she keep on denying like what she has been doing to Raku.
Chitoge definitely was a coward. All she can do was run.
˳˳˳˹˹»ɴɪƧƏʞȯɪ«˼˼˳˳˳
On the room where Raku, Shu and Ruri were left behind remained where they were situated. Raku was actually about to follow Chitoge but Ruri and Shu stopped him when Onodera already made her way to Chitoge. Raku slamed himself back in his seat; he can't still figured out how Chitoge found out about his liking to Onodera. It's like he wanted to keep it secret to her – well maybe he wanted to since its been a long time but he never told it to anyone except Shu. But when she blurted it out he knew that he have to tell the truth to her. The thing is, he was not really ready because it didn't crossed in his mind that she have idea about it. But if he think thoroughly of his memories back those times when he felt like Chitoge was being pushy between him and Onodera, that makes sense that she's been aware of their feelings a long time ago, too.
You're too dense Raku. He annoyingly said to himself and leaned down his forehead in his arms that was resting atop his desk
"Ichijou do you really like Chitoge-chan?" Ruri asked without any hint of hesitation with her usual calm voice and stoic face expression.
"Huh?" the only word that Raku manage to utter then look at Ruri that was still standing near the door.
"I'm sorry but we heard half of your conversation, but to tell you the truth, I also knew a long time ago that you like Kosaki. So I'm asking you: do you really like Chitoge-chan? I was just thinking that maybe you are just confused." Ruri boldly said. Although she already know herself what would be Raku's answer she still asked him. She was thinking that even by chance maybe that he still has feelings for her best friend – a romantic feelings of course. Because she knows that deep down Onodera's heart, she still not giving up.
"You are a smart one Miyamoto and I know you already know what my answer is to your question. Shu asked me the same thing and my answer is still the same. Of course I also got confused but that was before because I'm really sure now of what I feel." Raku answered going back to his position and with a hint of sadness in his voice said, "I like Chitoge."
Now that Ruri heard it coming from Raku, she felt like she now understood how Onodera felt when she heard it. Of course she's not hurt because like Raku – what kind of joke was that, anyway – she feel hurt for Onodera. It hurts her to think that maybe there really is no chance now.
"Figures." Ruri muttered; fixed her eye glasses and said, "Do you have idea if Chitoge-chan likes you back?"
Once again Raku look up to look at Ruri and then to Shu that was smiling but not his usual mocking smile. And since everyone seemed to already know what was going on between him, Chitoge and Onodera Raku decided to tel Ruri what he knows; what he found out. Now that he thinks about it, he doesn't know anymore what to think about what that person told him. Does Chitoge really like him? He doubted! Be that as it may, whether it was true or not, he was sure that what he felt for Chitoge was a real deal.
"Then good luck Ichijou because I'm sure it will take a hundred tries to get Chitoge. I mean, she knew how you felt for Kosaki before and I think it will really take time to make her believe that you… like her." Ruri said and seated herself in the chair in front of her then continued, "Besides, to all of us, you are the one who should know how much she loves her friends and because of that over her own happiness she will choose what will make us happy. Although with the fact that you already told her you like her if she does not believe it, she will stick to the plan she has been doing: to make you and Kosaki be together and not be a hindrance to both of you anymore. I think that's her reason why she ended your fake relationship and reveal it to everyone without hesitancy."
"What do you mean by saying the plan she has been doing?" Raku asked her.
"I mean those times that Chitoge was being pushy to you and Kosaki. Maiko noticed it too and found suspicious, right?" Ruri look at Shu asking for answer and so he nodded his head in agreement.
So everything was for him after all; for his happiness. It really was an ironic story. If she did it earlier than now he maybe was already jumping up and down in happiness but no; her help was already too late because everything already change.
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"Ah… which one?" And so Chitoge started acting innocent; and as if nothing happened earlier even though she felt agitated inside.
Here she was again with her acting skills. It was always her only way to get away from the questions being asked to her. But in some way she felt like Onodera won't let her get away this time and no matter what happen she have to answer truthfully whatever her questions were.
"Why did you lie to us Chitoge-chan?" It can be heard in Onodera's voice that she was hurt, "Ruri asked you before if you like Ichijou-kun and you told us you don't and that your feelings for him doesn't develop; but that was a lie, right? You like him."
Of course it hurts Onodera to think that Chitoge like the same guy she likes but knowing that her friend was lieing to her hurts her more. It's like it's okay if they like the same guy because it's not something they can't control. They can even talk about it without fighting like some other girls. Onodera believes that they will both understand that that's why it's hurt her. And it's hurt her even more to think that she was sure the reason why she did that was because of her.
Chitoge lowered her head after hearing her statement. She can't look at her because of the tears streaming down her face that she's wiping away but keep on going. Chitoge didn't mean to lie to her but that was the only way because she doesn't want to break their friendship – even though she was that their friendship won't break easily just because of it. The real thing was, she doesn't want her to be conscious about their feelings for Raku. She doesn't want her to have second thoughts of showing her feelings for Raku just because she knew how she felt. She's even willing to give up her own feelings for their sake.
"You're wrong Kosaki-chan. I… I don't like him." Chitoge softly responded with her head still looking down.
"Why do you keep on lieing?" Onodera asked once more.
"I'm not lieing!"
"Why are you doing this? You are just hurting yourself." Onodera approached her and held both of her shoulder.
"What are you saying Kosaki-chan? I'm not doing anything to hurt myself." Chitoge looked at her and gave her an assuring but a forced smile.
"Chitoge-chan I know how kind of a strong girl you are but I also know that it's just for show off. I know you are hurting inside, so please stop lieing anymore." Onodera said with a pleading look in her eyes.
"And I already told you I'm not lieing." Chitoge insisted and keep on doing her plan: to act.
"Why are you being so stubborn? Why can't you just admit it's true? Is it because you know I like Ichijou-kun? And you found out that he likes me? But Chitoge…" Onodera continuesly asked and was about to explain something about them liking each other, but Chitoge cut her off.
"Oh so you two did like each other, that's great. I'm happy for you two, really." Her statements hurt Onodera more and remembered that she didn't mention to her yet that Raku already gave his answer to her confession. She's happy for her. And the way she said it doesn't sound like an act. She sounds really happy for her and she hates it.
"Chitoge-chan, why are you doing this?"
Chitoge hugged Onodera because she's still crying in front of her and she can't take it anymore. This was not what she planned. What she wanted was for her friend to be happy… but why was she crying and keep on crying in front of her? Does it really hurt that much that she lied to her? If that so, if she really wanted to hear the truth, then fine, she'll tell her.
"Kosaki-chan stops crying already. What are you crying for anyway? I didn't mean to hurt you for lieing. I'm sorry if I lied to you but I did it for you… for both of you." Chitoge explained, whisphering the last part, still hugging Onodera that somehow subside her cries.
"What do you mean?"
"You know what I mean. I don't want to be a nuisance that's why I decided to end our fake relationship. I don't want to be a hindrance to both of you. And just like what you said, I know that you both like each other so I did what I can to help you two." Chitoge continued explaining. This time she felt like her eyes was getting heater because of the tears budding and tempting to fall of her eyes.
Now that she finally said it to Onodera, she felt a pain in her heart with the thoughts of her being the nuisance and hindrance to them. Somehow she was blaming herself that because of her they didn't get a chance to be together. If it's not because of her; her coming to Japan then there was nothing for them to worry about. Without her Raku wouldn't have to act as someone's fake boyfriend and he has his own choice who he wanted to like and to be with. If she doesn't come to their country then maybe they have been a couple for a year already.
If she doesn't show up, they wouldn't meet her and she wouldn't meet them. And that was the painful part of all about this issue.
If only she didn't fall for Raku and if only she found out earlier about their feelings for each other, she was sure she could remind herself not to cross the line because she was aware that she can't. But he never mentioned anything about liking someone and being her fake girlfriend with knowing that he doesn't like someone else trigger her heart out.
"But Chitoge-chan, you like him right?" Onodera asked; break away from her hugged and saw a budding tears forming in her eyes.
"No… I don't like him Kosaki-chan, believe me." She still tried to keep on denying but her tears betrayed her when it fall from her eyes but wiped it in flashed.
"I knew it! You are just showing off. You are not that strong; you are also a cry baby." Onodera softly giggled and then sigh insisting, "You like him! I just know you like him."
But Chitoge being Chitoge, she just kept on saying, "No! Believe me, I don't… like him."
"You really are a hardheaded Chitoge-chan." She noted. Convinced that she wouldn't be able to make her admit it; but maybe if she tells something to make her admit it, she will do it. "You know when I confessed to Ichijou-kun, right?" She faced her and gave her a smile. Chitoge nodded her head as her answer then she continued, "Sorry if I didn't get a chance to tell this to you but… you know, Ichijou-kun already gave his answer to me."
Chitoge remembered that day when Raku dragged her out of Onodera's house. Did he give his answer that day? If she can remember, they were hugging that time. Hearing that Raku already gave his answer to Onodera made her feel nervous then that will proof if what he kept on saying earlier was nothing but a real joke.
"And do you know what he said to me?" Onodera give a small smile; a smile with a hint of sadness.
"He likes you too." Chitoge responded like she was hundred percent sure about it.
"He used to…" Onodera paused then look at Chitoge to see what her reaction was and she look like she can't seem to understand what she was saying so she added, "it hurts me but it's the truth. He only used to like me before but not now, not anymore. Do you know the reason why?"
With that statement of Onodera and with the last question, the reason struck in her mind. Is the reason connected to Raku's bluffing confession earlier? But instantly shook it off of her head and said, "Impossible! Raku likes you very much."
Onodera laughed forcedly, "I really hope he still feels that way but no, it already changed. He doesn't like me the way he liked me before."
Hearing them from Onodera made Chitoge back away; because of it it made her felt like she doesn't want to hear whatever Onodera wanted to say anymore. If what she guessed was right then she doesn't want to be happy about it. Why does she do all her sacrifices anyway if this wouldn't help her friends to be happy? This was really not what she planned.
"What are you talking about Kosaki-chan? Maybe you just heard it wrong. I'm hundred percent sure that you are the one he like and there's no one else." Chitoge swore.
"I can't be wrong about it. It's hard to accept it but that is the truth Chitoge-chan. Before even admitting it to me I already knew how he felt for you; I already noticed that he likes you. Chitoge-chan, Ichijou-kun likes you… so believe him." And even though it hurts Onodera, she wanted Chitoge to believe in him. She wanted Raku to be happy with the person he likes.
Seriously, how can Raku be so lucky? The two of them were sacrificing for the happiness of that superb thickheaded stupid beansprout. And they are both willing to give up their feelings just for his sake. They both didn't deserve it. But maybe when it really comes to love people just do anything they didn't imagine they will do.
Chitoge smirked, "I won't believe it. That beansprout really is a stupid, too stupid to be true. Kosaki-chan, don't believe him."
"How can't I believe him if I saw how he really likes you with my own eyes; and the fact that he even told it to me directly made me believe even more." Onodera responded.
"Kosaki-chan, I'm telling you that are not true. Do something to make him confess that it's just his lie and it's still you that he likes." Chitoge sounded desperate.
"I wanted to but I don't want to fool myself Chitoge-chan"
"Then I'll do something about it." Chitoge stated in annoyance and step away going back to the building.
"Chitoge-chan what are you planning to do?" Onodera shouted and then followed Chitoge.
˳˳˳˹˹»ɴɪƧƏʞȯɪ«˼˼˳˳˳
Raku, Ruri and Shu were now ready to go out of the room; they were already standing in front of the door when it suddenly opened that surprised them; someone outside opened it. Raku suddenly felt nervous when he saw who opened it – Chitoge – while Ruri and Shu were just wondering why she came back and she looked really mad; then came Onodera. They were now facing each other. This day was really the time to talk about them and their feelings.
But Chitoge greet him with a great hit in his head and annoyingly said, "Stupid beansprout!"
"What'd that for?" Raku responded massaging his head.
"Chitoge-chan what are you planning to do?" Onodera asked her once again but she ignored her.
"Stupid beansprout do you really think I will believe that what you are telling is true just because Kosaki-chan also knew about it. Don't make me laugh. I won't believe it. I don't want to believe it. You hear me? No matter what happen I won't believe it." Chitoge exclaimed without stopping until she finished her words.
Hosnestly speaking, Raku didn't know anymore what to respond about that thing. On the other hand, Onodera looked surprised to hear Chitoge sounded so sure that she will do and believe what she asserted.
"Onodera?" Raku called her with a questioning look what they talked about and what happened when she followed her.
"S-Sorry Ichijou-kun, I told her your answer to my c-confession and by the way, she's actually aware that I confessed to you." Onodera timidly answered. Having the answer he needed, he thanked her and also apologized then faced Chitoge with the thoughts so she really was pushing me and Onodera to be together.
"If you already knew the truth, why won't you still believe that I like you?" Raku emphasized the words I like you.
"Because I don't want to; I cannot be. You really are a stupid beansprout." Chitoge sounded like want to cry with her knees weakening and slowly going down till she seated herself in the floor. With her bangs covering her face, and lowering her head, no one noticed that a small drop of tears fall from her eyes. Then she continued, "I don't want to be the reason why everything changed – though I know that I coming here already change a lot of things. I don't want anyone of you to get hurt because of me. Why are you so stupid Raku? Didn't you notice how I tried my best to give you moments with Kosaki-chan? You are so annoying! You are wasting the effort I made to make you both happy."
"But Kirisaki-san do you still think that they can be happy if they both know that the feelings of one of them is not the same as before? Don't you think that will just her them both, especially Onodera?" Shu joined the conversation.
"And just so you know Kirisaki Chitoge, if not because of you pushing me towards Onodera and your plan of surprising me ending our fake relationship, I wouldn't be able to realize whatever feelings I have towards you. I'm not blaming you because there is also a chance that maybe I've been already feeling this way towards you longer than I know without me realizing it. And if that really is the case, even without you doing those plans, there still a chance that something like this will happen: my feelings changing for Onodera and you." He reasoned out; Raku felt like beaten up and rejected by her for umpteenth time.
"He's right Chitoge-chan. And just like what I said to you, before he even told me how he felt for you, I already noticed that how he felt for you have already changed." Onodera added. She's actually willing to persuade her to believe Raku.
"Chitoge-chan I think you have no choice but to believe the truth if you really want the both of them to be happy." Ruri advised. They all can sense that she already believe him it's just she doesn't want to accept it.
Chitoge violently shook her head and shouted, "I already told you guys, no matter what happen I won't believe it and I won't accept that truth you are talking about. Raku why did you let your feelings to change? Are you really that stupid? You shouldn't let that thing happened because since the beginning you already know you really like."
That statement sounds really like Chitoge believe him but didn't want to accept it. Now what to do to make her accept it? Chitoge was one of a hell complicated girl ever.
"If you only knew Chitoge of how many times I tried telling myself and imprinting in my mind that Onodera is the one I like, the only one I like, you wouldn't be able to say that I just let it. Repeatedly, every time I felt something strange whenever we are together, I'm always reminding myself that I shouldn't felt like I like you because Onodera is the only one for me." Raku confessed. He maybe sounds not having a trouble confessing everything but deep inside he was exploding in nervousness. He felt like dying because his friends were hearing all of it. But since he knows it something not to worry about, he continued, "But it's not the same anymore. What should I do? What do you want me to do? I tried to ignore it but it overcomes my ignorance."
On Onodera's point of view, hearing that confession made her blush. She's actually happy that she heard something about that but as you guess, it also made her sad because it confirm even more that it's really not the same anymore. She can't do anymore to stop what he feels for Chitoge. She was not the only one for him anymore.
Ruri and Shu on the other side choose to just stand beside and listen to their conversation. They didn't want to join their conversation anymore because they know that need to clear everything out to them and have their own choices what to do about it.
"Then give your very best to ignore once again your feelings. Try to turn back times just like before." Chitoge said with her cold voice and stand up from sitting and passed by Onodera ignoring her voice calling out for her.
"How do you expect me to do that?" Raku whispered feeling really hurt of what she said.
Now that she proven that Raku's confession was true; that he likes her, hurts her. It's not easy for her to just suddenlt accept the truth even though she liked what she heard from him. It's nice to hear that the person she likes like her back. But it didn't make her happy at all. What was the point of her enduring and hiding what she felt for him? She was so sure that his feelings won't change no matter what so she can't understand what happened. She even did those things wholeheartedly that's why she can act like everything around her was fine because she wanted to happen what she planned. She will be happy if that happened because that's what she chooses.
She felt hurt about it of course but she just tried to think that since she will be going back to America anyway, she can just tried to forget about her feelings for him once they were separated; and one more thing was she carefully think about her planned before doing it that's why she can't just accept it that easily. How can she accept it if she knows that Onodera was hurting? Just because she likes Raku and he likes her back doesn't mean everything will be fine. It's given that in a love triangle, one person have to sacrifice and be hurt. But isn't it much better if the three person involve in a complicated love triangle can be all happy? That's what she wanted that's why she did all those things but Raku screwed up everything. If he only did what's on her plan everyone will be happy. Of course she will be happy because both of them were happy. And just like what's been said, since she chooses it and did it wholeheartedly it will make her happy. And she doesn't worry too much in her own aches because she believes in the saying that times heal all wounds.
˳˳˳˹˹»ɴɪƧƏʞȯɪ«˼˼˳˳˳
"What are you going to do now Raku?" Shu asked him. They are in the playground now near the school and Onoder and Ruri were still with them.
"Pursue her Ichijou-kun." Onodera advised him with her calmed voice and with a small smile in her lips, "Although I didn't manage to make Chitoge admit that she likes you, I know that it is the truth.
"T-Thanks Onodera." Raku felt so shy in front of her remembering what he just said earlier about what he thinks about her before. Now that he thinks about it, he didn't deserve to be like by Onodera and she didn't deserve to be hurt by him. He felt like looking down on himself thinking if not because of him Onodera and Chitoge were not in pain now. If he really confess to Onodera before, maybe no one was hurt now… was he thinking.
If from the begging he told Chitoge that he has feelings for Onodera, perhaps their set up will be the same of the rumor spreading in the school; the rumor that saying Raku and Onodera might be dating already for a long time and Chitoge was helping them covering it because of their family issues; that of course Onodera knew and understands it.
But does it really not going to change anything with that set up? Because even though they were in that set up, with him and her acting, that means he's still spending most of his time with Chitoge.
Raku sighed at the thoughts and look at Onodera, "I'm really sorry Onodera. You really don't deserve this."
"You don't have to be sorry ichijou-kun because no one wants this to happen." Onodera respond with smile in her lips and Raku smiled back at her.
After their short conversation, they decided to go home. Onodera and Ruri are walking together to the direction going to Onodera's house when she asked her, "Does that mean you are giving up your feelings for Ichijou now?"
"I guess so. I'll try to." Onodera answered.
She'll try to. Something like giving up her own feelings was the only thing she can do, if she can only do it. She knows that Chitoge was doing the same thing; the only difference was she was really ready to give up her feelings but Onodera can't do it easily. If Chitoge continued being a stubborn girl and won't change her mind, then she won't totally give up her feelings. And if she insisted to her to make a way for Raku to like her back again, then she will do it. But she will just do it Raku does what Chitoge wanted him to do: to try turning back times like before.
Which I think will be impossible! Onodera bitterly smile.
ＲＥＶＩＥＷ'Ｓ ＲＥPＬＹ
【 eLf】 》is it really been so long? Haha I thought it's only been a week XDD it's not too long for since back then before I can update this fic takes a month nyahaha XDD. Anyways, you are really always welcome. I should be the one thanking you for reading this ^^
Haha it's just occurred to me XDD. I just suddenly thought that the title sounds so simple and you are the only one who answered about that note of mine. Thanks for sharing what you think about the title ^^ I won't change it now.
And thanks for liking the last update. When I was writing it I thought that the conversation was a repetition and didn't make any sense XDD. I even re-read it to make sure that I'm making sense thankfully I did, do I? XDD.
And by reading this chapter, wow! You really guessed it right haha. I knew it, it's already predictable aww~ but that's okay haha XDDD cause you still read it even though you already know what's going to happen, right?
【 HoneySama】 》Likewise! This was actually the first time I watch and read a harem anime/manga. And yeah I prefer Futuba too. I actually stopped reading romcom stories because some of the stories I read were like Ao Haru Ride. What I mean is, the optional character was much better than the leading man, really. And with the obvious fact who will be the partner, I got tired of watching and reading romcom XDDD. Yay! I also like Mikoshiba for Sakura, but Nozaki is actually not bad also haha. Oh and about that last update, Raku is being more conscious now about his feelings for Chitoge. I think his feelings are really starting to develop in romantic way thanks to Shu's question XDD. They are leveling up little by little. Maybe Hana has a big part on the story, since she looks like she knows who the promise girl is. And I actually like what she thinks about Raku's actions towards Chitoge. It's like she already found out what he really felt for her daughter in a very short period of time. It can't be help being bias XDD I also did skipping some chapters. And I'm actually only reading Nisekoi waiting for #TeamChitoge's arch.
【 Hospitaller1080】 》I love you for keep on dropping your reviews ^^ really :DDD.