Chapter 29

The night breeze softly whispered through the deserted streets, the chill of midnight settling in. At this period of past midnight, the once bustling city now lay quiet, with only a few people venturing out into the darkness. The roads, once alive with the hum of activity, now stood still, occasionally graced by the fleeting presence of a passing car. Save for the vibrant pulse of the nightlife districts, the rest of the city lay hushed and still.

Right now, Fuutaro and Ichika stood by the riverside, leaning against the railing that separated them from the water. Their arms rested lightly on the cold metal, as they took in the view.

"It's calming, isn't it?" Fuutaro remarked, his voice calm as he gazed out at the river, its black surface reflecting the shimmering lights of the buildings across the way, a nocturnal beauty not found in the daylight. "Sometimes, when I needed a break from studying late at night, I'd come to the park, find a bench, and just... let it all in. Watching the pond, listening to the quiet... It helps clear the mind. Kind of like the way you'd stand on the balcony after a long day of work or studying and just watch the city."

Ichika nodded softly, her chin resting atop her folded arms as she breathed in the quiet. " Yeah, I know the feeling. Though I tend to prefer the view from high places, there's something about the river tonight... It's peaceful. I guess we both seem to have a thing for finding peace in quiet places, huh?"

"Heh, couldn't agree more than that," he smiled in agreement, a hint of warmth in his expression as he breathed in the crisp night air.

The area around them was cloaked in silence, illuminated only by the soft glow of the streetlamp nearby. While nearby benches lay empty, the pair found contentment in their current spot, captivated by the tranquil beauty of the river's reflection.

In this moment, silence bridged the gap between Fuutaro and Ichika, with only the gentle rustle of the wind and passing cars breaking the quietude. Yet, there was no awkwardness between them, only a shared appreciation for the peaceful serenity of the night.

Despite the comforting silence, Fuutaro felt a desire to engage in conversation with Ichika.

"You know, it's hard to believe that tomorrow we'll be going back to Tokai and its the end of our school trip," he said, his posture straightening, his right hand still resting on the rail fence. "These three days have flown by, huh? I almost wish we could extend the trip through the weekend..."

Ichika let out a light, airy laugh. "Hehe, funny enough, Nino said the exact same thing." Her tone was bright, but there was a calmness in her expression. "You really do have a fondness for this city, don't you?"

Fuutaro nodded emphatically. "I do. I think I love this city more than any other in the country," he admitted. "And this trip has been a much-needed break from the routine of school and other responsibilities. Usually, my time off is just studying, prepping for quizzes and tests, reviewing exams. While I don't mind it, sometimes it feels a bit boring. So, a trip like this is a welcome change of pace and its far more relaxing than drowning myself in textbooks and test papers."

Ichika turned her gaze toward him, offering a soft smile. "It's nice to see you enjoying life outside of your studies," she remarked before her eyes drifted back to the river. "I've enjoyed this trip as well. This trip has been a much-needed break from both school and my acting work…" A brief pause settled before she let out a soft sigh. "You know, sometimes, I can't help but wonder about the future—how things will change as my career grows. The constant filming, set visits, promotional events…"

"You don't need to worry about that," he interrupted gently, his tone reassuring. "So far, you've done an amazing job balancing school and work. When the time comes for you to focus entirely on acting, without school weighing you down, those hellish schedules you're imagining won't feel so overwhelming. If you can handle both at once, imagine what you can do with all your focus on your career. The start might be tough, but in the end, it'll all pay off. Your hard work will get you noticed, you'll land bigger roles, and your name will be everywhere. The struggle will be worth it."

Ichika giggled, her smile brightening as warmth filled her expression. "Thank you, for always being so encouraging! You're always so kind and supportive, you know that?" she said, her voice tender as a faint blush tinted her cheeks. "I also owe a lot to you, Fuutaro-kun. You've been there for me—whether it's coming with me to filming sets or giving me advice I didn't even know I needed. I don't think I would have made it this far without you. Without you, I might've been stuck in background roles, or worse, lost my interest for acting entirely."

Fuutaro smiled modestly, shaking his head. "Don't mention it. You're the one putting in all the effort to make it happen. I'm just here to support you when you need it. The real credit goes to you."

"Still," she insisted, her cheerful tone unwavering, "you've been a huge part of this. You're definitely an important person in my life! If we were characters in a movie, you and I would be the main duo!"

Fuutaro could not help but smile at her metaphor, a warm feeling blossoming in his chest at being considered a "main character" in her life. "That's an interesting way to look at it," he mused. "And I hope it stays that way."

Ichika chuckled softly, her blush deepening. "Hehe... I'm looking forward to many more memorable scenes with you, Fuutaro-kun!"

Once again, the conversation fell into a comfortable silence as they both let the peaceful atmosphere and the serene view of the river wash over them.

As Fuutaro kept glancing at the river, thoughts of his popularity and reputation at school crossed his mind. These reflections had been recurring throughout the school trip, sparked by Takeda's request for forming a group together for the trip a month ago. According to what Takeda and Maeda had told him, his standing at school seemed to be improving gradually. Schoolmates were becoming friendlier and more inclined to interact with him, a stark contrast to their attitudes during his first and second years.

Fuutaro attributed the beginning of this shift to his unexpected appointment as class representative at the start of the third year, a role forced by Yotsuba. In this position, he found himself interacting more with his classmates, as his responsibilities demanded organization and engagement. However, what had truly bolstered his reputation within the class was his ability to effortlessly distinguish between the quintuplets. Many classmates were impressed by this skill, especially since most of them struggled with it. This unique "talent" earned him both popularity and a warmer reception among his peers.

However, it was not until the announcement of the national mock exam results that Fuutaro truly experienced a shift in his school environment. Placing third in the national rankings, thus effectively securing the highest rank among all third-year students had thrust him into a newfound spotlight. Suddenly, students from other classes were greeting him in a friendly way, and even extending invitations to hang out after school. Even some underclassmen had begun approaching him for help with their studies, recognizing him in a positive light.

"Yeah, there's no denying it…"

"I've definitely become more popular since the start of the third year…"

Still, despite the positive turn of events, there were still lingering rumors and negative gossips that continued to circulate behind his back.

"But those negative rumors still there..."

"It's starting to get to me... But I've dealt with this kind of thing before, and I know I can handle it again…"

As Fuutaro reflected on his recent surge in popularity, he felt an unexpected sense of satisfaction, where a quiet pride swelling within him. It was a strange, yet undeniably gratifying feeling, one he had not anticipated. Popularity had never been something he actively pursued; in fact, the concept had barely crossed his mind, aside from perhaps a fleeting desire for attention during his elementary school days. His relentless dedication to academics had likely caused him to overlook the importance of other social aspects in life. Now, with friends like Takeda and Maeda, and the quintuplets serving as both study partners and close companions, Fuutaro could finally see the other side of what life had to offer.

This newfound sense of emotion filled him with excitement, and somehow, it made his thoughts drifting to Ichika. Though she stood right beside him, she occupied his mind completely. Since her confession a few months ago, he had found himself drawn to her in ways he had never experienced before. Every interaction and shared moment with her brought a comforting sense of liveliness that he could not quite put into words.

In her company, Fuutaro discovered a joy that was both profound and fulfilling. Their conversations were lively, flowing with ease, filled with shared laughter and playful banter. They also often found themselves on the same wavelength, whether discussing a range of topics or simply enjoying each other's presence. Although they had some disagreements along the way, they quickly resolved them through mutual understanding. At times, he even found himself flustered when Ichika dressed up stylishly with applied makeup for their visits to the filming set. Her elegance and the way she carried herself left him both mesmerized and deeply appreciative of her beauty.

At this moment, Fuutaro could envision himself finally giving Ichika the answer she had been waiting for—confessing his reciprocal feelings and finally starting a relationship together. The thought brought a soft smile to his lips, filling him with a deep sense of contentment.

However, the pleasant vision was short-lived, overshadowed by the realization that such a reality could not come to pass until he fulfilled his promise to guide Ichika and her sisters to graduation. He knew he could not allow himself to become too absorbed in these fantasies, aware that doing so could jeopardize his commitment to tutoring the quintuplets and disrupt the delicate balance they shared.

"As much as I'd love to keep thinking of this…"

"I cannot let it get too far ahead…"

"I still have a promise to keep, to guide all of you until graduation day…"

Still, Fuutaro could not deny his desire for this future to become a reality.

"But I won't forget about my promise to you…"

"I will absolutely tell it to you, someday…"

"Because… I want it just as much as you do…"

As Fuutaro drifted deeper into thoughts of Ichika, his lingering concerns about his reputation at school also came into mix.

Thus, what would happen if he and Ichika started dating?

How would their schoolmates react? Given Ichika's long-standing popularity, both before and after her rise as a promising actress, he could not help but wonder if there would be whispers of disapproval behind their backs.

Would their peers question why a popular girl like Ichika would choose to be with someone seen as anti-social and unfriendly like himself?

More importantly, would Ichika be troubled by the inevitable rumors?

Would they make her uncomfortable?

And would their relationship suffer—or even crumble—as a result?

These questions gnawed at Fuutaro, fueled by the realization of his own unlikeable reputation, one he had unintentionally built over the years. Changing how others perceived him would not be easy; his image was deeply ingrained in the minds of everyone at school.

To avoid such complications, perhaps he should consider taking Takeda's advice: work on improving his attitude, becoming more approachable. Although he had always been content with who he was, Fuutaro recognized the importance of how others saw him, especially if he planned to pursue a relationship with Ichika. Seeking her perspective on his demeanor seemed like the most logical step, particularly since she was the one he envisioned a future with.

With a quiet exhale, Fuutaro gathered his courage to address the topic. "Hey, Ichika…"

"Hmm?" Ichika looked at him with curiosity.

"Hey…" His voice was careful, the uncertainty creeping into his tone. "Can you tell me your opinion about… what kind of person I am in school?"

Ichika's eyebrows rose slightly, surprised by the sudden question. "Huh? What's wrong, Fuutaro-kun? Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"

"No, it's just..." Fuutaro hesitated, his voice faltering slightly. He shook his head before heading towards a nearby bench, where he sat down to collect his thoughts. "Takeda has been getting on my case these past couple of days. He said that pretty much everyone at school sees me as unfriendly, indifferent, and obsessed with studying. At first, I didn't really care, but the more I thought about it… the more it started to bother me."

Ichika watched him thoughtfully for a moment before moving to sit beside him on the bench. "If I'm being honest, Takeda-kun isn't wrong," she admitted, meeting his gaze directly. "I used to think the same when we first met. Remember when I invited you to join us for lunch? You brushed me off and were… well, rude."

Fuutaro pursed his lips, feeling an invisible knot tightened his stomach as her words sank in. Hearing criticism, especially from the girl he liked, stung more than he expected. "*sigh* I guess what he said is true," he muttered, shaking his head in dissatisfaction. "But Takeda also mentioned that ever since I became the class representative, people have been… a bit nicer toward me. Maeda even pointed out that my reputation seemed to improve after the national mock exam. Apparently, because of how well I did, everyone started seeing me as smart and capable."

"Hmm?" Ichika tilted her head slightly. "Didn't they already know how smart you are? I mean, your grades have always been perfect."

"No, not like that…" Fuutaro shook his head again. "I mean, now they see me as smart and capable… in a positive light. Since then, people from other class have started greeting me when we pass each other… and some even strike up conversations out of the blue. I'm not sure if it's just me, but it feels like they're trying to befriend me or something…" He trailed off, pondering his situation before speaking again. "Is that really what's happening, Ichika? Or am I just imagining things?"

Seeing the uncertainty in his face, Ichika's expression shifted from curiosity to a touch of seriousness, though she maintained her usual calm demeanor to keep the mood light. "It's true, Fuutaro-kun. You're not imagining things," she assured him, gently shaking her head with a soft smile. "You know, I've even overheard some of the girls at school talking about how smart, cute, and handsome you are. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if you received a love letter or someone asked you out in near future!"

Fuutaro gave a half-hearted chuckle, still looking unsure. "Are you sure about that? I have a feeling you're just messing with me, as usual," he replied, his skepticism clear despite the small grin that tugged at his lips. "Ichika… can I ask you something?" He fell silent for a few seconds, gazing up at the night sky, before letting out a small sigh. "What is it about me that made you like me? Because unlike you, most people only seem to see the negative aspects of me and don't even bother to approach me."

"Ehh?" Ichika's eyes widened in surprise, a small gasp escaping her lips. She had not expected such a question, especially one so introspective from him, which seemed out of character for him. After a brief pause, she composed herself and smiled. "What's gotten into you, Fuutaro-kun? Now that Takeda-kun has talked some sense into you, are you becoming self-conscious about your personality?"

"Yeah, I guess so," Fuutaro responded, closing his eyes and tilting his head back. "But I want to hear it from you… since you're pretty much the only person I can talk to about this without feeling awkward." He reopened his eyes, turning his gaze back to the river in front of them.

"Hmm… Is that so? Then…" Ichika fell silent, tapping her chin thoughtfully as she considered his question. After a few moments, she began, "Just like when we first met, you still have some negative traits. You can be stubborn, insensitive, and tend to get annoyed easily…"

Fuutaro stayed quiet, nodding slightly as he listened. He expected to hear these flaws, but hearing them aloud from her made them sting a little more.

"But," Ichika continued calmly, her expression mirroring her sincerity, "despite all that, you've got positive traits too. You probably don't notice them because you're always so focused on your studies that you don't take time to reflect on yourself."

She paused for a moment, her eyes lingering on his profile as she carefully chose her next words. "What I like about you, Fuutaro-kun… is your supportive nature. You're always willing to help those around you, even if it's not really your concern. I've seen it countless times—mostly it's with us quintuplets and your family, but sometimes, to our classmates as well. And I can see that your actions come from a sincere place, not hidden motives. That alone, to me, enough to defines you as a good-hearted person and a gentleman, flaws and all."

She paused again before adding, "But the thing is… you only show that side of yourself to a select few, others don't get to see it. If you could share that kindness more openly, I'm sure our schoolmates would view you in a more positive light."

Fuutaro smiled faintly, feeling a small sense of relief that Ichika did not see him in a purely negative light. "Heh… Is that so?" he murmured softly. "You're trying to cheer me up, aren't you? To be honest, I hear way more negativity about myself at school than even a single small compliment."

His gaze dropped to the ground, his fingers intertwining with each other. "You know, even to this very second," he continued, "others see me as nothing more than a rude loner and a study maniac... with no good traits other than my good grades."

Ichika immediately shook her head, her expression growing more determined. "No, don't think like that!" she insisted, her voice firm yet gentle as she met his gaze. "If you need more proof of what a good person you are, just look at me. I'm living proof, and I can give you examples!"

She took a deep breath, her demeanor shifting to something more serious. "Remember last year's fireworks festival? I was so anxious about that movie audition, and your advice gave me the confidence I needed. I kept thinking about what you told me, and it helped me push through. That's the reason I got the role. And even though I caused trouble by disappearing in the middle of the festival, you went out of your way to set up a replacement fireworks show, just for me."

Fuutaro fell silent once more, his expression a blend of uncertainty and unease despite Ichika's efforts to reassure him.

"And it doesn't stop there," Ichika continued, her voice steady with conviction. "You've always been there for me, especially throughout my acting career. Like that time I was filming at your part-time job place, and even though it was a small, low-budget production, you praised my performance. You had no reason to, but you did, and it meant so much to me."

She paused for a moment, a thoughtful look crossing her face before she pressed on. "And then there's one thing you did that I'll never forget." Her voice softened, her eyes reflecting a deeper emotion. "It was that time when you agreed to skip school with me. Even though you knew it was a selfish request that could ruin your bet with Dad, you still went along with it. That day we spent together, going to many places and having fun... it's one of the happiest memories of my life."

Ichika's gaze softened, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes as she added, "You're not a bad person, Fuutaro-kun. It's just that people haven't seen this side of you yet."

Another wave of relief washed over Fuutaro as Ichika's praise and reassurance further dissolved his lingering doubts, solidifying his sense of self-worth. It dawned on him that perhaps his tendency to care for those around him was what had drawn her to him in the first place. Knowing that she loved him for who he was, flaws and all, filled him with a deep sense of appreciation.

"I see… Thank you for telling me all of that, Ichika," he said, a relaxed smile touching his lips. His eyes met hers, warm and sincere, as he added softly, "I think I finally understand why you fell in love with someone like me."

His words, paired with the tender smile that followed, left Ichika momentarily speechless. A rosy blush spread across her cheeks, and she stumbled over her words, "E-Ehh? W-What do you mean, Fuutaro-kun?" Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her surprise and embarrassment.

"You heard me," Fuutaro replied, a glint of mischief flashing in his eyes as he leaned back against the bench, his posture relaxed. "It's nice to know that, despite all my negative traits, someone still sees the good in me. So, I guess your confession wasn't just a tease after all… You really do have feelings for me, huh?"

Ichika's flustered expression quickly shifted to irritation, her earlier embarrassment now intertwined with frustration and disbelief. Fuutaro's teasing seemed to strike a nerve, where he seemed to doubt the sincerity of her confession. "Ughh… Of course it was true!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with exasperation. "And here's another negative trait I forgot to mention—your total lack of delicacy when it comes to girls!" With a huff, she turned her head away, visibly annoyed.

Fuutaro could not hold back a chuckle at her flustered reaction and adorable pout. Her irritation, combined with that rosy blush, struck him as unexpectedly charming. "Hehe… I was just messing with you. Don't get mad, okay?"

Ichika shot him a sharp, skeptical glance, her pout lingering despite his attempt to smooth things over. "Oh, is that right? Well, if you need even more proof that I really love you... Let me show you!"

Without warning, Fuutaro felt a gentle yet insistent pull on his left shoulder, causing him to lean to the side. In that fleeting moment, a sudden warmth enveloped his left cheek, spreading like a soft, glowing ember throughout his entire being. Time seemed to stretch and warp, slowing to an almost imperceptible flow as he turned his gaze to the left.

There, he witnessed Ichika planted a kiss on his cheek.

The world around him seemed to blur into insignificance. His eyes widened in a mix of disbelief and wonder as his heart raced with an intensity that mirrored the emotions he felt when she first confessed her feelings to him. Each beat felt like a drum echoing in the stillness, every sensation heightened to an almost unbearable degree. A shiver of electricity ran through his skin, stretching the moment into what felt like forever.

As time gradually resumed its normal pace, Fuutaro felt his entire body heating up on its own, a stark contrast to the cool night air around him. Ichika began to withdraw, her movements slow and deliberate, as though the world was still holding its breath. He placed his hand tentatively on the spot where her lips had just been, the warmth still lingering, a tangible reminder of her unexpected kiss. His mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

He turned his gaze toward her, only to find Ichika with her head bowed, her hair falling forward like a curtain, concealing her face and expression.

"I-Ichika…"

"Everything… What I said to you… It was not a lie…" she whispered, her voice fragile, barely audible over the night's stillness. "It's the truth… What I see in you… And what I feel for you…"

"Ichika… I…"

Suddenly, Ichika stood up, turning her back to him as she walked a few steps away before coming to a halt.

"You don't need to worry about what others think of you, Fuutaro-kun…"

"Just be yourself… Aim to be the best version of yourself. Let others see the wonderful person you truly are…"

"You have a wonderful personality, but you haven't fully realized it yet…"

"That's what made me fall for you…"

A heavy silence settled between them, thick and almost suffocating, as Fuutaro remained frozen, still reeling from the shock of Ichika's unexpected kiss. Though his mind remained in a storm of chaos, it was clear enough to process her words as they resonated deeply within him.

Her assurances, her declarations... They echoed in his mind. Ichika believed in him, loved him, and saw him for the person he was without judgment.

As his senses gradually returned to some semblance of normalcy, Fuutaro noticed that Ichika had not moved. She stood motionless, her back still turned to him, her silence louder than any response could have been. A sudden jolt of panic shot through him, igniting the fear that he may have inadvertently upset or discomforted her with their sudden, out-of-nowhere conversation, particularly his teasing remark.

He rose from the bench, unsure of what to do, his voice shaking with anxiety as he called out, "Ichika… I-I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable with what I said…"

His apology seemed to not reach her as she still not showed a single sign of noise or movement.

Fuutaro's panic grew, his face displaying a mix of unease and the lingering redness from Ichika's earlier kiss. Desperate for a response, he pleaded, "H-Hey, let's just forget about all of this and pretend it never happened, okay? It was weird and stupid of me to bring up that kind of talk..." Despite his plea, he was met with silence. "Ichika, please, can you just say something to me...?"

He watched her closely, hoping for a sign—any sign—that she was not angry or upset. For a moment, it seemed as though she was frozen in place, unresponsive. Then, ever so slowly, she lifted her hands to her face, and her body began to tremble.

A cold wave of shock instantly hit him, and he gasped, dreading that she might be crying or had already shed tears. The mere thought of witnessing her tears again sent a shiver down his spine. He internally berated himself, replaying his countless promises to never make her cry or cause her pain.

Yet here he was, having failed once more to keep that vow.

"Damn it…!"

"Is she crying now…?

"If so, I'm truly an idiot…"

"What the hell is wrong with me…?"

Anticipating the worst, Fuutaro steeled himself for the sight he dreaded most—one that always left him feeling uneasy. He inhaled slowly, gathering what little courage he could muster, before exhaling in a long, shaky breath. "Ichika… I'm really sorry for what I said. It was thoughtless of me," he murmured, his voice lacking its usual vigor. "Please, don't cry. Just… respond to me, okay?"

Instead of the expected sound of sobbing, Fuutaro was greeted by something entirely unexpected. Though not particularly loud, it was not quiet either; it was clear enough to be heard by both ears. He listened intently, unsure how to make sense of this unfamiliar sound.

Confusion now added across his face as Fuutaro found himself at a loss for what to do next. "Hey, Ichika…?" he called out, closing the distance between them as he approached her with caution.

The closer he got, the louder the sound became, and as it did, it caused him to flinch slightly.

"E-Ehh...? What...?" Fuutaro's eyes widened in disbelief, his jaw dropping at the unexpected scene before him.

The sound he had mistaken for sobbing was not sobbing at all—it was giggling. Soft at first, but now unmistakably clear. The giggle grew louder, transforming into a full-blown laugh as Ichika finally turned to face him.

The distinction between a sob and a giggle was subtle, and earlier, Fuutaro found himself momentarily perplexed by the ambiguity.

"Ahahaha...! My stomach hurts!"

Ichika's laughter now filled the air, her face alight with joy and a playful glint, echoing the times she had teased him. It was the last reaction he had expected, especially after fearing he might have hurt her feelings.

"I've been holding back laughter so hard, my jaw's hurting," she said, covering her mouth with her hand, trying—but failing—to stifle her giggles.

Fuutaro's panic and guilt evaporated in an instant, replaced by irritation. "Seriously?" he muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "All this time, while I was apologizing, thinking I'd made you cry—you were just messing with me?" He shook his head in disbelief. "Unbelievable..."

It took a moment for Ichika's laughter to subside, and when it did, she spoke with a more playful, normal tone. "So, how was my acting? Pretty convincing, right?" she asked with a teasing glint in her eyes, her index finger tapping her cheek as she drew closer to Fuutaro.

Fuutaro sighed deeply, rubbing the back of his neck with a look of exasperated resignation. "I don't even know anymore…" he muttered. "I couldn't tell if you were being serious or just messing with me." Despite his irritation, something about Ichika's lighthearted mood and mischievous grin managed to soften his frustration. "If that was all an act, I have to admit—it was superb. You had me completely fooled you were upset, on the verge of tears, even."

Ichika giggled again, her grin widening with satisfaction. "Well, I'm glad to know that onee-san's acting was enough to fool you! You really thought you had upset me, didn't you?" Her expression softened then, the playful glint giving way to a more sincere calm. "But seriously, Fuutaro-kun, I meant what I said earlier. You don't have to keep worrying so much about what people think of you. Just be yourself, but try to be more social and friendly so they can see the good person you are at heart."

Fuutaro's mind was in turmoil, caught between his worries about his self-image at school, Ichika's earlier kiss, his fear of having offended her, and the revelation that she had been playing a trick on him. He shook his head again, trying to steady himself amid this this rollercoaster of emotions. "*sigh*I'll keep that in mind... But I'm just glad I didn't upset or offend you with what we talked about earlier."

"Nope, not at all!" she chirped with her usual brightness, playfully winking as she lifted her index finger. "In fact, it was refreshing to have a conversation like that with you. You don't usually open up about these things, and it's nice to see a more introspective and emotional side of Fuutaro-kun. If you ever find yourself struggling with similar thoughts, just remember that Ichika-onee-san is always here to listen and offer support! So, don't hesitate to reach out, okay?"

A faint but genuine smile pulled at the corners of Fuutaro's lips, his tension easing in the warmth of her upbeat reassurance. "Yeah… I'll keep that in mind too," he said. Then, with a flicker of doubt, he added, "But let me ask you again—were you really listening to everything I said earlier? And… did you really mean everything you said?"

Ichika's expression softened as she nodded firmly, her playful demeanor giving way to sincerity. "Yes, I meant every word," she said, her gaze serious. "Nothing I said was a lie, and none of it was just to cheer you up. Everything I told you was the truth. So, please… trust me on that, okay?"

"I see… Good to know about that."

A faint blush crept onto Ichika's cheeks, but she quickly hid it by turning her head and retrieving her phone from her pocket. "N-Now then, should we head back to the hotel? What time is it, anyway..." Her voice trailed off in surprise as her eyes widened, taking in the time displayed on her screen. "Whoa... It's already past 2 AM!" She put her phone away. "Since we're leaving the hotel early tomorrow, we should get as much sleep as possible. Let's hurry back, Fuutaro-kun."

"Technically, it's already tomorrow," Fuutaro remarked with a playful shrug. "We've only got about six or seven hours before checkout. At this rate, we might as well stay up all night or risk oversleeping and missing the bus."

"Ohh…" Her voice trailed off in realization. It was already the fourth day of their school trip—well, unofficially, she thought. But she quickly recovered, her usual confidence returning. "I'm used to this sort of thing, so one sleepless night? That's nothing!" she declared proudly. Then, a sly grin formed on her lips. "So, if you're not planning on sleeping, how about we grab some take-away coffee from a café? It'll help keep us awake through the night."

Fuutaro's expression soured as he shook his head, unimpressed by her suggestion. "No, no, no. We've already been to enough places. No more detours," he insisted, his tone firm. "I know you too well, so this might be an excuse to keep wandering. We might as well stay out until sunrise."

Ichika puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. "Ughh… If I wanted to keep wandering, why would I suggest heading back to the hotel in the first place? As much as I'd love to explore more, I do know my limits, okay?"

"Well, good to know," he replied with a casual shrug, still avoiding her gaze as if to keep himself from getting drawn into her whims.

Sighing softly, Ichika glanced at her phone once more. "I guess it's time for sleep, then. Waking up is going to be a pain…" She slipped her phone back into her pocket before flashing him a playful grin and turning toward the hotel. "Come on, Fuutaro-kun, let's get going!"

"Yeah…"

As they walked back to the hotel, Fuutaro lagged a few steps behind Ichika, his gaze fixated on her figure ahead. A nagging feeling gnawed at the back of his mind, replaying the moment when she had turned to face him earlier. Something about it had seemed off, something he had not caught at first—a glimmer of tears in her eyes.

It hit him like a delayed realization.

Had there been tears, carefully masked behind her laughter and smiles? Was her playful facade just a way to hide her true emotions?

The weight of his earlier words suddenly bore down on him. Perhaps his suggestion to forget their conversation must have hurt her, thus dismissing the significance of her supportive words, assurances, and ultimately… the kiss she had shared with him.

In that moment, he realized the gravity of her sincerity, inadvertently casting himself as ignorant.

Then it was true… that Ichika had been genuinely sincere in her emotions, her openness, and everything she had said towards him. Recalling these moments stirred a comforting warmth in his chest. Yet, alongside this warmth came a prickling discomfort, akin to invisible needles repeatedly piercing his heart, fueled by his own insensitivity towards her feelings.

"If I really think about it..."

"I was such a fool to say those things to you..."

"It's my own ignorance that caused this..."

In that instant, a newfound determination sparked within Fuutaro. He resolved to reshape himself—not just for the approval of those around him, but to become a better person in his own right, as Takeda, Maeda, and Ichika had urged him to do. Ichika, especially, had seen him for who he truly was, flaws and all, without passing judgment. She had encouraged him to strive for improvement, and despite his faults, she still believed in him. She had shown, not once but twice, that her love for him was genuine and came from the depths of her heart.

It was for her sake... so she would not have to bear the burden of pain and discomfort of hearing terrible rumors about him whispered behind their backs.

"I need to change…"

"For your sake..."

"So you won't have to be hurt..."

From this moment on, Fuutaro no longer saw a typical girl before him, or a tutoring student, a study partner, or even the close friend he had recently come to regard her as. Right now, she had become someone far more significant—someone who had carved out a unique place in his heart that no other girl could. She was the one he could envision by his side, sharing laughter and hardship, cherishing every joy, and facing every challenge that came their way together. He could imagine a future with her—one built on something uniquely theirs.

That special someone that he needed, she was that only girl—Nakano Ichika.

A/N:

Chapter 29 is finished, and here it is!

Alright, this is the moment many of you have been waiting for—Ichika finally kisses Fuutaro, and Fuutaro realizes that his feelings for her have deepened from "like" to "love". And of course, this also sparks a resolve within him to become a better person, for her sake, and also with the intention of pursuing a romantic relationship with her in the future.

For those of you who felt a sense of familiarity, yes, the kiss is inspired by the scene from the main series where Ichika kisses Fuutaro at the end of the Kyoto school trip. But in the main series, the kiss was more of a farewell, a way for Ichika to distance herself emotionally from him after all that fiasco. In this story, though, the kiss is driven by love and reassurance to the boy that she loved.

Writing this chapter was both complicated and easy for me. I love Ichika's character and her interactions with Fuutaro, which made the chapter a bit easy to write from start to end. At the same time, it was also kind of hard due to the introspective tone, especially as Fuutaro becomes more thoughtful and reflective—a side of him we don't often see in the main series.

All and all, I'm really proud of this chapter. It's one of the best I've written, and I really enjoyed crafting their sneaking out adventure, especially with so many chapters building up to this moment. I hope you, the readers, enjoy it as much as I did.

As mentioned in the previous A/N, this chapter marks the end of their sneaking out adventure and the conclusion of the Kyoto school trip. With that, we officially enter the final phase of the story, and I'd say we will have less than 10 chapters remaining before the story concludes. I'll be posting a chapter tracker on certain chapters A/N to let you know how many are left.

As for the next chapter, it will be released in the second week of October (7th – 13th). Keep an eye out for it during that week.

As always, thank you for reading this story, and I'll see you in the next chapter!

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