C02

Chapter 2: The After-School Fake Confession

The next morning.

It happened just as I was changing into my indoor shoes at the entranceway, as usual.

"...Hm?"

I noticed a single piece of stationery wedged inside my shoe locker. A cute, folded-in-four letter. On the front, written in small characters—

To Tachibana Reo-kun

That was all it said. Looking around, there wasn't a trace of anyone suspicious. Recalling yesterday's events, I slowly opened the letter.

“There is something I want to tell you. Please come behind the gymnasium after school. —Kokona Suzumura”

"...Figures."

I muttered softly, unable to help it. So the plan I accidentally overheard yesterday was actually being carried out? The school's number one beauty. Lately, she apparently started modeling for a magazine, and I often see people in class talking about it. I usually tune it out, so I don't know the details. Even so, the name Kokona Suzumura naturally lingered in my head. A summons arriving from none other than Kokona Suzumura. If you didn't know the circumstances, some guys might jump for joy. To me, though, it was different. This was basically like a notification announcing the start of an event.

"After school is so far away."

I tucked the letter into my uniform pocket and headed straight for the classroom. In the hallway, students from athletic clubs returning from morning practice went back to their classes while making a racket, and the girls were buzzing about a drama they'd watched yesterday. A morning no different from usual. The only thing that had changed was me.

◇

First period.

The teacher's voice echoed quietly through the classroom. As I copied the mathematical formulas being written on the blackboard into my notebook, I organized my other plans in my head.

After school. Behind the gymnasium. A confession. Lovers for just a few days. And then, the reveal.

Having heard yesterday's conversation, the flow of events was mostly clear. All that was left was to steer that flow into a shape convenient for me.

(Just giving a normal reply won't be enough.)

I thought to myself as I transcribed the formula into my notebook.

(I need to make it look like I genuinely believed it.)

That would make it hit harder later. It's the same in games. Most of an event's outcome is decided by the preparations made before it starts. Even in a boss fight, if you charge in without gathering gear and items, you won't win. This time is no different. The real match isn't after school. It's how I behave until the reveal.

(A love-struck high school boy, huh.)

The corners of my mouth slackened slightly. I'm not good at acting. Still, I have no choice. A reason to skip school. If I can just get my hands on that, I won't need to come to school during the event period. For that sake, I can play a slightly embarrassing role.

The teacher looks over at me.

"Tachibana, do you understand this part?"

"Yes."

I stood up and recited the answer to the blackboard without a hitch.

"Correct."

The teacher nodded. I sat back down in my seat. There was no particular reaction from those around me. Same as always. Even if my grades are good, it never becomes a topic of conversation in class. No one talks to me, and I don't initiate conversations either. I've never had any trouble because of that.

Lunch break. After school. The moment school ends, I log into Asuon. That was my lifestyle. Precisely because of that. Only the after-school hours felt strangely far away. From outside the window, the faint shouts of a physical education class being held on the grounds could be heard. Only the classroom clock ticked its hands forward sluggishly.

◇

After school.

The chime rang, and students gradually trickled out of the classroom. The afternoon light streaming in through the window illuminated the hallway in white. In the classroom, students heading off to club activities hurriedly packed their bags and walked out into the corridor while laughing. I left the classroom, blending into that stream of people. It's just a few minutes' walk to behind the gymnasium. As I approached the secluded spot, the chatter I'd heard until just moments ago gradually faded away.

(Cliché.)

It was the kind of place where an event CG would pop up if this were a game. Thinking about that, I turned the corner to find a female student already waiting.

Kokona Suzumura.

Her profile, illuminated by the setting sun, was undeniably striking. Well-defined features, long hair swaying in the breeze—even in her school uniform, she naturally drew gazes. I could understand why every guy in school idolized her. Though, of course, that had nothing to do with me.

Noticing me, Suzumura trembled slightly at the shoulder.

"S-Sorry. For calling you out so suddenly."

"It's fine."

When I replied, Suzumura let out a small breath. She repeatedly steadied her breathing while gripping and releasing the hem of her uniform with her fingertips. She looked nervous, too. Still, I didn't bother wondering about the reason—now that we've come this far, all that's left is for things to begin.

"Tachibana-kun."

"Yeah."

Suzumura took a single deep breath, then looked straight up at me.

"You might be troubled hearing this out of the blue, but... I've had my eye on you for a long time, Tachibana-kun."

She paused for a beat.

"Please go out with me."

(Here it is.)

I nodded quietly in my mind. From here on is the main event.

(Just giving a normal reply is too weak; I need to act properly surprised.)

I widened my eyes.

"...Eh?"

I made an expression as if I were at a loss for words.

"R-Really?"

My voice quivered slightly. Suzumura gave a small nod.

"Yeah."

That exact moment. At the edge of my field of vision. Beyond the shrubbery, someone shifted slightly. A uniform sleeve was visible through a gap in the leaves. Another person. Further back, too. They probably think they're hiding well. Still, I could easily tell someone was there.

(Kujo and the others, huh.)

Right on schedule. Looks like the onlookers have gathered properly.

"Um..."

I scratched my head as if to hide my embarrassment.

"Me too..."

I looked down for a moment as if searching for words, then looked at Suzumura again.

"I've always liked you too, Suzumura-san."

I acted it out just enough so my face looked like it was growing hot. I think it was the most love-struck high school boy expression I've ever made in my life.

"So,"

I bowed my head with a shy smile.

"I'll be in your care."

For a split second. Suzumura's expression froze. She seemed momentarily speechless at receiving such a straightforward reply. From beyond the shrubbery, the presence of someone holding their breath faintly carried over.

(That reaction is more than enough.)

The preparation is done. It's the same in games. You don't panic after an event has already started. Only those who finish their preparations before it begins can progress with maximum efficiency until the very end. This time was no different. Now, the other side will just advance the event on their own. I quietly decided to wait for that moment.