Chapter 9
Over the past few days, I had run this idea through multiple mental simulations.
It was utterly ridiculous—so absurd that my usual self would have scoffed at it, calling it one of the most foolish notions imaginable. Yet, exhausted from group projects and exam prep, my mind kept drifting toward strange possibilities. The thought nagged at me: What’s the harm in just trying it once?
I groaned and rubbed my temples.
Anyone would feel awkward receiving a confession from someone with nothing to boast about—appearance, family background, skills, or personality. Why would it be any different with Leonard? I couldn’t recall ever seeing him alone with a girl before, so maybe, surprisingly, he could be a little clueless.
He probably took exams without a hint of worry, so perhaps this approach might actually work.
Thankfully, Leonard didn’t strike me as the type to run around town broadcasting that he’d been confessed to, so there was little risk of rumors. And maybe, just maybe, I could finally put an end to his incessant chatter and clinginess.
I covered my mouth and let out an internal gasp.
Perfect. This works! It’s a complete two-birds-one-stone situation!
This was serious. What began half as a joke had transformed into a fully-formed plan. Even if I couldn’t take first place, I could at least get Leonard out of the way—a major advantage.
“…This could work.”
With that fluttering excitement, I left the dormitory. I walked along the familiar path to the classroom, my mind consumed entirely with executing the plan.
I hadn’t even thought about pulling out my books, my right hand covering my mouth as I nervously bit my nails. Suddenly, Leonard appeared, leading a group of students into the classroom.
Among the sea of ordinary hair colors, his golden-blonde hair shone like molten gold. I rested my chin on my desk and fixed him with an intense gaze.
“…Just do it.”
Just go all in, right now?
It seemed this might be my only chance. When else would I, half-crazed, attempt such an outrageous plan? If I waited, I might come to my senses and never act—only to end up with second-place grades again.
It didn’t take long for my mind to rationalize the plan.
Yes. How hard could it be? Just ask him to step aside for a moment, then say, “I like you!” One simple line. Nothing difficult.
With newfound resolve, I stood up and made my way through the students toward Leonard. Some of them looked at me with irritation, but I ignored them.
“Let’s talk.”
“…Me?”
Surrounded by students as usual, Leonard looked around in surprise, then pointed at himself. When I nodded, he fumbled and stood up, his already-round eyes widening further and his mouth hanging open.
“Uh? Oh, y-yeah, sure!”
There was still a bit of time before class, so I opened the classroom door and led the way outside. Leonard followed, looking somehow excited, and I quickened my pace down the hallway, slightly overwhelmed by his expression.
…Where should we go? Outside the building. I hurried out of the main hall and walked toward the rear.
Finding a relatively secluded spot behind the building, I stopped, and Leonard, standing behind me, spoke in a shy tone.
“Raven, it’s been a while since you started a conversation with me first. What’s going on?”
I sighed internally and turned around. The morning sun shimmered across Leonard’s golden hair.
Unknown flowers bloomed abundantly around him, while pink blossoms dotted my surroundings. The wind carried a scene straight out of a romance novel—two people on the verge of love.
A handsome boy, a beautiful setting, the breeze perfectly timed.
How picturesque. The only flaw? The girl confessing didn’t have a shred of genuine affection.
Yes. Right now, I was about to ruin Leonard with a confession!
“Leonard, I… have something to say.”
My voice was even, as usual. Should I sound slightly warmer? Ah, I wouldn’t know until I tried.
“What is it, Raven?”
Despite my bold introduction, the next words wouldn’t come.
I had called him over and stood there in silence, and Leonard tilted his head innocently, confused.
The sight of him snapped me back to reality as if doused with cold water. I realized how absurd my earlier thoughts had been.
I widened my eyes and drew a sharp breath.
I’m insane. Confessing to Leonard Klein? Even if someone paid me, I wouldn’t do it. Never. And yet I thought I could unsettle him to gain first place?
“…Uh…”
I was relieved to regain my composure, but my words had vanished.
“Why did you call me?”
I stared around helplessly, unable to speak. Leonard asked cautiously,
“If it’s about what happened last year… if you wanted to talk separately…”
I barely listened, too focused on thinking how to navigate this situation and get back to class quickly. I tried opening my mouth, but Leonard, interpreting my silence as hesitation, spoke with hopeful eyes.
“Raven, whether you feel the same or not, I want to make up with you.”
Oh no. Damn it.
Feeling my mind clear, I hurriedly responded,
“No, that’s not why…”
“I just want to get along like before, if you’re okay with it.”
Leonard smiled gently, cheeks flushed.
Everything was going completely wrong—nothing like I had planned.
“…I didn’t call you for that!”
I shouted, frustrated, and Leonard fell silent.
“So, the reason I called you was—”
No, I just—It wasn’t a confession! I just called him, that’s all! I don’t like you, okay?!
Overwhelmed by inner panic, I rested my palm on my forehead and muttered with a sigh,
“Ha… I like you…”
Stop. Nothing happened. Just go back.
“…?”
Wait. What did I just say? Something I shouldn’t have slipped out?
I covered my mouth in shock.
Damn it, I said the wrong thing! After thinking about this for days!
Outwardly calm, inwardly I was screaming. I took a deep breath.
Calm, calm. No sane person would believe me. Any academy student knows I dislike Leonard Klein. He’d probably just think it’s a bad joke. No one, least of all Leonard, would believe it.
Swallowing nervously, I looked up. Leonard’s pale face had turned a blazing red.
“Really… really?”
“Uh, what?”
“You like me?”
While I groaned helplessly, Leonard stepped closer and grasped my hand firmly, letting out a joyful sigh.
“I’m so happy, Raven.”
His violet eyes curved like a bow in sheer delight. A wave of unease rose within me.
…Could it be he actually likes me?
“…Hic.”
N-no way. Surely not…
I hiccuped, still denying reality in my mind. But Leonard, beaming, held my hand as if to cement his joy. His gaze was so sweet it made me appear utterly lovable, and I shivered despite myself.
“I really like you too, Raven. From the very first time I saw you.”
There was no way to call this a mistake.
Frozen, I couldn’t pull my hand away, only listening to Leonard’s ecstatic words.
“So, we’re dating from today, right?”
And his hands—so soft… No, this isn’t right. What did he just say?
“?!”
Huh?
Huhhh?
“……”
Finally realizing what was happening, I couldn’t even respond, my lips trembling. Leonard, however, shone with uncontainable joy.
“…Ugh.”
My throat tightened. This isn’t happening. This is really not happening!
Dizziness swept over me.
Early that morning, Leonard woke feeling as though he possessed the world. Light, cheerful, everything felt perfect. After all, his two-year unrequited love had finally come to fruition!
When Raven timidly stammered her confession, no one could know the depth of his joy.
“Haah.”
Breathless with bliss, Leonard drew the curtains back. Morning sunlight streamed in as birds sang beautifully, all seeming to herald a happy day.
Leaving the dormitory, he went to a city florist and ordered fifty roses. The shop owner, surprised at the large stock of fresh blooms, handed over the bouquet with a smile.
Fifty fresh roses so early in the morning—what luck.
Thinking how happy Raven would be, Leonard gently touched the petals with his fingers.
Carrying a bouquet nearly half his size, he headed toward the dorm building. Had it been later, many eyes would have glanced at him before class.
Luckily, the hallway was quiet. Leonard buried his nose in the roses, lost in thought.
Raven was meticulous. She left the dorm at 8 a.m. every day to arrive early and study for an hour. Rarely did she deviate from this routine.
But today seemed different.
“Already past eight…”
Standing outside her door, Leonard glanced at his watch with concern. Had something happened? Overslept?
At that moment, the door creaked open. Leonard’s eyes lit up.
His new girlfriend—two days into their relationship—appeared. Her tousled black hair bounced with each step. Upon seeing the fifty roses and Leonard’s face, she screamed in surprise.
“Ah! What is this?!”
