Confessions Should Be Made Carefully

Chapter 1.11

Over the past few days, she had simulated this idea from various angles.

It was a ridiculously absurd thought, one she would usually scoff at as a foolish plan. But her mind, exhausted from group projects and exam study, kept wandering in strange directions. She kept thinking, maybe there’s nothing to lose by trying it.

She groaned and rubbed her temples.

If someone with no redeeming qualities in appearance, family, ability, or personality confessed to them, it was obvious anyone would feel bad, right?

And it wouldn’t be different for Leonard, would it? She had never seen him alone with a girl, so maybe he was unexpectedly naive.

He had always taken exams without any worries, so it might actually be effective.

Fortunately, Leonard didn’t seem like the type to go around telling everyone that he had been confessed to, so there shouldn’t be any rumors. Plus, she could solve the problem of him constantly striking up conversations and clinging unnecessarily!

She covered her mouth and internally exclaimed.

That’s it, this will work! It’s totally killing two birds with one stone!

It was a big deal. What started half-jokingly had now become a genuinely perfect plan. Even if she couldn’t be first, the biggest merit was being able to get Leonard off her back.

“…It’s not bad.”

With an excited feeling, she left the dormitory. Even as she walked the usual path to the classroom, she was wholly focused on making her plan succeed.

She couldn’t even think of taking out her books and brought her right hand to her mouth.

She was biting her nails like crazy when Leonard entered the classroom, leading the students.

As soon as she spotted the golden hair, like melted gold among the similar hair colors, she leaned her chin on the desk and stared intensely at Leonard.

“…Just.”

Should I just go for it now?

It seemed like there wouldn’t be another chance today. When else would she be half-crazy enough to execute such a ridiculous plan? She might return to her senses without doing anything and receive another second-place report card.

It didn’t take long for her mind to rationalize.

Yeah, what’s so hard about it? Just tell him to come out for a moment and say, “I like you!” It’s not a big effort, is it?

Boldly standing up, she walked toward Leonard, pushing through the crowd of students.

A few students surrounding Leonard looked at her with displeasure, but she didn’t care.

“Let’s talk.”

“…Me?”

Surrounded by other students as usual, Leonard looked around and then pointed to himself, asking. When she nodded, he stuttered and stood up. His already round eyes became even rounder, and his mouth hung open helplessly.

“Oh? Oh, yeah, sure!”

Since there was still some time before the class started, she opened the classroom door and stepped out, with Leonard following her, looking somewhat excited. Feeling a little burdened by his expression, she quickened her pace across the hallway.

…Where should we go? For now, let’s go outside the building.

She quickly exited the main building and walked toward the back of the building.

Finding a suitable spot with no people behind the building, she stopped, and Leonard, standing behind her, spoke in a shy tone.

“It’s been a while since you talked to me first, Raven. What’s up?”

She swallowed a sigh internally and turned around. The morning sunlight scattered dazzlingly over Leonard’s golden hair.

Around Leonard, nameless flowers were blooming profusely, and pink flowers were also in full bloom around her. This scene made it look like a couple about to start a true romance.

A handsome male student, a beautiful location, and the wind blowing at just the right moment.

It was a very romantic and picturesque scene, damn it. The only flaw in this picture was that the girl confessing didn’t have a shred of sincerity.

Yes, she was going to crush him with this confession!

“Leonard, I have… something to say.”

Her voice was as flat as usual. But since she was confessing, should she speak more warmly? Ah, she would know if she had ever done this before.

“What is it, Raven?”

Despite her bold start, the next words wouldn’t come out.

After calling him over and saying nothing for a while, Leonard tilted his head with an innocent expression.

Seeing that face was like being doused with cold water, bringing her back to her senses. She realized what absurd thoughts she had been having.

She widened her eyes and took a sharp breath.

You’re crazy, Raven. Confessing to Leonard Klein? Even if paid, you wouldn’t do it. You’d rather die.

Did I really think I could confuse Leonard and get first place with just that? Was I out of my mind, trying to execute such a ridiculous idea?

“Well….”

Though it was fortunate she came to her senses, she suddenly found herself unable to say anything.

“Why did you call me?”

As she shifted her eyes without saying anything, Leonard cautiously asked.

“If you wanted to talk separately because of what happened last time….”

Leonard seemed to be saying something, but she couldn’t hear properly, focusing only on how to handle the situation smoothly. She just wanted to wrap things up and quickly return to the classroom. She opened her mouth, trying to say anything, and Leonard, interpreting her actions somehow, spoke with a hopeful face.

“Raven, I don’t know about you, but I want to make up with you.”

Oh, no. Damn it.

Feeling her mind go cold, she hastily spoke.

“No, it’s just….”

If you’re okay with it, I’d like us to be like we were before.”

Leonard smiled gently, his cheeks turning red.

Things were going strangely wrong, completely opposite to what she intended.

“…That’s not why I called you!”

Watching him with a pained expression, she shouted sharply, causing Leonard to close his mouth.

“So, the reason I called you is!”

No, so the reason is!

It’s definitely not because of a ridiculous confession, just called you for no reason. Got it? I definitely don’t like you.

Even struggling internally to make excuses, she sighed and spoke while rubbing her forehead.

“Haah, I like you….”

That’s it. It’s nothing, so go back.

“……?”

Wait, what did I just say? It seemed like something that shouldn’t have come out of my mouth did?

She clamped her mouth shut at the words that slipped out inadvertently.

Damn, I misspoke! I had been thinking about this for days and it just slipped out!

Though she acted calm on the outside, she was internally screaming in panic as she took a deep breath.

Calm down, calm down. No sane person would believe my words. They’d probably think it was a bad joke or nonsense. It’s a well-known fact among Academy students that I dislike Leonard Klein. So Leonard himself wouldn’t believe my words.

Swallowing nervously, she looked up to see his reaction.

But… Leonard’s pale face was turning explosively red.

“Really, is it true…?”

“Uh, huh?”

“You like me?”

While she was making a foolish sound, Leonard stepped forward and grabbed her hand tightly. Then, with a voice soaked in joy, he let out a sigh-like remark.

“I’m so happy, Raven.”

Then, as if in ecstasy, his purple eyes curved gently like a bow. A sense of unease began to creep up from somewhere.

…Could it be this guy actually likes me?

“…Hiccup.”

Eh, no way. No way….

Despite her startled heart and hiccup, she continued to deny reality internally. But as if to crush any dreams, Leonard, with an incredibly happy expression, took her hand and clasped it with his. His gaze was so sweet that she seemed lovable just reflected in his eyes. Meeting those eyes, she involuntarily trembled.

“I really like you too, Raven. I’ve liked you ever since I first saw you.”

It was impossible to say it was a mistake now.

She, half-dazed, couldn’t even think of shaking off his hand. She just listened blankly to Leonard’s words filled with happiness.

“Then, we’re dating now, right?”

Meanwhile, his hand was really soft….

No, that’s not it. What did he just say? What?

“?!”

What?

Oh?

Oh oh?

Oh oh oh??

“…….”