Not knowing how to process what I declared, Misumi and most of our classmates who heard me started laughing. Yeah, they just considered that as a joke. A huge joke that wouldn’t happen.
I even got a pat on my back from those unaware as though encouraging me to live more on the side of reality than fantasy. But obviously, those aware, especially my girls, could only stare at me, either shaking their heads or smiling at my silliness.
What better way to end this?
Obviously, to give them another surprise.
I stood up. Turned around to check on whoever was paying attention to me. Before confidently walking toward Nami, Hina, and Saki. Without faltering in my steps or even hesitation, one by one, I lifted their hands close to my lips and I kissed them before repeating what I said back then, “Can I fall in love with you?”
I didn’t wait for their answer though. I kept moving and soon. Back to Aya, then Chii, and eventually, even Kanzaki.
And since I told them that I would do the same for everyone present at that snack house, I also went to those who weren’t really serious when they raised their hands such as Chii’s gyaru friends; An-rin and Ku-shii as well as Shimura and Misumi herself.
In this way, even if somebody still kept on laughing, the girls whose hands I kissed all stood there speechless. They had no idea how to react. They all looked to their fellow girls who received the same treatment, gauging their reactions. Perhaps, they’re just going to copy what they’re going to do once again.
“What can I say? That’s some sick shit, bro!” The first to react was the loudmouth Yamada. He even shouted that as he clapped his hands. “First time I see someone having the guts to go after everyone.”
“You don’t need that much guts to do the same thing I did, you know? You just have to believe in yourself.”
“The heck is that? Believe in myself? Nope. Not happening.”
Obviously, that’s some bullshit I spewed out. But it’s enough to release the tension gathering around us.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtBy the time the girls recovered, I had already returned to my seat and next to Aya.
While Nami and the others also started surrounding me, the others only looked on, not knowing what to do.
Oh. As for the cucks, I couldn’t really spare some thought about them. Not their reaction nor their expression. I mean, it’s easy to imagine the look on their faces right now. Angry and extremely frustrated. They couldn’t do anything in this situation, after all.
And even if they make a scene, they will just be seen as jealous boys who cannot take a joke.
A while later, the commotion died down and everyone started going to their respective clubs.
As for me, I had to stay a little longer because… it’s that time of the week again. Cleaning Duty.
This time, the ones in our group were Kanzaki, Wakaba, An-rin, Misumi and the other guy aside from me; Miyoshi.
With this kind of lineup, it should be rather peaceful, except for the former couple.
However, I soon found that thought naïve.
I was tasked with moving the chairs so I remained in the classroom while Miyoshi, did the garbage duty. That’s why when the five of us remained there, I found myself instantly surrounded. Especially by Wakaba and An-rin.
“Oi, Onoda, I hope you’re just joking earlier. You even included me when I didn't speak up back then!”
That’s Wakaba, complaining about what I did.
“Ne~ Onoda-chi. Wazzat for real? Totally got us taken aback there. Aren’t ya only gunning for our Chizuru?”
And that’s An-rin with her playful accent.
As for Misumi and Kanzaki, they were a distance away from us.
The former was standing sideways but with how little she moves, it’s easy to notice that she was eavesdropping. The latter had her back turned to us because of the board she was cleaning. However, given that it’s already cleared a few minutes ago and she’s still doing it, she’s the same as Misumi.
“Sorry, Wakaba. I forgot that you kept your hand down until the end back then. Want me to take that back?”
“You’re also there, An-rin. I said I’m serious, aren’t I?”
Responding to the two girls one by one, I managed to witness their differing reactions. Wakaba was speechless once more while An-rin burst into laughter as she started patting my shoulder.
“That’s totally messed up, Onoda.” Dropping the -chi which she copied from Chii, An-rin put a hand on her stomach, trying to stop herself from laughing but to no avail.
In the end, she eventually gripped my shoulder to stop herself from falling to the ground.
I supported her up and had her sit down on one of the nearby chairs before walking away to continue my job.
It was a minute later before Wakaba could even recover. And even if she did so, the girl somehow decided to stop pursuing her earlier complaints. Most likely, she’s afraid of what would be my response.
In this way, I soon drew near Kanzaki. With the attention of the other girls returning to their tasks, a window of opportunity opened up for the girl to approach me.
She looked at me with a complicated expression and walked near me. In as low a voice as possible, she said, “You’re not joking, right? At least, to those girls already close to you.”
“Yes.” I answered simply before carrying another chair to the side, opening up the space for the one in the ‘broom’ task to sweep it.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Will there be a chance for…” She’s about to say something. However, it was also at this point that her ex returned.
He stood by the door, his eyes quickly focusing on us. I glanced at him for a second and lost interest at the same time.
He doesn’t look hostile. Yet, he seems to be announcing that I shouldn’t touch Kanzaki. He’s claiming ownership when he dumped her in the first place.
What an idiot.
“Kanzaki, I told you to think hard about it. You’re a fine girl. Don’t easily throw yourself on… someone like me. Also, don’t let yourself be influenced by what I said about being interested in you. I haven’t really acted on it, have I?” I responded to the girl’s incomplete sentence before continuing with my task.
The girl simply ignored her ex’s existence right there and continued to draw near me. Perhaps knowing that there were none of my girls around, this was her only chance to talk to me.
“I did. I followed what you said. I can’t fully wrap my head around it but… I’m certain. I can’t help but be drawn to you, Onoda-kun.”
Is that a confession? Although I’m glad that she’s returning to becoming the straightforward girl that I got to know during the first week of this school year, this was still somewhat out of expectation. Her hesitation and doubt had disappeared from her eyes. However, upon analyzing what she said and based on her current state, she’s still unsure if this was what she really wanted.
Perhaps, she’s still muddled with the thought that she got dumped because of her lack of knowledge or experience. And now, knowing that I could provide her with both, she’s trying to get that from me, someone who’s interested in her.
If I had to guess what’s on her mind, it should be like this... Rather than pick someone else, because I already offered it to her before, she’s now finding it more comfortable if it was me than looking for some random dude or getting a new boyfriend.
But one thing was for sure… She’s now disregarding her ex’s presence. No matter what happened, she’d probably not go back to him even if he begged her for it.
“Alright… If you’re so determined about that, why don’t I bring you somewhere?”
“… Somewhere?”
“Mhm… Let’s finish our task first.”
Naturally, the ‘somewhere’ I mentioned wasn’t a private room where we could be alone… If she accepted then I would be bringing her to the Book Club. Or precisely, to Haruko.