Chapter 21

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Chapter 21

Title: Finally, the contest is now, Mikura-san

I remembered even less from the afternoon classes than the morning ones.

“Actually, I realized your feelings, Mikura-san.”(Naruse)

Naruse said this with a sad smile.

“And so I ended up rushing and confessing to Sakuraba-kun, but it didn’t work out…..”(Naruse)

I know.

Because highschoolers aren’t as tight-lipped as you think they are.

“But I want to change my mind and support Mikura-san….”(Naruse)

‘Strong,’ was what I thought.

I mean it isn’t easy to find someone who can really think that way.

“Sakuraba-kun-, He said that he doesn’t want to date anyone….”(Naruse)

“Oh, I see…..”(Mikura)

“Yep. But I didn’t want to give up, so I asked him ‘can I wait until you change your mind’ but……”(Naruse

The chime signaling the end of classes rang, and each of our classmates left the classroom at their own pace.

All I could do was sit in my seat and look down.

“I was told to stop and give up.”(Naruse)

Naruse seemed to be crying a little as she told me that.

“Mikura-san, that’s why I think that you shouldn’t rush and that you should take your time to fall in love. Even if you confess to Sakuraba-kun now, I’m sure that will only make both of you very sad.”(Naruse)

I was fairly certain that Naruse wasn’t lying.

I thought so partly because of her kind-hearted personality and partly because of what Aoto told me in the cafe about her.

“But maybe, if it’s Mikura-san, you can get Sakuraba-kun interested in love….! Maybe he just said that as an excuse to reject me!”(Naruse)

[TLN: I hate the way Japanese people use the person’s name instead of ‘you’]

All I could do was stare at Naruse’s back as she left with a tearful smile on her face.

I was worried.

I was wondering whether or not I should actually confess to Aoto like I had planned.

Perhaps it’s a great inconvenience for Aoto.

When Naruse asked if she could wait for him, he replied, “don’t.”

If those are his true, genuine feelings….

My resolve, which I should’ve solidified this morning, was now completely shaken up.

“Mikura-san.”(Sakuraba)

Hearing a familiar voice, I reflexively raised my face.

When I looked around, I realized that only Aoto and I were left in the classroom.

“O-, oh, um….Aoto-kun.”(Mikura)

“What’s wrong? You look a bit troubled.”(Sakuraba)

“N-, no, it’s nothing.”(Mikura)

“Is that so?”(Sakuraba)

[TLN: The Japanese used ‘sou’ but with a question mark, so this was the only way I could think of to localize it. Sorry if it sounds kinda stuck up & lmk if u have anything better]

Saying this with his usual composed expression, Aoto sat down in the seat next to me.

Taking a deep breath, I took the paperback book out from my bag and handed it to him.

“Once again, thank you for lending me the book.”(Mikura)

“No, I should be thanking you. I’m happy that you read it. How was it?”(Sakuraba)

“Um, yeah! It was really good! I couldn’t stop turning the pages…..!”(Mikura)

“Really?! My impressions of the novel were that it was something that people either completely love or completely hate, so it’s good that you liked it.”(Sakuraba)

Aoto smiled at me, looking happy from the bottom of his heart.

The calm, adult-like atmosphere that Aoto normally gave off was instantly replaced with a child-like atmosphere that was filled with innocence.

You really like books, don’t you, Aoto.

I’m sure that he has no idea that the woman sitting in front of him is currently agonizing over whether or not to confess her feelings to him.

Yes, it is one-sided and selfish, this request of mine.

[TLN: Intentional questionable grammar because the grammar was incorrect in JP as well]

It’s just a self-centered request that ignores Aoto’s feelings and tries to monopolize him.

“But maybe, if it’s Mikura-san, you can get Sakuraba-kun interested in love….!”(Past Naruse)

There’s nothing like that, Naruse.

I’m not that confident nor am I that insensitive.

And I don’t have the courage either.

“…..Mikura-san, what’s wrong? Did something actually happen after all?”(Sakuraba)

“Oh, um, no…..Really, it’s nothing….”(Mikura)

“……I see.”(Sakuraba)

Aoto tilted his head in confusion as he looked down at my face.

“If you ever need any help, you can always rely on me. If you’re fine with me, I’ll help you.”(Sakuraba)

Aoto is kind.

No matter the situation, no matter the person.

But I didn’t want to worry him or trouble him unnecessarily.

“The next time you feel like reading something, let me know. I have a bunch of recommendations, and I’m always happy to lend them to you.”(Sakuraba)

Waving at me who was still seated at a desk, Aoto smiled and left the classroom.

I’m such a coward.

“How in the world can I possibly say something like that…..”(Mikura)

The only person left in the classroom, I cried, my shoulders shaking as I did.

Frustrated, disappointed, and ashamed of myself, I broke down and continued crying.

[TLN: It feels like I have so much less to say in my tl notes since I’m releasing with small gaps in between. Here’s a question for the next series ig: do ya’ll want a fluffy/sugar/diabetes series, a serious/somber series, or something in between. All options are basically SOL romance btw. Won’t translate isekai or any non-romance until the day I die or until the day I get arifureta translation rights]

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