Why?

"Hyunda, please pay me..."

Why is he here?

"Haven't you had lunch yet? Do I really need to?"

This is supposed to be a moment where I preach my meaning of life YET...

How come this has happened twice now? Naturally, I was completely baffled when Hyunda picked up the call.

Like, why, my love? Don't you know that I can make you feel so much better than just this random piece of garbage that is here against my utter will?!

"No... I already had lunch. But, you know... Ahh, come here."

And why is he telling my love orders?! Orders?! Who do you think you are?! First, you interrupt our sacred moment and then you tell my man to 'come here'?!

Unbelievable!

"Oh. I see. Though, Daniel, you already know how to win money if you need money in the first place. It's sorta pathetic to argue about not having money when there is an option to get it."

I don't understand what they are talking about. That snitch Daniel just told Hyunda to come closer and whispered something on Hyunda's ear.

Are you, in other words, saying that just because I am here that you can't tell me something that concerns my love?

"Hey! What are you two talking about?"

"Oh, nothing..."

"Ahh, is that so!?"

Daniel answered that, but why would you tell me it's nothing when it's clearly something!?

How dare you interrupt us especially in the last minutes! There are only eight minutes left!

And we were going fine... Until you came that is!

"Arkalee, come closer, please."

"Okay."

Hyunda for some reason told me to come closer so I didn't even attempt to resist and threw myself onto him.

Our chests were connected swiftly yet he didn't mind. As a matter of fact, he took my act with confidence.

His chilly breath of mint filled my nostrils with supreme pleasure.

Furthermore, he closed our distance greatly by whispering words that I wanted to hear all along.

"Don't tell Daniel about what happened on March 1st. It's our secret, remember?"

Our secret.

Our.

Our.

Noticeably after, I whispered something to his right ear.

"Why would I do that...? I already told you that I wasn't going to tell anyone."

"I thought you forgot. Sorry about that."

Ending our quick conversation, Hyunda returned to his usual position and faced Daniel, who was still here.

But... How could I forget something you have said? Your words become automatic memories to me every time you speak. In my mind, I remind myself of them all the time...

It saddens me that you claim to have thought of such absurdity, Hyunda...

"Anyways, I need to be at a place extremely quick. I'll see you two back in the classroom."

....!!!

"I'll go with you!"

Why?

"It's just five minutes, Arkalee. It won't take long."

Won't take long?

"N-No! Why can't I come along...?"

"It's really trivial. Plus, Daniel most likely has something to talk to you. It's literally just five minutes though."

Without saying much back, Hyunda left the scene and isolated himself from me, leaving only me and Daniel here.

In a world where you aren't where I am, what's the point....?

Don't you realize that five minutes without you around is the equivalent of five millenniums going by at an excruciatingly slow pace?!

Five minutes.... Five minutes.... Five minutes......... Five minutes!!

Oh god, oh god. What is Hyunda doing right now?! Really trivial?! What do you mean by trivial?! Anything you do is not trivial!

What if he's talking to another girl?!

What if he accidentally crosses with Ikkiri?!

"Hey, Arkalee, are you alright?! You seem quite stressed... As I thought, the exam is probably getting on your nerves huh..."

That cannot happen! Why would he keep this a secret from me?! I'm sure he's planning something...

But just what? Ahhhh, Hyunda! You said that you were going to tell me more if I just asked you but in the end you still keep secrets from me...!

The worst part is that I can't even get mad at you because I love you too much!

"Um, Arkalee? You there?"

And why is Daniel literally on my face? Is there a specific reason for this?

Is this because of you? Did Hyunda -----

"It's really trivial. Plus, Daniel most likely has something to talk to you."

"Plus, Daniel most likely has something to talk to you."

"Daniel."

Oh.

It's your fault, isn't it?

"Ahh, yes? Sorry about that, Daniel."

If it weren't for you then...

"Oh, no need to apologize. You just seemed to be out of it. Has everything been going well with you lately?"

3 minutes left. There are still a couple of fries left. Plus, my cup still has ice tea in it. Barely though. I'll enjoy it thoroughly then.

Time, go faster, please.

Why one second? One second? One second?! That's unforgivable. A serious offense.

"Hm? Yeah, everything is fine. Extremely fine. You?"

Please don't say your opinion. I won't care. I won't care. It's beyond my caring.

Although I'm smiling and looking at you in the eye, this doesn't mean anything.

In my world, there is only one person that really exists outside of me...

If it's not you, Hyunda, then I don't want it! I refuse to acknowledge it!

"Well... To be honest, I'm sorta stressed. The next exam has a big reward for the winners, but there will be a lot of competition. I wonder if I can do it..."

"That's up to you, Daniel! If you believe you can do it, then you can do it!"

Sincerely, and honestly, please fail in the most miserable way possible.

It's the second time, Daniel. If you are not aware that you are being a nuisance then I'll make you realize how much of a nuisance you are being!

"What about you though? Do you think you'll make it, Arkalee?"

At this point, looking at anyone who isn't Hyunda makes me view others with a massive 'X' on their heads.

They are wrong for existing at the same moment as me and Hyunda. Oh god, why are you so unfair?

I just want to have my love life and live happily. Please stop getting in my way.

I can't hold back forever...

"W-Well... Who knows! I'll give it a try for sure!"

1 minute. I keep on checking my phone over and over but it's as if time is going slower and slower.

I hate this. Hyunda, why do you treat me like this?

This is so paradoxical...! I know that I have to tell you how I feel for you to be aware of my intentions but this is just too cruel!

I didn't know that abandonment could feel this harsh...!

"Wouldn't you like to pass the exam though?"

What the hell is this piece of trash still spewing?! I don't care about the exam!

30 seconds....

Thirty seconds....!

"Hahaha, probably?"

"Is that so? But, wouldn't you say that it's better to have a certified passage rather than relying on the probability?"

"Oh... Certainly, of course. But it's just an exam. As long as you apply yourself to it, you can do it!"

This living waste of oxygen started to form reasoning for some reason. Is he attempting to manipulate me or something?

Wait...

No, it's something more obvious, isn't it? He...

He has a crush on me.

I forgot.

I've been too absorbed lately that I forgot how I looked to other people... It just can't be helped though. Hyunda's my number one priority, but...

There is still a priority that comes before that...

"Hey, Daniel. Quick question... Is your group really intending on blaming Ikkiri for that whole thing still...? She's suffering a lot... I don't think it's right for them to bully her to this extent..."

"That's not bullying. She did it all by herself, according to some students."

....?

"Um, sorry... But if it isn't too much for you to tell me, which students said that....?"

I know for a fact that there have been two groups that have blamed Ikkiri for what happened, but this is intriguing.

Congratulations, you vile trash. You managed to be useful.

"Huh? But why do you want to know that, Arkalee?"

"....I have to prove them wrong... Ikkiri didn't do this... She's just being misunderstood."

She's being misunderstood alright, but not in ways any of you can possibly imagine.

"Hmm, I see... Then, I suppose I don't mind telling you. It's Yulia and Sana."

Yulia and Sana? Yulia's group surely censured Ikkiri, as well as Sana's.

But who knew... They are against Ikkiri's existence too...?

"Th-Thank you, Daniel! Oh! It's late! I'm going back to class!"

Forty-five additional seconds have gone by! What an idiot I am!

With haste, I returned to class at last.

Block F. Main classroom. 2 pm.

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

Gently taking my seat, I wondered where Hyunda was.

The time to start class was nigh as Yuka-sensei looked ready to initiate it.

Unconsciously, my foot was tapping the floor almost silently due to this situation.

Where are you?

Every girl is already in the classroom. That's a relief. You aren't talking to a girl from this class.

Then... Another girl from another class? Who? I'll kill the bitch.

Seriously, tell me.

"Ara, where are Kawahara and Hyunda?"

Kawahara? Mhm? He's not here... I looked around the classroom, but he's not here neither is Hyunda.

But why are they not here....? Don't tell me that Kawahara has done something to Hyunda!

He's a bully! Of course he would do something like that!

How dare h---

"Oh, there they are! You two! Five minutes late! Don't repeat this again, please!"

To my surprise, it didn't take long enough for the two of them to reach the classroom. Kawahara's tie was noticeably loosened while Hyunda was walking up to me with his eyes closed in a relaxed manner.

Furthermore, they both just silently went to their seats without saying their sentences.

Did Hyunda meet Kawahara? What for?

Hyunda, before seating exhaled deeply for some reason. And when he sat down, he sunk onto his side of the table and decided to form a sleeping position with his forearms covering his face.

Ohhh... Is he tired?

Could it be...?

Should I try and talk to him? Is now a good time? Will he allow me to...?

Or... Should I try and write something on a paper and ask him what's going on? I really care, sweetheart.

With those thoughts in mind, I delicately ripped a small portion of one of my white sheets and started to write...

"What are you writing?"

"Just something ------"

I didn't notice.

"You want to know if something happened? Nothing happened, but thanks for worrying. Hey, are you okay? Your face is slightly red. Fever? Do you need to go to the nursery?"

His face is so closed to mine right now that it's unbelievable. I've lost count the number of times that this type of event has happened yet every time it feels like it happens to me for the very first time.

And I had to turn the opposite direction. My thoughts were steaming.

Along with my red blushed tomato face. Wuuuaaaaaaahhhh!

"N-No... Um... You just seemed tired, that's all..."

"Really? Hey, come closer. I need to speak to you. If we are caught, then we won't be able to. Just do it like usually."

Like usually... This has happened more than once. In order to avoid both of us getting caught while speaking to one another, either one of us puts their chair almost next to the other while pretending to pay attention to the class.

It certainly raises a level of tension due to the thrill of getting caught. I really like it!

This time... I was the one who pulled closer... We were so physically close that just a simple motion of my body to the right would have me falling over his shoulder...

"Sorry about leaving for like five minutes. Are you mad? Be honest with me. I won't get mad."

"Well... It was uncalled for... Plus, I really didn't like being with another person...."

And you said that the only time you weren't able to be with me was when I was in my dorm but then you leave me alone like that...

"I see. I ignored your demands. You said that you didn't like the presence of others that much. Is there a way I can make it up to you?"

A way he can make it up to me...? For starters, you can hold me, kiss me and put me down.

I really don't mind anything beyond that...

Ahhhh, but I can't just say that...

These thoughts of preoccupation occupied my mind while I was noting down the history notes written on the board. Hyunda was doing the same, which was why we both weren't being caught while talking. Severely speaking, we are far away from Yuka-sensei.

Hey, Ikkiri.

Are you looking? Do you see what I see? Do you remember when you were the one next to him?

What happened to that? How come I don't hear your annoying voice anymore?

"You seem to be taking your sweet time thinking about it. Sorry for insisting on this, but have you been bullied by any of the girls?"

"No... But, Tateyana has been looking at me constantly... I think she hates me..."

She really has. Apparently, she has a problem with me.

Yet she has not made her move. Though, Hyunda... You really do care for me...

My heart feels like it's set ablaze when you ask me these types of questions...

"I see. Hey, Arkalee."

"Yes...?"

"Do you feel safe with such people around in your dorm? Do you sleep soundly enough?"

Hyunda, you idiot.

Of course I can't sleep soundly.

I can't sleep in the first place.

You're not there...

"...Not really.... Why....?"

Subtly, Hyunda put down his pen and quickly looked upon me while almost breaking the barrier that the thin space of air was upholding between our lips.

"If not, then why force yourself to sleep inside your dorm?"

"E-Eh...? Umm, are you talking about..."

His serious sudden expression told me that he was still serious about his proposition.

I-I know what he's talking about... How he said that I could sleep in his room if things got bad.

But......!

"N-No! I can't... We can't, um, because, yeah, you know why we can't..."

Those types of relationships are forbidden in the first place... Don't get me wrong! It's not as if I don't want to but...

It's just... Our love should develop more thoroughly and then when we do it, it will be sensational... This is too fast...!

Although, I have agreed to move at his own pace. The only problem is if we are caught... I don't want to endanger us both...

This can wait...

"Do I though?"

"Eh? What?"

"What I meant to say was; do I know what you were trying to imply? What exactly are you thinking it will happen if you were to come to my room to spend the night?"

D...Does he really want me to say it?! I can't possibly say it! He should know...

What happens once a boy and a girl spend the night together... It's an inevitable connection.

A-And besides... I don't think I'm mentally ready yet...!

".....I can't say it......"

My face became even redder. A red so deep that it almost transcended the whole color itself.

Oh gosh, you...

"I understand. I think I get it now. It's quite foolish for a boy to ask such a thing, isn't it? Especially when it's to a girl... I'm suggesting things that I shouldn't be suggesting, aren't I?"

Hmmm??

What is he suddenly saying....?

"I just thought that it would be a nice place for you to stay the night until the morning to potentially avoid getting bullied yet I failed to take into consideration something crucial..."

"Hyunda, what are you ----"

"It's irrational for a random boy to ask a girl something personal like this. What if that girl has certain feelings for another individual that is not the one that asked? That's just awkward..."

.....................

"Simple, isn't it? My suggestion becomes invalid, suddenly. Being close to Daniel should be something that you want the majority of the time, right?"

?

?

?

Hyunda's not making any sense.

"I get it now, though. You got feelings for him, don't you?"

"W-W-W-W-Wh-What?!"

"I feel like these past two meetings haven't been coincidences lately. I've been interfering a lot, haven't I? So sorry about that. I failed to take into consideration how you'd feel towards someone who isn't the one you lik---"

Before Hyunda could finish his spree of lies, I placed my index finger on his lips and silenced him quickly.

....Hyunda...

"What are you talking about?! It's nothing like that! Idiot, stop misunderstanding!!"

I had to step on him to make sure he got my message! I'm angry now!

How can you misunderstand this much!?

Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzz!!!!

"Oh, I am? Sorry about that. But, if it's not for that reason then why?"

A-Ahhh... Must I really tell him the truth?! This heartbeat... It's contagious....

With every pulse that I feel bursting through my chest, the magnitude of the melancholic rhapsody of the wave of emotions is just....

"U-Um... You see... If I sleep in your room then... Erm....! When a girl and a boy are together, they might end up doing something impulsive and irrational out of the moment alone that's why....!"

"Oh. You mean, like, having sex?"

"That's right, like hav---"

T-That smirk on his face...! He was lying all along! He knew...!

Wuuuuaaaaaahhhh!!

"...Bully."

"I was just teasing you. Who wouldn't know what you were referring to? Although, I do understand what you are saying, seriously speaking. But it doesn't have to be the way that you are imagining it. You can just averagely sleep, I won't do anything to you."

That really hurts to hear.

Because I want the exact opposite of that.

"...If something happens, I'll tell you, then..."

"Don't be afraid to do so."

Subsequently, after I got teased greatly, time went by until it reached the end of the class.

6 pm.

With everyone still inside the classroom, anyone could witness the dusk that lied beyond the massive horizon.

A rare sight to enjoy yet it would come every now and then. Undoubtedly, this unique sight would be perfect in the arms of who you love.

Rare sceneries that uphold fragrantly ephemeral opportunities such as those are not to be wasted.

Still, by contrast, now was not the correct time to make my move.

Moreover, I couldn't advance in my respective pace.

"Arkalee, I need to speak with you."

Yuka-sensei had called. Ever since the investigation was put on hold, Yuka-sensei started to interrogate every single person per day alphabetically.

Looks like it was my turn. In all essence, this felt like a true waste of time.

Hyunda was still by my side, so before he left, I told him something.

"Can you wait for me outside...? I promise to be done as soon as possible!"

Packed up already, he turned his back against me as he held his school bag on his back, supported by his right arm.

"Sure, I'll be waiting."

The numbers started to decrease slowly and slowly. After I cleaned everything up, my desk included, I went to speak to Yuka-sensei, who greeted me with a smile.

"Hiiii! You've been paying attention to class a lot. Thank you for that, Arkalee. The majority is just really lazy, you know?"

"Oh, it's not much! Just doing my duty as a student... Erm, so, sensei, what do you want to talk about...?"

Given that I was in front of her desk, there were a ton of papers scattered around it. Truly messy yet Yuka-sensei picked up one in particular, before speaking.

The sun was setting but there was still visible light in the classroom.

"Has anyone been bullying Ikkiri outside of the classroom? I'm asking this because even though I asked her, Ikkiri didn't give me an honest reply. I think something is happening."

"Um... I've said what I thought about it... Tateyana is the one... in my opinion."

Tateyana's aggressive behavior makes her the perfect scapegoat.

Impulsive idiots are always the best baits.

"Can you try and see if there is something going on between them? I feel like everyone's judging Ikkiri too superficially and that they are more worried about their own situations rather than her's. Are you willing to see what is going on with Ikkiri?"

"Certainly! I despise what's currently happening to Ikkiri... It's horrible, having all those names and insults being thrown at you unjustly...!"

No, I loved every second of it.

The fact that you couldn't stop looking at the ground because you couldn't muster the strength to fight back in any given circumstance filled me with confidence.

I will eradicate you thoroughly over and over until you decide to perish all by yourself, Ikkiri.

"I see. Well, Arkalee, I will have to conduct a questionnaire. It won't take long, but you'll have to answer every question honestly."

"Okay..."

Ultimately, I had to answer a questionary from Yuka-sensei herself.

It took around 15 minutes to be finished but it wasn't anything remotely hard in the first place.

Nevertheless, I missed the part where she said 'you'll have to answer every question honestly.', obviously.

Furthermore, my anxiety kept on growing with every second it passed.

Was Hyunda still there waiting for me outside of the classroom?

He's not gone, is he?

You're not away, are you?

Right?

Right?!

"Phew! Now that that's done... Hey... Were you successful?"

"...Sorry?"

Wrapping her papers up in the same column, Yuka-sensei asked me that weird question.

I truly did not understand what she was specifically referring to...

"Ara? I was talking about your love interest! You spoke about confessing your feelings! How did that go?"

Ah...

"Oh, that... Well..."

I suppose it doesn't hurt being honest in this case.

Maybe Yuka-sensei knows something about this more than I do...

"I haven't... still confessed. Haha, sorry... Even though you honestly sought to help me in my romantic endeavor I still haven't..."

I tightened my grip a tiny bit. Reciting those awkward words was... embarrassing, so to speak.

Everything I have done thus far comes with a respective order....

It can't be helped that I have to delay my romantic progression. It doesn't make any sense to progress romantically while there are still rats swirling around every corner.

A plague can't be stopped unless you eradicate the source.

"Eh? Why not?!"

"It's not as easy as I thought... There are too many things to consider..."

I'm sad.

So sad.

This sadness both creeples me and empowers me.

"That will always be the case! Love is war, you know?"

"Love is... war...?"

That's a new one...

I got immediately curious after Yuka-sensei said that. Because I've never heard that line before...

"Yes. There will always be things in front of you in your pursuit of love. Questions, people, lack of answers, indecision, anxiety, impatience, and many more. If you think about it, love comes down to one simple decision."

"And what is that decision...?"

Is there some sort of short-cut here...? Is there a key to knowing when to advance in the right moment at the right time?!

"That is... To not care for all the trivial ideas that are in your head!"

"What?!"

Is she for real?!

"Wait, no. I'm serious, listen. Honestly. Isn't your lack of success because you care too much about the things you deem are necessary?"

"But... That can't be helped, can it...? Everything must be taken into consideration..."

"I don't necessarily agree with that. Those who try to make themselves happy by accumulating all the little things there are out there can barely obtain a valid sensation of happiness. On the other hand, those who try to obtain happiness by accumulating something big often find a valid sensation of happiness."

Is she arguing that I'm wrong for attempting to form my happiness by accumulating all the little things that are scattered out there?

But, isn't it wrong for me to not take such opportunities?

"That's why Arkalee... What will give you happiness is not those little things you are attempting to pursue, but the big thing you want to achieve. Isn't that big thing your love interest's affection? Shouldn't that be more important than anything else?"

"I see... But... To be honest... I... Um... How do I say this..."

"Yes?"

The words won't come out...

I feel like they will be far too aggressive for Yuka-sensei's liking and I might provoke a negative reaction out of her...

"Nevermind...."

"Aww. What's wrong? You can tell me... I know how hard it is to express feelings. Even a shred of sincerity can be hard from someone who is reserved..."

She's right...

Then... Well, if she understands then...

Mhm.

I formed a quick resolution and spoke my words fastly.

"How do I make my love interest mine and mine alone?!"

Ahhh! I said it...

I wonder if Yuka-sensei will think I'm just a fragile little girl who has such weak worries...

"Oh, what? That's your worry? You could've just said it! That's completely natural!"

"Ehhh? It is?"

"It is! This was partially what I meant by love is war! In your pursuit of love, you are facing the challenge of affection."

Challenge of affection...?

Also, I didn't know that this feeling was natural. I thought that it was something I only had.

Generally speaking, my feelings might be too dramatic, but I was born like this. It's part of my character and I don't intend on changing this part of mine.

"By engaging in this pursuit, you have to face people who will try and outdo you when it comes to affection. How you show that affection, it's up to you, of course. Although... To answer your question... If you want to make your love interest yours, then you should open yourself to new things."

N-New things?!

But that would mean....!

"Is that really fine?! Shouldn't there be an exact time for everything?!"

"An exact time? There's no such thing. However, if you are talking about the moment when you feel like it's the exact moment and that it was all meant to happen, then you should take the opportunity that might give you the chance of creating that moment. The biggest opportunities are easily tossed aside from petty reasons."

Oh....

Is that really how it is...?

Then... Haven't I been missing out on a big opportunity lately? I was prioritizing my own tasks instead of our connection...!

"T-Thank you! That's actually really helpful! I'll see you tomorrow!"

"Oh... Alright, see you tomorrow!"

With haste I left the classroom trying to reach out to Hyunda, who was still supposed to be around here yet as I looked into the massive hallway, he wasn't here.

I quickly panicked in response.

Nonetheless, I looked through the windows to see if I could spot him around the campus, but it was useless.

".........Why do you always do this......This is torture..."

Always, always, always!

Did I take too long!? I'm sorry, it couldn't be helped! Did you get bored while waiting?!

Am I not worthy of----

"Bzzzz."

My phone rigged. Given that I only have one contact, without any hesitation, I picked up.

"Yo. I went on ahead to the dorm. Don't get too worried. Just wanted to tell you that. Well, bye n--"

"W-Wait!"

"Oh, what? You got something to say?"

He's probably already in his dorm...

We will only be able to see each other tomorrow...

I don't want that!

".......Umm... I'm somewhat scared of Tateyana, to be honest, hahahahahaaaaaa...."

My chest tightened as I lied to Hyunda. I'm really sorry for lying all the time, it's just...

I'm terrible at expressing myself...!

"I understand. Then, do you accept my offer or not?"

As expected, he understood what I meant to say immediately. I'm starting to think that he always understands everything that there is and just acts like he actually misunderstood when he didn't...

Then...

Do you understand me more than I do? I wonder....

"About that... Can you really do it...?"

"Yes, I can. But if you are talking about it, then you surely have committed to a certain decision, haven't you?"

"Well... Um! You see... Kinda...! Or... is it too late?"

He might've gotten tired of my reluctance. It wouldn't surprise me if he suddenly said th---

"It's never too late. Wait thirty minutes, please. I'll give you a call then. Put some basic stuff like pajamas and the usual in a bag."

Hyunda hung up.

This is really happening.

He didn't even need to confirm anything else, he already and most likely has a plan in mind...!

It's amazing how much adrenaline you give me just by your words alone...

Ahhh, I really just can't...

It's useless.

Can't.

Sorry.

There should be a bathroom down below this floor, I think...

And nobody else except our class utilizes this block anyways.

It should be fine. Nobody else should be here. Yuka-sensei has left too.

I think that I'm getting slightly addicted to this...

Hyunda...

It's your fault, my love...