"I need to go... It was nice talking to you, Sana and Yulia..."

Although we talked and introduced ourselves to a new way of conversation very shortly, I was ready to take my leave.

As I thought, leaving Hyunda in the hands of Daniel or just another person, in general, is killing me with anxiety.

I can't calm down unless I see him.

"Wait. Where are you going?"

Already having finished eating her dish, Sana interrogated my intentions. But I have no intention of answering...

Right now, I need to see him. I really do. Oh god. I... Just a single glimpse of him, please!

"G-Gonna take a walk... See ya!"

I attempted to leave but Sana persisted me with a question that I couldn't ignore.

"I hope you are not going after Hyunda right now. That is the worst thing you can do if you are truly aiming to win his heart."

".........Mind explaining that...?"

Suddenly curious, I retook my seat and looked at Sana who was looking confident in her speech. Yulia, on her right side, was additionally looking confident too.

I don't get this... The worst thing?! But if I'm not there then I'll burst!

"It seems I've hit the jackpot! I'll elaborate on how it's crucial that you don't chase after him. You are playing the attention game wrong, Arkalee."

"B-But... I really need to see him now..."

I can't even hide it anymore. There are 30 minutes left.

As I sadly glanced upon the ground, I allowed my doubts to grow further and further. This sheer pressure is getting me on so many levels.

What should I do?!

"Resist that thought and you will be rewarded. If you are too clingy then you'll be viewed as a nuisance. This is basic knowledge. Tell me something, Arkalee. Have you been clingy lately?"

Well....

It can't be helped if I'm clingy. I'm sure that Sana will understand. Because, if I don't show my affection then Hyunda will think that I don't care about him!

And that's not true!

"It depends on what your definition of 'being clingy' is..."

"Mhmm... Are you always with him even during casual breaks? Or just lunchtime?"

That's a really stupid question, Sana.

How could I not be there for him every time that I possibly can?

"All the time... But, when classes are over I can't due to the dorm rules..."

Honestly, screw those dorm rules! Why can't I be with my love whenever I so want it?! So unfair!

"You idiot! You can't be that clingy! Give it a rest! If Hyunda starts expressing disinterest then it's because you are being too clingy!"

"E-Eh!? But what does that have to do with it?! Isn't it normal for you to be with the one you love?!"

A-Ah...

Oops...

I was a little bit too aggressive here... But that's because she was too aggressive too. Questioning my methods like that...

"If you two are in a relationship, then I would agree with what you've just said, but that's not the case, is it? This is why, until then, you should refrain from spending too much time with him. Start ignoring him from now on."

"W-What?!"

Is Sana is insane?! Or just supremely stupid?! I get what she's saying but she doesn't know how Hyunda is...

Hyunda just lacks interest in general...

"Wait, Sana. We have to take into consideration who she's dealing with."

"Hyunda? Yeah, what about him?"

I don't like how both Yulia and Sana are addressing the love of my life. It's physically and mentally bothering me that they are discussing him in the first place.

At the same time though, if it contributes to my advancement, then I don't mind taking secondary opinions.

However, I'll ban all other girls' names when I talk to Hyunda again.

"Haven't you noticed? He's a total goofball! Normal strategies might not work on him, Sana. He seems really absent-minded too."

Hey, Yulia...?

Why are you giving such a delicate commentary on Hyunda?! What the fuck is your fucking problem?!

I fucking hate this bitch!

"My bad, I suppose. Let's ask the person who knows him the best, then."

"Yeah! Arkalee, what's Hyunda like?"

Frankly giving this type of information makes my skin crawl. Only I should know the greatest of details about Hyunda.

So, I'll be dishonest.

"Oh... He's actually really cool. He talks a lot to me which I'm grateful for. And..."

It's so much more than that, but I didn't feel like talking anymore.

Suddenly, I'm not liking this conversation anymore.

"Well, whatever the case might be, don't chase after him desperately. Otherwise, you are no different from all the other girls."

"What other girls?!"

What is Sana talking about?! She doesn't understand that I don't allow other girls near him! Why does she think that I'm always there!?

Isn't it obvious that I'm freaking out right now because that totally might just happen and I'm not there which means I can't prevent that event!?

"C-Calm down! I was just speaking hypothetically..."

"Oh... S-Sorry then... Hahaha..."

Sana's apologetic words don't make this better though. Even if she's speaking hypothetically, she should be aware that a girl in love does not like this type of talk.

Other girls?! Other girls?!?! Ridiculous. There is no one else better for him than me!

"Sana, that's a really sensitive topic, you know? I think you don't get that feeling because you aren't in love with someone else."

"That might be true, Yulia. I'm sorry. Can you forgive me, Arkalee? I didn't mean to anger you..."

Unexpectedly, Sana bowed her head down to me.

I guess that I'm just feeling frustrated due to the current circumstances...

"It's no big deal! Don't worry! But thank you for comprehending!"

Special thanks to Yulia. The way she interjected and brought up the fact that it was indeed a sensitive topic was really reassuring.

Honestly, I think Yulia might just be a fantastic person. There's nothing I don't like her thus far.

Oh right, except one thing.

The fact that Hyunda said he wanted to know every single thing about you. And not me.

Don't get it twisted. I mean more to him than you do to him. He's just asking me that favor because he wants to prevent Daniel from getting cheated on.

Speaking of Daniel... I have yet to launch my attack on him. I've thought and thought, but now that I look at the current scenario, this might be...

Ideal.

"More importantly! Let's put my case aside for now!"

Because I swear, if I hear Hyunda's name coming out from a mouth that isn't mine, I might go on a killing spree.

"Yulia, how's it going with Daniel!?"

Enthusiastically, I asked Yulia that question despite not actually caring.

There might just be a way to ruin Daniel's life indirectly. I'm sure he treasures his relationship with Yulia, for sure.

Yulia barely has any flaws. She rivals me in terms of appearance, honestly. Her natural charm is there, without a doubt.

And her chest is... Well, whatever. Size doesn't matter!

I mean, it's just a little bigger... No need to make a huge deal about it...

"Yeah, how's it going? Have you followed my strategy?"

"About that... We have been getting closer, but... There's something bothering me. I've told you how he confessed first, right?"

Daniel confessed first? Daniel, you know, you could be useful for once and pass that example to Hyunda if you are with him right now.

Tell him to confess to me and make me the happiest woman on this planet and I'll give you a single thank you.

"Yes, yes! Honestly, I was so surprised! You told me that you had feelings for him first and that you weren't expecting him to confess! You even described the whole scene...! Ahh, I wish there was someone like that in class! But our class is full of morons! No offense meant, of course!"

Sana looked at me while saying that nervously.

If we were to exclude Hyunda, then I would completely agree with Sana.

And...

"I'm sorry, but what exactly happened...? Could you tell me please?"

My curiosity grew when Sana spoke enthusiastically about something that Yulia had told her.

About a certain scene... The confession, surely.

"Well, you see..."

After a long session of hearing Yulia describing the whole scene, I couldn't believe what I had just heard.

Did Daniel actually come up with such a scenario...? And those words in specific... Strange. He never struck me with the impression of being good at romance.

Not that I care though. If I think about anyone else but Hyunda then my thoughts will be tainted.

"Continuing on, although he confessed to me and the moment was pretty intense and the fact that we have kissed so many times now... Everything should be going smoothly, but.... I think he's avoiding me recently..."

Strange.

I was given the impression by what Hyunda said that Yulia might be the one cheating on him but from her words, I would say that....

"Like, it's all fine and smooth but when it gets to lunchtime, he just vanishes and comes up with a plethora of excuses! For example, what happened a while ago was a good example!"

Daniel, Daniel, Daniel. Could it be that you are...?

How interesting. I think I know how to make your life a personal hell now. But first, I need to confirm if Daniel is truly in love with Yulia or not.

"But you two love each other, right? You two have even kissed multiple times!"

"I know that, Arkalee... It's just... I get this stiff feeling. Always, at this exact time, he leaves! Sometimes he heads out to unknown places or he comes up with extremely convenient excuses! I'm getting suspicious... I think he's lying to me."

There's obviously a pattern here. Daniel, just what are you doing behind Yulia's back?

It's one thing to steal Hyunda from me like that, but are you cheating on her, Daniel?

You naughty boy. You need to be punished.

In the worst possible way.

"Could he be cheating...? A-Ahh! I'm sorry!"

I had to stop midway because Yulia started to form a really sad expression. She's quite sensitive.

"Please don't say that.... He isn't cheating on me... He just needs space. Isn't that normal in relationships...?"

"No, I don't agree with you there, Yulia. While a need for space is something common in relationships, from what you've told us, it's not like you two have established your relationship properly. Although he said he loves you and you said the same, you two haven't discussed a proper relationship status yet, have you?"

Sana's words piqued my interest instantly.

Daniel, you were the one who started this but you didn't bother to go further?

Actually... I'll confirm something.

"Sorry to interrupt, but when did the confession take place...?"

"Oh... It was right before the exam. Why?"

"Nothing! I was just curious! Go on, go on!"

That confirms it. If it took place before the previous exam, then without a doubt, it was for the sake of getting Yulia on his side.

Daniel, you, as expected, are quite the bastard, aren't you? You were just using Yulia, weren't you?

I don't even need to think twice. You're quite the manipulative bastard, aren't you? Yulia's sensitive to a brutal extent. She was just about to cry as soon as I mentioned the possibility of cheating.

Plus, the scenario is really convenient for someone who is sensitive.

In other words, you faked it, didn't you? You so did. And Yulia's too blind to see that.

Oh geez. How unfortunate. A love so fabricated.

I guess you'll have to pay the consequences for it.

"No... We haven't... Why...?"

"That's really suspicious, Yulia. Why hasn't he committed to a relationship yet? Did he chicken out?"

Sana's under the impression that their love is the product of something genuine, but I think not.

Yulia's tender feelings seem to be genuine on the other hand. Which only leaves Daniel's feelings to be questioned.

"I don't think that's the case. We do share a lot of romantic moments, for the record...! It's just bothering me how at this exact time he always does this. I don't want to think about it, but do you two think that he's..."

Frightened by the possibility, Yulia didn't end her sentence.

Sincerely, if I were in her position, I would not let go of Daniel. Sana argues that not being clingy is counterproductive but I'll never agree to that.

Supervigilence is something that should be enforced. In a love relationship, only you and your love should matter.

Everyone else can go to hell.

"L-Let's think positively! Maybe he's preparing a surprise for you!"

"Oh yeah! Arkalee's probably right! It's quite common to see this scenario! Daniel's probably coming up with something and you can't see it, otherwise, it would ruin the whole thing!"

"W-Wow! You two think so...?"

"Definitely!" x2.

Guilty, Sana and I traded glances. We both knew that this probably wasn't the case.

Hyunda, if you ever put me in this position, I'll slice my wrists, I swear.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

"Hey, you know what we should totally do?"

"What, what?"

Passionately, Yulia and Sana traded words with each other.

"We should spy on them!"

Yulia just said the words I wanted to hear the most. Therefore, I took the initiative and advanced this conversation to the next level.

"As I thought, you two also think that they lied to us?!"

"Duh! That definitely was a lie! Also, you two seem to be feeling conscious about their whereabouts! So, let's check them!"

Sana's idea excited me greatly. My love, wait for me.

I'll be there with you in a second.

"Where do we start from though...? Yulia, you were the one that suggested it, so you should have a general idea, right?"

Smirking, Yulia replied.

"Heh! I've got just the plan! You know how our dorms aren't that far from one another, correct? This morning, in light of this, I asked Olivia to monitor if Daniel would enter the dorm during lunchtime! Now, I'll just have to give her a call and I'll know the truth!"

That is clever.

But I hate Olivia too much. She interrupted that moment where Hyunda carried me all the way to my room.

Hold me like that again, please...

Well, after Yulia made the short call to Olivia, she delivered the truth back to us, who patiently waited throughout the whole conversation.

"He hasn't entered it! I so knew it! He was lying!"

That bastard! Where did he take my future fiancee?!

And Hyunda... Why aren't you texting me back!? I've sent you more than 50 texts during this short interlude...!

If Daniel took you somewhere else, then you should tell me!

"But where do you think they are, Yulia?"

"I can picture a guess, Sana. Just follow me..."

Mysteriously saying that Yulia gave us the positive signal and we left the cafeteria into a place that both Sana and I had no knowledge of.

This place that we didn't know was at the top of the restaurants.

Not only was the clear sky visible, but six individuals casually chatting with one another was also something that we three could witness.

Noticeably, as we hid behind the bushes that were on the entrance of this Indian restaurant, Yulia and I watched this tasteless scenario unravel painfully.

"Wow, this is just... I feel so bad for you two... Being lied like that!"

Sana tried to be sympathetic to me and Yulia who feasted our eyes on the scenery going on.

Goofing around, Hyunda, along with Daniel, Kawahara, Kuzan, Rayazaki, and Akihiko, was eating curry.

My tears started to shed, naturally.

"A-Arkalee, are you alright?!"

"No... Not really, Sana... Hyunda lied to me....! But more importantly!!"

Yulia understood what I meant to say immediately.

"It's Daniel's fault! Seriously?! He chose to be with those losers instead of being with me?! Loserhara is incredibly persisting! And that rat Kuzan! Every single time! Gosh! And what's the deal with Rayazaki!? Does he have a personality disorder?! Because I can't recognize him anymore! Don't get me started on Akihiko, who is trying to be a womanizer! What gives?!"

Ranting longly, Yulia let out her emotions while looking desperate.

We both aren't pleased with this scenario. And, my love, I really want answers. What happened to 'being honest'?!

Therefore, I proposed something that would solve this.

Almost silently, I spoke to the three of them.

"Let's catch them by surprise! They can't escape us now!"

Honestly, I don't care for any of them except Hyunda.

Hyunda, why are you looking so relaxed!? Are you telling me that you don't like being with me?!

But I love you, so why!?

"Just imagine their reactions when they get caught! It will be priceless!"

"Yeah, that should teach them a lesson!"

Our plan to catch them by surprise should authentically be good in theory.

We just failed to realize something.

"Teach who a lesson?"

A creeping voice infiltrated the conversation that was being held by the three of us. We didn't notice the presence of this person who somehow got in the middle of us, who were kneeling down on the floor while spying on the boys.

This person also kneeled down. However, it wasn't to mock us. He just looked at the three of us with massive curiosity.

"Hm? What's wrong? Why is no one speaking? Oh, Sana! Hi! Have you been well? Did you sleep well? Had any bad dreams? I hope not! That would be really b---"

"Shut up, Kuzan!"

Angry, Sana shouted back at Kuzan, which attracted a lot of attention. Too much attention.

O-Oh god, what if Hyunda sees me like this...?!

"What the hell are you doing here, Kuzan!? Get lost, Kuzan!"

Yulia joined in as well. I'm sensing a little bit of hatred for Kuzan.

Not that it matters, but I'm curious as to why that's the case.

Then, before Kuzan could reply, another presence came right to the entrance of the restaurant.

"Oh? What is this? I thought this was a restaurant, not a prostitution center, so why the fuck are these three hoes here?!"

That rude voice. That obnoxious confident smirk! There's only a single boy in our class that has a semi-long blonde hair with noticeable black chokes...

"Excuse me!? Say that again, I dare you!"

No longer kneeling down, Sana stood up to Kawahara, who literally called us those names.

Simultaneously, Yulia did the same. As for me, I hid in one of the bushes in order to not be noticed...

"Facts don't need to be said twice! But seriously, you three whores here? Spying on us?! Laughable! What's wrong?! Not gonna talk now?!"

Kawahara's aggressiveness was making Sana cower a little bit. Not even Yulia was feeling that confident anymore.

Rude jerk... Everyone literally hates you.

"Wait, Master. Don't you think this is kind of a good opportunity?"

"Mhm? What are y--- Oh... Oh! You're so right, Kuzan! Well then, guide the ladies to the table then!"

Eh?

What?

What the hell? What just happened? Wasn't Kawahara being oddly aggressive one second ago? Why did Kuzan's words make him change his mind?

Kawahara left and went back to the massive table while Kuzan stayed here.

"Sorry about his rudeness, Sana."

"Don't speak to me so casually, Kuzan... We have talked about this."

"Sure. But why are the three of you here?"

Kuzan had noticed me, even though I was hiding in the bushes. Artificial ones, for the record.

This is so embarrassing...

"That's none of your business, Kuzan. Move aside!"

"Um... Okay."

Yulia was acting furious and just went straight up inside the restaurant without a second thought.

Naturally, I followed her up because I couldn't hold back any longer.

They were all in a table of 12 seats while occupying only half of the seats. Less than that, now that Kuzan is away from the table.

As soon as Daniel saw Yulia, his face looked pale.

"How the f---"

"I am so disappointed in you!"

Yulia expressed her discontent right away. That alone shocked the rest of the boys who were having a group conversation from the looks of it.

Since I was also there, I crossed looks with Hyunda, who didn't say a single word.

I am not sure how to feel right now. I feel cheated. First, you invite me out and then this happens?

Hyunda, you are making this hard for me.

"Wait! Wait! Wait! Before any of you blatantly go on an emotional spree, you three should know something. I, for a fact, was the one who called them out here. I also told them to purposely lie to you three."

Kawahara thinks that saying that makes this situation any less bad.

You are, in other words telling me that Hyunda lied to me more than once?!

A-Ah....

My love, why...?!

"For what particular reason?"

Calmly this time, Sana questioned Kawahara, who showed a more polite stance this time around.

"This actually involves you three. I needed to drag you three here particularly. And you three fell for the bait. Pathetic."

"That's where you are wrong, Kawahara. We are not staying. We are leaving. Come on, let's go."

Unable to accept defeat, Sana immediately ordered a retreat.

I understand where she's coming from. Kawahara is someone to hate with every single one of your guts. Plus, his arrogant attitude makes me want to vomit.

And...

I wanted to talk to Hyunda but right now... It's so awkward... Because...

Why are all these people here?! Come on... I just wanted to be alone with you yet you do all of this...

I think I'll go to one of the public bathrooms and cry... You are so cruel...

"Arkalee. Stay."

"Eh?"

As we were leaving the restaurant, Hyunda's voice called out to me.

Telling me to stay. No way... You...

O-Oh god...! I think I might just cry in public! Hyunda, you... You really aren't avoiding me?!

"This is important. Seat by my side."

My eyes felt like waterfalls because I had to keep all these tears inside yet you... You called out to me when I thought that you were avoiding me!

"A-Ah, yes!"

Happily, I took the seat that was right next to him.

Ahhhh, my love, how I missed you! Those hellish forty minutes were too damn long!

"W-Wait, Arkalee? What are you doing?"

Why is Sana looking at me like that? Can't she tell what actually matters right now?

So annoying... So persistent! Can't all of you, except Hyunda and I, die?! Why are you all alive in the first place?!

"This won't be long. Just take a seat as she did."

"Screw you, Kawahara. I will not obey your orders. You just want to use others!"

Sana protested against Kawahara, but Sana, please understand that I only want to be here with Hyunda.

Nothing else matters right now.

"If I may speak, I think it would be nice if Sana and Yulia could additionally be present here. There isn't much time left until the class starts. Would you two be kind enough to be present here for a little while?"

Polite and formal, Rayazaki spoke in Kawahara's turn.

He even paused his book while speaking. Sana was transiently baffled by Rayazaki's polite speech, which made her hesitate on saying her words.

".......Is it really that important...?"

"I wouldn't call it 'important', but it's interesting. Do you like rumors?"

Rumors? What is Rayazaki trying to imply?

"It depends on what sort of rumors..."

No longer in supreme denial, Sana was slowly being reeled in.

"It involves the rest of the class. Are you interested in the topic of gossip?"

"Maybe."

Sana was most likely going to stay. The only one who was showing reluctance was Yulia, however, she was already leaving.

"Are you sure you don't want to stop her from leaving?"

My love, instead of remaining usually silent, spoke to the trash can on his left side, Daniel.

"It shouldn't matter, right?"

"Yes, it doesn't matter."

What are they talking about...? Ahhh... Hyunda, just how many secrets are you keeping from me...?

Well, that aside, Sana was already in one of the seats, so this was about to get started.

"So? What are these rumors? Is this why we are important here?"

Impatiently, Sana asked the rest of the boys, who were either still eating or filling the void with silence.

"These rumors aren't for free. I want a deal, so to speak."

"A deal? Knowing you, Kawahara, it's probably corrupt."

"Not true. I'll just ask you two to spread these rumors that are actually true. Are you fine with that?"

Suddenly, Kawahara was attempting to strike a deal with Sana.

Actually, this involved me too. Yet, all this time, I've just been closing my distance to Hyunda.

I missed you so much. How could you leave me like that? My heart lost its place momentarily, you know?

From now on, I will not let anything like that ever happen again.

Which is why I'll terminate Daniel's life.

"Tell me the rumors first and then I'll think about it."

"Tsk, what the hell is that deal even? You're lucky I'm feeling nice today!"

"No one likes you."

With spite, Sana retorted back at Kawahara, who did not seem to be bothered by what Sana had just said.

Even though it's really the truth. Kawahara's personality is horrible.

"Would you be interested in knowing two possible affairs going on in class?"

Rayazaki, once more, spoke in Kawahara's turn. Rayazaki at this point sounds like a right-hand man attempting to correct Kawahara's rude behavior and stance every time.

"I already know a few. Good luck with that."

Certainly, Sana was already knowledgable in this area, so it's probably not hard for her to guess.

"Ryoken has a crush on Gale and Susaga has a crush on Yukishiro."

".......No way."

I never paid any attention to them, so I have no opinion about this.

I do have my opinion on something else though.

How my love shines brighter than the sun.

"I'll give you a full day to judge it by how Ryoken and Susaga behave around them. If I'm right, you'll have to spread the rumors to them and the rest of the girls."

"Deal. It's just fake information either way. I would've noticed it by now if that was actually the case."

That was rather quick.

And besides, it's 1:55 pm...

I should tell Hyunda that we should get going...

"Before we wrap this up, one last rumor. This one might be the most shocking since it involves our other guest."

Kawahara just mentioned another guest but who exactly is he talking about...?

And why is everyone looking at me? Why can't Hyunda look at me only instead? I don't get this.

Oh... Wait...

"E-Eh...? Are you speaking about me...?"

"That's right! Tatsu has a major crush on you! Dude thinks no one notices it, hahaha!!"

"............"

I didn't bother to act embarrassed for the sake of my appearance though. Hyunda can't get the wrong idea.

That would just be devastating to me, right now.

"You're just lying at this point, Kawahara. You're making Arkalee feel uncomfortable. Stop it."

"No, it's true. Or am I wrong, Arkalee?"

What is this...? Why is Kawahara going so far to tell us this...? I don't understand why it's important that Sana and I have to be here in specific.

And besides, it's true that Tatsu has a crush on me. But my heart and soul are Hyunda's property, so I'm not worried.

Still...

"Oh, I don't know.... But why bring this up? What's up...? Hahaha...."

"Mhm? No specific reason."

........What...?

No specific reason...? I can't comprehend what Kawahara is plotting...

Nor do I care enough. Because right now...

"Um... We should get going, Hyunda...!"

"True."

Thus, we both left the restaurant.

Sana decided to go her own way and we all returned to the classroom in different ways.

Yet before arriving in it, Hyunda and I had a small exchange of words.

"You're mad, right?"

"Yes. You lied to me. Please stop doing that.... I don't like being lied to. It's really annoying and frustrating!"

"I lied for one simple reason. I wanted you to spend enough time with Yulia so you could gather a bit of intel about her. So, did you get any?"

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

He missed my whole point....

It's not fine to lie!

"Yes... But I'm not telling anything! I'm mad at you!"

"You'll either tell me or we won't talk ever again."

"That's unfair! So unfair! Why can you make unfair deals and I can't?! Why do you always keep me in the dark!?"

I stopped walking and got mad at him midway.

My words became slightly intense in comparison to my last ones.

"Alright. I'll just not talk to you. Erase my contact though or I'll have to block you. I'll go ahead and---"

"What are you saying?! That is not my point at all! Can't you just listen to what I'm saying for one second instead of focusing on some information that's not that important?!"

"It is important though."

"No. No, it's not. But you know what's important? Trust! Trust is important! How come I trust you one-hundred percent but you don't trust me back one-hundred percent?!"

I'm sick and tired of going unrewarded while feeling in love without getting anything in return for it.

This is torture...

"So you want me to trust you one-hundred percent? Well, I can't do that."

"W-What!? Why not?!"

"Because you are simply not trustworthy. Also, our relationship is limited. It's impossible for me to share every single thing with you for one simple reason. You are overly emotional. And your outbursts will ruin everything."

"I can't believe you...."

I'm not overly emotional.... B-But...

"See? You're crying. You're always crying. Your emotions are so fragile and fragile emotions easily break. So, as soon as you feel touchy and emotional, you might even do something unpredictable. Henceforth, I can't have that. Do you understand now? As long as you remain that way, I can't trust you."

"Then I don't want to remain this way! But I don't know how I can change that! This is why this is confusing! I know I want it but I don't know how to achieve it! Why are you making me go through this!?"

"I am not. You are making yourself go through this all by yourself. That's because you are dramatic."

"Well, I am so sorry for being dramatic! It's in my nature okay?! I am also sorry if I can't be apathetic like you, because maybe then we could work things out but it's apparently impossible because you hate my character or something!"

It's a good thing that there are no students around the entrance of block F, which is our current location...

But I can't stop the tears that are streaming down....

"I never said I hated your character though. I'm well aware of how you are. You don't have to change. I just said that the primary reason as to why I can't tell you every single thing is because our relationship is limited. We do have a special relationship. But it's not something to reach out for."

"Oh my god! Just say it!"

"Say what?"

"Say that you hate me! I know that you are lying! Your words are so fake! I bet you just want to make me feel better, don't you?!"

Because if you say you hate me then I can feel relieved... Even if I love you, if you are slightly honest with me, then I'll be thankful for it.

"My goal isn't to make you feel better. Look at you. You are crying. That's the opposite of feeling better. So, what is my goal in all of this?"

"I don't know! That's why I'm so confused! I don't know what you are thinking! It would help if I could know!"

"Do you want to know? Do you really want to know what I am thinking? Or, do you want me to tell you the truth all the time? Which is it? Because both are different and you might like neither of them."

It's already overtime...

We are a few minutes late already. For sure, we are going to get scolded.

What a horrible day thus far. Nothing's going right.

"Just... Forget it... Just pretend we didn't have this conversation."

I started whipping my tears quickly with my sleeves.

This is not worth arguing over. I'm just being dramatic.

It's my fault. It's my fault. It's my fault.

Don't ruin this more than you already are, Arkalee.

"Don't go. We aren't done talking. Confront me."

Still, I kept on walking past him.

I just don't want to talk anymore...! I don't want to ruin our potential relationship!

I'll admit it. I was an idiot. I was just being selfish. Wanting every single thing.

I hate how I can only realize the flaws of my actions after committing them...

"I said wait."

Feeling my arm being pressured, I was conceivably frightened.

"Please.... Can't I just go...?"

"No. We need to solve this. If you think this is fine, then you are wrong. This event will just happen again and again. What then? Are we supposed to repeat this over and over? Is that what you want, Arkalee?"

"Of course not.... But...... I can't do anything to change the situation! Because it's always my fault! I am to blame, no matter how I look at it! That's why... Just stop this already... Don't insist, I'll be fine on my own..."

I lied. Please hold me tightly right now.

I'm feeling so broken that I have a spiral of words in my mouth and they won't come out no matter how hard I try.

"Actually, you can do something to change this situation."

"Hahaha. No, I can't. I can't! I can't! I won't change who I am because that's impossible and that's the only way I ca---"

"It's not. That's where you are wrong, Arkalee. You don't have to change in order to become acceptable. You're already as fine as you are. However, there's just one big problem. We need to connect the bridge that can make this possible."

Bridge......?

What is he talking about...?

"You asked me to trust you with every single thing, but I can't do that under normal circumstances. Unless, of course, you are willing to accept the one circumstance. Realistically speaking, no human being will fully trust another human being. There will always be secrets that will never be told. However, do you want to break this rule?"

".......Yes... But is it even possible? As you said, human beings will hide every single thing in the end... How can I become somehow different? Hahaha, I can't right...?"

He's still holding onto my arm....

Looking at him directly is so difficult. I'm so weak in these scenarios....

"Fortunately for you, this isn't up to you, but up to me. Though, before that. Come closer, I need to do something."

"How close.....?"

"It doesn't matter how much. As long as you feel comfortable."

"Alright....."

We are just a few centimeters away....

As I took a few steps closer to him, my heartbeat rose up even higher.

...................!!!!

"W-What?"

A-Ah, this is....

"You don't like it? If it's uncomfortable for you, say it. I won't force you to stay like this if you don't like it."

He hugged me... In a moment like this, he actually reached out to me and hugged me unexpectedly like that...

Our bodies are fully connected. Every part is embracing one another right now. My head is sinking in his chest slowly, as I realize that I can't look at Hyunda in the face.

Firmly as well, I'm holding him even more tightly without speaking a word.

"It seems that you don't mind it. Then, I'll continue. It's up to me to perform this task, but partially, you'll have to commit a good part. Hey, you are listening, right?"

"............Yeah...."

I want to be like this forever... It scares me. The thought of ending this current moment is terrifying.

I hate everything else. Is it such a weird feeling or thought to hate everything else that isn't the one you love?

"I've thought of a way to mark this event. Something that might be remarkable, certainly. But, here is how I'll entrust you with what I have got. You have to give yourself to me. Only me."

Shocked, I lifted my face from his chest all the way up and looked at Hyunda in the face with spontaneous vigor and abundant happiness.

I couldn't believe what he had said. I thought for a second that this was a dream or something.

"It goes a bit further though. Till the day you die, you're not allowed to break this. Throughout your whole life, there will only be a single person that matters and that will be me. My orders are forever absolute. My authority is supreme. If you are willing to give yourself to me, then I will, in return, treat you specially, just like no other. I'll treat you as if you are completely different from the rest. In other words, be mine."

"W-Wait! Please wait! Just give me a little bit of time to process everything!"

U-Umm...!

Oh god. Oh god. Oh god. I can't think! Why is this happening right now?!

It's impossible for me to process all of that information so suddenly, I.....!

"We don't have all day, Arkalee. It's either done now or never again."

That's bad then. While it's true that I am panicking, I did hear the majority of it.

It's just...

I'm so happy right now that I might have a heart attack so I'm trying to keep it all in and not explode.

"This isn't a lie, right....?"

Because if it is, then I might just end it all. It would be too tasteless of a joke, Hyunda.

"Considering that we will receive a scolding from the demon, I wouldn't waste time unless I mean it."

"So it's real... You promise that this is real. That you mean every single word you have just said! T-That I....!"

O-Oh god, these tears, they won't stop...!

I'm feeling so sensitive right now.... But I don't want to let go of this sensation. I don't want to go through constant doubting sessions and emotional meltdowns, so...

"I am yours!"

Lightly smirking, Hyunda confirmed my words instantly. But he said something about marking this event...

Just what was he referring to...?

"Perfect. Here is our mark. With this move, it will begin."

"Um, what are y---"

A soft sensation embraced my lips in a short interlude where I was taken by surprise.

Our closure was evident yet never did I imagine that this would actually....!

"U-U-Ummmm!!! A-Aahhh!!! You ---- Just....!"

"Mhm? What? You never kissed before? You told me that you have plenty of boyfriends in the past, therefore, this shouldn't be anything new. Or was this your first time?"

"Y-You never asked if I kissed before!!!"

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh!!!! He just kissed me! In my lips!

We kissed! We really kissed! It happened, right?! This moment is real!

I am so glad that I have never tarnished my precious lips before with any other vile human being! They were being saved for this moment!

"Idiot. Why would I ask that? Also, let me wipe your tears. Your makeup is all over the place. Don't put makeup if you're going to cry like hell all the time."

"It's not my fault...! It's yours, you know?! Also... I'm feeling slightly hurt right now! You called me an idiot, so... I think I should receive some sort of compensation! Like... Another k-k-k-kiss........."

He said he would treat me specially! S-So...

"Don't push your luck. Also, what happened to your twin-tails?"

"Oh... I'm just trying a new look! What do you think?!"

Well... I obviously remove the twin-tails and let out my long luscious brown hair free just like Hyunda suggested it.

I don't regret it, not one bit.

"You tried a new look, which happened to be the one I suggested it. Of course I'll like it. Also... Let go. We are seriously late."

"Mhmmm! That's too bad! I don't feel like letting go! Hehe!"

"Hey! I'm being serious right now! We are literally going to get scolded into oblivion!"

"Ehh, but I want to stay like this!"

Never in my life did I feel this happy. Every moment I had was filled with a monochrome sensation until you came into my life.

And the very first sensation you brought me was the love I felt and will keep on feeling for you, Hyunda. The sensation that broke apart the monochrome days I spent without any remote meaning.

It's days like these that teach me one simple thing...

Love is a beautiful pain.