Chapter 47: Ichinose Minami Is Going to Confess (2)

It was 7:45 AM, an hour before our class was set to start. Sunohara-san, Shiina-san, and I were already inside the classroom. The person I had been waiting for hadn't arrived yet. He typically showed up about ten minutes before class, but today, he came earlier than usual. He went straight to his seat and rested his head on the desk.

'Alright, time to approach him.'

As I mentally prepared myself for this, Kaneda-kun approached him.

"Gentlemen, I have awaken."

Kurogane-kun glanced at him, puzzled. "You...what?"

"Ku... Ku... Ku..." Kaneda-kun chuckled, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, the lenses gleaming ominously. "Kurogane, have you heard of this?" He held up a book...no, a magazine featuring models. What was he doing bringing that kind of thing to school?

"What's this?"

"You know, something that I use for...personal enjoyment. But that's not why I'm showing you this. Look at this."

Kaneda-kun pointed to something in the magazine, and Kurogane-kun glanced at it. "Uh, what's the big deal?"

"Can't you see?! A cosplayer is featured in a magazine for models! Don't you understand, Kurogane?"

"To be honest, I don't."

Kaneda-kun couldn't believe Kurogane's apparent lack of enthusiasm. He leaned in closer and began to explain, "Kurogane, you're being so naive right now. This is a big deal because it's breaking boundaries! Models usually stick to their own domain, showcasing the latest fashion trends, beauty products, and all that. But now, they're recognizing the artistry and creativity of cosplayers. It's like the fashion world is finally acknowledging that cosplay is a legitimate form of artistic expression. I mean, think about it, Kurogane. Cosplayers are not just wearing costumes; they're becoming characters, embodying them with every detail, from the way they pose to the accuracy of their outfits. This blurs the line between modeling and cosplay, and it's a sign that the industry is evolving and becoming more inclusive." He leaned back slightly, emphasizing his point, "And not to mention, this could open up new opportunities for cosplayers. They might get recognized for their talent and dedication, and who knows, they could even become professional models or brand ambassadors. This is a game-changer for both the modeling and cosplay worlds!"

"Is that so?" Kurogane-kun seemed uninterested.

"Don't give me that 'Is that so?'! Aren't you into cosplays and cosplayers?!"

"It's not like I'm not, but I don't think it's something I'm crazy about."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean I like them, just as I like anime, but I'm not an otaku."

"Okay, what's wrong with being an otaku?!" Kaneda-kun slammed his hands on Kurogane-kun's desk. "No, wait, that's not why I'm here. Look at this."

"Hmm?" Kurogane-kun glanced at what Kaneda-kun was pointing at.

"Isn't she cute? Look at how good she is at cosplaying. And here, look. See? She's being invited to become an idol!"

"Huh? Where have I seen her before?" Kurogane-kun looked at the magazine with a contemplative expression, as if he was trying to remember something.

"Of course, you've seen her! This is Ui-chan!"

"Ui-chan?"

"Yes! A famous v-tuber and cosplayer! That's Ui-chan!"

"Really?"

"Why are your responses so bland? A cosplayer just made it into a magazine for models and got invited to become an idol! Can't you see that this is going to be news written in the annals of history?"

"For an otaku like you, sure, I guess. But as for me, not really."

"God! You're naive, Kurogane. Can't believe I showed this to someone who isn't passionate about cosplaying."

Kaneda-kun walked away from Kurogane-kun. Was this my time to say my piece? Apparently not, because someone else also came beside him.

"Kurochi, what have you done to Kanecchi that he looks so dejected?"

"Nothing, really."

The one who approached him was none other than Machi Chika-san. She was a sexy, young girl with pink hair. Her choice of clothing was quite revealing, showing off her cleavage with parts of her uniform unbuttoned. I'd heard some unsettling rumors about her, but I felt like those rumors could be fake, as she differed from what they said. I could only see Machi-san as someone who was always cheerful and outgoing.

"Hmm? Is that so?" Machi-san raised an eyebrow, as if saying she wasn't convinced. Then, she changed the topic almost immediately, "Oh, I nearly forgot. Are you free tomorrow?"

"W-Well yeah, I am. But why'd you ask?"

Machi-san grinned from ear to ear. "Listen to this, Kurochi! Chi and I found a great movie to watch tomorrow. Care if you join us?"

Kurogane-kun thought for a moment, then sighed, "I don't think I can. I already promised my mom that I would eat together with them, so sorry."

"Oh, it's a family thing, huh?"

"Yeah... It's the first time all of us are present in the house, so we're going to take this chance to have some family time together, you know? So sorry if I can't go."

"If that's the case, then there's nothing I can do, right? You don't have to say sorry about that. Well, if you do have some time, tell me, alright?"

"Alright."

With that, Machi-san went back to where Morikawa-san was.

"Alright," I breathed out. Now, I think it's the time for me to approach him. If I don't say this, I won't be able to tell him again. This is the only way I can protect myself. Now that I've seen that he's powerful, I can use him. If he doesn't agree, I'll say out loud his secret. Surely, he wouldn't want that to spread. If he doesn't want that...well, he'll surely agree to my suggestion. I feel a little guilty, of course, for making him do this. And I'm sure Morikawa-san and Matsushita-san will be angry about it. But I don't have any other options. I'm at my wit's end.

As I approached him, I called out. "Ku..." but I stopped midway through calling him out. Was this really the best choice I had? Was this the only thing I could do? No, perhaps there was still more, but my desperation made me overlook other options. I clung to this idea because it seemed like the most straightforward plan for me, but was it really going to go well?

I knew he had some unique relationship with both Morikawa-san and Matsushita-san, and I knew it was somehow bordering on the intimate. Emphasis on the unique there, as calling their relationship strange seemed judgmental. If I barged in like this, using the knowledge of their unique relationship as leverage against Kurogane-kun, would it really be fine? Or would it destroy their unique relationship? I was honestly concerned about it. I didn't know if I should continue this or not.

But no.

I'm already here. I'm prepared to do this. No more pathetic reasoning and euphemisms. I couldn't care less anymore. That's why, with blushing cheeks, I called out to Kurogane-kun.

"Kurogane-kun!"

Kurogane-kun looked around the classroom when I called him out, and then our eyes finally met.

"H-Huh?"

"Kurogane Tsubasa-kun, will you be my boyfriend?"

"Nhuh?" Kurogane-kun made a weird sound.

With blushing cheeks probably reaching up to my ears and creating steam out of my face, I said, "I love you, Kurogane-kun! Please go out with me!"

Silence permeated the room for one, two, three, four, and five seconds. No, even though it had already reached one minute, only silence persisted. Kurogane-kun looked at me with shock. I could feel someone glaring daggers at me, probably Morikawa-san and Matsushita-san. I'm sorry, you two. But...no. Why did I feel like four people were glaring daggers at me? That was weird...

After a while, Kubota-sensei entered the classroom.

"The class is about to start. Go back to your seats."

Without a word, everyone went to their respective seats. I also returned to my own seat. Kurogane-kun, Matsushita-san, and Morikawa-san were staring at me. Kurogane-kun, in particular, had wide eyes and an open mouth. I found it amusing how shocked he was. Was he not used to being confessed to? I chuckled silently in my mind. Then, I noticed Machi-san staring at me. When I looked back to where Kurogane-kun was, to stop myself from looking at Machi-san, I saw the always glaring Kurogane Akane-san glaring fiercely in my direction.

Was this...really going to be alright?