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 wouldnt 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 didnt 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 werent really serious when they raised their hands such as Chiis 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, theyre just going to copy what theyre going to do once again.

What can I say? Thats 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 dont 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, thats some bullshit I spewed out. But its enough to release the tension gathering around us.

By 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 couldnt really spare some thought about them. Not their reaction nor their expression. I mean, its easy to imagine the look on their faces right now. Angry and extremely frustrated. They couldnt 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 its 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 nave.

I was tasked with moving the chairs so I remained in the classroom while Miyoshi, did the garbage duty. Thats why when the five of us remained there, I found myself instantly surrounded. Especially by Wakaba and An-rin.

Oi, Onoda, I hope youre just joking earlier. You even included me when I didn't speak up back then!

Thats Wakaba, complaining about what I did.

Ne~ Onoda-chi. Wazzat for real? Totally got us taken aback there. Arent ya only gunning for our Chizuru?

And thats 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, its 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 its already cleared a few minutes ago and shes still doing it, shes 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?

Youre also there, An-rin. I said Im serious, arent 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.

Thats 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, shes 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, Youre 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.

Will there be a chance for Shes 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 doesnt look hostile. Yet, he seems to be announcing that I shouldnt touch Kanzaki. Hes claiming ownership when he dumped her in the first place.

What an idiot.

Kanzaki, I told you to think hard about it. Youre a fine girl. Dont easily throw yourself on someone like me. Also, dont let yourself be influenced by what I said about being interested in you. I havent really acted on it, have I? I responded to the girls incomplete sentence before continuing with my task.

The girl simply ignored her exs 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 cant fully wrap my head around it but Im certain. I cant help but be drawn to you, Onoda-kun.

Is that a confession? Although Im glad that shes 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, shes still unsure if this was what she really wanted.

Perhaps, shes 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, shes trying to get that from me, someone whos interested in her.

If I had to guess whats on her mind, it should be like this... Rather than pick someone else, because I already offered it to her before, shes 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 Shes now disregarding her exs presence. No matter what happened, shed probably not go back to him even if he begged her for it.

Alright If youre so determined about that, why dont I bring you somewhere?

Somewhere?

Mhm Lets finish our task first.

Naturally, the somewhere I mentioned wasnt 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.