My system allows me to copy talents

Hiro couldn't help but feel bitter. But he also knew that he couldn't do anything about it.

Those moments had passed.

He had been given a second chance.

When he started becoming twisted, she could have left him. She didn't need to suffer the hell with him. Yet, she chose to remain by his side.

He had deprived her of her happiness.

But now that he had a second chance in life, he was obligated to return her the happiness she deserved.

"This time, I'll protect that smile," Hiro resolved, determination flashing past his eyes.

Hiro then stepped out of the water and joined her.

As the sun neared the horizon, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of different colors. Far in the distance, where the sun touched the horizon, it looked like the sun was melting into the sea.

The wisps of cloud were now molten with the dying rays of the setting sun. A few flocks of birds flew towards the sun.

Retracting his gaze from the horizon, Hiro rolled his eyes to Ishikawa.

Right now, the two were the only ones on the sandy beach. Both Endo and Akashi were nowhere to be seen.

A gentle breeze was rustling, and the rhythmic sound of the crashing waves produced soothing melodious music.

Under the glow of the setting sun, Ishikawa looked like a fairy emitting golden light. Her eyes sparkled, and the strands of her loose hair danced along with the breeze.

For some reason, Hiro couldn't help but extend his hand to search for his phone.

Clack!

Without even thinking, he took a picture.

"You know it's not a good manner to take pictures sneakily," Ishikawa said.

"Sorry... I couldn't help it. I should have asked first," Hiro began to apologize.

Hiro took the picture out of habit.

Ishikawa giggled, "Hahaha... Why are you apologizing like you've committed a crime?"

"No... I should have asked," Hiro responded meekly.

"It's alright. Don't worry," she said, her tone cheerful. "But I hope it turns out good."

"Wow! Is this me?" Ishikawa couldn't help but feel surprised.

The picture turned out so good that she couldn't help but feel fascinated. Like a painting crafted by a master painter, the colors blend so perfectly with each other.

With her at the center, the picture seemed like something straight out of a fairytale.

The more she stared at the picture, the more it drew her.

Then she retracted her gaze and looked at Hiro, her eyes glistening.

"You sure you aren't in the wrong field?"

"Huh?" Hiro felt confused.

"You should be a personal photographer with such skill."

"You're making fun of me, aren't you?" Hiro couldn't bring himself to accept her compliment.

"No, no, no. I'm telling the truth. You're quite good at photography," Ishikawa shook her head.

For a while, the two of them conversed under the glow of the setting sun. With the sun melting into the ocean, the sky was getting darker.

A few stars flickered in the sky.

"Let's head inside," Endo said.

"What? But I wanted to watch the sunset too," Akashi complained.

Endo could see Hiro and Ishikawa conversing over laughter. The moment was perfect for the two. Hence, he didn't want to interrupt them.

"Just head inside. We'll come later to stargaze instead," Endo forced.

"Okay! Okay! But stop pushing me," Akashi kept on complaining.

'Just how dumb can this moron be? Can't he understand the situation? Wait... Who am I even talking about? This dense guy can't understand anything. I wonder how this guy's gonna find a girlfriend?' Endo couldn't help but pity Akashi.

Meanwhile, on the beach, things were getting even more interesting.

The two of them had started wandering on rather sensitive topics. Talking about their childhood experiences, fears and insecurities, ambitions, and goals, they revealed things they rarely talked about with others.

The exchange of such a sensitive topic was deepening their bond further.

"You must get approached a lot now, don't you?" Ishikawa asked amidst the conversation.

"Well, I've encountered some. But I don't think much of it. After all, they're not interested in me as a person. But they're attracted to my value," Hiro responded honestly.

He stared at the distance, his eyes flickering with eerie light.

Then he retracted his gaze and looked at her, "What about you? I'm sure it's the same with you too."

Ishikawa relaxed her shoulder.

"I do. But there's already someone I like," she said with a subtle smile.

It did look like she was deeply in love. The realization of Ishikawa being in love with someone didn't sit well with Hiro. Though the two conversed frequently, they rarely talked about such topics.

Hence, he wasn't aware of her situation.

He felt as if a hole had been carved inside his heart. He didn't want to admit it. However, he could tell that she was genuinely in love with someone.

Hence, he couldn't even bring himself to dissuade her.

Hiro was utterly helpless. He didn't have any other choice than to accept it.

At this moment, Hiro became convinced that he loved her. However, he couldn't even bring himself to confess.

What if his confession would sadden her?

'So, you've found someone huh? Haha... It's not surprising. You're beautiful, and you've got an amazing personality.'

Though adamant, Hiro accepted the reality.

"You must like them a lot," Hiro smiled.

Though he didn't want to see her with someone else, he wanted to see her happy. Hence, even if that happiness meant letting her go, he didn't mind.

Sometimes, you have to let them go even if you love them.

Loving someone doesn't mean binding them. Even if you love someone dearly, it doesn't mean that person needs to be with you.

Her eyes flashed with joy the moment she heard Hiro. Indeed, she loved this person a lot.

She nodded her head, a bright smile tugging her lips.

For a short period, an eerie awkwardness lingered around the two as they stopped talking.

Even though Hiro was prepared to let her go, he couldn't help but feel the need to confess. Though this confession might strain their relationship, he didn't want to end without having the courage to speak.

"Sumire?" He mumbled softly.

"Hmm?"

"Can I tell you something?"

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"Is it something serious?" she asked.

Hiro nodded without uttering a word. He did look serious.

Though he had decided to speak his heart, he found his resolve wavering upon facing her. The words he felt easy felt difficult to utter.

It felt like words wouldn't come out of his mouth. She was staring at him with her expectant gaze.

Somehow, Hiro mustered the courage to speak.

"I think... I... love you."