NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23
After the pillow fight, having been cautioned by the patrolling teachers, the Ikejo boys and I settled into our futons, whispering about love stories.
Me? I’m just listening.
“Aah, Adachi is the cutest of all…” The frivolous guy, still reeling from being rejected by Adachi-san, keeps raving about her cuteness.
“Despite that, she doesn’t have a boyfriend. That’s exciting!”
“I understand.”
“Indeed. But I like Hana.”
Kondo-kun and Tamura-kun seem sleepy. Their responses are lackluster, yet Tamura-kun’s affection for Imamura-san remains evident. True lovebirds. Sensing this, the frivolous guy’s attention turns to me.
“Right, Endo-kun? Isn’t she great?”
I understand. I really do. Yes, yes, yes.
“Yes, she is.”
“Whoa, Endo-kun, do you like Adachi too? Are we rivals?”
If there’s a rival, it’s Kondo-kun. I’ve just accepted Adachi-san’s apology. That’s all.
“No intentions there.”
No, I don’t have those intentions…
“Good to hear! That’s a relief!”
I didn’t want to prolong this conversation.
“I’m going to sleep now.”
“Alright, goodnight!”
Seems the frivolous guy wasn’t keen on dragging it out either.
Alone with my thoughts in the quiet room, I ponder over my conversation with Adachi-san.
“Unable to deny…”
Did she want to deny our relationship? Was she planning to continue it, even if just for show? I don’t know. It bothers me, a weakness on my part.
Ultimately, I was expecting her to like me. I was taking for granted that she accepted me as a person. The betrayal hurt, but I was to blame.
Had I realized her lie earlier, or known about her feelings for Kondo-kun, I wouldn’t have been so concerned about Adachi-san.
I should sleep. No good thoughts are coming, just rest my brain. Tomorrow will be better. Back to the usual me.
As I drift off…
“Endo, are you awake?”
It’s Kondo-kun.
“Yeah, I’m awake.”
He seems serious.
“Let’s talk, just the two of us.”
I agree, and we leave the room, heading to a lounge far from the teachers’ quarters. Kondo-kun approaches a vending machine.
“Want something?”
That machine…
“No, it’s broken. It’ll just take your money.”
“Really? Man, the sign is hard to see.”
Indeed, the sign was obscured by a plant.
“Alright, never mind then.” Kondo-kun sighs and turns to me seriously.
So, what’s he going to talk about? A shakedown? No, he seemed willing to buy me a drink. A confession? Wait, no…
“I, uh… I confessed to Adachi… no, Riko.”
What?
“Just after we became third-years, and she rejected me.”
What?
“Said she liked someone else.”
My mind is reeling. Didn’t she like Kondo-kun? This was before the fake confession?
I don’t understand.
“A joke… or something?”
The only possibility, but Kondo-kun shakes his head.
“No, for real.”
“Really?”
What’s he telling me this for?
“Do you like Riko?”
“…”
Like or dislike?
If what Kondo-kun said is true, could I fall for Adachi-san again? I’m not that strong.
“I don’t dislike her…”
“Sorry for asking weird questions.”
Kondo-kun looks genuinely apologetic.
“No, it’s okay. Heading back?”
“Yeah. I’ll stop by the restroom first.”
He heads off. I start back to the room.
“…Really sorry.”
His murmur goes unheard.
Kondo-kun’s Perspective:
“Really sorry.”
Leaning on a sofa, I watch Endo leave.
I knew Adachi confessed to Endo, even if it was a punishment game. I thought if they ended up together, it would be fine. I’ve seen such relationships start.
But since the match day, Adachi looked visibly drained. I couldn’t intervene, letting it drag on.
I caused the rush.
I didn’t want her confession to fail or to hurt her. I didn’t want to see her in pain.
I told him the truth about my feelings.
Calling her by her first name was the first time since before my confession.
I know I shouldn’t expect Endo to clear his misunderstanding with just a few words. If he can’t face Adachi, nothing will end or begin.
I’m being nosy, I know. But I want the person I like to be happy. That’s all.