The Heroines Want to Confess

"Shinomiya-senpai! Fujiwara-senpai's grades aren't even that high either!"

Ishigami Yuu desperately pointed at Fujiwara Chika, clinging to his last hope like a drowning man grasping at straws.

But…

He seemed to have forgotten something.

Compared to the rest of the student council, Fujiwara's grades were average—

But in reality—

"No, Ishigami."

Shirogane interjected while flipping through records.

"Fujiwara ranks in the upper-middle tier."

"In the third semester of last year, she placed 93rd."

"For reference, the top five were: Me, Shinomiya, Sakurai, and—"

Sakurai casually completed his sentence:

"Fourth was Shijou Maki, and fifth was Kashiwagi Nagisa."

Shirogane nodded. "Correct."

He was already considering bringing Sakurai along to the upcoming Club Union budget meeting.

—As what, exactly?

—A bodyguard?

—Honestly, he'd be perfect for it.

If Sakurai stood there silently with his usual expressionless face, half the conflicts would probably resolve themselves.

But the problem was—

Sakurai was busy.

Yesterday, he had a rough time with his private tutoring job.

And besides—

Shirogane tapped his fingers against the table.

—There was also that lunchtime incident today.

News traveled fast at Shuchiin.

With only 600 students across three grades, rumors spread like wildfire.

Shirogane had heard about a commotion near the cafeteria.

As an outsider, his logical conclusion was simple:

—A compromise could have solved everything.

But—

As Sakurai's friend, Shirogane had already decided:

—There was no need for reconciliation.

—He'd take over the tutoring job himself.

…Not that he was confident about it.

Shirogane sighed, massaging his temples.

"I suppose I should at least try."

Meanwhile—

Shinomiya had turned her cold gaze back to Ishigami.

"You hear that, Ishigami-kun?"

"Your grades are at the bottom, aren't they?"

She smirked.

"What a complete fool."

"A! A complete fool, that's right!"

Ishigami declared proudly.

If he fully embraced his own incompetence, no one could ever hurt him!

Shinomiya glanced at Fujiwara.

"This is a man without ambition or dreams."

Fujiwara nodded in agreement.

"Well, it's Ishigami-kun, after all. It's normal."

…

Ishigami rolled his eyes.

What the hell?!

They were basically saying—

"Ishigami = Trash."

—Did they just turn my name into a synonym for failure?!

"Actually, I think Ishigami could do well if he put in the effort."

Sakurai suddenly spoke up.

Ishigami froze.

Wait.

Was he being… praised?

"After all," Sakurai continued, "he missed most of last year and still managed to enter Shuchiin's high school division."

"That alone makes him a genius."

Sakurai listed his other strengths:

"He's good at math, and he handles the student council's finances flawlessly."

"Oh, and he's also really good at video games."

Shinomiya folded her arms.

"…And?"

She tilted her head.

"Managing student council finances is something any human can do."

Sakurai: "…"

Okay.

That was harsh.

Even he thought that was too much.

"Besides that…"

Sakurai glanced at Ishigami.

"He's actually really kind."

Shirogane looked up from his paperwork.

"Yeah, he is. Super kind."

"The type who works hard behind the scenes for others."

Shinomiya—for once—couldn't refute that.

"Huh?! Why does everyone think Ishigami-kun is kind?!"

Fujiwara suddenly protested.

"He's not kind at all!"

"He always says mean things about me!"

She pouted and hid behind Sakurai.

…

She expected Ishigami to get mad.

To argue back.

…

But.

He stayed silent.

Then, after a long pause—

"You're right."

Ishigami muttered.

"I'm not kind."

"I'm just an idiot who blurts things out and ends up hurting people."

Silence.

The atmosphere shifted.

Sakurai could tell—something felt off.

He quickly changed the topic.

"Anyway, Ishigami, don't forget about our plans tonight."

Ishigami nodded.

And went back to work.

Fujiwara, meanwhile, looked around—

Why did everyone suddenly go quiet?

And then.

In true Fujiwara fashion—

She attempted to lighten the mood.

"Alright, everyone! Let's play a game!"

Immediate reactions:

🔹 Sakurai: "I don't mind."🔹 Shirogane: "Sorry, Fujiwara, I'm busy."🔹 Shinomiya: "I'll go make tea."🔹 Ishigami: "I still have more budget reports to finish."

…

Fujiwara immediately pouted.

And then—

She slid closer to Sakurai.

And whispered into his ear:

"Sakurai-kun~ You know we can't play with just two people, right~?"

And then—

She gently blew against his ear.

"Fuu~"

…What the hell was that?

Was she trying to make him call for backup?

The sudden warm breath against his ear—

Combined with her sugary sweet voice—

Sakurai felt his ear tingle.

He turned to Fujiwara.

She was grinning mischievously.

Their eyes met.

And neither looked away.

1 second.

3 seconds.

5 seconds.

…

"Fujiwara-senpai," Sakurai suddenly smiled.

"You know, they say if a guy and a girl stare into each other's eyes for 10 seconds…"

"They'll fall in love."

Fujiwara's eyes widened.

And then—

She immediately looked away.

Her entire face turned bright red.

"T-That's… I mean… I guess that is a saying…?"

…

Sakurai smirked.

Got her.

At that moment—

Shinomiya returned with tea.

And noticed something odd.

Both Fujiwara and Sakurai were avoiding eye contact.

She tilted her head.

And then—

Casually asked:

"Why aren't you two dating yet?"

Silence.

Shirogane looked up.

And stared at Shinomiya like she was a goddamn alien.

"…Shinomiya, do you have NO sense of timing?"

Shinomiya placed the tea down.

Then, she sat next to Ishigami.

"You know…"

Ishigami sighed.

"This is just like those manga where the main characters take 50 chapters just to admit their feelings."

Sakurai nodded.

"And once they finally date, they still have to deal with love rivals."

Fujiwara, meanwhile—

Was still red-faced.

And quietly twirling her hair.

…

Shinomiya took a sip of tea.

And calmly looked at Sakurai.

"So… what exactly is 'shoujo manga'?"