Chapter 101
"Is... is this that legendary 'grand confession' everyone talks about!?"
"A formation that huge... what on earth is happening!"
"Good grief, does our school actually have a guy this romantic?"
"Sakurajima Mai? Why does that name sound so familiar!?"
Perhaps having a penchant for spectating drama was a talent inherent in everyone. Consequently, the students of Minegahara High School were all buzzing with curiosity, desperate to see how this spectacle would unfold.
In the midst of the boisterous crowd, Mai-senpai stood with her hand over her mouth in utter disbelief. Her entire body had gone stiff, and a shimmering glint of tears gathered at the corners of her eyes.
Now that things had reached this point, how could she not guess what Mineo meant by the 'method' he had mentioned? He wanted to use this audacious, over-the-top confession to force everyone to remember her existence once again!
"That dummy!"
"How... how could he do something so flashy!"
"Does he... does he have any idea how much trouble this is going to cause for so many people!?"
A spark of spirit that had never been there before flickered within Mai-senpai's beautiful eyes, yet her lips remained stubborn, continuing to criticize him under her breath.
Under the watchful gaze of the entire student body, Mineo walked toward the center of the school courtyard, clutching a massive bouquet of flowers.
"Mai-senpai! I like you!"
"Please, go out with me officially!"
"I'll do everything in my power to bring you happiness! I'll do everything I can to fill your life with the most beautiful joy!"
"..."
Right as Mineo declared his feelings, Mai-senpai had already begun stepping out of her classroom, one pace at a time.
"Stupid, jerk, idiot!"
"Why... why did you choose a way like this!"
"Why... why did you have to do..."
Gazing at Mai-senpai, Mineo thrust the bouquet of roses forward. He flashed a grin and said:
"I'm just expressing my feelings in front of everyone, that's all!"
"There's a saying—if you like someone, you have to say it out loud!"
"Mai-senpai, was my voice loud enough? If not, I'll turn this loudspeaker up even higher!?"
Crystal-clear droplets shimmered at the corners of Mai-senpai's eyes. She looked up at the helicopters circling overhead trailing the banners, then looked back at the sea of flowers created by the entire motorcade.
"You dummy, making such a massive scene! Did you spend a fortune!?"
"Was doing this... really worth it?"
"Whether it's worth it or not depends on your choice, Senpai!"
"If you choose to accept my confession, I'll feel like I've hit the ultimate jackpot. If you don't accept..."
"If I don't accept, what are you going to do!?"
Mai-senpai looked at Mineo, her expression tense with anticipation.
Mineo gave a small smile and teased, "If Senpai won't accept, then, well, I guess I'll have to call the florist and ask if these flowers are still eligible for a refund..."
Before Mineo could even finish his sentence, he felt a sharp weight as his shoe was stamped on with considerable force.
"You jerk! You are the most annoying jerk in the entire world!"
"I... I hate you the most!!!"
Tears like falling pearls spilled from the corners of Mai-senpai's eyes and hit the ground. But even though her mouth claimed she hated him, her body gave the most honest answer.
Under the collective gaze of the school, Mai-senpai rose onto her tiptoes and threw herself into Mineo's embrace, hugging him tightly.
Then, she kissed his lips.
In that moment, Mai-senpai closed her beautiful eyes completely, surrendering to the feeling.
"Isn't that Mai-senpai from Class 3-1?"
"Oh my god, he actually confessed to Sakurajima-senpai! That's incredible!"
"Is this how you chase a big star? This is too much..."
"Uuuu, why does Sakurajima-senpai already have a partner? Is my youth ending before it even began?"
"They look so happy! Mai-senpai's boyfriend really loves her! I wish I had a partner like that."
At this moment, Mineo's actions had successfully reignited the memory of Sakurajima Mai in everyone's minds. Seeing the girl who was once a massive child star hugging Mineo tightly in the school courtyard, many students began shouting words of support.
"You better treat our Mai-senpai right!"
"Even though you stole our goddess, we still wish you the best!"
"I'm so jealous! I can't take it, I need to go cry for a bit!"
The Principal of Minegahara High School was currently standing on the corridor of the school building alongside several teachers, observing everything happening on the grounds.
One teacher spoke up, "Principal, shouldn't something like this... be stopped?"
The Principal glanced at the teacher and smiled. "It's fine! All of this is actually just 'acting.' The fact that Mr. Takamine chose to borrow our school grounds to shoot a film scene is an honor for our institution! However, once this is over, make sure to post the 'filming schedule' on the bulletin board. That way, we can avoid any misunderstandings among the students."
Back on the field!
Mai-senpai could faintly hear the cheers and support coming from the crowd. In other words, did Mineo's plan work? Was she being noticed by everyone again? Had she finally reconnected with the world?
A faint surge of happiness and an indescribable wave of emotion flowed through her heart. It was then that Mineo took her hand.
"Senpai, would you like to go on a date with me next?"
"No... I shouldn't... I still have classes this afternoon! And besides... besides, I haven't officially accepted Mineo-kun yet..."
"Ah... Mineo, what are you doing!! Let me down!! Put me down right now!"
Before Mai-senpai could finish her protest, she felt her body go weightless. After being hoisted up by Mineo in a perfect princess carry, he grinned and laughed.
"I've already confessed; does Mai-senpai still think she can run away?"
"You're coming on this date today. As for your classes, don't worry—I already helped you ask the Principal for permission!!"
"You asked the Principal? When!?"
"I'll tell you all about it slowly while we're on our date!"
Mineo carried Mai-senpai into the lead car of the convoy. Moments later, the vehicle whisked them away, leaving the school grounds behind.
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