Actually, the Hungry Gyaru Who Eats a Lot Was Being Cheated On, so I Decided to Win Her Heart (And Stomach) From Her Jerk Boyfriend - 78

Chapter 78: Unwavering, Unyielding, Only You

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

“…Well, if you ask whether it’s a hassle or not, then yeah, it is.”

When I stated my honest impression bluntly, Shizuku’s expression darkened even further.

“Sorry—”

But I cut her off before she could apologize and continued.

“But I don’t know why. Strangely enough, I don’t hate it…. The fact that Shizuku feel that way about me.”

That, too, was my honest truth. If anything, her feelings even made me happy. Because it was proof that she cared about me that deeply. The conflict between wanting to show someone off and wanting to keep them all to yourself wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. If someone complimented Shizuku, I’d feel proud. And if another guy showed interest in her, I’d probably feel restless jealousy for no reason at all.

I still didn’t really understand romance, but this was probably normal.

“Actually, if anyone should apologize, it’s me for making you feel anxious. …Sorry.”

“It’s not something you need to apologize for, Suou-kun. You just happened to get approached. I only caught a glimpse, but judging from everyone’s reactions, it was obvious what was going on.”

As she said that, Shizuku deliberately erased all emotion from her face, as if a “blank stare” sound effect had accompanied it.

“…What’s with that face?”

“I’m copying you. You’re always kind of stone-faced, but earlier you were even more expressionless than usual.”

“Was I really that deadpan…? Looking at it objectively, I sound like a pretty sketchy guy.”

No wonder people said I was cold, gave dry responses, or looked like the type who would ignore someone collapsed on the side of the road. There was a hint of self-deprecation in it, but I couldn’t help smiling at how ridiculous it sounded.

Shizuku smiled along with me.

“That’s right. You’re basically always like this. …But because you’re like that, it actually makes me feel secure. When you found me earlier, your expression obviously softened. That means you treat me differently from other people, right?”

“…Yeah. That’s right.”

I nodded shortly. There was no need to deny it or hide it. It was simply a fact that Shizuku was special to me.

So that’s it. Shizuku really is special to me.

I acknowledged it anew and let the realization sink in. I had known it deep down for a while, but I had never put it into words. It was time to stop looking away from what I needed to face. The moment I steeled my resolve…

“—Shizuku. When we get to the fireworks area, there’s something I want you to hear.”

I began. Instantly, her body stiffened, and her face tensed slightly.

“Um… is it something important?”

“Yes. At least to me.”

I could have told her right here, but if possible, I wanted to say it somewhere quieter, not in the middle of a crowd. And it wasn’t something to say while holding plastic bags in both hands.

After confirming that Shizuku gave me a small nod and we moved toward the fireworks viewing area. There was still plenty of time before the show began, but many people had already gathered to secure spots.

Somewhere with fewer people…

Looking around, I noticed that the area under a bridge, still technically within the venue grounds, was relatively empty. When we approached, I understood why. From there, the bridge partially blocked the view, making it less than ideal for watching the fireworks.

Yeah, no wonder no one’s coming here.

But having a proper place to talk with Shizuku was more important, so in that sense, this place worked out perfectly. Besides, we could always move later if needed. I took out the foldable picnic sheet I had brought just in case from my drawstring pouch, spread it out at the base of the slope, and let Shizuku sit down before sitting beside her.

In the dim light, silence fell between us. When I casually looked up, before I knew it, the faintly reddish twilight sky had become a wide gradient of grape-purple and deep indigo. She probably had some idea of what I was about to say. When I glanced at her, Shizuku was hugging her knees, half hiding her face. And yet, she looked at me with a hesitant, but faintly hopeful gaze.

I slowly exhaled.

The nervousness, conflict, and hesitation that had surged up belatedly but I forced it all down into my gut. Then I spoke to Shizuku.

“—I love you.”

Short and simple. So that my feelings wouldn’t waver again, I led with the most important thing I wanted to say. Her eyes widened, trembling. In her blue irises, I could see shock and confusion mingling together.

“I love you, Shizuku. As a woman.”

I layered the words carefully, as if confirming them. I wasn’t eloquent, but this was my sincere feeling. In that instant, my heart pounded like a drum.

The tension I thought I had suppressed reached its peak, and my vision nearly blurred. Shizuku stared at me, looking as though she might burst into tears. After repeatedly struggling to find words, she finally managed to squeeze out her voice after a long several dozen seconds.

“…Since when?”

“Since when… I’m not sure myself, to be honest.”

I had only just fully acknowledged it in words, but I had carried these feelings for a long time.

“But I know these feelings aren’t a lie. That much I can swear.”

I paused, straightened my posture, and looked at her directly.

“I love you. I truly love you, from the bottom of my heart.”

And when I gave her a gentle smile, a single tear slipped down Shizuku’s cheek.

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー