I Ended up Getting Close With the Class Madonna Who Keeps Rejecting Confessions, Saying She Doesn’t Plan to Date Anyone - Chapter 18

Omaku High School is a public school surrounded by nature, a short walk from the nearest station.

The hill just before the school isn’t too steep, but it’s a bit tiring to climb.

Once we get past the hill, we can see the cherry blossom path. Cherry trees bloom on both sides, forming an arch that feels like it’s welcoming people starting a new life.

At the school gate, some students who seem to be student council members are greeting everyone. The lively scene makes even the nervous new students smile a little.

Since the first and second-year students check their class assignments in different places, this is where I part ways with Anju.

“Will you be okay on your own from here?”

“Yes. Tomoo-chan is with me.”

“So she’s at this school too?”

Tomoo-chan is one of Anju’s friends from middle school. Judging by how often she comes up in conversation, they must be very close.

“Well then, big brother, good luck.”

“Thank you. You take care, too.”

I watch Anju bow and leave. She seems to handle friendships well enough, so I’m not too worried.

At Omaku High School, class assignments are posted in different spots depending on the grade. First-year students check near the school gate at a round stage. Third-years go around to the field, and second-years check in front of the gym.

Since my relationship with Shinoba will probably be noticed sooner or later, I hope that at least our classes are different.

Thinking that, I go to check my class.

Life often doesn’t give me what I want. Sometimes, it even seems like fate pushes me toward the path I most want to avoid.

Students crowded around the spot where the class lists were posted. Some cheered when they ended up in the same class as friends, while others frowned when they were separated. Couldn’t they at least move a little so others could see?

“…”

I muttered to myself as I looked at the lists.

I searched through the classes in order and found my name in Class 3. Since there are seven classes, I found it pretty early.

But above “Gojou Sousuke,” I see “Kokonoe Shinoba.” Because our numbers are close, I notice it without even looking for it.

After checking my class, I sigh and turn away from the crowd to head to my new classroom.

At that exact moment, there’s a commotion near the school gate.

Our school has gentle stairs leading up from the gate. People often call the area with the small stage at the bottom the round stage. Going past it and up the stairs leads to the hallway to the gym. From there, I can see toward the school gate.

“That’s.”

Even from a distance, I could tell something unusual was happening there. Looking closer, I noticed all the students’ eyes were focused on a single girl.

It wasn’t anyone else; it was Kokonoe Shinoba.

She was already capturing the attention of the first-years. I had expected this, but maybe the confession festival would restart even sooner than I imagined.

“Hey, did you hear? Sawatari-senpai is going for revenge!”

“Really? Where?”

“I heard they just went there a moment ago.”

“Wait, so they’re going to do it there!?”

While I was thinking this, a couple of boys ran past, talking about it.

Sawatari-senpai.

Well, that’s not such an uncommon name, so it’s probably a different person. Besides, trying to get revenge after being rejected before spring break would be way too dumb.

No, actually?

…This is way earlier than I expected.

＊

Since it wasn’t completely unrelated to me, I decided to turn and go watch Sawatari-senpai get rejected.

Last time it happened in front of the school gate, but this time the stage was the round stage, probably because there’s a student council at the gate.

The location made it feel like a performance. Too bad the ending was already obvious.

“…Um.”

I peered through a gap in the crowd surrounding them to see Shinoba and Sawatari-senpai.

Shinoba looked exhausted, while Sawatari-senpai wore a confident smile. I hadn’t heard anything from her, but maybe he had made a move over spring break.

“Kokonoe-san, I just can’t give up on you! I’ve been thinking about you the whole spring break… I just want a chance!”

Sawatari-senpai looked straight at her, confessing with all his passion.

Shinoba paused for a moment, then made a determined expression and bowed deeply.

“I-I’m sorry.”

It was the same scene I’d seen before spring break. Sawatari-senpai confessed, Shinoba refused apologetically, and I watched from the sidelines.

The only difference now was my relationship with Shinoba.

“Don’t overthink it, okay? If you don’t hate me, we can start dating, or even just be friends first. I want you, and I promise you won’t regret it!”

She showed a slight reaction to his words. Her expression hadn’t changed much, so she probably expected some of this, but he was speaking a bit faster than before. His nervousness was obvious.

For a moment, Shinoba’s eyes darted around, and ours met. In that instant, it seemed like she slightly smiled. It wasn’t just my imagination.

“Um, actually…”

The girl who had looked so anxious just moments ago was now looking straight ahead.

“…I already have a boyfriend! I can’t go out with Sawatari-senpai!”

The crowd murmured at her words. Among them, I was the only one calmly watching the two at the center.