When an Oblivious Handsome Older Man Went Back in Time and Was Building Harlem

It’s been quite some time since that photo shoot, and the abnormal situation of having more and more spectators in the gymnasium and classrooms after it was published in the magazine has occurred. Since she confessed so passionately, I have to convey my feelings to Nitta-san as well. Moreover, I feel like I need to confess to Miwano-san soon.

Honestly, Nitta-san is busy and seems to be seriously pursuing her modeling career, so she doesn’t come to school much. I thought about adjusting to her schedule today. When I came to school, I saw Nitta-san walking down the hallway. Thinking it was my chance, I immediately sent her a message.

<I’m really sorry for the late reply. I want to properly convey the response you gave me during summer vacation, so please let me know a convenient time today.>

Noticing the notification, Nitta-san froze for a moment, causing her friend nearby to look at her with concern. Nitta-san covered her mouth and did not move from the spot, and she finally came to her senses, perhaps realizing her friend was watching.

<How about during lunch break? How about the landing of the stairs on the 3rd floor of the west building?>

Since I received that response, I sent a reply agreeing to it.

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Finally, it was lunchtime. It had been a while since I had eaten lunch early, and even Midori asked me, “Why are you eating lunch early?” I was nervous, but I was fully prepared. I waited for Nitta-san on the landing.

I hear the sound of hurried footsteps climbing the stairs, and I see Nitta-san’s head. I feel relieved that she came as promised, but I’m also filled with anxiety, fearing that I might make her cry.

“Long time no see, Nitta-san.”

“Yeah. It’s been since the shoot, Takai-kun.”

We both know what we’re going to talk about and just to be sure, I check that there are no onlookers before I start talking.

“To put it bluntly, I can’t date you, Nitta-san.”

“Y-yeah. I knew it all along, but hearing it directly is still sad.”

Seeing Nitta-san quietly shedding tears, my heart ached. But I thought I couldn’t give in here, so I continued speaking.

“I have someone I like.”

“I know. Because the other day when I said I liked you, your eyes were wandering. I thought you must have someone you like. Besides, I heard it from Ayame. I didn’t know Ayame had a crush on you, but… You like that girl, Miwano-san, right? Rather than dating someone like me, I want you to be with someone you truly love from the bottom of your heart. That way, I can see the shining Takai-kun.”

“…Nitta-san is so mature.”

I really think so. She’s much more mature than I was, who didn’t want to meet because I hated rejecting confessions.

“That’s not true. Everyone thinks that the person they like should be happy, right?”

“That’s right, but there are few people who can actually put it into action.”

“Ahh… My biggest love in life has come to an end… But thank you. You really turn me down properly. Thanks to you, I won’t be dragging this on! …And I’ve always wanted to say this. I’m really glad Takai-kun came to see me that time. I’m glad I fell in love with Takai-kun.”

Nitta-san was beautiful as she laughed while crying, though it’s a cliché to say so.

“I’m also happy to be liked by such a wonderful person.”

“Then, good luck with your confession. Oh, make sure to let me know how it goes.”

From Nitta-san’s eyes, the tears had already disappeared. I feel a sense of professionalism here, and I think, “As expected.”

“Haa… I need to confess to Miwano-san soon…”