[Confession]

 

After confirming that the man in the suit standing on the stage had collapsed, Nishino-kun and Gabriella were surrounded by Inchou, Takeuchi, and other members of Class 2A, as well as Tarosuke, Alice Kurusugawa, and Mukosaka, all of whom were well acquainted with the two. 

Inchou was the first to speak up.

"Nishino-kun! ......... Are you okay? We have to call an ambulance! "

"She will probably be fine. For some reason, her condition is stable. "

"If we call an ambulance, there is a possibility that it will cause a commotion. "

"In that case, shouldn't we call Francisca? I think I'll go out of the school and call her. Or would it be better if Nishino contacted her? "

"Thanks, Takeuchi. But it would be dangerous to move around the campus alone. "

"I mean, um, Ro, Rose-chan….. "

Risa-chan looked at Rose in Nishino's arms and said fearfully. 

As she pointed out, the body is undergoing a healing process. 

In the chest, which had been split by the knife, the broken ribs have regained their shape, and one can feel the stirring of flesh inside them. It is a picture similar to that of a humanoid creature in a horror movie. 

The person in question remains unconscious.

"I'm sorry, but please don't worry about it."

Nishino adjusted Rose's uniform to hide the affected area from the eyes of those around her. 

Risa-chan was not the only one surprised. If Gabriella, Inchou, and Takeuchi-kun are excluded, this is the first time Rose's healing is shown to the public. The Futsumen's mind was filled with the nagging thought that they would have to keep quiet about it later.

"But it's a shame that you live long enough to recite a death poem."

Nishino blurted out an offhand remark to change the subject. 

This surprised even those who had known him. 

They wondered if he had the heart to be embarrassed by his own words and actions. 

And it was infuriating. 

Even at the time of his death, he was irritating. 

It was even more frustrating when he came back to life. 

But it made them feel happy, even if only a little, and there was nothing they could do about it now.

"Just to confirm, does that one lying on the stage is the boss?"

"Yeah, at least I think the same as Matsuura-san. However, there are probably still some thugs scattered around campus. I doubt very much if the situation has been communicated to them."

The situation was full of ramblings, and everyone in the room was wondering where to begin, while raising their voices in a bewildered manner in a detailed exchange. Even Matsuura-san, who was in a state of haste, seemed to take a step back after witnessing the raw head of the man in the suit. 

Nishino and Gabriella, who are on the receiving end, also struggle to say much. It was an assumption that came to Futsumen's mind that if Marquis had been contacted, Francisca would soon arrive.

"If the intruders were roaming the campus, they were eliminated within sight. I am not saying that there were zero intruders, but I don't think there were that many left. Assuming that the van parked in front of the main gate was his means of transportation."

"Did you do it?"

"That is correct."

Gabu-chan says with pride. 

She seems to be feeling a sense of accomplishment in her own way.

"In that sense, I'm concerned about everyone in the classroom. "

"I left it to the other person in charge. Ah, what a shame it is to spread rumors."

In conjunction with Gabriella's statement, a bustle began to be delivered from the entrance area of the gymnasium. 

The sudden bustle naturally drew the Futsumen's attention in that direction. 

In sight were the students of Class 2A, led by Nora. 

They were accompanied by Okuda-san. 

They saw the Futsumen inside the gymnasium and rushed to walk up under them. All the classmates who had been acting together were now in a position to set up a little distance from this and look at the situation from a distance, along with the female students whom Kousaka had helped.

"Nishino, you're covered in blood ... "

"W-what’s up with your appearance, Nishino-kun!"

Voices leaked out from Nora and Okuda-san upon witnessing the bloody Nishino and Rose. 

The Futsumen repeatedly told the Inchou and the others to please calm down, because nothing serious was going on, just as they had told the Inchou and the others. Still, it did not help the two who had been stained bright red or the fresh heads that had rolled onto the stage. 

So Nishino turned to Nora.

"I'm sorry, but I need you to do something for me. "

"What is it? Nishino."

"Is it possible to show illusions to people other than us on campus?"

"Do you want to pretend this never happened?"

"I won't go so far as to pretend it never happened, but I would like to ensure our immediate safety and buy time until Francisca arrives. If you have any thoughts about this, I'd love to hear them."

"Okay, I'll try it."

"Hey, Nishino-kun, don't tell me that's just like in Guam........"

Inchou's voice was quickly raised, but Nora was already moving.

Unlike the power of Nishino and the others, there were no visible and mysterious phenomena, such as masses of flames leaping out, objects floating around them, or sudden healing of injuries. Yet in the next instant, there was a noticeable change in their immediate surroundings. 

The subject was a group of students who had gathered near the entrance to the gymnasium. 

One student crouched down and mumbled to himself, looking into the void. Another student hugged his body and cackled with joy. For those who did not know what was going on, there was no more disturbing sight to behold.

"It's like they were drugged with something."

"Matsuura-san, you don't have any experience with that, do you? "

"No, I haven't fallen that far. I'm a little curious, though. "

"He seems very happy. I think he's probably safe this way."

"Not only the students there, but the whole campus is under the influence? "

"Yes, it is. "

"As always, your power is formidable."

"From my point of view, your power is no different."

Only Nishino and those gathered around him seemed to be out of the range of influence. 

The only other people who have been affected are the students who have been watching from a distance. 

Even those who are involved in Nishino's affairs and have some knowledge of the situation can feel a tingle down their spine. For those who had no knowledge of their mysterious activities, the sight was nothing short of terrifying. 

Naturally, questions began to leak out of Tarosuke's mouth.

"Hey, Nishino. Could this be her power?"

"It's better not to worry about small things. If you want to live a long life."

"...I see."

This was another overwhelmingly superior response. 

However, the good-looking man was touched by this and looked at the Futsumen with an impressed expression on his face. After all, he can't stand this kind of thing. For those who do not know their relationship, it would be a mystery as to how he could be so proud of Nishino. 

Alice Kurusugawa, who was watching the scene from nearby, once again grasped the power relationship between the two. 

The only exception would be Okuda-san. 

Like Tarosuke, her eyes sparkle when she sees what the Futsumen is saying and doing. 

It is already sparkling. 

As a result, Nishino's behavior led her to take a step forward. It was a result of her actions. With a look of some resolve on her face, Okuda-san approached Futsumen.

"Nishino-kun. May I have a word? "

"Yes, Okuda-san. "

"There's something I really want to tell you."

"What you want to tell me yourself?"

Her formal manner helped, and everyone's attention turned to Okuda-san. 

While shaking, she said.

"Nishino-kun, would you please go out with me?"

Before and after the dialogue, Okuda-san's face turned bright red. 

Her whole body began to pull and tremble from nervousness. 

At first glance, you could tell how serious she was about her confession. Although everyone wondered why, under the circumstances, they had to watch Okuda-san's frantic behavior. Witnessing her behavior, everyone was afraid to make any comment.

"What's so good about me? "

"Nishino-kun is the best. Nishino-kun is good."

It was a thought that he had been enduring endlessly over the past few days. 

After the anxiety and nervousness leading up to the meeting, Okuda-san finally burst into action. 

Combined with her natural energy, she finally voiced it out loud. 

Nishino immediately responded.

"I feel very happy to hear you say that."

"Well then …….. !"

"But I am sorry. I cannot respond to Okuda-san's feelings."

"....... Oh, really? "

"I'm really sorry."

"That's, uh, how can I put it? It's very unfortunate.... "

The joy that came to her eyes was short-lived, and then Okuda-san's face froze. 

Still, she replied, desperately trying to keep up appearances. 

Considering the presence of Rose and Gabriella, who had been working together with her, and Nora, who had recently transferred to the school, Okuda-san took the first step with a 50-50 chance of winning in her heart. The rescue on the highway had given her the push she needed. 

But the Futsumen, however, shook this off as an extravagance. 

Somehow swallowing her shock, she responded with a cool demeanor. 

In front of her acquaintances, she tried to keep up appearances by pushing to create a character. 

Then, without a moment's pause, Nora spoke up beside her.

"Nishino, I like you too. "

"Yeah, I like you too."

"Then, can you go out with me?"

"However, I can't reciprocate that feeling."

".....That's really unfortunate."

Nora shrugged and muttered. 

Her reaction was somewhat more obvious than Okuda-san's.

"However, the words I told you before at the airport were not a lie. You can continue to rely on me when you are in trouble. I cannot respond to your wishes, but I would like to be of help to you just as you helped me in this way. "

"That's the Japanese word for life and death."

"No, the meaning is different."

"Maybe it's right......."

Nora gave a disapproving look. 

Apparently, she was not convinced. 

Alice Kurusugawa looked at them and said.

"It's terrible of you, Nishino-san, to dump these wonderful people without even going out with them!"

"I realize that I did something I'm sorry for."

"Does this mean that you were considering dating Alice? "

"How can that be? "

"I don't mind at all. I'm sure you'll be able to find someone you're interested in and confess your feelings to them, but if you're rejected, you can come back to Alice again. At that time, a younger girlfriend will comfort you plenty."

She confesses to Futsumen after Nora. 

Right next to her, Tarosuke, surprised by her surprise attack, is staring at her with a look that says, Hey, I didn't hear you say that. Tarosuke, who had been out of the loop during the previous confession fiasco, was unaware of what was going on between the two. 

But this, too, was crushed.

"No, I can't go out with you either. "

"Aaaaaan, I got dumped again !"

Alice Kurusugawa reacts with exaggerated action. 

She pretends to be playing the character more than Okuda-san to the onlookers. She acts lightly, as if she is making a confession in the course of a conversation. Even so, the fists of her hands, hidden behind her body, were clenched so tightly that her fingernails were digging into her skin. 

In this situation, there was one person who could not remain silent. 

The woman who boasts the highest number of confessions to the Futsumen, said.

"Well, now that you mention it, I guess I'll have to jump on the opportunity. "

"You too? "

"The way you said that, it sounds very rude. "

"I can't help but think you're teasing me when you say it like that under the circumstances. "

"I'll show you the proof."

Compared to the previous three, the Futsumen clearly has an appropriate attitude. 

Gabriella quickly moved her face closer to him. 

Her small lips were suddenly close to those of Nishino's bloodstained ones.

"Nbu..."

But just before Gabu-chan's kiss was about to be fulfilled, it was blocked by an invisible wall. 

As if she had pressed her face against the wall, her face was smashed into a puffy mess around her mouth. Her cute face changed drastically, forcing her to make a funny face. She had to pull her head back in a panic.

"I'm sorry, but I'll refrain from doing so."

"It's an unemotional and inconsiderate way of saying no."

"It's bad enough that you're suddenly in my face. "

"But if that's the case, who is it that you're interested in?"

Everyone's eyes moved away from Nishino when they heard Gabriella's statement. 

Then they went that way and that way. 

The gymnasium is filled with classmates and most of the students who are acquainted with him. Some of them have lost their sanity due to the effects of Nora's different abilities, but there is no hindrance in judging individuals. Naturally, everyone's attention turned between them. 

But the person who seemed to have the potential had already spoken up. 

After a short pondering, everyone's attention turned to the Inchou.

"........."

The person herself is also self-conscious about the attention she receives from those around her. 

Could it be that this is the case? 

If that is the case, I would be willing to confess my feelings, too, I said.

Starting with Okuda-san, then Nora, Alice Kurusugawa, and finally Gabriella. 

The confession that unfolded in front of her eyes finally made her take the first step on her own.

"N-Nishino-kun, uh..."

"What is it? Inchou. "

"Would you like to go out with me?"

An unparalleled rush of confessions strikes the nonmotivated virgin. 

Everyone, though very unwillingly, pays attention to their exchanges. 

Shimizu, feeling embarrassed, plays with her hair with her fingertips. Maybe I was a little too direct. Inchou's thoughts were racing at a dizzying pace.

"The fact that they confessed to me, I will remember it for the rest of my life. "

".........Really?"

"Ah, it's true. I feel very happy."

"Then, from today onwards, Nishino-kun will be my, uh, boyfriend ... "

For Inchou, it was the first confession in her life. 

The anxiety in her heart was also appropriate. 

She almost screamed. 

Her face was as red as Okuda-san's.

"But I am sorry. I can't reciprocate Inchou's feelings. "

"Eh......"

What followed, Inchou, was a defeat. 

Everyone present thought.

Are you really saying that? How many other people care about you more than Inchou? If you miss this opportunity, you will definitely regret it. 

Especially from the point of view of the members of Class 2A, they wanted to complain even a little bit.

"Nishino-kun, aren't you being exaggerated?"

Naturally, Risa-chan yelled at him. 

From her point of view, it was like being cuckolded by someone she had a crush on. He was a Futsumen who had even played the role of love cupid in the past over his relationship with her. He was sure that she had not already been dumped by him. 

In response, Nishino continued without seeming to take offense.

"I'm sorry, but I've come to realize my own feelings."

This is another blue line that came out of Futsumen's mouth. 

Six months ago, no one would have cared. But now, at this moment, everyone has to watch Nishino's words and actions with bated breath, even if they have different opinions. 

By the way, it is actually Rose who has already regained consciousness. 

Around the time Okuda-san began her confession, her body had also recovered to some extent.

"......"

She was a rice-cooker woman who had given up everything before she had blurted out everything upon Nishino's death. 

She would be disrespected for her careless behavior. 

She thought that their past interactions would be meaningless and that they would distance themselves from each other again. 

Naturally, there would never be another opportunity for them to touch each other's skin. So, at least for the last time, she was going to enjoy it to the fullest, and she was going to put her whole heart and soul into it. 

I felt the beating of my beloved partner's heart, who had survived the attack, beating closest to my heart. 

She wanted nothing more. 

The Futsumen, who had shifted his gaze from Inchou, gently murmured to her.

"You've regained consciousness, right?"

"......"

Rose's shoulders shook as she was approached by Nishino. 

She reacted by accident. 

Still, she desperately continued to pretend that she had fainted. 

Nishino, on the other hand, continued to speak without regard to the other's attitude.

"I also have something I want to say to you."

"........"

After the Futsumen's statement, everyone's attention turned to Rose. 

The surroundings become extraordinarily quiet. 

Silence, even tension. 

No one said a word, and all eyes were fixed on Rose. 

Rose must have felt uncomfortable in this situation. 

Rose, who was embraced by Nishino, buried her face in his chest and whispered to him.

" ..... I don't want to hear it."

"Don't say that, please listen to me."

"No. I don't want to hear it."

Rose's mannerisms were like those of a child. 

Everyone was surprised to witness her uncharacteristic behavior. It was something new for Nishino, as he had never seen her behave like this in the past. And because he did not feel that this was a bad thing, he felt sure of his feelings. 

Prompted by this feeling, the Futsumen spoke honestly.

"I like you. Please go out with me."

"......?"

The gasps of everyone's breath can be felt around the area. 

The person who was approached could not believe her ears.

"...... Nishino-kun, what did you just say? "

"Did you not hear me? I want you to have a relationship with me on the premise of marriage."

"Eh? ......"

Since the other party's response was not satisfactory, the Futsumen immediately raised his proposal to the next grade. That is too heavy a load for a confession between students, was the honest thought that came to Takeuchi's and Risa-chan's minds. It's a once-in-a-lifetime, big game, and the Futsumen is too desperate. 

But for Rose, it sounds like an affectionate massage. 

Still unable to understand, she continues the exchange with her face down.

"Do you think I'm a fool?"

"When I was about to die, what came to mind were the memories I had with you."

Nishino speaks lovingly to Rose, who has a stubborn attitude. 

Even her eyes are narrowed, as if she is looking at something dazzling.

"Remember that bet we made earlier? "

"A bet? What do you mean? "

"It was a bet we made in a church in Santorini during the graduation trip. The deadline was three months to the end of the year. If you allow even a piece of your heart to be mine during that time, everything, including your body, will belong to me.. That was our agreement."

" ...... "

It was Rose, who could not possibly have forgotten. 

At the same time, she was despairing of the outcome. 

She was convinced that the situation would be left as it was, and that she would be able to end it without any repercussions. Now that her true feelings were known, she knew she could not escape being treated like a disgusting woman, and she was running away from reality with her face buried in her beloved chest.

"You said. That I would be dependent on you in the near future. "

"What does it matter?"

"I'm sorry, but I lost. It's not an exaggeration to call it a complete defeat."

As if to admonish her, Nishino slowly continued his words. 

The Futsumen's declaration of defeat surprised Rose. 

Her shoulders twitched again as she remained in his embrace. 

For some time afterward, she asked fearfully of Nishino.

"......... Don't you hate me?"

"Why do you think that?"

"A woman like me must be disgusting."

"But I now know your true feelings."

Recalling Rose's past misdeeds, Nishino still did not feel strangely disgusted. In fact, he was even beginning to feel comfortable, understanding that everything was the reverse of love. All of them are becoming precious memories of his youth.

"Let me tell you, you're also very jealous. "

"I may look like this, but I'm more passionate when I'm obsessed."

"I'm sure I will bind you to me. "

"Don't worry. I'm used to being tied up. "

"I know you've been mixing things up in my food. "

"And you continued to eating it?"

"Even so, you know, you're a little too impulsive."

"Don't worry, there's a more violent one right around the corner. "

"Are you referring to me?"

Gabu-chan, who was used as a diversion, gives her a jittery look. 

The Futsumen, without caring about this, continued to question Rose.

"I'll repeat it again and again. Will you please go out with me?"

As he said, the confession continued to be repeated. 

The questions, which had been coming and going in rapid succession, ran out of ammunition. 

The child who had been whining became quiet. 

No matter how twisted Rose's nature was, she could not deny the unconditional love given to her by Nishino, who was so honest and straightforward. The more she denied, the more whispers of love came back to her. 

In addition to this, he said.

"I want to live with you, Rose."

The same old manner of speaking sent shivers down the spines of those who had been watching the situation. 

Because the person who so spoke was, by far, the most ordinary-looking male student. 

But that one word shook her to the core. 

The face that had been lying face down on Futsumen's chest slowly rose. 

"Nishino-kun, I want to live with you forever.........."

There was a simple, innocent smile on her face.