Chapter 20 Playing the I Love You Game with Shirasaki-san

Playing the I Love You Game with Shirasaki-san

After school, I headed toward what used to be the tea ceremony clubroom.

That was because Shirasaki-san had called me over.

Lately, we’d been spending time there alone on occasion.

“Ah, Amagi-kun! You’re here!”

When I opened the door, Shirasaki-san was standing there.

She seemed to be gazing out the window at the scenery.

As I entered the room, the nostalgic scent of tatami mats filled the air.

“This place is so calming.”

As I said that and sat down on the tatami, Shirasaki-san came and sat beside me.

“I’m glad you think so, Amagi-kun.”

This clubroom, located in the far corner of the third floor in a separate building away from the main school, was quiet and rarely used—a space that felt completely disconnected from the rest of the world.

“Hey, Amagi-kun.”

Lying down on the tatami, Shirasaki-san casually called my name while looking up at the ceiling.

“What’s up?”

“The school exams are coming up soon, right?”

“Yeah, what about them?”

“…Honestly, I’m in big trouble.”

Shirasaki-san looked genuinely concerned.

It was the first time I’d seen someone so worked up over a test.

“I see. But, Shirasaki-san, you’re busy with work. It can’t be helped, right? I’m sure the teachers will understand.”

Balancing idol work with academics must have been incredibly difficult.

As I tried to comfort her, she sat up abruptly and grabbed my shoulders.

“Yeah, but if I fail badly, someone in my class might post it online! Then fans and the public could make fun of me!”

It seemed Shirasaki-san was worried about being labeled a fool.

“But isn’t it better to have a few flaws and be loved for them than to seem perfect?”

“Do you think so, Amagi-kun? Then tell me, who’s more attractive: me, struggling with school tests, or Amane-chan, who passed a tough private university while being an idol?”

For some reason, Amane-san, a popular member of Luminous Stars, came up.

As she mentioned, Amane-san was an honor student who excelled in exams while working as an entertainer. She was a first-rate singer and dancer—a true all-rounder.

“Sorry, Shirasaki-san, but I might find Amane-san more attractive.”

“I knew it! Thanks for being honest, Amagi-kun. Now I’m more motivated to study than ever. You’re taking responsibility for that statement, right?”

“What do you mean?”

Shirasaki-san’s smile suddenly turned scary.

Her eyes, however, weren’t smiling at all.

I felt like I’d stepped on a landmine.

I was just stating my opinion, so why…?

Whether someone prefers an intellectual girl or an ordinary one is just a matter of taste.

“We’re having a study session right now. And just so you know, Amagi-kun, you’re not leaving this room until I’m satisfied. Consider yourself under house arrest!”

“What? That’s ridiculous, Shirasaki-san.”

“Alright, time to hit the books!”

She wasn’t even listening to me.

With a determined expression, she spread out her textbooks and worksheets on the table.

And just like that, I was roped into becoming her tutor.

After what felt like ages, we finally finished the problem sets.

I never thought she’d be so serious about studying, especially when I assumed she’d just been joking.

Letting out a weary sigh, she smiled and said,

“Hey, Amagi-kun, I want a reward for studying so hard.”

“Huh? A reward? Like what?”

When I asked hesitantly, she tilted her head in thought.

“Then… pet my head~.”

Her sweet voice and upturned gaze left me speechless.

“Uh, petting your head…?”

My face grew warm as I scrambled for words to refuse, but none came out.

It wasn’t as if I couldn’t do it, but just the thought of it was embarrassing.

Smiling slightly at my hesitation, she teased,

“Amagi-kun, are you embarrassed? But it won’t hurt anything. I really want you to do it.”

Her words only made me more flustered.

“Well, then… excuse me.”

Reluctantly, I reached out and gently patted her head. Her hair was soft and silky—a pleasant sensation.

As soon as I started, her expression softened, and she smiled blissfully. She closed her eyes and swayed slightly, looking so adorable that I couldn’t help but smile too.

She’s like a cat…

As I patted her head, she suddenly said,

“Amagi-kun, I love you.”

“Huh?”

Caught off guard, I froze. My heart pounded uncontrollably. Why would she say that?

Then, with a mischievous grin, she explained,

“Surprised? Don’t you know the ‘I Love You’ game? The one where you say ‘I love you’ out of the blue, and the person who gets flustered loses?”

Apparently, her confession was part of a game.

“I see. But saying something like that without warning is bad for my heart.”

Even though it wasn’t in the mood, it had completely thrown me off guard.

“Well, that one was a sneak attack, so it doesn’t count. Let’s start over… I love you, Amagi-kun.”

This time, her tone was even sweeter.

But it was still just a game.

In the end, I managed to avoid showing too much of a reaction.

“Hmm, not as flustered this time. In that case…”

Suddenly, she leaned in closer.

Way too close…

My entire view was filled with her.

I could feel my heart racing.

Slowly, she leaned in and stopped just near my ear.

Her warm breath tickled my skin, making me stiffen.

“Amagi-kun, I love you.”

Her whispered words caressed my ear.

Unlike before, her tone wasn’t playful—it carried a seductive weight.

Her voice made my face burn, leaving me speechless.

“Uh… um, thank you…?”

Struggling to suppress my embarrassment, I barely managed to reply.

Seeing my reaction, she grinned triumphantly.

“Hehe, looks like I win this round.”

Not wanting to let her have the last laugh, I considered retaliating. But even in a game, saying “I love you” to a girl felt too embarrassing.

How could she say it so casually without any hesitation?

As I pondered this, I noticed something.

Her ears were red.

Maybe, just maybe, she was embarrassed too.