Chapter 37

Tachibana Shouta’s Perspective

The celebratory atmosphere in the classroom is unbearable. The rumor about Miyahara and Princess dating is spreading like wildfire, and every time I hear someone say, “They make such a great couple,” or “It’s surprising that Miyahara-kun is Princess’s partner, but they’re wonderful together,” a sharp pain twists inside my chest.

Before I realize it, my hands have clenched into fists. What do they mean by “a great couple”? I’m far more suited for Princess. More than Miyahara, I…

I can’t take it anymore. I push my chair back and stand up, forcing my way into the group gossiping about them.

“Hey, do you guys really think those two make a good match?”

At the sound of my voice, the students stop talking and look at me in surprise.

“Huh? Tachibana-kun? What’s up?”

Their reaction only fuels my irritation.

“I mean… honestly, they don’t match that well, do they? Miyahara is pretty plain, and I think Princess could have a much better partner.”

My words immediately shift the mood. The students exchange glances before one of them finally speaks.

“…What’s that supposed to mean? It’s not for you to decide, is it?”

“Yeah, exactly. Princess chose Miyahara-kun. It has nothing to do with you, right?”

For a moment, I’m at a loss for words. I hadn’t expected their gazes to turn so cold, and the realization sends an unpleasant shiver through my heart.

“No, I just…”

“Hey, wasn’t there a rumor that Tachibana-kun was badmouthing Miyahara-kun with Kobayashi-san?”

“Seriously? Now that you mention it, didn’t he also mess with Princess in the cafeteria before?”

Before I can say anything, their words come at me one after another, exposing my past actions.

“Miyahara-kun is kind and hardworking, so I think he’s a great match for Princess.”

“Maybe you should focus on yourself instead?”

I have nothing left to say. I can only stand there, frozen.

Amidst the classroom’s chatter, despair steadily spreads inside me. While Miyahara and Princess are being celebrated, I’m being pushed into isolation.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be… How did it end up like this…?

Pretending to return to my desk, I instead leave the classroom. The sound of my footsteps echoes in sync with my heartbeat, growing louder and more unbearable with every step.

Kobayashi Misaki’s Perspective

As I walk down the hallway, my eyes catch sight of Kazuya and Shirasaki-san. They’re chatting happily, occasionally nudging each other playfully—Shirasaki-san giving Kazuya a light push on the shoulder, and Kazuya responding with an embarrassed smile.

Their close proximity, their natural interactions… It’s as if the world around them has melted away, leaving just the two of them.

“…He and I were never like that.”

The words slip from my lips, surprising even me. But it’s the truth. When we were dating, Kazuya always seemed reserved, constantly being considerate of me, never once showing such a genuine, carefree smile.

I stop in my tracks, pretending to gaze out the hallway window. But in my mind, the scene I just witnessed keeps replaying over and over.

If only I had paid more attention to Kazuya…

Regret stabs at my heart. What had I been looking at when I was with him? His grades? His appearance? Or was he just a convenient presence to me?

Thinking back, Kazuya had always been doing things for me. If I forgot something, he would bring it to me. If I was busy, he would quietly lend a hand. But I had taken all of that as “normal”.

On the other hand, Shirasaki-san is different. She truly recognizes Kazuya’s efforts, praises him for them, and supports him. That’s why they’ve grown so close. And knowing that… it hurts. It makes me jealous.

But more than that, it makes me ashamed of myself.

“…I don’t have the right to say anything to Kazuya anymore.”

I tell myself that over and over. But no matter how much I try, the sight of Kazuya and Shirasaki-san together still makes my chest ache.

Swallowing the urge to look back one more time, I tear my gaze from the window and head toward the classroom. Yet, somewhere deep inside, I can still hear their laughter lingering in my ears.