I Accidentally Sent a Love Letter to the School's Most Prestigious Young Lady Instead of My Childhood Friend, and Now She's Bowing to Me, Asking, "Please Date Me—On the Premise of Marriage!" - 24

“Do you… really mean that?”

The words left my mouth naturally as I looked into Shion-san’s eyes.

“You’re someone who hates pretending to be something you’re not, aren’t you, Shion-san? Do you truly mean that from the bottom of your heart?”

“Yes. Of course I mean it…”

“Then why are you crying?”

“Eh…?”

Shion-san brought her hands to her face. Touching her wet cheeks, she made an expression as if she’d just realized she was shedding tears.

“Eh…? Why am I…?”

She seemed unable to comprehend her own damp hands. Her face showed complete confusion.

“I can’t betray Haru. But I want you to stay true to yourself, Shion-san. I know this sounds incredibly selfish and irresponsible of me to say…”

“………”

Shion-san trembled. Her face contorted, and she covered it with her hands. I could clearly sense her emotions becoming a tangled mess.

“I don’t want you to pretend to be someone you’re not, Shion-san. You may appear like a proper young lady, but in reality, you’re free-spirited and unrestrained…”

Then, after a pause, I added.

“That’s the Shion-san I like.”

Shion-san’s trembling, sobs, and weeping gradually subsided until her movements stopped completely.

For a while, silence fell between us…

When Shion-san finally showed her face again and looked at me, she was smiling.

“I think… I understand now.”

“…What do you mean by ‘understand’?”

“What I truly want, and what I need to do to get it.”

“That is…”

I started to ask but stopped myself.

It wasn’t my place to interfere, nor was it something I needed to understand. This was Shion-san’s decision to make, not something for me to comment on.

Just then, Shion-san let out a soft “fufu” before sitting formally on the bed. Then, placing both hands on the bedding, she bowed her head deeply.

“Thank you, Yuu-sama. I will never forget this kindness for as long as I live.”

I hurriedly straightened my own posture and turned to face her properly.

Still kneeling opposite me on the bed, Shion-san continued.

“However…”

“However?”

“However, this helping hand you’ve extended to me now might turn out to be a losing move for you, Yuu-sama.”

“Eh? Why…? Did I say something rude to you, Shion-san?”

Confused, I grew flustered, but Shion-san didn’t answer my question, instead concluding with a gentle tone.

“I intend to work hard so that when we’ve grown old together, that move will be remembered as a ‘brilliant play’ for you, Yuu-sama. So while only the gods know how things will turn out, I hope you’ll watch over me warmly.”