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Confession and Club

I had my doubts before arriving at the place where Ichinose was waiting for me, however, since I knew who was going to target her and could prepare for it months before it happens, I decided to help her.

The moment she saw me, her expression brightened for a few seconds before going back to a nervous one. She quickly explained the situation and what kind of help she would like to request from me and as I thought, she wanted me to play her boyfriend.

The moment I heard those words, a really bad idea entered my mind and it was to agree to her request. After all, I could become closer to somebody like her even if I had to be a fake boyfriend, however that idea quickly disappeared upon seeing her pleading and honest expression.

"Ichinose-san, before I tell you my opinion on this matter, would you mind telling me why would you ask somebody like me for help with something so important?" I asked in a monotonous tone, I was fairly confident that I was far cry from ideal boyfriend material, I doubt the fake boyfriend part changes anything.

At first, her eyes slightly widened but I had no idea why, maybe she felt my doubt and negativity or maybe she detected a deeper meaning in my words: "somebody like me".

"Umm, do you perhaps have some experience with confessions, Ike-kun? I am sorry for answering you with another question." She asked hesitantly, trying to tread carefully.

"I do have one or two experiences in getting rejected but that's all." I tried my best to answer her question with a neutral expression, however, I couldn't completely erase the gloominess hanging around my eyes after getting reminded of those rejections.

"I see...To answer your previous question- I have an indescribable feeling in my heart that I can't easily explain so I will put it bluntly, I just think I can trust you. Also-" Ichinose began explaining her reasons but the one that garnered the most of my attention was the first one.

She feels like she can trust me...? Is this the effect of our interactions combined with my skill Silver Tongue and affection system?

I calmly nodded at her words despite being surprised and then turned towards the gymnasium next to us.

"Since you want to reject the confession, I think it would be best to just tell them directly. It doesn't matter if I am popular, the rumors would spread just because it is about Ichinose-san. Once the people would find out about this lie, the person who confessed to you would think 'Am I so disappointing that she can't even reject me face to face and feels the need to lie to me?'

"Ichinose-san I know of is a kind and honest girl so even if you won't exactly be kind to that person, at least be honest for them and mainly for yourself. Getting rejected hurts a lot but only for a few days or at worst month, however, getting lied to face by the person you thought you like is far worse pain that extends to a long period of time if not infinitely." I gave her my honest advice and she seemed stunned by my words for a moment before a sad smile quickly appeared on her face.

"I guess I didn't truly think it through." She looked down at the ground most likely ashamed of her previous thoughts. A sad expression on her face told me she understood more than just my advice, however, I was glad she didn't mention anything about it.

The person who intended to confess to Ichinose at this place finally arrived and was disturbed by my presence so I left as quickly as I arrived.

.

.

I waited for a while a decent distance from them to give them some space. I probably could have just left for the dorms or to take a look around sports clubs, however, I had a feeling Ichinose would try to look for me even if just to look for help to get over hurting her friend's feelings.

When she finally approached me with a dejected expression, the sight of her made me feel like she didn't know how to react to what just happened to her.

She quietly sat down next to me on the bench and kept silent for a good while.

"I apologize for asking an insensitive question in advance, however, I would like to know what Ike-kun felt after being rejected and if it was possible to remain friends with that person. Please feel free to refuse, I have no right digging up the old scars for my own selfishness."

My eyes became ice cold for a split second upon hearing her question. Ichinose wasn't the target of my negative emotions, the target was the person in my distance memories who completely changed who I used to be just because of one "prank"

"If you are asking about my first rejection, it was quite normal, a little disappointment and sorrow but I got over it within a week and we remained decent friends, though I have to admit certain awkwardness remained between us. That's the answer you are looking for, right?" I looked up at the orange sky and replied calmly.

At first, Ichinose's expression turned for worse and she seemed as if she wanted to ask about the second rejection I previously mentioned, however, she quickly suppressed that morbid curiosity.

"I see...thank you very much for your help. I truly owe you after today"

"Don't mention it, I already think of Ichinose-san as a friend so, please...be careful around your friends. I know you are a good and gentle person, however, even a gentle person can hurt their friends with good intentions in their mind. Most physical injuries heal quite fast with advanced medical care and leave scars to remind us of our mistakes and incidents. Mental injuries leave horrifying scars that are not visible to the eyes but might never fully heal." I said my piece and left her alone to think about my words in a quiet environment.

---Honami Ichinose---

Affection: 10 -> 13

???

???

Silver Tongue lv. 1 (18/100, passive) -> Silver Tongue lv. 1 (20/100, passive)

I was feeling a bit frustrated from being reminded of the past, however, I chose to help her despite knowing this might happen. I decided to just walk around to vent out those negative feelings and before I knew it, I arrived at the school's Archery Club.

Subconsciously I started observing their practice with the help of my new skill Clairvoyance. I could see the arrow's trajectory once it was shot, however, it was too hard to follow with my sight. But the failure to follow the arrow only fuelled my frustration which resulted in keep trying over and over again until I felt a stinging sensation in my eyes and my head started spinning.

Clairvoyance lv. 1 (2/100) -> Clairvoyance lv. 1 (4/100)

While I was holding my head and facing the ground, somebody approached me from the range.

"Ike-kun?" The moment that person called out my name, I raised my head to look at them.

"...Miyake-kun?" The person in question was Akito Miyake and I was aware of him being this club's member, however, I was still slightly taken back he decided to approach me.

'Maybe he approached me since I was the only one here from the same class.'

"Are you interested in archery?" Miyake asked with a curious expression and since he asked such question it meant that he must have noticed my presence much earlier.

"Maybe, it looks interesting at least, however, I have only fired from a bow a few times during my childhood so I don't have any experience" I explained with good balance, refraining from showing too much interest or indifference.

"Experience doesn't matter that's why it's a club, you can learn everything here, though it is the truth you need at least a basic level of fitness, however that shouldn't be a problem in your case" He explained without being too formal or friendly since we have never interacted before without anyone else around.

"Excuse me?" My eyes widened after hearing his last words.

"We have swimming classes, I couldn't help but notice your muscles looked a bit more refined than before."

"Well, I have been doing just a few push-ups in my room whenever I felt bored, maybe they look that way because I am thin and it's easier to outline one's muscles."

Silver Tongue lv. 1 (20/100, passive) -> Silver Tongue lv. 1 (21/100, passive)

---Akito Miyake---

Affection: 1

???

???

Miyake easily believed my words

"You are still training so that's at least a basic level of fitness. I actually noticed your presence some time ago and saw the way you were observing the others' practice. You honestly looked quite into it, unfortunately, I am not sure if they are still accepting the new forms since we were given a certain amount of time to choose clubs of our liking." He seemed like he wanted to help me if I was really interested in joining. Maybe he felt like he finally found someone who has something in common with him.

Honestly, archery isn't that bad of an idea since I could use it to practice my skill and enhance my stats, especially strengthening my upper body. It might even help with my focus which is quite required when using Clairvoyance.

Actually, it almost seems like a deadly combination: Archery, Iron Will, and Clairvoyance. Iron Will could help me with improving my focus faster through archery and that focus would strengthen Clairvoyance which would in return improve my archery skills.

The synergy sounds crazy on paper very least.

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