The Same Old Confession Cliff Hanger

In the background, the sounds of banjos, guitars, drums, and violins filled the air. Together, they formed a rhythm, and everyone in the square danced to it.

There was no particular style of dance, and no one cared if you were a bad dancer or a good one, young or old, male or female, poor or rich.

It simply didn't matter at this moment. All that mattered was that you were dancing along and was having fun.

Unfamiliar to this atmosphere, I apprehensively shook an arm and wiggled a leg, imitating the group of giggling children that danced hand in hand with Asu at the center of the square. Their shadows danced along, forming a heartwarming and wholesome scene.

While I did say that status and dance skills didn't really matter at this moment, Asu was still in the limelight, and there was an aura around her that made everyone want to intuitively respect her.

Aside from the group of young children that boldly went up to Asu to invite her to dance, everyone else subconsciously stepped away to admire from afar.

The ambiguous luminescence from nearby stalls was colorful and glowing, lighting up the square that was painted over in a dark blue sheen from the night sky.

Everything was so vibrant, and it slightly overwhelmed me.

With my steps slowing, I silently followed Asu with my gaze.

She looked like she was having a lot of fun. Her smile was so brilliant it was blinding, and along with her glowing dress adorned with flowers and flowing hair, Asu looked like an angel, no, a goddess, who was gracing the earth with her presence.

As I was thinking this, she noticed my gaze and smiled. Stunned, I couldn't think of anything to say or do, so I just idiotically grinned back.

Suddenly, Asu plucked something from her dress.

I widened my eyes as I saw her first throw a shimmering white flower into the sky. I quickly glanced up to follow its trajectory, but somehow, I couldn't find it.

And when I glanced back down, like a spell, Asu had appeared before me.

She was unmasked, and her blue eyes were large and clear, reflecting my wretched silhouette.

Spellbound, the pounding of my heart grew louder as I saw her hands reach up to me. I subconsciously lowered my head and closed my eyes.

When Asu finally retracted her arms, I opened my eyes to find that mask was also in her hands.

I slightly frowned, my eyelashes fluttering in incomprehension.

When I think back to this moment, I would recall that I had absolutely no thoughts, malicious or upright. I simply followed along to Asu's rhythm and what she was doing.

"L-Lancera… I… I-I really like you. I've fallen in love for you, you and your terrible villainous tricks."

My heart had been beating wildly prior to her words, but I felt it stop right after her words landed in my ears.

Huh?

She…

I…

What…

What did she say?