I Won't Be a Loser

Kiyoura Setsuna wasn't particularly skilled at conversation. After a brief moment of silence, it was Haruto who found a topic to discuss, easing the slightly awkward atmosphere in the room.

"Does Saionji-san attend Sakakino Academy, just like you?"

"Yes. Sekai and I have known each other since we were kids. We've been in the same schools since elementary, and attending Sakakino Academy was a decision we made back in middle school."

Haruto nodded in understanding at Setsuna's response.

For most people, when choosing a school, they tend to pick one close to home unless there's a specific reason otherwise. It's more convenient, with familiar friends and less time spent commuting.

People like Haruto, who left Itomori, even Gifu Prefecture, to study in Tokyo—a completely unfamiliar city—were rare. Actually, "rare" wasn't entirely accurate. Many students from across the country came to Tokyo as "ronin," repeating a year of studies to prepare for university entrance exams. However, high school students moving to Tokyo alone were indeed uncommon.

Living in Tokyo was expensive, with high daily costs. Even working part-time didn't offer much relief, as a high schooler's time was limited. Many high schools even prohibited students from taking part-time jobs. If caught, the penalties could be severe. In cases of financial hardship, students needed to apply for special permission from the school principal to work.

However, haruto's situation was different. Writing articles for magazines wasn't considered part-time work by school standards. If anything, schools encouraged such pursuits, urging students to submit their work to magazines.

And if Haruto managed to publish an award-winning piece, his teachers would likely address him as "Miyamizu Sensei" during class—a hilarious image that briefly crossed his mind.

The thought amused him so much that he found himself considering how to achieve it during his three years of high school. Perhaps he could write something prizeworthy and earn the title of "Sensei" from his own teachers.

"Why did you decide to come to Tokyo for high school, Miyamizu-kun?"

Setsuna's question brought him back from his wandering thoughts about potential storylines.

"Itomori is too tranquil," he said with a faint smile. "The scenery and environment are wonderful, but there's no sense of urgency there."

Seeing the slight confusion on Setsuna's face, Haruto opted not to elaborate further.

"Saionji-san mentioned you're not planning to date anyone until you graduate from university. Is that true?"

Her voice was calm, but her slightly unsteady gaze betrayed her nervousness. As she stared at him, Haruto realized why she had come. Her earlier words had hinted at her feelings, though she hadn't been as straightforward as Sekai Saionji's outright confession.

Was it fear of rejection holding her back?

As he observed the expressionless girl in front of him, Haruto couldn't discern her exact thoughts. He could only answer honestly.

"Yes. At least until I've been accepted into my ideal university, I won't consider romance."

"And if you met someone you truly liked?"

Her question caught him off guard. He looked up at Setsuna, noting her composed expression and calm demeanor, but her eyes held a flicker of tension and anticipation.

Haruto hesitated for a moment, pondering her words and what might lie behind them. He finally replied, carefully choosing his words.

"If I met someone I genuinely liked…"

Kiyoura Setsuna didn't give up and pressed on.

"Do you like someone?"

The mention of someone he liked brought Sayuri's face to Haruto's mind, but he quickly dismissed the thought. Instead, he looked at the girl in front of him, his expression tinged with a hint of helplessness.

"I don't know."

Noticing the subtle shift in his gaze, Setsuna stood up from her seat and moved to stand beside him, looking down at him from her new vantage point.

"Uh… Setsuna?"

Haruto was momentarily stunned, unsure of what the girl standing beside him intended to do.

From her position, she realized just how much taller she was while standing. Her gaze dropped to him sitting below, She pursed her lips and leaned forward with her head lowered.

Her soft, fragrant hair framed her face as it fell beside her cheeks. The sight of her slightly trembling brows and the proximity of her face filled his view.

Then came the warmth of her lips.

It had been a long time since he had felt that sensation—since then…

But this was different. Unlike Sayuri's mature and fleeting playfulness, the girl before him was clumsy and inexperienced. She pressed close but seemed unsure what to do next. Her rosy and hot face seemed to be so embarrassed that water could drip out...

Haruto blinked, finally snapping out of his daze. He felt her soft breath and caught the unique scent of her presence. His youthful instincts urged him to pull her into his arms, let go of any reservations, and give in to the moment.

But his more mature, rational side told him this wasn't right.

So, he made his choice—

Raising his left hand, he gently pressed a finger to her forehead, creating a small gap between them as he leaned back.

Her trembling eyelashes fluttered as she opened her eyes. Her face, flushed with a deep red hue, gazed at him with a mixture of disappointment and lingering hope. Her voice was soft, trembling slightly, but the sincerity in her tone stirred something deep within him.

"Would this… make you change your mind even a little?"

The scene playing out before him felt like a dream—a dream from his teenage fantasies now unfolding in reality. Haruto's emotions were complicated.

If he had met this girl earlier, would the ending have been different?

Faced with her heartfelt question, he paused. After a moment of silence, he lowered his hand and shook his head.

"I can only consider a relationship that leads to marriage. If your family can accept my presence and support your feelings, I wouldn't mind trying to walk that path with you. But if this is just about enjoying youthful romance…"

He hesitated, carefully choosing his next words.

"I don't want to hurt you. If your family can't accept the idea of us together, I hope you'll focus your energy on your studies instead."

Setsuna had been bracing herself for rejection when she saw him shake his head. But as she listened to his explanation, confusion and uncertainty flickered in her eyes. Slowly, she seemed to grasp his meaning.

"So… Miyamizu-kun doesn't dislike me. If my family supports me, we can be together?"

"…If your family doesn't mind."

They had only met a few times, and he didn't have strong feelings for her yet. But emotions could grow over time, cultivated through shared experiences.

Haruto didn't want to repeat past mistakes or hurt anyone. Perhaps this girl could be the key to changing his life. If her family approved, maybe they could try walking this journey together.

Suddenly—

A soft, fleeting sensation brushed his cheek.

Before he could react, the girl beamed at him with a radiant smile.

"I understand. I'll tell my family I've found someone I like. So, wait for me, okay?"

With light, hurried steps, she headed for the apartment door, leaving Haruto alone in the room. He touched his cheek where her lips had landed, with a complicated expression...

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