"If you like soone, be brave and go after them. Better to fail than to miss the chance. Because if you fail, you can always get back up—but if you miss it, it's truly gone."
"B-But... what if Tsubasa doesn't like ?"
Takashi's voice wasn't loud, but every word hit right where it counted in Maki's heart.
"What if I get rejected?"
In front of Takashi, Maki finally dropped her guard and showed her true self.
There was a hint of unease on her face.
She was afraid of being rejected.
Afraid of hearing Tanuma Tsubasa say, I don't like you.
Behind her proud exterior, she was actually timid, sensitive, and fragile—like a stray cat that's been wandering alone for too long.
Afraid to approach humans, yet yearning for soone to take her ho.
"So what if that happens?"
Takashi smiled and placed a hand on her head, though he didn't ruffle her hair.
Because a girl's hairstyle is not to be ssed with.
Instead, he lightly patted her head without disturbing it.
"You've already shown your utmost sincerity and courage. So even if you're rejected, the one who should feel regret isn't you—it's him."
"Even if he ets soone better in the future, there will never be another person who likes him the way you do."
Maki turned her head slightly, as if shy. "I-I don't actually like him that much... just a little."
"Sure, sure."
As Takashi withdrew his hand from her head with a grin, Maki suddenly reached out and grabbed his hand.
Takashi: "?"
"You're the one who encouraged to confess!"
Maki still had her head turned, not looking at him, as if she were talking to an invisible person. "If I fail, Takashi, you'd better take full responsibility."
"Huh?"
Takashi's jaw dropped.
No way, girl!
It's your love life—I encouraged you, supported you like a good wingman, and if it fails, you bla ? Want to take responsibility?
What kind of logic is that?
Isn't that like having a baby with soone else and asking to raise it?
This is just bullying a nice guy!
Isn't that a bit much?
No wonder she gets along with Nagisa.
Maki raised her dewy eyes, feisty yet pleading as she said, "Please?"
"..."
Takashi fell silent.
He didn't dare promise her anything.
Because it would be a lie.
No matter how beautifully he worded it, everything between him and Maki was fake.
She didn't know his real na, his real personality, not even their first eting was genuine—it was calculated.
This kind of relationship wouldn't last long.
He might not be able to take responsibility.
Takashi knew that the best move right now was to agree for the ti being. After all, who knows what'll happen in the future?
But he didn't want to lie to her.
The girl had already been through enough—he couldn't bring himself to hurt her further.
When people want to escape a tough situation, they usually try to change the subject. Just as he was about to think of one, Nagisa's voice ca from afar: "Why are you two so slow?"
Takashi, startled like he'd been electrocuted, quickly pulled his hand from Maki's grip and said casually, "Sorry, I got held up on a call."
Even though Nagisa was her best friend, Maki's displeasure at being interrupted was practically written all over her face.
Why does she always show up at the worst tis?
It wasn't until Takashi lightly bumped her shoulder that she fixed her expression.
"Guys, before we go in, let's take a photo," said Nanami, holding up a cara.
Takashi asked, "Is there a reason for that?"
Why did that voice sound so familiar? Kinda like the store manager...
Even though Takashi had changed his tone on purpose, he wasn't a professional voice actor.
Nanami reported the store's status to him daily, and since she aspired to be a voice actress, she naturally picked up on the resemblance.
"It's not a requirent. It's just that custors like to take a before-and-after photo when going into the haunted house—so keep it as a special mory," Nanami explained, all while staring at Takashi's face.
She's not going to recognize , is she...?
Just to be safe, Takashi waved her over.
Nanami hesitated but still leaned in.
Takashi dropped the act, used his natural voice, and whispered in her ear, "Nanami, you wouldn't want to lose this job, would you?"
"!!!"
Nanami's pupils dilated instantly.
It was the manager!
Ugh, why does she keep getting caught?
"Manager, please no..."
Nanami clasped his hands in both of hers, quietly begging.
"How many tis has it been now?"
Nanami: {>~
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