Stuck in Love's Script

Chapter 2

[outside]

The next morning, Shinichi and Hiroshi walked together to school, but Hiroshi noticed something off about Shinichi.

"Hey, did you manage to sleep last night? You look like you just pulled an all-nighter," Hiroshi remarked, glancing at Shinichi's tired face.

f you found out you were in a fictional world, I’m sure you wouldn’t be able to sleep either, Shinichi thought, keeping the truth to himself.

"Says the one who looks more miserable than me. What happened to you anyway?" Shinichi asked, trying to deflect.

"I studied all night for the upcoming exams," Hiroshi answered, letting out a sigh.

"Isn't that a good thing? What's with the gloomy face?" Shinichi asked, curious.

"I managed to study all night, but I don't feel like I learned anything from it," Hiroshi admitted, his frustration evident.

"Oh..." Shinichi responded, unsure of how to console him.

"What about you? Did you study?" Hiroshi asked.

"I don’t think studying is the best thing to do in my situation right now," Shinichi replied cryptically.

They continued walking until they spotted someone familiar in the distance.

"Huh? Isn’t that your future girlfriend?" Shinichi teased with a grin.

"What do you mean future girlfr—" Hiroshi stopped mid-sentence as he recognized Yuna from afar.

"Why don’t we test your social skills now, Hiroshi?" Shinichi suggested, challenging him.

"What?! N-no! Wait! I’m not ready yet!" Hiroshi panicked, trying to stop Shinichi.

Ignoring Hiroshi’s protests, Shinichi took a deep breath and shouted, "YUNA TANAKA!!! I LOVE YOU!!!"

The sudden outburst caught everyone’s attention, including Yuna’s. Hiroshi tried to cover Shinichi’s mouth, but it was too late.

"Well, there she goes. Remember to stay confident, alright? And also, don’t pass out. I’ll be nearby," Shinichi said, patting Hiroshi on the back to boost his confidence before walking away, leaving Hiroshi to face the situation on his own.

"Okay, okay. Calm down, Hiroshi. You got this," Hiroshi whispered to himself, trying to muster up some courage.

Yuna arrived at Hiroshi’s location, panting as she caught up to him. Her expression was serious, contrasting sharply with her usual cheerful demeanor.

"You... are you the one who shouted those words?" Yuna asked, still trying to catch her breath.

"O-oh? T-that? I-I..." Hiroshi stammered, unable to find his words.

"Please answer me. This is important. Are you the one who shouted those words?" Yuna pressed, her eyes locked onto his.

I-I can't speak... This is the end of me. Speak, speak! Say anything, just talk to her! Hiroshi thought, panic rising in his chest.

"I-it's not..." He started to deny it, but then he noticed Shinichi in the distance, holding up a large board with the words "Say YES!" written on it.

"Yes! Yeah... I-it was me," Hiroshi nervously confessed, his voice shaky.

This is the only way we can capture Yuna’s attention... by giving her the reason she enrolled in this school in the first place, by giving her the words she’s been longing to hear. Shinichi thought, watching from afar.

Yuna’s eyes welled up with tears, but she quickly wiped them away before Hiroshi could react.

"Oh shoot. Are you okay, Ms. Tanaka?" Hiroshi asked, his concern evident.