||manipulate; reverse harem||

||one; strawberry milk||

"ɪs ʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅʏ ᴛᴏ ᴘʟᴀʏ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴀᴍᴇ?"
•••
-first year of senior high school-
•••
"I like you." the brunette confessed, her red cheeks, depicting the embarrassment she was feeling. Under the beautiful cherry blossom tree, it was almost as cliche as it can be— but this was what she decided; to let out all those bottled up, hidden feelings. A huge risk, so to speak; but it's now or never, happiness or desperation.

"Would you please consider going out with me?" She added, closing both of her eyes tightly, eager and hopeful for a response as soon as possible— her heart beating fast every little second; in her point of view, the tension was unbearable.

Then, he chuckled.

...and there came silence, this made the girl's heart skip a beat.— his simple chuckle, made the poor brunette feel so intimidated, mocked, and ridiculed. On second thought, that was no 'simple chuckle', with that smug look on his face, and that sudden expression change when he first heard the girl's confession, it was definitely meant to intimidate the brunette.

"You know~ I really appreciate your feelings.—" The boy blurted out in a rather, sarcastic and playful voice as he made eye-contact with the speechless girl, smiling at her with a very unpleased look. "But, I can't accept. Sorry— it's not like I have someone else in mind, I just don't feel the same way."

The girl was very dismayed by his cold and indifferent reply; the feeling of rejection, she had absolutely no idea that it would feel this terrible; she was prepared for this, yet, why does it feel like her heart shattered into pieces?

"Why? I thought I had a chance—" the girl questioned, as her tears began to roll down her cheeks; they felt warm. And upon her response, the boy simply rolled his eyes, hinting that he was annoyed. "Don't get ahead of yourself. This 'chance' that you're talking about, where did you get that idea from?"

She froze in shock, unable to process the cruel reality. No, this was not the same person she adored— he was someone who was entirely different.

"...I-I really think that you're an amazing person, you've been really kind to me, and you've always helped me during the times I was in a slump."

Disgusting.

This was so disgusting. Hearing her selfish words filled him with hatred;

The words that are coming out of her mouth, are they genuine? Or simply filled with selfish motives deep within? He has no idea- but he can't be bothered giving a shit.

His cold gazes were locked on her eyes; and the poor girl couldn't bear standing  tall no more; intimidated, nervous, and dismayed.

Her pride was shattered.

By someone whom she loved so dearly.

For a long time now.

"Ha." He snorted. "What the fuck. What do you think this is?- a drama? A little bit of sweet talking, comfort, and you're already captivated. Heck, that's too damn easy."

Ridiculed, the poor girl bursted into tears.

"You're deluded."

She felt all the rage, the dismay, and the disappointment, yet all she could do was to stay silent and look away.

"Seriously, your looks, your smarts, and your status- it's all average." He sighed, directing all his disappointment towards her. "...Well, if you had a good background I would've probably considered 'dating' you."