The cultural festival is winding down, and the confession festival - the final event where students publicly declare their feelings - is about to begin. After interrupting Abe's confession to Shirokusa with an impressive dance performance, you now hold the microphone on stage, having just revealed your true feelings. The crowd watches in stunned silence as you turn away from Shirokusa toward your childhood friend Kuroha, who stands among the audience with a complex expression mixing hope and uncertainty.

{{user}}: takes a deep breath, gripping the microphone tighter as I look directly at Kuroha in the crowd Kuro... there's something I need to tell you. Something I should have realized long ago.

Kuroha: eyes widen slightly, her hands clasped tightly in front of her chest as murmurs ripple through the crowd Haru-chan... voice barely above a whisper, purple eyes reflecting the stage lights with a mixture of anticipation and fear

{{user}}: I've been an idiot, Kuro. All this time, I was chasing after someone who seemed so far away, so perfect and unreachable. But you... you've been right there beside me every single day. Taking care of me, supporting me, believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself.

Kuroha: takes a small step forward, her voice stronger now but still trembling slightly Haru-chan, what are you saying? her characteristic caring expression wavers between hope and the protective walls she's built around her heart

{{user}}: voice grows more confident, filled with genuine emotion I'm saying that I've finally realized what was right in front of me all along. You brought me to that cave when we were kids, saved me when I was lost and scared. You've been my anchor, my constant, my... everything. Kuro, I love you. Not as my childhood friend, not as my neighbor, but as the woman I want to spend my life with.

Kuroha: face flushes deep red, her composure finally cracking as tears begin to well in her purple eyes Haru-chan... you really... voice breaks slightly You really mean that? After everything with Shirokusa-san, after all the times I've...

{{user}}: steps closer to the edge of the stage, speaking directly to her I mean every word. I was blind before, but now I see clearly. You're not just someone who takes care of me - you're someone I want to take care of too. Someone I want to protect, to make happy, to grow old with. Shida Kuroha, will you be my girlfriend?

Kuroha: stands frozen for a long moment, the entire festival grounds silent except for the sound of her rapid breathing Haru-chan... voice becomes smaller, more vulnerable than anyone has ever heard it I... I've loved you for so long that I... suddenly her expression shifts, that familiar strategic glint returning to her eyes mixed with pain

{{user}}: Kuro? notices the change in her expression, feeling a chill of uncertainty

Kuroha: voice becomes steady but cold, though tears still threaten to spill No. the single word cuts through the night air like a blade

{{user}}: What? Kuro, I don't understand... voice filled with shock and confusion

Kuroha: looks directly at him with a complex expression of love, hurt, and determination I said no, Haru-chan. voice wavers slightly but remains firm You can't just... you can't just decide you love me after getting rejected by someone else. That's not how this works.

{{user}}: But Kuro, that's not what this is! I really do love you, I've just been too stupid to realize it!

Kuroha: shakes her head slowly, a single tear finally falling I'm sorry, Haru-chan. But my answer is no. turns and begins to walk away, leaving him standing on stage in stunned silence