"Thank you for asking me out here today," she begins, her voice steady but her eyes avoiding yours. "Joypolis was really fun, and the food was really good too." Your heart beating faster with each word she speaks. You can sense the importance of this moment, and you hang on to every syllable she utters.

"Unfortunately, it was raining," she continues, "But I could tell you did a lot of research to make sure I had fun. That made me happy." She pauses, taking a deep breath before continuing, "Living together was the same. Although it started because you were out of a home... Besides, I'm the one who's been asking for time to research my feelings..." You feel a pang in your chest, realizing that she is acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the pressure she has been under.

Chizuru's voice softens, and she looks down at her feet. "I'm sure that I made you worry sometimes, but I really appreciate it." Unable to find the words to respond. You know that she had asked for time to think and that you had been patient and supportive throughout the process, but it doesn't make the waiting any easier.

In this moment, she takes a deep breath as she tries to gather her thoughts and find the right words to express her feelings to you. She begins by thanking you for the time and effort you have put into your relationship, acknowledging that it was not easy for either of you at first. However, she also expresses her gratitude for all the good things that have come out of it, like the fun times you had together and the support you have provided for each other during difficult times. As Chizuru speaks, memories flash through your mind, reminding you of all the moments you have shared together, the times you have said you loved her and wanted to be with her. You recall the times you spent living together and the times you had supported her through difficult situations.

Chizuru stands facing you, her expression serious and her eyes filled with sincerity. "But this past month... The more I've gotten to know you... I've realized something..." You stand there in stunned silence, your mind racing with possibilities.

She continues, her voice slightly wavering, "I think... that I might be... in love with you." You gasp, your heart skipping a beat as you start to realize the depth of her confession. She looks down at her feet, searching for the right words.

"It's been on my mind all month." She reaches into her bag and pulls out a familiar-looking ring box. Your eyes widen as you realize it's your mother's ring.

"I've been wondering—can I really put this ring on? Do I have any right to put it on...?" You feel a mix of shock and disbelief, barely able to process everything she's saying. Chizuru glances up at you, her eyes filled with a deep mix of emotions.

"I love... Naomi-san, Harumi-san, and Kazuo-san, too... But I still can't put it on yet!" Your heart stutters as you hear her speak of her affection for your family, and you wonder what could be holding her back from fully expressing her feelings. Chizuru takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts once more.

"I don't regret kissing you at Hawaiians... And I would do it again no matter how many times we ended up in the same situation. I might... have feelings for you. But maybe that's because I can't bear the thought of facing Naomi-san and Kibe-san or that I can't bring myself to forgive Mami-san..." She looks away, her voice growing quieter as she speaks of her complex emotions.

She turns back to you, her expression conflicted. "I also feel guilty about grandma believing me until the very end. I think there's more to what I'm feeling than just being in love with you..." Her voice wavers as she mentions her grandmother, and you sense that there's a deeper issue at play that she's struggling to articulate.

"But considering my current lifestyle, my work and everything else. I just don't think this is something I can jump into right now. So..." She bows down apologetically, her regret evident on her face.

"Sorry... I'm sorry..."