Houtarou quickly realized that Maya's feelings weren't genuine.
If she truly had feelings for him, she wouldn't have waited until today to approach him. Several days had passed since the Sports Festival — if it had been love at first sight, she would have sought him out immediately afterward. This timing suggested it was more likely a penalty game.
Though Houtarou wasn't skilled at dealing with girls, he understood the complexity of their social circles. Kikyō had often mentioned while doing chores that girls' friendships and social standings could be disrupted by a single misstep.
If he didn't handle this carefully, Maya might find herself in an awkward position afterward.
With this in mind, Houtarou avoided giving a direct rejection, saying only, "Not at the moment."
"I see..." Maya seemed somewhat encouraged by his response, "Then that means you're open to having a girlfriend. Could we start as friends first? Should we exchange phone numbers?"
Houtarou accepted this request, and they exchanged numbers.
Meanwhile, the group of girls watching the scene unfold began their own conversation.
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The spectators included Kei, Chiaki Matsushita, Mei-Yu, Kikyō, and Haruka.
Though Satsuki Shinohara was part of Kei's gyaru group, she wasn't present.
During enrollment, when Kei had discovered Houtarou attended the same school, she had impulsively hugged him in front of Satsuki. She later explained to Satsuki that they knew each other from middle school and that it had been a one-sided crush. After lending Satsuki some points, the secret remained safe.
Given the sensitive nature of the situation, Kei hadn't invited Satsuki to watch Maya's confession to Houtarou. She believed no one knew of her connection to Houtarou and had expected him to reject Maya.
But now...??
Houtarou and Maya exchanged phone numbers.
"Does this mean Oreki wants to develop something with Satō?" Chiaki asked.
Houtarou had built quite a good reputation in Class C, partly because he had sold them information about school rules on the first day, and partly because his clean-cut good looks made him popular among girls.
They considered him the school's prince.
Chiaki was among the 11 classmates willing to pay 10,000 Points to stay and listen to his information that day — showing remarkable foresight.
But when it came to romance, she seemed rather naive.
Since Houtarou gave his number to Maya, did this mean he wanted to get closer?
In other words, was there a chance?
"No." Said the experienced Kikyō, "Oreki has a wide social circle, so he often gives his number to others. He probably hasn't realized Satō likes him."
Oh...
Everyone recalled the school forum, where Houtarou had become quite famous after the part-time job incident and having his store opening stopped by second-year senior Miyabi. Senior girls would even privately message him.
Plus, he was the top student in Class A.
Indeed. Quite the social butterfly.
"I see." The others nodded, and Chiaki asked, "But isn't this too cruel to Satō?"
But then they heard Houtarou continue.
"But why did you want to exchange numbers with me?"
Oh oh oh. So this was where the real show began!
The girls continued eavesdropping.
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"Um, well..." Maya's face reddened slightly, "During the Sports Festival, I noticed how fast you ran. I have a weakness for athletic boys. And, um... I think you're handsome and more mature than Hirata-kun, so... that's what I mean."
Yōsuke Hirata, Class C's all-rounder who excelled in both academics and athletics, was known for his leadership skills. For him to be used as a comparison could only mean one thing — this was a confession.
Houtarou realized this too. However, had he not noticed someone hiding by the stairs, he might have actually believed her sincerity.
This was, without doubt, a penalty game.
"Actually, I think you're quite cute too." Houtarou said, "If I were to date anyone, it would definitely have to be someone like you."
Being kindhearted, he didn't want to make her feel awkward, even if this was just a penalty game.
"Eh?" Maya's face turned crimson.
His response seemed to hint at mutual feelings.
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"That bastard Oreki..." Kikyō muttered under her breath.
"Kushida?" The others caught her uncharacteristic words.
"Ah, no." Kikyō quickly recovered, "I just meant I'm surprised Oreki agreed so easily. I thought he'd be harder to convince."
"Y-yes, indeed." Kei reluctantly agreed.
She stood frozen in shock. Hadn't Houtarou insisted he wouldn't date during high school because he needed to focus on his studies?
And regarding Suzune... well... he'd shown no interest there either.
Yet here he was, instantly accepting Maya's confession without hesitation. They'd barely interacted, and he was agreeing to date a virtual stranger?
Only one word came to mind: "player"!
Her feelings were probably the same as Kikyō's.
To so casually accept another girl's confession — wasn't that being a player? Was he the type who would accept anyone?
She felt she had misjudged him completely. And the regret stung. If he would accept just anyone, then perhaps if she had confessed earlier... things might have turned out differently.
"Shh... everyone be quiet." Haruka, Airi's new friend, hushed the group. She had noticed something new developing.
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"S-so..." Maya pressed on, her cheeks flushed, "Does this mean you want to date me?"
"Why is this happening? Waaah—"
But before Houtarou could answer, an incredulous voice came from behind them.
"Sakura!" Kei was the first to spot the newcomer.
It was indeed Airi. Though usually a loner, she had been revealed as a stunning beauty during the island exam and had since befriended Haruka during the Sports Festival.
She remained quite shy, spending time only with Haruka, and was notably fearful of Kei — a fact everyone knew.
So why had she appeared now?
Airi looked shocked. Based on what she knew, Houtarou had previously dated Kei — yet here was that same girl, watching him receive a confession?
Wait — Houtarou was getting confessed to?!
Airi felt she had stumbled upon something unexpected.
"Don't speak yet." They needed to keep her quiet to avoid drawing attention to their group of onlookers.
"Uu—" Though visibly upset, Airi could only watch in silence.
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"Dating is fine." Houtarou replied.
'Player!' x n
The girls were stunned by his immediate agreement.
"R-really?" Maya stammered, overwhelmed.
"Since this is a penalty game, I'll play along." Houtarou said quietly.
"No, it's not a penalty game." Maya protested, realizing his misunderstanding, "I really do like you, Oreki. I've never confessed before, and I don't know how to do it properly, but whenever I look at you, I get this strange feeling. I think... I've fallen in love with you."
Oh... she truly tried her best.
"I see..." Houtarou paused thoughtfully.
For someone inexperienced in love, her genuine confession had quite an impact.
Yet he remained firm, "I'm sorry, but there's someone I like. I can't return your feelings."
Maya: "..."
The eavesdroppers: "..."
What had started as a confession had ended in rejection.
"Ah—" Haruka broke the tense silence, "I think I need to head back."
She led Airi away with her.
"Me too." Chiaki said, following their lead.
Had Maya's confession succeeded, they could have celebrated with their friend. Instead, they'd witnessed Houtarou's swift rejection.
In other words, heartbreak.
The atmosphere had grown too uncomfortable to remain. One by one, they retreated.
Meanwhile, Kei let out a relieved sigh, noticed Kikyō leaving, and quickly followed.
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Soon after, Maya returned to the classroom in tears.
Several students remained in the classroom. Since it was lunch break and the school had just distributed money, most — including the boys — had gone to eat in the cafeteria.
However, those who had been eavesdropping earlier stayed behind, hoping to comfort their heartbroken friend.
"Um... I often see Oreki walking with Suzune Horikita." Haruka offered tentatively.
"Suzune Horikita, huh..."
With Suzune absent from the classroom, they felt free to discuss the matter. Everyone understood Haruka's attempt to console Maya.
"So he rejected Satō because he likes someone else." Chiaki said, "And that someone is Horikita."
She noticed Maya's tears subsiding as she listened.
Perfect — the consolation was working.
"Horikita is smart, beautiful, and excels in class competitions — she's quite the rival."
But this approach...
As Maya's crying intensified, Chiaki realized her consolation had backfired!
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