The days that followed were a whirlwind of emotions for Kei. She found herself thinking about Kiyotaka constantly, replaying their conversation on the Ferris wheel, the way his eyes had held her gaze, the warmth of his touch.
She knew that she was falling for him, but she was terrified of what it meant. Kiyotaka was everything she had ever wanted, yet he was also everything she thought she couldn't have.
One evening, as they were walking home from school, Kei finally gathered her courage.
"Ayanokōji-kun," she said, her voice trembling. "There's something I need to tell you."
Kiyotaka stopped walking and turned to face her, his expression curious.
"I... I like you," Kei confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've liked you for a long time."
Kiyotaka was taken aback. He had suspected that she might have feelings for him, but he hadn't expected her to admit it so openly.
"I... I appreciate your honesty, Karuizawa-san," he said, his voice calm as always. "But I'm not sure I feel the same way."
Kei's heart sank. She had known that this was a possibility, but the rejection still stung.
"I understand," she said, her voice laced with disappointment. "I just had to tell you."