Day 2 of the Endgame Challenge.5 days left.
I barely slept.I barely breathed.
Everyone was waiting.
Not for another confession.But for my answer.
Because if I said nothing…That silence would say everything.
Morning – Riko's Return
I walked into class.
She was there.
In her seat.
Uniform perfect.Hair tied back.Expression unreadable.
She didn't look at me.
Didn't wave.
Didn't even flinch when Yuna entered and brushed past me without a word.
The gap between me and Riko felt wider than ever.
And it was my fault.
Lunch Break – Reina Strikes Again
She stood on a chair in the courtyard.
Megaphone in hand.
"Due to the Endgame Challenge's public nature,it is now mandatory for Kaito Tenma to issue an official response to any public confession made."
The crowd cheered.
Phones out.
Comments flying.
Riko… still didn't look up.
Yuna leaned back against a tree, watching.
Airi stood near the fence, arms crossed.
Akari wasn't even pretending to leave.
The Stage
They dragged out a literal podium.
Reina handed me a mic.
"You don't have to say a speech," she said. "Just the truth."
My hands shook.
I looked around.
Everyone staring.
Judging.
Waiting.
I looked at Yuna.
She smiled.Broken. Beautiful. Brave.
I looked at Riko.
Still, still, still.
And somehow... that hurt more.
I Finally Spoke
I cleared my throat.
Voice cracked. Didn't care.
"Yuna."
She straightened.
"You were there when I didn't even know I needed saving.You made me laugh when I didn't know I was breaking.You made me feel wanted.And I'll always be grateful for that."
I paused.
Felt the weight of every word.
"But..."
The air froze.
"I already chose someone.And even when I got scared, even when I hesitated…I don't want to run from that choice."
Yuna's smile cracked — but she didn't cry.
She just nodded.
Like she already knew.
Turning Toward Riko
I looked at her.
For real.
"Riko."
She finally, finally looked at me.
Eyes tight.
Breath shallow.
"I'm sorry it took me so long.Sorry for not fighting harder.Sorry for making you doubt."
I stepped closer.
Mic still live.
"I choose you."
Again.And again.And every time after.
"If you'll still have me."
The crowd went silent.
The world went silent.
Riko stared.
Long enough for my heart to break three times.
Then—
She stood up.
Walked across the courtyard.
And without a word—
She grabbed the front of my shirt.
Pulled me down.
And kissed me.
The Crowd Reaction
Screaming.
Laughing.
Cheering.
Phones snapping a thousand pictures.
But I didn't hear any of it.
All I heard was the sound of her breath, shaky but real.
All I felt was her hand, clutching mine like she was scared if she let go, the world would steal me again.
Later – Reina's Last Note
Before I left school, Reina slipped me a paper.
"Final Score: Passed."
And underneath it—
"But the next test is life.And it never ends."