Too Many Losing Heroines! - Volume 7 - Chapter 4.5

I looked up at the ceiling, panting heavily in the Drama Club room at Kirinoki High School.

Did we make it…?

After diving into the hedge, it was all a blur. I didn't look back, just ran as fast as I could.

We have made it here somehow, but my arms and waist are screaming in protest.

"…You can put me down now, you know?"

"Huh!?"

Snapping back to reality, I realized I was still holding Shiratama-san. I quickly set her down on the floor.

"Uh, sorry about that. Are you hurt?"

"No, not at all. You protected me, Prez."

I listened carefully, trying to sense any movement around us. There are no signs of anyone nearby.

The only sounds were the distant shouts of the sports teams and the steady notes of brass instruments-

"It doesn't seem like anyone's following us."

"Indeed. We should be safe now."

Shiratama-san reached up and plucked a leaf from my hair.

Here we are, alone in a dimly lit classroom, just the two of us, with her still in her wedding dress.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, I scratched my cheek and took a step back.

"We only have 15 minutes left. You should change quickly."

"But it seems a shame to take it off after all that effort."

Looking down at her dress with a wistful expression, Shiratama-san spun around gracefully.

The sequins on her dress sparkled in the dim room.

"Does it look good on me?"

"Uh, didn't you ask me that already?"

"I want to hear it again."

She's being awfully persistent. Resigning myself, I nodded.

"Yeah, it suits you."

"And what does that mean?"

Shiratama-san leaned in, looking up at me expectantly. This is one of those situations where there's no escape until I say what she wants to hear.

I'm a refined dating sim enjoyer, after all.

"Alright, fine. You're cute. But I'm not saying it again."

I answered brusquely, trying to hide my embarrassment. To my surprise, Shiratama-san's expression turned unexpectedly serious.

Shiratama-san stood in front of me and extended her arms toward me before saying-

"Shall we kiss?"

…Ha? A kiss?

That's something that happens in the final volume of a classic rom-com. Though lately, some series push the boundaries and do it in the first chapter-

Wut!? A kiss!? Here!? And now!?

I jumped back with more force than I expected, startled.

"Shiratama-san!? That's not something you should say, even as a joke!"

"...So you're not doing it?"

She tilted her head cutely, blinking.

"Ah, yeah, I won't…"

"I see. You won't, huh?"

Shiratama-san let her arms drop, looking a bit deflated.

...Wait, hold on. Was she actually serious about this? Was this going to be my final volume moment?

As I stood there in shock, Shiratama-san turned her back to me and headed toward the changing area's curtain.

"Well then, I'll go change. I'll be a good girl and attend the ceremony."

"...Right."

No, no, why would I take her seriously? It was just a joke from a kouhai.

I might’ve gotten accused of sexual harassment and got a bad end if I took it seriously.

While I nodded to myself, trying to shake off the thoughts, Shiratama-san looked over her shoulder at me as she opened the curtain.

"You know, Prez. You're actually…"

"Eh, what!?"

My voice cracked, and Shiratama-san chuckled softly.

"Quite a wuss, aren't you?"

With that, she disappeared behind the curtain.