Ichinose's idea was very simple: since the atmosphere was already here, she might as well cover it up with a joke.
How could anyone accept a confession from a strange girl? That's why Ichinose boldly asked Amane-san what she would do if a girl confessed to her.
It was essentially a gentle way of breaking the ice, telling Amane that it was a misunderstanding, and then Ichinose could return to the main topic and apologize for her rude behavior that afternoon.
But Amane's reaction, for some reason, caused a sudden unease to rise in Ichinose's heart.
Amane was actually thinking seriously.
This kind of obvious joke shouldn't be taken seriously by Amane... Ichinose reassured herself.
After a brief moment of thought, Amane looked up.
"Classmate Ichinose, are you trying to confess to me?"
Eh!!!
Ichinose froze on the spot.
Why did it turn out this way?
Amane didn't follow her line of thought at all; a serious matter like a confession, when she casually brought it up, seemed like a joke no matter how she looked at it.
Oh no!
If Amane took it seriously, what should she do?
"Th-that... Amane, listen to me, I didn't mean it that way, I was..."
Ichinose stammered, her face red, trying to explain.
At this moment, Amane showed a look of understanding.
"So that's it," Amane nodded, seemingly understanding Ichinose's thoughts.
A smile also appeared on Ichinose's face.
That's great!
Amane understood her meaning, and this dilemma was resolved; now she just needed to apologize for her actions this afternoon...
"I didn't expect you, Ichinose, to like girls... tsk tsk."
Amane's words left Ichinose stunned.
What, what do you mean I like girls!!
Ichinose felt dizzy for a moment.
Didn't Amane just look like she understood?
How could she misunderstand it like this?
No, Amane completely misunderstood her meaning.
"N-no, it's not like that, I actually... I... also like boys."
"So, Ichinose, you're the type who's open to both genders? I didn't expect you to be so open, Ichinose; I thought you'd be the model student type."
Amane patted Ichinose's shoulder.
Ichinose felt a slight headache.
Why?
Why did things turn out this way? She just wanted to apologize for her rude behavior this afternoon, why did it turn into her being 'bisexual'... and 'bisexual' sounds so... embarrassing.
Ichinose patted her burning cheeks.
If this continued, she had no idea what other strange things Amane would imagine, so she could only get straight to the point quickly.
"Amane!!!"
Ichinose loudly called Amane's name.
Her forceful shout made Amane stop.
She looked curiously at Ichinose, whose gaze was gradually becoming resolute.
"Amane, let's get straight to the point!"
Ichinose clenched her small fists, her rosy cheeks giving her a vibrant feeling.
Gulp.
Amane couldn't help but swallow her saliva.
The tense atmosphere replaced the previous ambiguity.
"I'm not ready yet... Can you give me more time?"
Amane said, for the first time, with a hint of unease.
She was completely unprepared for what was about to happen; in fact, this was the first time she had made a request to someone else with a slight sense of awkwardness.
"No, this matter cannot be delayed. If we keep delaying it, I'm afraid something might change, so I must make it clear to you today, Amane."
Apologies are something that absolutely cannot be delayed. If she kept putting it off, Ichinose might forget about it one day, so Ichinose decided to resolve the matter today.
Seeing Ichinose so eager.
Amane, on the other hand, became a little shy.
"Ichinose, you're a bit too impatient. I think it would be better if we understood each other a little more deeply before you make up your mind."
Understand more deeply?
Ichinose blinked, her eyes full of confusion.
Does an apology require a deeper understanding?
Just as Ichinose was feeling a bit confused, she suddenly remembered how the girls in her class discussed birthday gifts.
A few days ago, a girl in Class B had her birthday. Ichinose and everyone in Class B gave her gifts, and they held a celebration party for her on her birthday.
But the very next day.
Ichinose happened to run into her discussing the birthday gifts her classmates had given her yesterday with a few close female friends.
At first, the girl was all smiles, excitedly telling the two people next to her about the exquisite bracelet someone gave her, and the cute pillow another classmate gave her.
But when the conversation turned to gifts from boys.
A hint of awkwardness appeared on her face.
"Listen to this, among the birthday gifts I received yesterday, there was actually a fountain pen!"
"Isn't that nice? It seems to suit your temperament."
"While that's true, I don't really like such gifts. Besides, it looks like just a few people pooled some points to buy a cheap fountain pen. It's not that I'm questioning their sincerity or anything."
"But if they understood me at all, they shouldn't have given me something I don't need at all, and it's also a waste of points..."
Understand... deeper understanding... Ichinose seemed to have a clue.
Suddenly, Ichinose's eyes widened.
She understood Amane's meaning.
The reason Amane said such things was because Amane didn't like her way of apologizing, which is why she deliberately changed the subject or pretended not to understand what she was saying.
She was actually expressing her dissatisfaction, but because they were friends, Amane, despite some dissatisfaction with Ichinose, felt uncomfortable saying it directly.
And she, Ichinose, was completely oblivious, ultimately forcing Amane to reluctantly accept the apology.
This way, Amane's previous hint made sense.
Amane was clearly somewhat dissatisfied, and she had almost shown it very obviously.
But Ichinose thought Amane didn't understand her joke and didn't seriously interpret the atmosphere, leading her to forcefully demand Amane accept her apology.
No wonder Amane said something about needing a deeper understanding.
If translated, wouldn't it mean, 'As a good friend, you don't understand me at all. I think we should get to know each other more'?
It must be this!
The thought of having put Amane in such a difficult situation.
She felt immense self-reproach.
But now was not the time to take responsibility.
Instead, she, Ichinose Honami, needed to find every possible way to make amends to Amane.
Only then would she feel a little better.
"I understand what you mean, Amane. I promise I won't disappoint you next time!!!"
Ichinose said with full confidence.
Amane looked a little dumbfounded at Ichinose Honami, who had suddenly turned into an enthusiastic girl.
Wasn't she... going to confess? What is this all about?
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