♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

Who will be your first love?
Meet your schoolboy crush in the School Days Event happening now!

School Days（Louis）

You met him in the halls at school...
You've just enrolled at the prestigious Royal Wysterian Academy,
but love is the only thing on anyone's mind!
......
Louis Howard is the most unattainable boy in your class, and yet your feelings may be mutual...
Louis：Jily, I like you too.
Louis：I wish I'd met you so much sooner.
......
Heartrending confessions, anguishing crushes...
Fall in love with your schoolboy suitor!

Prologue：

This is an unforgettable story of first love.
A story of your first meeting with him at the Royal Wysterian Academy...
I walked slowly down the spacious corridor.
Mr. Branche, one of the teachers, was showing me around the academy.

（I never knew how big the academy was until I saw it like this from inside.）
（If I don't want to get lost in here, I'm going to have to do my best, starting tomorrow!）

I sighed softly to myself, and Mr. Branche glanced back at me with a smile.
Mr. Branche：Are you feeling tired? I did go and introduce you to everyone all at once.
Jily：No, it's not that.
Jily：I was just feeling a little nervous, and wondering how often I'm going to get lost.
It was my dream to be a teacher, so I'd studied constantly, and finally my hard work was paying off.
The following day I would start attending Royal Wysterian Academy as a scholarship student.
Mr. Branche：Well, you're right—the school is huge, I imagine it's overwhelming at first.
Mr. Branche：But you'll be fine. You'll get used to it in no time.
Mr. Branche's voice was kind and reassuring, and it eased my nervousness.
Jily：I guess you're right.
I turned to glance out at the schoolyard, visible from the nearby windows.
Mr. Branche went on, his tone still gentle.
Mr. Branche：I know there's lots of things you won't be used to at first.
Mr. Branche：But you only get to enjoy your time as a student once. I hope each day will be memorable for you.

（I only get to enjoy it once, huh? Well, that's true enough.）
（I want to learn everything I can here at Royal Wysterian Academy, and create lots of wonderful memories!）

My heart fluttered with excitement as I imagine how my life at the school was going to go.
Suddenly Mr. Branche looked away, his gaze moving to someone behind me.
Mr. Branche：Goodness, are you still here?
Curious, I turned to see who he was talking to.
At the time I had no idea that it was the boy I would fall in love with...

◆ Select a Suitor ◆
Who will you choose?
Choose and your story will start.

＞＞＞Choose Louis

Louis, Chapter 1：

Mr. Branche：Goodness, are you still here?
I turned curiously as Mr. Branche spoke to someone behind me.
There stood a gorgeous young man, with beautiful blond hair and a refined air about him.
???：I stopped by the library.

（He's so beautiful!）

I stared at him in silent awe, and his eyes moved to meet mine.

（Oh! Oops.）

My pulse began to race as he stared right at me with blue eyes as clear as water.
The young man looked back and forth between Mr. Branche and I.
???：And you are?

（Oh gosh, I haven't even introduced myself or anything.）

Jily：My name is Jily. I'll be attending this school starting tomorrow.
Jily：It's nice to meet you.
His steady gaze made me nervous, but I curtseyed as politely as I could.
Louis：Sure.
The young man's response was blunt and cold, and Mr. Branche spoke again.
Mr. Branche：This is Louis Howard.
Mr. Branche：He's a junior like yourself, so do your best to get along.
Mr. Branche smiled cheerfully at the both of us.

（Louis, huh? And we're in the same year as well...）

I felt a sudden sense of affinity, and I nodded happily in response.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I nodded happily in response to Mr. Branche's words.
Louis studied us both silently for a moment.
Then he said a brief farewell and stepped away without another word.

（He barely said a word. I wasn't acting weird or anything, was I?）

I felt suddenly uneasy about his cold and distant manner.
But before I could say anything, Mr. Branche smiled sweetly at me.
Mr. Branche：Don't worry about it. You're fine.
Mr. Branche：He's always like that.
Jily：Really?

（Well, I'm glad it's not just me!）
（He doesn't look like he shows much emotion at all, though.）

I watched silently as Louis walked away down the corridor.

＊＊＊

The next day—
Mr. Branche took me to my class, and I met my new classmates for the first time.
Jily：I look forward to studying with you all.
I curtseyed as I finished my introduction, and then looked up at the room full of people.

（Wait a minute—is that Louis?）

I spotted his familiar blond hair at the back of the classroom.

（I didn't realize we'd be in the same class!）

Mr. Branche：Thank you, Jily. Please sit in that empty seat over there.
Jily：Okay.
The seat Mr. Branche pointed to was between Louis and the aisle down the middle of the room.
As I sat down in my seat, I glanced over at Louis, but he refused to meet my gaze.

（I guess it's not going to be easy to make friends with you.）

I studied his face in profile, handsome yet completely unreadable.
I felt a sting of disappointment deep down inside.
I was distracted a moment later as Mr. Branche began to speak in a cheerful voice.
Mr. Branche：Well then, now that Jily has joined us,
Mr. Branche：I'll explain in more detail about the upcoming dance.
Mr. Branche：After all, it's only a week away now.

（A dance?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（A dance?）

According to Mr. Branche's explanation, the dance was a customary event at the academy.
Mr. Branche：Naturally it's up to each of you if you want to participate or not.
Mr. Branche：Volunteer student groups are handling the decorating, so if you're able to help out, please let them know.

（That sounds so lovely!）

Just hearing about the dance made my heart flutter with excitement.
Everyone seemed to feel the same, and the classroom was soon filled with excited chatter.
Male Student：Last year was pretty fun. I'll probably go this year too.
Female Student 1：Hey, why not just go for it and ask him to go with you?
Female Student 2：I couldn't do it. But—I wonder if Louis will skip the dance again this year?

（Wait, what?）

At the unexpected words, I turned to glance at Louis sitting beside me.
But he didn't look my way at all—he continued to stare forward.
His expression remained unreadable, and he ignored the conversations as if they held no interest to him.
He simply sat there silently, his attention focused on Mr. Branche.

（So that means you didn't go last year?）

I glanced at Louis again, and then I heard more voices whispering from nearby.
Female Student 1：I'd love to dance with Louis there!
Female Student 2：Wouldn't it be great?
Male Student：He's the best dancer in the class, too. It's such a waste.

（Gosh, everyone in the class keeps talking about you, Louis.）
（It sounds like they all really admire you.）

I found myself studying Louis's quiet expression as I listened to the class whispering about him.

＊＊＊

After classes were over for the day—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

After classes were over for the day—
Louis and I had been chosen to take everyone's assignments back to the teacher.
Jily：This is all of them, isn't it?
Louis：Yes.
We'd piled the parchments up on the desk, and I reached out to take some.
But before I could, Louis picked most of them up.
Jily：Oh!
There were only a few pieces of parchment left for me to carry.
Louis：What is it?
Jily：Please, let me carry the same amount as you.

（I don't feel like I'm really helping much otherwise!）

I spoke quickly, but Louis shook his head firmly.
Louis：It's fine. Let's hurry up and go hand them in.
Jily：Okay.

（It's hard to tell what you're really thinking, and you don't say much, but—）
（You're actually quite kind under all that, aren't you?）

His kindness wasn't obvious, but my heart felt warm all the same.
I hurried after him as he stepped out of the room into the corridor.

＊＊＊

I glanced out the window as we walked down the corridor with the assignments.
Outside I could see several students working together to carry a large sculpture of some kind.
Jily：What on earth are they doing?
I muttered the words under my breath, but Louis glanced out the window as well.
Louis：That's probably for the dance.
Jily：Ahh, I see.

（So everyone really does help out with the decorating, then.）

The students were chattering cheerfully as they worked, and I found myself smiling.
Jily：I was surprised to hear that they hold dances here.
Jily：I've never been to any sort of big dance like that before.
Jily：And I don't have much experience dancing. But I'm looking forward to it.
Louis：Huh.
Louis's answer was curt as he hastened his step down the corridor.

（You really don't seem interested in the dance at all.）
（Everyone in class was wondering whether you'd go or not, but—）

Jily：So Louis—I guess you're not going to the dance, then?
I couldn't help the curious question.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：So Louis—I guess you're not going to the dance, then?
Louis didn't even glance my way as he continued to walk down the corridor.
Louis：Only people who want to go should go. Dances are stupid and pointless.

（Whoa!）

My eyes widened in shock at his curt words and the cold tone of his voice.
Only moments ago he'd seemed so kind, yet now he seemed like a different person entirely.

（I'm sure you've got your reasons, but calling it stupid and pointless is a bit much!）
（It really seems like a special function for everyone!）

My heart ached a little at his attitude, and I dropped my gaze away.
???：Heya, Louis.
An unexpected voice spoke from behind us, and I turned around to look.
A tall young man was striding down the hall towards us.
Louis：Sid...
Sid studied Louis as he approached, and a smirk crossed his face.
Sid：Throwing another tantrum about how you refuse to go to the dance again this year?
Sid's voice had a teasing edge to it as he spoke.
Louis's voice was indifferent as he responded, his expression flat.
Louis：It's got nothing to do with you.
Sid：Well, you're right there. But—
Sid：You know full well it ain't really a dance, don't ya, rich boy?

（Wait a minute—）

Louis, Chapter 2：

Sid：You know full well it ain't really a dance, don't ya, rich boy?

（Wait a minute—）
（What's that supposed to mean?）

I stared up at this new person in surprise, but Louis frowned at his words.
Without another word he turned and walked away.
Jily：Oh! Excuse me!
I curtseyed hastily to Sid and hurried after Louis.

（Just a few moments ago you said that the dance is stupid and pointless.）
（Does that have anything to do with what Sid just said?）

I couldn't get their conversation out of my head.
I glanced at Louis as we continued walking, but he said nothing more.

＊＊＊

Several days later—
The school was preparing for the upcoming dance.
As a result, we were having a dance lesson for one of our classes.
Female Teacher：You've all chosen a slip of paper from the basket, right? Good.
Female Teacher：Now find the other person with the same color as you and make a pair.

（I wonder who has this color?）

I glanced down at the pale blue paper in my hand, and then looked around me.

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I glanced down at the pale blue paper in my hand, and then looked around me.

（Oh!）

Louis was standing nearby, his expression as flat as ever.
But he was holding a slip of paper the same color as mine.
My friends noticed as well and began to chatter happily.
Female Student 1：Jily, I'm so jealous! You're paired with Louis!
Jily：Yeah, I'm happy about it too.
Jily：I heard that Louis is a really good dancer, so maybe he can teach me something.
Jily：I think I'd enjoy the dance even more if I could dance a little better.
My friends blinked at me with wide eyes for a moment, and then they began to laugh.
Female Student 2：Well, you're right that you'll get better at dancing if Louis teaches you.
Female Student 1：But more importantly, he's the son of Duke Howard, and he's gorgeous. And you get to dance with him!
Female Student 1：That's the part I'd be happy about!

（Well, I was kind of just focused on getting better at dancing,）
（but now that you mention it—）

It hit me properly then, that I'd be dancing with Louis, and my heart began to pound.
Before I could decide what to do next—
Louis：Hi.
Louis approached me, his greeting short and abrupt.
I realized then that my friends were all gazing at him with love-struck eyes.
Their cheeks were flushed and I could hear their giggles as they moved away.

（Ahh, I don't know what to do.）
（Now I'm suddenly all nervous.）

Jily：Please go easy on me, I haven't danced much.
I gave Louis a small, strained smile as I tried to hide the pounding of my heart.
Female Teacher：Very well, let's begin.
Louis turned to face me, following the teacher's instructions, and offered me his hand.
The gesture was incredibly graceful, but he said nothing, and a wave of nervousness washed over me.

（I hope I don't make a total fool of myself here!）

I placed my hand hesitantly in Louis's, and he pulled me towards him.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I placed my hand hesitantly in Louis's, and he pulled me towards him.
His arm slid around my waist, and I caught my breath.
We were suddenly much closer than I'd expected, and I could feel myself blushing.
The teacher began to play the piano, and Louis began to dance.
Louis：Just follow along with me.
Jily：Okay.
I glanced up, but his clear, bright eyes were so close, staring straight at me, and it was almost too much.
I dropped my gaze, and in my confusion I got the next step wrong and felt myself falling.

（Oh no!）

A moment later Louis's arms tightened around my waist, steadying me.
Somehow we were dancing again, as if nothing had even happened.
Louis：Don't look down.
Jily：I'm sorry.
Louis：It can't be helped—you don't have much experience dancing.
Louis：But if you want to attend the dance you should remember the basics.
Jily：Okay.

（The way you phrase things is a bit cold, but—）
（You're being a great lead, and making it really easy for me to follow along,）
（even though I barely know what I'm doing.）
（Here you are, teaching me properly what it is I need to do.）
（You really are kind, just like I thought earlier.）

Louis's true nature seemed to convey itself clearly through the dance.
Before I'd even realized it my nervousness was gone, and I felt relaxed and more able to dance.

＊＊＊

In no time at all the dance lesson was over.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

In no time at all the dance lesson was over.
Louis and I stepped back from each other, and I curtseyed politely to him.
Jily：Thank you so very much.
Louis：All I did was dance with you.
Jily：That's not true.
Jily：It was practically my first time dancing, and the reason I could dance so well was because of you.
I was filled with gratitude, and my emotions spilled over into my words as I gazed up at Louis.
Jily：So thank you. Really, I mean it.
Jily：You really are a kind person.
I smiled brightly up at him as I spoke.
Louis's eyes widened in surprise, and then he muttered,
Louis：Stop that.
Jily：Stop what?
Louis：Well—I guess it's good that it helped.
Louis gave me a sudden small smile, and my heart skipped a beat.

（I had no idea you could smile like that.）

His clear eyes looked surprisingly gentle as he gazed at me.
Jily：It really did. I mean it—thanks, Louis.
As I spoke, I heard my friends calling to me from the other side of the room.
Jily：I'd better get going. See you later.

（Why are my cheeks so flushed all of a sudden?）

My face seemed to be getting progressively warmer, and I frowned a little in confusion.
But I did my best to ignore it as I hurried towards my friends.

＊＊＊

Louis watched quietly as Jily hurried away across the room.
Louis：Kind, huh? You weirdo.
Louis's gazed dropped away to the floor as he muttered the words to himself.
But a gentle smile still hovered at the edges of his lips.

＊＊＊

After school that day—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

After school that day—
My friends and I had volunteered our free time,
and we were all helping prepare for the dance.
Jily：I hope it's a wonderful dance!
Female Student：Me too. Oh—should we add more decorations here, and make it really stand out?
Male Student：Do what you want, but when you're done there, help me out here.
Female Student：Sure thing!
Everyone was rushing around like crazy as they helped with the preparations.
But they all seemed to be enjoying themselves, and there were smiles on all their faces.

（If it's this relaxed and happy in the midst of the busiest preparations—）
（I'm sure the day of the dance itself will be so much fun!）

I found myself smiling happily as I imagined what it might be like.
But for some reason Louis's words from a few days earlier popped into my head.

〝Louis：Only people who want to go should go. Dances are stupid and pointless.〞

I gazed around me at the brightly decorated hall.
Jily：I think I'm gonna be lonely if Louis doesn't go.
I barely even realized I was speaking the whispered words aloud.

＊＊＊

It was lunchtime the following day, and I wandered around the schoolyard.

（I wonder why Louis doesn't want to attend the dance?）
（Maybe if I just tried talking to him about it—）

My gaze wandered as I walked, searching for Louis's familiar figure.

（Oh!）

Louis, Chapter 3：

My gaze wandered as I walked, searching for Louis's familiar figure.

（Oh!）

I discovered Louis sitting on a bench in the corner of the schoolyard, reading a book.
Louis seemed to hear my footsteps as I approached, and he looked up from his book.
Jily：Louis—do you have a moment?
Louis：Okay.
Louis nodded and slid across on the bench, making room for me.

（Oh, good.）

Louis seemed somehow gentler than he had before, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
I sat down quietly next to him on the bench.
Jily：It's about the dance—
As soon as I said the words, Louis's expression clouded.

（I knew it. You don't like talking about it, do you?）

For a moment I hesitated, unsure whether to continue, but then I plucked up my courage and said,
Jily：Are you really not going to go?
Jily：Everyone is talking about how happy they'd be if you were there.
Louis pressed his lips together at my words, his gaze flitting away.
After a long silence, he spoke in a quiet voice.
Louis：They're only saying that because of who my family is.

（Wait, what?）

His quiet words reminded me of what my friend had said during the dance lesson.

〝Female Student 2：Well, you're right that you'll get better at dancing if Louis teaches you.〞
〝Female Student 1：But more importantly, he's the son of Duke Howard, and he's gorgeous.〞
〝Female Student 1：And you get to dance with him!〞
〝Female Student 1：That's the part I'd be happy about!〞

（I don't think your family is the only thing people are thinking about when they look at you.）
（But I guess it's true that they are thinking about it.）

It was clearly something Louis was truly worried about.
I knew I couldn't just thoughtlessly deny it or ignore it.

（But—）

Jily：Not everyone thinks that way.
Louis：What?
Jily：I don't care about who your family is—but I'd really like it if you went.
Jily：I want to see you smile.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：I want to see you smile.
The words tumbled from my lips without hesitation.
In my mind, I could see the smile Louis had shown me after the dance
lesson we'd had.

〝Louis：Stop that.〞
〝Jily：Stop what?〞
〝Louis：Well—I guess it's good that it helped.〞

Jily：Everyone's having a lot of fun preparing for everything.
Jily：I'm sure if you came to the dance, you'd find lots of reasons to
smile.
Jily：And you have a wonderful smile.
The words seemed to come naturally, and I looked up at Louis as I
finished.
His eyes were wider than I'd ever seen them.
I watched in surprise as a faint flush crept up his cheeks.
Jily：Louis?
Louis：No one's ever said that to me before.

（Oh gosh, Louis—are you blushing?）

I felt a strange sensation in my heart as I stared up at him, something
sweet and painful all at once.

（Sometimes it seems like I feel this way every time I talk to you.）

I didn't really understand why, and I bit my lip in confusion.
A moment later Louis dropped his gaze, his expression turning sad again.
Louis：But even if I went to the dance, I don't think I'd find any reason
to smile.
Louis：I'm sorry.
His voice was oddly lonely, and a moment later the bell chimed, ending
lunchtime.

＊＊＊

After school that day—
I walked towards the school gates, headed home.
But my thoughts were completely focused on Louis, and I wasn't really
paying attention to anything.

（He never even told me why he doesn't want to go to the dance.）

I sighed softly, scuffing my feet along the ground.
???：Hey, I remember you.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：Hey, I remember you.
I looked up in surprise at the unexpected voice and saw Sid standing in front of me.
Jily：Oh! Sid.
I remembered then the last time I'd met him, and what he'd said to Louis.

〝Sid：You know full well it ain't really a dance, don't ya, rich boy?〞

（You seem like you know something about Louis.）

I studied Sid's face for a moment, and he frowned suspiciously.
Sid：What's with the gloomy face?
Jily：Well, I—

（I'm not really sure if this is something I should ask.）

I hesitated, unable to put the question into words.
Sid：Is it about Louis?
Sid gazed down at me, his eyes seeming to pierce right through me and see what I was thinking.
The corners of his lips lifted in a smirk.

（What the—）

Jily：How did you know?
Sid：Just a hunch. If there's something you wanna know, maybe I can tell ya.

（Well, I guess if it can help Louis enjoy the dance as well—）

I hesitated a moment longer, and then spoke in a rush.
Jily：Um—do you know why Louis doesn't want to go to the dance?
I looked up at Sid as I spoke, but instead of answering he asked me a question in return.
Sid：Do you know what it means for a noble's son to attend a formal dance like this?
Jily：No, I don't.
I shook my head, and Sid went on in a matter-of-fact voice.
Sid：It means they're making an appearance as their father's heir.
Sid：Louis is the son of Duke Howard.
Sid：For him, a dance is just a place to be evaluated and judged.
I caught my breath at Sid's unexpected words.

〝Louis：But even if I went to the dance, I don't think I'd find any reason to smile.〞

（A dance should be a place where people can enjoy themselves.）
（But for Louis, it's nothing but an awful place.）
（And that's why he said he'd have no reason to smile.）

My heart seemed filled with sadness at the realization.
Sid：School dances don't really have anything to do with that.
Sid：But to him, all these events look the same.
There was an edge of a sigh to Sid's words, and I looked away.

＊＊＊

Several days passed by, until it was the day before the dance.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

It was lunchtime on the day before the dance.
I was sitting under a large tree in the schoolyard, reading a book I'd borrowed from the library.
At least I was trying to read it, but my thoughts kept straying to Louis.

（I know it wouldn't be easy to change how Louis feels about things.）
（But it's just a school dance. I'm sure he'd have fun.）

I'd been working hard with the other students preparing for the dance, and I could still see their smiling faces in my mind.

（But how can I make him see that?）

I was completely lost in thought, scowling down at my book, when a voice interrupted me.
???：Jily?
Jily：What?!
I came back to myself with a start at the familiar voice.

（Wait a minute, is that—）

Jily：Louis! Ow—
I lifted my head hastily, and my hair got tangled in a nearby branch.

（Ow, what should I do? I can barely see it!）

I reached up, trying unsuccessfully to untangle my hair, and Louis crouched beside me.
Louis：Hold still.
Jily：Okay.
Louis reached out and gently unwrapped my hair from the branch.
Jily：I'm sorry, Louis. But thank y—

（Oh!）

I looked up as I spoke, only to find that Louis's face was even closer than I'd expected.
I caught my breath as our eyes met.
My heart began to pound wildly, and I could feel myself blushing.
Louis looked startled as well, and I could see his cheeks turning red.

（Ahh, I can't even look you in the eye!）

I completely forgot to finish my sentence as I averted my gaze.
I tried to calm my racing heart, tried to think of something to say.
But the awkward silence seemed to drag on forever.

（I need to say something!）

I couldn't calm my thoughts, but I tried my best to speak in a casual tone of voice.
Jily：So what were you here for, Louis?
I smiled up at Louis, trying my best to change the topic.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：So what were you here for, Louis?
I smiled up at Louis, trying my best to change the topic.
Louis：I saw you here, so I just thought I'd say hello.
His words startled me, but at the same time they sent a wave of warmth through me.

（Gosh, that makes me happy.）

I hadn't expected to feel that way, and for a moment my thoughts confused me.
But then I looked up at Louis and said,
Jily：Do you have a moment to talk?

（I don't know if you'll come to the dance tomorrow or not.）
（But I want to tell you how I feel.）

Louis：Okay.
Louis nodded, and then sat down next to me under the tree.
Jily：Louis—Sid told me the real reason why you don't want to go to the dance.
Jily：I'm sorry for prying.
I couldn't help but feel guilty for asking someone else to tell me his secrets.
But Louis only nodded as if he didn't mind.
Louis：That's okay. You don't need to apologize.
Louis：But now you know. That's why I can't go to the dance.
Jily：I know. But even so—I just think it's a shame.
Jily：I really think the school dance will be a lot of fun.
Louis turned to look at me, his expression curious.
Louis：Why do you feel able to say that?
Jily：Because it's something we've all created together.
Louis：What?

（This is probably a clumsy way to explain it, but it's what I've got.）

I took a deep breath and let it out again as I looked up at Louis.
Jily：I'm sure there's people who only see you for your family, just like you said.
Jily：But there are lots of people who've worked really hard to prepare for the dance.
Jily：And I think there are lots of kind, wonderful people at this school.
Louis listened in silence as I spoke, his eyes still wide with surprise.
Jily：Those wonderful people are the ones who've worked together to make this dance happen.
Jily：That's why I think maybe you could create some happy memories there too.
I'd put my all into my words, and I waited nervously to see what Louis would say.
Louis：In that case—

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Decision Time>>>

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Louis, Chapter 4-Sweet Ending：

Louis：In that case—
Louis：No, never mind.
Louis seemed to swallow his words as he stood up.
Louis：Class is going to start soon. We should get back.
Jily：Okay.
I couldn't help but wonder what Louis had been about to say, but it didn't seem right to ask.
We walked back to the classroom together in silence.

＊＊＊

After school that day—

（What was Louis about to say?）
（And he never did tell me whether he's going to go to the dance or not.）

I wandered slowly down the corridor, feeling gloomy and unsure.
Sid：We've gotta stop meeting like this.
Jily：Oh!
I looked up in surprise to find Sid walking towards me.
Sid：You're spacing out. Is it Louis again?
Jily：Well, I—
I blushed helplessly as I realized he was right.

（I really am thinking about Louis nonstop lately.）
（But why? How did it end up this way?）

I chewed my lip as I tried to understand what I was feeling.
Sid：Well, I guess thinking nonstop about the guy you've got the hots for ain't such a bad thing.
Jily：What?!

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Sid：Well, I guess thinking nonstop about the guy you've got the hots for ain't such a bad thing.
Jily：What?!

（You think I've got the hots for Louis?!）

I was already blushing, but at Sid's words my cheeks felt like they were burning.

（But then again, I'm always thinking about Louis, and wishing that he'd smile.）
（I really do like him, don't I?）

The realization made my heart pound so loudly I felt sure Sid would hear it.
Suddenly all the things I'd been thinking and feeling made perfect sense.
Sid was watching me with amusement, his eyes sparkling.
Sid：I feel like Louis's changed a bit since he met you, too.
Jily：What do you mean?
Sid：Today at lunchtime he went out of his way to say hi to you, didn't he?
Jily：What? How did you know that?
Sid：Don't freak out about it. I just happened to be walking by.
Sid laughed in open amusement before continuing.
Sid：He'd never have thought to make the first move and say hello to someone like that before.

（Really?）

Happiness welled up inside me, a sweet, warm sensation.
Sid：Go on, then. Make sure you get nice and close to him.
And with that, Sid turned and walked away.
I swallowed hard, turning to glance out the window as I sighed softly to myself.

（I wonder if Louis will actually come to the dance tomorrow?）

It felt strange to finally realize that what I felt for Louis was love.
But having realized it, I wanted more than ever to see him smile and have fun.

＊＊＊

The next day—
I attended the dance together with my friends.
The hall we'd all decorated together looked wonderful, and everyone danced and laughed and had a great time.

（It's so much fun—and yet I feel a little lonely.）

I looked around the room again, but Louis was nowhere to be seen.
Female Student：What's the matter, Jily?
My friend's concerned voice brought me back to myself with a start.

（Ahh, I hope I don't look too mopey!）

Jily：This is the first time I've ever been to something like this.
Jily：I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed by the crowd.
Jily：I might step outside for a breath of fresh air.
I smiled reassuringly at her, and stepped out of the room.

＊＊＊

The schoolyard seemed unusually quiet in contrast to the lively hall.
I walked slowly around the yard, glancing towards the dorms.

（It really is a shame that Louis didn't come to the dance.）
（But I can't spend the entire evening moping and worrying people.）

I took a deep breath,
and at that same moment I saw a figure walking towards me from the direction of the dorms.

（Don't tell me—）

Louis：Jily.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis：Jily.
Louis was crossing the schoolyard towards me.

（No way!）

The sight of him sent happiness flooding through me.
Jily：Don't tell me you're coming to the dance?
I couldn't hide my bright smile as I rushed towards him.
He turned his gentle gaze on me, a faint smile flickering across his face.
Louis：I am. Because of what you said.
Jily：Really?
Louis：You said that this school's dances would be different.
Louis：And—you said you wanted to see me smile.

（So my words—they got through to you.）

I hadn't forgotten what Sid had told me about why Louis didn't want to attend.
But that only made me happier still that he'd decided to come to the dance anyway.

（I'm so glad I found the courage to tell you what I thought!）

I looked up at Louis, and realized he was smiling down at me.
His smile was gentle and sweet, and it sent a thrill right through me.
Jily：Thank you, Louis.
My words were heartfelt and a little breathless.
Louis blinked slowly, his expression turning curious.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis's expression turned curious as he studied me.
Louis：Why are you looking at me like that?
Jily：Like what?
Louis：This is something I decided to do... but you look as happy as if you did it yourself.

（Well, that's because—）

My heart began to pound again as I remembered my realization from the day before.

（We've spent so much time together, and somehow—）

〝Jily：Please, let me carry the same amount as you.〞
〝Louis：It's fine. Let's hurry up and go hand them in.〞

〝Louis：Just follow along with me.〞

〝Louis：Stop that.〞
〝Jily：Stop what?〞
〝Louis：Well—I guess it's good that it helped.〞

It hadn't really been that long since we'd first met, and we hadn't spent much time together.
Yet somehow each conversation we'd had felt like a precious memory.

（I'm feeling nervous, but—I want to tell you how I feel.）

My feelings for him seemed stronger than ever, and it gave me the courage to speak.
I looked directly up into his beautiful, clear eyes, and said,
Jily：It's because I like you.
Louis's eyes widened in surprise at my words.
Jily：Somehow, I found myself falling for you.
Jily：And so—I'm really happy that you came tonight.
My feelings overwhelmed me, tumbling out in a rush of words.

（And even if you don't return my feelings, that's okay.）
（So long as you have fun tonight, that's all that matters.）

Even as I was thinking that, Louis reached out towards me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Louis reached out and wrapped me in a warm embrace.
Before I'd even realized what was happening, I was snuggled up against his warm chest.

（What—）

It was so sudden that I stood there in shock for a moment, blinking in confusion.
Jily：Louis?
Louis：Me too.
Louis：You're always so straightforward, and so kind. And you—charmed me.
Louis：Jily, I like you too.
He looked down into my eyes as he spoke, and my heart began to pound almost fast enough to hurt.
My cheek was pressed against his chest, and I could feel his heartbeat.
It was racing just as fast as mine, and that was enough to make things seem real.

（I never imagined you might feel the same way I do.）

Happiness and adoration filled me up inside.
As we stood there, gazing into each other's eyes, I heard the faint sound of a waltz drifting out from the hall.
Louis sighed softly and took a step back from me.
Louis：The truth is, I wanted to say this yesterday.

（Yesterday? You mean—）

Louis：In that case—
Louis：Would you like to dance with me?
Louis smiled gently, offering me his hand in a graceful gesture.

（You already know the answer to that!）

Jily：I'd be delighted.
I placed my hand in his, smiling brightly up at him as I nodded.
The pale starlight seemed to make the schoolyard glow as Louis and I began to dance together.

（When we first met, I felt like there was a wall between us.）
（But I finally feel like I've been able to get past that and reach the real you, Louis.）

Louis's hands holding mine were as warm and gentle as the feelings hidden inside his heart.
We spent the entire evening creating countless wonderful, happy memories together...

fin.

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Louis, Chapter 4-Premium Ending：

Louis：In that case—
Louis：Will you dance with me?
Jily：What?
My eyes widened in shock at Louis's unexpected words.

（I never expected you to invite me to dance like that!）
（But—）

Jily：Of course. I'd be delighted.

（I really want to dance with you.）

I nodded firmly, my heart filled with happiness at his request.
I smiled brightly up at him, our eyes meeting.
At that same moment, Louis smiled back at me.
His smile was gentle and sweet, and my heart began to race.

（Oh, Louis.）

His invitation to dance and at the sweetness of his smile filled me with happiness.
I felt almost overwhelmed by the intensity of my own emotions.

（It's so strange, but—）
（Whenever I talk to you, my heart races, and I get so happy I almost can't stand it.）

I dropped my gaze away, feeling oddly confused, and at that moment the bell chimed.
Louis：Well, then—I'll see you tomorrow.
Jily：Okay!
We gave each other a small smile as we turned and headed back towards our classroom.

＊＊＊

After school that day, I walked slowly back to my house.
But I couldn't stop thinking about my conversation with Louis during lunch.

（Ever since he invited me, I've realized I want to dance with him even more than I thought.）
（But why?）

I frowned a little in confusion as I thought it over.
All the conversations I'd had with Louis seemed to dance through my mind.

〝Jily：Louis?〞
〝Louis：No one's ever said that to me before.〞

〝Louis：Hold still.〞
〝Jily：Okay.〞
〝Jily：I'm sorry, Louis. But thank y—〞

〝（Oh!）〞

〝Louis：...〞

It was something I could never have imagined when we'd first met.
But each of Louis's many expressions seemed to make my heart sing.

（I think I just figured it out. The reason I want to dance with Louis so badly is—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（I think I just figured it out.）
（The reason I want to dance with Louis so badly is—
（It's because I'm in love with him.）

I'd fallen for him without even realizing it, but now everything seemed suddenly crystal clear.
A gentle breeze gusted by, cooling my flushed cheeks.

＊＊＊

At last it was the day of the dance.
Louis and I entered the hall that we'd all helped decorate together.
Female Student 1：Louis is here!
Female Student 2：He really is! I never expected he'd come this year.
Louis's arrival seemed to make everyone nervous, and they all stared at us from a distance.

（Ahh, my heart is beating so fast.）

I couldn't stop thinking about my realization from the day before, and I glanced up at Louis.
At that moment, elegant music began to play, filling the room.
Louis：Jily, this way.

（Oh!）

Louis took me by the hand, making my heart pound even faster.
He led me into the center of the room, and I glanced around.
Louis：Are you nervous?
Jily：Yes.
Louis：You'll be fine. Just do what we did in class.
Louis spoke gently, his expression relaxing into a smile.

（The idea of dancing is making me nervous, but it's not just that.）
（I'm so hyper-aware of you right now, Louis.）

I dropped my head a little, wishing I could hide my blush.
A moment later Louis slid his arm around my waist.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

A moment later Louis slid his arm around my waist.
Louis：Just follow along with me.
It was the same thing he'd said during our dance class, and it helped me relax somehow.

（It's the exact same words, yet I feel even more reassured than last time.）

Without even thinking I lifted my chin and gazed into Louis's eyes as we began to dance.
Louis's expression gentled, and he said softly,
Louis：You didn't have much practice, yet you're so much better already.
Jily：It's all because of you.
Happiness flooded through me, and I smiled up at Louis.
Instead of replying, he simply stared down at me.

（Oh!）

I realized then that a red flush was creeping up his cheeks.
The sight of it made my heart sing, but then I noticed something else.

（Hang on—）

Somehow while we'd been dancing, a crowd had formed in a loose circle around us.

（Are we the only ones dancing?）

I tensed up as I realized everyone was staring at us, but then Louis said,
Louis：It's okay. Just look at me.
Jily：Okay.

（That's right. You're here with me.）

Warmth and reassurance spread through me, and I focused on enjoying the dance itself.

＊＊＊

The waltz melody drew to an end, and I curtseyed politely to Louis.
A moment later the room was filled with applause from the people surrounding us.

（Oh gosh!）

Female Student：That was wonderful, Jily!
Male Student：You too, Louis! You really are a great dancer!
I blushed helplessly, and turned to glance at Louis standing beside me.
As our eyes met he gave me a gentle smile.
Louis：It's just like you said. That was really fun.
Jily：I'm glad to hear it.
Louis：I'll go get us something to drink. Wait here.
Jily：Okay. Thanks.
Louis stepped away from me and began to move through the crowd.
As soon as he did so, all the people who'd been watching us began to talk to him.

（Louis, you look like you're having so much fun.）

Louis's expression was a little confused and unsure.
But even so, he smiled gently and talked with each of the people who greeted him.
As I watched him, I realized I couldn't deny the feelings I'd been trying to hide.

（I want to see you smile again and again, now and in the future.）
（I want to tell you how I feel.）

＊＊＊

The dance went on into the night, lively and full of laughter and fun.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The dance continued to be fun and lively, but as it drew to a close,
Louis took me by the hand and led me out onto the balcony.

（You said you want to talk to me about something... I wonder what?）

I felt curious and oddly nervous as Louis turned to face me, his gaze serious.
Louis：I thought today would be a good day to tell you how I feel.
Jily：What do you mean?
Louis：It's strange but... when I'm with you, I get all flustered.
Louis：Yet—I don't mind at all.
I caught my breath at Louis's soft words.

（Wait a minute.）
（That sounds just like how I feel when I'm with you.）

Even as I thought that, Louis reached out and hesitantly put his arms around me.
Louis：I can't help but smile when I'm with you.
Louis：Jily... I love you.
He was even closer than he'd been when we'd danced together, and I felt enfolded in his warmth.
My mind went completely blank at his words.
Then happiness welled up inside me, filling me up completely.

（I need to say something—but I'm so happy I almost can't stand it.）

I buried my face in Louis's chest, nodding awkwardly.
Jily：Louis, I love you too.
I tried to hide the trembling in my voice, tried to speak straight from the heart.
Louis reached down to caress my cheek, lifting my face towards him.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：Louis, I love you too.
I tried to hide the trembling in my voice, tried to speak straight from the heart.
Louis reached down to caress my cheek, lifting my face towards him.
His lips captured mine in a soft, gentle kiss.
His mouth was warm and sweet, and I closed my eyes and kissed him back.
It seemed almost like a dream, yet it was over all too soon, and he pulled slightly away.
Louis buried his face in my shoulder, the action oddly endearing.
Louis：I wish I'd met you so much sooner.
He whispered the words against my skin, and then lifted his head to look at me.
Louis：If I had, I might've realized so many wonderful things much sooner.
Louis：How much fun dances can be, and how kind everyone around me is—
Louis：And how happy I feel when I hold someone I love in my arms like this.

（Oh gosh, Louis.）

Louis's eyes were as clear and bright as the day I'd first met him.
Yet they seemed different now—there was something warm sparkling deep within them.
Louis：Will you help me make up for all the time before I met you, and stay with me from now on?
Jily：Yes!
There was such fondness in Louis's gaze as he spoke, and my reply was as emphatic as I could make it.

（I want to spend all my time together with you,）
（enjoying lots and lots of fun moments.）

I smiled up at Louis, and he slid his hand behind my head.
He twined his fingers in my hair as he pulled me gently towards him.
Our lips came together in a soft kiss, more passionate than the last, and I gasped into his mouth.
I closed my eyes as we shared our second kiss of many.
My heart was filled to overflowing with the happiness of finding the most important person in my life...

fin.

After Episode

Clear an Ending and Read...

You and Louis have officially become a couple.
Now share a sweet evening together with him after your graduation.
It's the first time you've visited Louis's room, and sweet anticipation has your heart pounding...
Louis：I was so nervous the whole time about the idea of inviting you to my room.
Louis：Because when I'm with you, I end up wanting to touch you like this.
Louis：Do you mind, Jily?
The sweet sounds of your passionate voices fill the room...
Will you let Louis love you with all his heart and soul?