♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

School Days（Alyn）

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!
......
And your first love with your classmate Alyn Crawford is one for the ages...
Alyn：I want to tell you what I was going to say before.
Alyn：Jily, I love you.
......
Heartrending confessions, anguishing crushes...
Fall in love with your schoolboy suitor!

Prologue：

This is a story of a love that sets both your hearts aflame.
A story of your days together at the Royal Wysterian Academy...

＊＊＊

（I'd heard the rumors and all, but wow—the campus is so amazing!）

I couldn't help but gawk at my surroundings as I walked down the corridor.
Mr. Branche was walking just ahead of me, but he glanced back and stopped with a bright smile.
Mr. Branche：Did you see something you're interested in?
Jily：Oh! It's not that exactly.
Jily：I'm just a bit surprised by how big the school is.
I blushed a little as I realized how obvious my gawking had been.
But Mr. Branche gave me a kind, reassuring smile.
Mr. Branche：Well, you'll be here every day starting tomorrow. You'll get used to it in no time.
Jily：I hope so!

（I've always wanted to attend this school.
（I still can't believe it's actually happening. It doesn't feel real!）

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 the Royal Wysterian Academy as a scholarship student.
But first Mr. Branche was showing me around so that I had a better idea of what the school was like.
Mr. Branche：The school used to only be attended by the children of nobles.
Mr. Branche：So I can understand why you'd be surprised at how extravagant the interior is.
I knew that the school had only recently changed their rules and made it possible for anyone to attend.
I could still remember how excited I'd been when I found that out.
Mr. Branche glanced out the window at the schoolyard outside.
Mr. Branche：I'm sure it may feel overwhelming at first, studying in such a new and different environment.
Mr. Branche：But I hope it will broaden your outlook, and give you lots of enjoyable experiences.
His words filled me with hope and anticipation.

（Tomorrow my new school life starts, right here!）

Jily：I hope so too!
Mr. Branche：Now, let's head to the next location I'd like to show you.
I nodded and moved to follow Mr. Branche down the corridor.
But at that moment the door right next to where I was standing opened suddenly.
Someone stepped out of the room, almost running right into me.

（Oh!）

It was my first fateful meeting with him...

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

＞＞＞Choose Alyn

Alyn, Chapter 1：

A door right next to me opened, and someone coming through it almost ran into me.

（Oh!）

I stumbled, but a moment later I found myself steadied by strong, warm arms.
???：You okay?
Jily：Oh! Yes.
I was startled by his strong grip around my waist, but I nodded quickly as I straightened up.
As soon as I did, the young man let go of me immediately.

（I know you were just stopping me falling, but—）

My heart was pounding from being touched like that, and I couldn't get it to stop.
???：Sorry.
Mr. Branche：Not at all. We're the ones standing here in the middle of the corridor.
Mr. Branche：Sorry, Alyn.
Jily：Yes, I'm sorry too.
I inclined my head respectfully at the young man Mr. Branche had called Alyn.
Mr. Branche smiled brightly, looking back and forth between the two of us.
Mr. Branche：It's perfect timing, though. Let me introduce you.
Mr. Branche：Jily, this is Alyn Crawford. He's a junior like yourself.
Mr. Branche：Alyn, this is Jily. She's a new scholarship student and she'll be attending our school starting tomorrow.
I gave a quick curtsey as Mr. Branche finished his introductions.
Jily：It's nice to meet you.
Alyn：Yeah, same.

（So we're in the same year, huh?）

It made me almost feel like we were friends already, and I gave him a nervous but hopeful smile.
A moment later Mr. Branche's expression brightened.
Mr. Branche：I have a good idea. Alyn, why don't you finish showing Jily around the school?
Jily：What?
Alyn：Huh?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Mr. Branche：I have a good idea. Alyn, why don't you finish showing Jily around the school?
Jily：What?
Alyn：Huh?
Our voices overlapped in surprise at Mr. Branche's suggestion.
But he continued to smile brightly as he went on.
Mr. Branche：Well, you're both in the same year, after all.
Mr. Branche：And I'm sure you'd feel more comfortable with a fellow student instead of a teacher.

（Well, you're right about that.）
（And maybe this will be the perfect opportunity.）
（We're in the same year—maybe this will help us become friends.）

But when I glanced at Alyn, I realized he was frowning in response to Mr. Branche's suggestion.

（Or maybe you don't want to be friends?）

Alyn：Sorry, but I can't.
Alyn：I've gotta get to practice.
Jily：Practice?
I repeated the word curiously, and Mr. Branche nodded with reluctant understanding.
Mr. Branche：Of course. In that case, sorry for asking.
Mr. Branche seemed to notice my curious expression.
He explained to me that Alyn was a member of the school's equestrian team.
He went on to tell me that Alyn was very skilled, and had even represented the school in national tournaments.
Jily：Wow, that's amazing!
Alyn：It's not all that amazing.
Alyn's words were brusque, but I continued to gaze at him with awe.

（You must be really talented, to be so skilled at it as a junior!）

Before I'd even thought about it, I found myself saying,
Jily：If it's not a problem, would you let me watch you practice?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：If it's not a problem, would you let me watch you practice?
Jily：I've never seen that sort of thing up close before.
Jily：I'd love to watch and see what it's like.
Mr. Branche：Oh, that sounds great. You could also show her where the arena and the stables are at the same time.
Mr. Branche smiled as if he fully approved of my suggestion.
His gaze was kind as he turned to look at Alyn again.
Mr. Branche：What do you think?
Alyn：Well, I mean—
Alyn：I don't think it's that interesting to watch.
Alyn's expression was unreadable as he spoke.
Jily：Oh, it will be for me!
Jily：But I guess it's a problem for me to be asking out of the blue?

（I was just thinking how nice it would be for me to watch.）
（But maybe I'd just be getting in the way of your practice, and that's not fair to you.）

I chewed my lower lip hesitantly, but then Alyn said,
Alyn：So long as you're not noisy.
His voice was quiet, and his words curt, but I smiled all the same.
Jily：I won't be! Thank you so much!

＊＊＊

Alyn, Mr. Branche and I all headed towards the arena.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn entered the arena, leading his horse behind him.
As soon as he did so, the girls sitting around the edges began to squeal and call out words of encouragement to him.
Alyn frowned at the sudden loud noise, his brow furrowing.
He sighed loudly, but ignored the voices otherwise.
He turned and silently mounted his horse.
Jily：Oh wow, he's so popular!
My eyes widened in surprise at the clamor, and Mr. Branche gave me a small smile.
Mr. Branche：Yes, he is. And he's been getting more popular since he won at this year's tournament.

（He won? No wonder he's so popular!）

I felt awed all over again by Alyn's skill as I gazed over at the girls cheering him on.

＊＊＊

We stood there and watched Alyn practice for a while, but at last Mr. Branche turned to me and said,
Mr. Branche：Why don't I show you the rest of the school before it gets too late?
Jily：Yes, please!
I followed Mr. Branche as he set off from the arena.
As we walked away, I glanced back at Alyn, his expression serious as he rode around the arena.

（I guess you're so good at this because you're so focused on your practice.）

My heart skipped a little beat as I turned away again.

＊＊＊

The next day—

（It still didn't feel real yesterday, but—）
（I really am a student of this school now, aren't I?）

I was filled with hope and a little nervousness as I walked down the sun-dappled corridor.
Mr. Branche：I hope you get along well with your classmates.
Jily：So do I!
Mr. Branche walked me to the classroom door, and I entered the room after him.

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I stepped into my new classroom for the first time.

（Oh!）

I saw Alyn sitting at one of the seats near the back.

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

Mr. Branche：Good morning, everyone. This is Jily, and she'll be joining this class starting from today.
Mr. Branche looked over at me expectantly, and I stepped forward.
Jily：Hello everyone. My name is Jily and I'm a scholarship student. It's nice to meet you all.
I curtseyed, and to my relief the other students welcomed me with warm applause.
Mr. Branche：All right, Jily, you sit in that seat over there.
Mr. Branche indicated a seat two rows from the back, and I nodded quietly.
Mr. Branche：I hope you'll all work hard today.
Mr. Branche smiled as he looked around the classroom at all the students.
Then he turned and left the room.

（Everyone seems so nice!）

I breathed a soft sigh of relief as I made my way to my desk.
Alyn was sitting one seat back and to the left of me, and I glanced at him as I moved to sit down.
He was talking quietly with a gorgeous blonde student sitting next to him.

（Since we're in the same class, I thought I should at least say hello, but—）
（Maybe I should wait until later.）

As I settled into my seat, a white-haired student sitting next to me leaned over to say,
???：Hi, I'm Leo. It's nice to meet you, Jily.
Jily：It's nice to meet you too!
I gave him a friendly smile, and he smiled back at me.
Leo：I'm the junior class president, so feel free to ask me if you ever need anything.
Jily：Junior class president? What's that?
Leo：We do extra work taking care of all the students in our year.
Leo：I know a lot about the school, so don't hesitate to call on me if you have any problems.
Jily：Thank you very much!
I smiled happily, warmed by the kindness of his offer.
Leo's expression turned mischievous, and he lowered his voice as he said,
Leo：By the way, you were just looking at Alyn, weren't you?
Jily：No, I just—
Leo：You don't need to hide it.
Leo：Don't tell me you like him?
The question came out of the blue, and I blushed in confusion, not sure what to say.
Leo continued to smile roguishly as he went on.
Leo：But I don't think Alyn wants a girlfriend.

Alyn, Chapter 2：

Leo：But I don't think Alyn wants a girlfriend.
Jily：That's not what I'm interested in!
I blurted out the words in an undertone, my eyes wide with surprise, and Leo laughed softly.
Leo：Just kidding. But if you really are interested—
Leo：I see him in the library studying sometimes, so maybe try talking to him then?

（He studies alone too? So he's serious about his schoolwork as well as the horse-riding.）

I felt awed all over again by what Leo had told me.
A moment later the bell rang, and a teacher entered the room.
My first class of the day was about to start.

＊＊＊

My first few days at the Royal Wysterian Academy seemed to pass by in a flash.
But slowly I found myself getting used to the place.
One afternoon after classes had finished, I visited the library to borrow some books.

（There are so many books I want to borrow that I can't decide!）

I adjusted my bag on my shoulders as I stared up at the bookshelf in front of me.
Suddenly a gentle breeze caressed my cheek.

（Oh, there must be a window open somewhere.）

I turned to look in the direction of the nearest windows.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I turned to look in the direction of the nearest windows.
Jily：Alyn?
Alyn was sitting at a nearby desk, pen in hand.
He looked up at the sound of my voice, his expression surprised.
Alyn：Oh, it's you.
As I walked towards him, I saw that the book open in front of him was one of the ones used in our classes.
I remembered suddenly what Leo had said to me on my first day.

〝Leo：I see him in the library studying sometimes, so maybe try talking to him then?〞

（So what Leo said was true.）

I stared down at Alyn as I was thinking.
His expression turned curious as he met my gaze.
Alyn：What?
Jily：Oh! Sorry. I was just—are you studying by yourself?
Alyn：Yeah. I'm prepping for our next classes. It's all for my horse-riding.
Jily：Your horse-riding?
Alyn went on to explain that he put extra time into studying whenever he could.
He told me that it meant he was free to focus more on his horse-riding when a tournament was coming up.

（You're working so hard for your horse-riding in a way most people wouldn't even notice.）

I felt awed all over again by what a steady hard worker Alyn was.
As I smiled hesitantly down at him, he said,
Alyn：You know—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：You know—you don't need to act so nervous around me.
Jily：What?
Alyn：We're classmates. So relax.
Jily：Well—okay!

（I didn't realize I was acting nervous, but—does this mean we're getting closer to being friends? I'd like that.）

Happiness welled up inside me, and I smiled more brightly at him.
Jily：I think it's amazing that you're studying so hard, and all for your horse-riding.
Alyn：Not really. I just stopped again because there's something I don't even understand.
As Alyn spoke, he tapped a section on the page in front of him.
It was the continuation of something we'd been learning in class that day.

（That looks really difficult, but—）
（Hey, I know!）

I had a sudden idea, and I turned back to Alyn with a smile.
Jily：In that case, why don't we try and figure it out together?
Alyn：Huh?
Jily：Well, two heads are better than one, right?
Jily：We could figure it out much faster together.
Jily：And I'd like to prepare for our next lesson too, if it's going to be this difficult.
I looked at Alyn hopefully, and he sat there thoughtfully for a moment.
Alyn：Okay then.

（Yay!）

I smiled as I sat down next to Alyn at the desk.
I pulled my textbook out of my bag, and we started working on the problem together.

＊＊＊

After a while, the two of us managed to figure out the problem together.
When Alyn spoke next, he sounded slightly awed.
Alyn：That reminds me, you're a scholarship student, aren't you?

（Oh, I didn't think about it like that—I'm still not used to it.）

I was really happy about becoming a scholarship student, because it reflected how hard I'd studied.
But there was such awe in Alyn's voice that I felt suddenly shy and awkward.
Jily：Well, yeah. I guess I am.
I gave him a vague smile, not sure how to respond to the compliment.
When he spoke again, his tone was dry.
Alyn：You guess? What's that supposed to mean?
Jily：Well—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：You guess? What's that supposed to mean?
Jily：Well—
Alyn's expression was serious as he looked at me.
Alyn：You put your all into your studying, and that's why you're a scholarship student, right?
Alyn：You should be proud of that.
His direct words filled me with sudden warmth.

（I can't help it—when you say it like that it really makes me happy.）
（And that just makes me want to work even harder.）

Jily：You're right. But I could say the same about you.
Alyn：Oh?
I looked up at him, meeting his gaze directly.
In my mind I could see an image of him riding his horse, his expression serious and intense.
Jily：The reason you're so good at horse-riding is because you practice so much more than anyone else.
Jily：So you're an expert horse-rider because you've put your all into your practice.
I smiled at him, speaking with all my heart, and his eyes widened in surprise.
For a moment we simply stared at each other.
Then he frowned awkwardly, his gaze slipping away from mine.
Alyn：Silly. Don't go stealing my good lines like that.
His cheeks were faintly red as he reached out to flick me lightly on the forehead with his finger.

（Wow, I never expected to see an expression like that from you.）
（I feel as if you've opened up to me a little, and it makes me glad.）

Our eyes met again, and we smiled at each other.
Then we went back to our studying for a while longer.
At last Alyn glanced up at the clock, and put down his pen.
Alyn：We should leave it here for today.
Jily：Okay.
I began to shove things back into my bag, and Alyn did the same.
Alyn：You know, you're really good at teaching things.
His words were casual, yet they filled my heart with warmth.
Jily：Thank you. I want to be a teacher one day, so it makes me happy to hear you say that.
Jily：But the truth is, I wish I was even better at it.
I gave Alyn a chagrined smile as I spoke.
His expression turned thoughtful for a moment, and then he said,
Alyn：In that case, why not tutor some of the others as well?
Alyn：There's lots of students who have trouble studying.

（It'd be wonderful if I could do that, but—）

Jily：I'd like to, but most of the students here live in the dorms.
Jily：They all seem to study together in their dorms, so I don't feel like I have much chance to help with that.
Alyn paused halfway through putting his textbook in his bag.
Alyn：Then use me as a practice partner.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：Then use me as a practice partner.
My eyes widened in surprise at his unexpected offer.
Jily：You don't mind?
Alyn：Nope. Helps me out too.
Alyn gave me a sudden smile, and I smiled brightly back at him.
Jily：Thank you!
And so we made an agreement that I'd teach Alyn whenever he was studying or preparing for future classes.

（I never expected you to make a suggestion like that!）
（But I'm really happy that we'll get to study together.）

I caught my breath suddenly, confused by my feelings.

（Wait, why am I this happy?）
（No, never mind. I've just gotta do my best to be a good tutor to you.）

I tried to ignore my confused feelings as I shoved the last of my textbooks into my bag.
Alyn and I stepped out of the library together.
We walked side by side to the front entrance, and then Alyn said suddenly,
Alyn：Where's your house?
Jily：Mine?
I stopped in surprise at the unexpected question.
Alyn sighed as he turned to look at me.
Alyn：Who else's? I'll walk you home.
Jily：I couldn't ask you to do that. You live in the dorms, right?
Alyn：But It's my fault you stayed at school so late.
Alyn glanced out the window, and I followed his gaze.
I realized then that the sun had already set completely, and the sky was dark.
Alyn：C'mon, let's go.
Alyn turned away and began to walk again.
Jily：Well—thanks.

（You may act gruff, but you're actually really kind, aren't you?）

I hurried after Alyn, my heart leaping at seeing such an unexpected side of him.

＊＊＊

After that, whenever Alyn had a day where he wasn't practicing his horse-riding,
he and I ended up studying together in the library.
One day after school—

Alyn, Chapter 3：

One day after school—
I was walking towards the school gates, when I heard the sound of voices raised in excitement.
I turned curiously towards the arena.

（Oh, it's Alyn!）

I could see Alyn astride his horse, cantering around the arena.
His intense, focused expression was very different from what I was used to seeing when he studied.
Without thinking, I stopped and stared.

（Oh!）

As Alyn finally dismounted from his horse, he turned and our eyes met.
He smiled suddenly at me, and my heart skipped a beat.

（Was that smile just for me?）

My cheeks felt red and hot, and I didn't know why.
Suddenly I couldn't quite look Alyn in the eye anymore, and I turned and hurried away.

＊＊＊

（It's almost like I just ran away from him.）

I felt a pang of regret at how I'd reacted to a simple smile.
Yet remembering the moment just set my heart pounding again.

（Lately, whenever I think about you, Alyn—）

〝Alyn：You should be proud of that.〞
〝Alyn：You put your all into your studying, and that's why you're a scholarship student, right?〞

〝Alyn：Silly. Don't go stealing my good lines like that.〞

（My heart is always pounding.）

My pulse seemed to roar in my ears, and my cheeks were still flushed.
Without thinking I balled my hands into fists.

（This is—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（This is—）

Jily：I like him.
The words tumbled unbidden from my lips, and my cheeks burned even hotter.

（That's it, isn't it? I like Alyn.）

In that moment I finally understood what I'd been feeling all this time.
My heart began to sing with a sweet yet somehow painful ache.

＊＊＊

The next day—
I was sitting in class as usual, listening to the teacher.
But I couldn't stop fretting over my feelings for Alyn, now that I'd realized what they were.

（We'll still be studying together like always, won't we? Just the two of us.）

〝Alyn：Then use me as a practice partner.〞
〝Alyn：Helps me out too.〞

Just remembering the agreement we'd made set my heart pounding again.
But I hadn't forgotten the conversation I'd had with Leo.

〝Leo：I don't think Alyn wants a girlfriend.〞
〝Leo：I don't really know why, though.〞

（Maybe he's just not interested in that sort of thing?）

I sighed softly, gripping my pen tightly in my hand.

（Maybe me liking him is just going to be a problem for him.）
（So what should I do?）

At that moment, someone tapped me on the arm.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Someone tapped me on the arm, and I looked up in surprise.
A bespectacled Leo was sitting next to me.
His expression was sympathetic as he leaned over to whisper to me.
Leo：You're supposed to go answer the next question.
Jily：What?!
Leo pointed towards the front of the class, and I turned in surprise.
The teacher was standing at his desk, holding his textbook and staring at me. He cleared his throat.
Jily：Oh, I'm so sorry!!
I rushed up to the front of the class and began to solve the problem that was written on the board.

（What was I thinking?! It's the middle of class!）

I'd been so busy thinking about Alyn that I hadn't even noticed the teacher call my name.
My cheeks flushed bright red even as I hurried to finish writing.
Teacher：Yes, that's right. Well done. But please try and pay attention during class.
Jily：I will.
I could hear my classmates laughing, and my face turned even redder.
I lowered my head and hurried back to my seat, but halfway there my eyes met Alyn's.

（Oh!）

My heart fluttered oddly in my chest as we looked at each other.
Then I saw his lips move silently, sounding out words.

（Silly girl?）

He grinned at me then, his expression full of mischief.
It was just a little thing, but it was enough to set my heart pounding again.
I dropped my eyes away quickly, avoiding his gaze.

（Geez, this is all your fault, Alyn!）

I sat down in my seat again, but my cheeks would not stop burning.

＊＊＊

After school that day—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

After school that day—
Alyn and I were sitting next to each other, studying as we always did.

（This should be just the same as every other time we've spent studying together, and yet—）

Now that I'd realized how I felt about Alyn, I couldn't ignore it.
The longer we spent sitting together, the less I felt able to study.
I felt hyper-aware of his presence, and yet he still startled me when he said,
Alyn：Hey.
Jily：What?!
Alyn：Do you get what this means?
He pointed to a paragraph in the textbook open in front of him.
Jily：Um—hang on a minute.
I reached for my own textbook, intending to open it to the same page.
But Alyn slid his textbook across so that it was sitting between us.
Jily：Alyn?
Alyn：It's quicker if you just read this one.
Alyn frowned down at the page, tracing the sentence with his fingers.
Alyn：It's this part.
I knew he'd only moved closer so that we could read the textbook together.
But my heart was pounding so loudly I felt sure he'd hear it.

（If this keeps up, I'm not gonna be able to teach you anything.）

Jily：But I want to write some notes, so I really should just look at my own textbook...
I hastily turned away from Alyn, avoiding his gaze as I scrabbled to open my book.
I heard the sound of him sighing, and it seemed far too close.
Alyn：You've been acting weird since yesterday.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：You've been acting weird since yesterday.
I looked up in surprise to find Alyn frowning at me.
Alyn：I know you saw me at practice, but you ignored me when our eyes met and kept walking.
Alyn：And today in class, you just looked away. You don't normally do that.

（Ahh, why do you have to notice everything?）

I felt even more embarrassed to realize he was aware of my actions, and I dropped my gaze again.
Alyn：If you don't like me, just say so.
I raised my head with a start at his words, my eyes wide with shock.
Jily：That's not it at all!!
Alyn：Then what?
I couldn't think of what to say, and the silence felt awkward and heavy.

（I can't keep avoiding you like this.）
（You're going to keep misunderstanding, and that's not fair on you.）
（Maybe I should just ask and get it over with.）

Jily：There's something that I was wondering... about you.
Alyn：What?
Alyn met my gaze directly, waiting for me to continue.
Jily：I heard that you don't want a girlfriend. Is that true?
A soft breeze blew in through the window as I spoke.
It ruffled the pages of our textbooks, and the sound seemed unusually loud in the otherwise silent library.

（C'mon, just say something.）

Time seemed to drag on forever as I waited for Alyn to reply.
At last he spoke, his voice soft.
Alyn：Yeah. That stuff's too much. I don't need it.
His words sent a stabbing ache through my heart, and I looked down at my hands, clenched in my lap.

（I knew it. I knew it, and yet—）

I clenched my hands even tighter, my knuckles turning white.

（And yet I already like you.）
（I like you so much that it hurts to hear you say that.）

For a moment I felt almost overwhelmed by my own reaction.
Then Alyn reached up and gently brushed my hair away from my face.

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Decision Time>>>

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Alyn, Chapter 4-Sweet Ending：

Alyn reached up and gently brushed my hair away from my face.
I looked up at him without thinking, startled by the touch.
Our eyes met, and I saw the surprise in his expression.
For a moment we stared at each other, and I felt unable to look away.

（Ahh, if you keep staring at me like that—）

I could feel my cheeks flushing, and I hastily dropped my gaze.
I stared at the textbook on the table in front of me, trying to regain my composure.
Jily：I'm sorry for asking something so weird.
Jily：Was this the problem you were having trouble with?
Alyn：...Yeah.
My voice sounded unnaturally bright as I tried to change the topic, and I cursed to myself.
But thankfully Alyn seemed happy to go along with it, and we focused on the textbook again.

（I shouldn't tell you how I feel about you, should I?）
（If you don't want a girlfriend, then I should keep my feelings to myself.）

I gripped my pen tightly in my hand, trying to focus on the textbook and not on my aching heart.

＊＊＊

Lunchtime the following day—
I'd finished submitting my essay to the teacher.
But I was feeling gloomy as I walked back to the classroom.

（And here I promised myself yesterday that I'd forget this whole thing.）

Now that I'd become aware of my feelings, they seemed impossible to let go of.
So I'd been doing my best to avoid Alyn all day.
I sighed softly and turned to go into my classroom.
Alyn：You got a sec?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：You got a sec?
Alyn was standing in the corridor talking to one of our classmates, but he turned as I approached.

（Ahh, I can't even look you in the eye. I dunno what to do.）

Jily：What is it?
I felt so awkward and uncomfortable for avoiding him so completely.
Yet I still couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze.
Alyn：I don't have practice today so I'm gonna study. Are you okay with that?
His voice was the same as ever, yet now it made my heart ache.

（If we keep on studying together the way we have been—）
（I'm never going to be able to let go of my feelings for you.）

Jily：I'm sorry, something's come up at home that I need to help out with. I won't be able to study with you for a while.
Alyn fell silent at my words, his expression going flat.
Alyn：Okay.
Jily：I'm really sorry.
That was all I could say before I turned and hurried into the classroom.

（I'm sorry for lying to you, Alyn.）
（But if I stay away from you for a while, maybe I can sort out my feelings and we can go back to being friends.）

I felt sick to my heart, and I sighed as I slumped down in my chair.

＊＊＊

After that, we stopped studying together, and the days seemed to pass in a blur.
We didn't talk at all, and I could feel the distance growing between us.
One day after school—
It had been my turn to clean up the classroom, but I was finally finished.
I was alone in the room as I packed my books in my bag and got ready to head home.

（Gosh, it's gotten so late.）

I picked up my bag and crossed the room, pushing the door open.
To my surprise, Alyn was standing right outside the door.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I picked up my bag and crossed the room, pushing the door open.
To my surprise, Alyn was standing right outside the door.

（Alyn!）

He must've been about to enter the classroom, and he looked just as surprised as I felt.
I hadn't expected to run into him like that, and my heart skipped a beat as I met his gaze.
Jily：Oh, um—you're still here. Do you have practice?

（It's been so long since we've talked at all.）

My heart was pounding faster and faster, and my voice sounded hoarse even to me.
Alyn：Nah, not today.
Jily：I see.
We both fell silent, and the silence felt so awkward I almost couldn't stand it.
Jily：Well, I'll see you tomorrow then.
I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and started to walk past Alyn.
Alyn：Wait.
Jily：Oh!
Alyn reached out and caught hold of my arm, and I looked back in surprise.
Alyn：I answered your question, about the thing you were wondering about.
Alyn：So why are you still avoiding me?
Jily：I'm not—
I cut myself off, thinking back to the conversation in the library.

〝Jily：There's something that I was wondering... about you.〞
〝Jily：I heard that you don't want a girlfriend. Is that true?〞
〝Alyn：Yeah. That stuff's too much. I don't need it.〞

（No, you're right. I've been avoiding you completely since then.）

Alyn spoke again, his voice quieter and a little husky.
Alyn：When you avoid me like this, I can't even focus on my practice.
His words sent a sudden thrill rippling through me.

（Does that mean—）

I opened my mouth to ask him to explain, but then I heard voices further down the corridor.
Alyn：This way.
Alyn whispered the words quickly under his breath.
He linked hands with me and turned and headed off down the corridor.

（Ahh, even this is enough to set me off.）

His hand was warm in mine, almost too warm, and I swallowed hard.
But I followed after him as he led me to a quiet, empty room.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn and I stepped into the empty room together, and the door closed behind us with a thud.
I felt suddenly nervous as I realized that we were alone together.
But then I thought about what Alyn had said, and I turned to look at him.
Jily：When you said you can't even focus on your practice—
Alyn's eyes skittered away from mine almost at once.
Alyn：It's nothing. Forget it.
His gruff words begged me to change the topic, and I clenched my hands together.
Jily：Okay.

（You can tell me to forget it all you like, but I can't.）
（Somehow, somewhere along the way, my feelings for you have only grown stronger.）
（So strong that I seem unable to let go of them.）

All the things I was feeling seemed to well up inside me, and I reached out towards Alyn.
I caught him gently by the arm and said softly,
Jily：You're right, I was avoiding you. I'm sorry for lying.
Alyn：Tell me the real reason, then.

（I know you probably won't return my feelings, but—）

Jily：The truth is, there's something I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't decide if I should or not.
Alyn fell silent, but his gaze held mine steadily.
His expression was calm and patient, and I took a deep breath.
My heart was pounding faster and faster as I opened my mouth and said,
Jily：I like you, Alyn.
Jily：You said that stuff's too much, so I didn't want to bother you with it.
Jily：But I can't help how I feel. I really like you.
I knew I was blushing like crazy, but I tried to ignore it as I looked him in the eye.
A moment later he took me by the hand, pulling me into his arms.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：But I can't help how I feel. I really like you.
I knew I was blushing like crazy, but I tried to ignore it as I looked him in the eye.
A moment later he took me by the hand, pulling me into his arms.
Alyn：I like you too.
Jily：What? You do?
My eyes widened in shock at the completely unexpected response.
Alyn pulled back from me slightly, his eyes serious as he looked at me.
Alyn：It's my dream to be a knight, so I decided not to date anyone.
Alyn：Once I start training to be a knight, I have to live in the palace.
Alyn：So even if there's someone more important to me than anything, I won't be able to protect them above all else.
I could hear the conviction in his words, could see it in his eyes.

（So that's why you said you don't want a girlfriend.）
（But if that's the case—）

His arms felt warm around me, and as I looked up I felt as if I could see myself reflected in his gaze.
Alyn：But I've changed my mind since I met you.
Alyn：I've found myself thinking about what I can do so that I can still protect you.
Alyn：I guess that's how important you've become to me.
His frank words sent a sweet thrill through my heart.
Alyn：I can't promise I'll always be by your side. Are you still okay with that?

（As if you even need to ask.）

My heart was so full of happiness I felt like it might burst, and I nodded quickly.
Jily：I am. All I need is to know that we both feel the same way.
Jily：And I really do like you, Alyn.
I smiled warmly up at him, and he reached out, cupping my cheek with his hand.
Alyn：Thanks.
A moment later his soft lips caught mine in a gentle kiss.

（I don't need us to be together every moment. So long as I can be in your heart—）
（So long as we know what we feel for each other—that's enough.）

Happiness lodged itself deep in my heart, filling me with a sense of satisfaction.
I closed my eyes and gave myself over to Alyn's kiss, leaning into his embrace...

fin.

Select the Premium Ending>>>

Alyn, Chapter 4-Premium Ending：

Alyn reached up and gently brushed my hair away from my face.
I caught my breath at the unexpected touch.
My shoulders quivered in response, and a little thrill ran through me.

（Alyn—）

I looked up at Alyn and realized his eyes had widened a little.
Alyn：What? Why'd you suddenly go quiet?
There was concern in his expression as he studied me.
My heart skipped a beat and began to pound even faster.

（I really do care about you, Alyn.）
（So much so I feel like I might end up just blurting it out right now.）

The realization filled me with a sense of loneliness, and I sighed softly.
Alyn：What's wrong?
He leaned closer, trying to study my expression, and I dropped my gaze.
Jily：Nothing. I think I must've had an eyelash in my eye or something.
Jily：But I'm fine. Sorry if I worried you.

（Please—please don't realize.）

I schooled my features into what I hoped was a convincing smile as I looked up at him again.
Alyn's eyes narrowed a little as he studied me.
Alyn：You—
He paused, frowning, and then opened his mouth to speak again.
???：What, are you two still here?
An unexpected voice interrupted us, and I turned towards the door in surprise.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：What, are you two still here?
An unexpected voice interrupted us, and I turned towards the door in surprise.
Leo stood just inside the entrance, smiling cheerfully at us both.
Alyn：What?
Leo：I'm patrolling the grounds. It's part of my job as class president, you know.
Leo：By the way, Alyn, it's almost dorm curfew time.
Leo continued to smile as he spoke, ignoring Alyn's gruff attitude.
Alyn's frown deepened, and he stood up from his seat.

（I felt like I was about to tell you how I feel about you.）
（So maybe it's a good thing Leo came along.）

I tried to tell myself that, but I couldn't ignore the pang of regret I felt inside.
Alyn：I'll go back to the dorm after I walk her home.
Alyn continued to stare at Leo as he spoke, not even looking my way.
Jily：Wait, what?
It was the last thing I'd expected him to say, and Leo gave us both a wry smile.
Leo：Then be quick about it.
Leo waved breezily to us both, and then turned and left.
I sat there staring after him, still shocked and confused, until Alyn nudged me.
Alyn：Hurry up and pack up your stuff.
Jily：Oh! Okay.
I hurriedly began to shove my textbooks and things into my bag.
As soon as we were done, we headed out of the library.

＊＊＊

（You really are walking me all the way home.）

I glanced up at Alyn as we walked down the street together.
We'd walked so far that I could see my house at the end of the street.
Yet Alyn hadn't said a word since we'd stepped out of the library.

（You were about to say something when Leo interrupted us. I wonder what it was?）

I was still picturing how he'd looked at that moment when we reached my house.
I stopped at the door, and Alyn turned to me and spoke at last.
Alyn：I want to tell you what I was going to say before.
Jily：Yes?
The starlight lit up Alyn's face, making his eyes seem to sparkle more than usual.
He turned to look at me directly, his gaze intense.
The moment seemed to stretch out for eternity, until at last he said,
Alyn：Jily, I—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：Jily, I love you.

（Wait, what?!）

I'd heard the words clear as day, yet I couldn't believe them.
My eyes went wide with shock, and I stared silently up at him.

（You love me?）
（But what about—）

Jily：Why did you say that stuff's too much, and you don't need it?

（You made me think I should give up on my feelings!）

My voice trembled a little as I spoke. Alyn's expression was serious as he said,
Alyn：That was until now.
Alyn：I thought it was impossible to have both my dream AND someone I cared about.
Jily：Your dream?
Alyn：I want to be a knight. That's why I'm so focused on horse-riding.

（Well, that explains why you're always so serious and determined about it.）

I smiled a little to myself, remembering the look he always had when he was practicing.
Alyn frowned a little, his eyes flicking away and then returning to meet mine again.
Alyn：When I join the knights, I have to live in the palace, right from when I first start training with them.
Alyn：So I can't be with you while that's going on.
There was an edge of loneliness in his voice.
The words he'd spoken earlier in the library came back to me.

〝Alyn：That stuff's too much.〞

（So that's why you felt like it was too much for you.）

Alyn：But now I'm thinking, I just need to work harder to deal with that.
Alyn：Once my initial training with the knights is over—
Alyn：Well, there'll be more days when I can come into town, even stay in town overnight.
Alyn：When you talked about your dreams—
Alyn：I saw how hard you were working to achieve them.
Alyn：And that made me want to work harder, too.

（Oh gosh—I had no idea you felt that way.）

His strong words seemed to echo in my heart, filling it with warmth.
Alyn：The quicker trainees finish it in two years.
Alyn：So I'm gonna finish it in a year, and then come back to you.
There was such satisfaction and surety in his gaze that my heart began to race.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：So I'm gonna finish it in a year, and then come back to you.
There was such satisfaction and surety in Alyn's gaze that my heart began to race.
Alyn：I love you. Ever since that day.

（You've never even given me the slightest inkling that you like me, so I thought it was just me!）
（Gosh, I don't even know what to say or do!）

I was so filled with happiness that my heart was almost aching with the need to express it.
I looked up at Alyn to see that his cheeks were flushed, but a moment later he turned away from me.
Alyn：So, that's all.
Alyn：See you tomorrow.
Jily：Oh! Alyn, wait—
I came back to myself with a start, calling out his name into the darkness.
But he hurried away without looking back, and was gone before I could decide whether to follow him or not.

＊＊＊

The next day—
The corridor was bright with sunlight and empty of people as I walked towards the classroom.

（Ahh, I didn't sleep a wink last night!）

My thoughts were filled with all the things Alyn had said to me the night before.
In the end, I couldn't sleep, and I couldn't just lie in bed doing nothing.
So I'd come to school a lot earlier than usual.

（He really startled me. But I want to tell him how I feel, too.）
（Right. When I see him today, that's what I'm gonna do.）

I nodded firmly to myself as I reached out and opened the classroom door.
Alyn：Jily?
Jily：Alyn—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Alyn：Jily?
Jily：Alyn—
Alyn：You're early.
Alyn was standing at his desk, pulling textbooks out of his bag.
Just the sight of him was enough to set my heart racing.
Jily：So are you.
Alyn：I had practice.
Jily：Oh. I see.

（I never expected you'd be here this early too!）

I recovered from my shock and walked over to my seat, placing my bag down with a sigh.

（But I promised myself I'd tell you how I feel.）

I turned around and faced Alyn, looking up to meet his gaze.
Jily：There's something I want to tell you.
I spoke firmly, and Alyn's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
But after a moment he nodded, relaxing a little.
Alyn：Okay.
My heart was pounding so loudly I felt sure he could hear it, but I tried to ignore it as I said,
Jily：When you told me how you felt yesterday—I was so happy.
Jily：I love you too, Alyn.
Alyn's eyes widened again at my words, his cheeks turning red.
Jily：Ever since we started studying together—no, I'm sure it was ever since I first saw you practice—
Jily：I've always been drawn to you.
I could still clearly remember the way he'd looked, that first day I'd seen him practice.
Jily：You're always so determined, and I lo—
Before I could finish my sentence, Alyn pulled me into his embrace.
I barely even knew what was happening before his lips captured mine.

（Wait, did you just kiss me?）

My cheeks burned bright red at the realization.
Alyn squeezed me gently in his arms as he said softly,
Alyn：I'm banning you from saying anything more for now.
Alyn：Otherwise I'm gonna forget that we're at school.

（Alyn—you're so cute right now.）

There was an edge of a pout in his voice, and I couldn't help but giggle.
I nestled into his embrace again, and for a while we just stood like that, holding each other.
But at last Alyn pulled back a little, looking down at me.
Alyn：I promise I'll become a knight, and I'll come back to you.
Jily：I know. I'll be waiting.
I nodded as I smiled up at him, and he hugged me tightly again.

（I never imagined that I could love someone so much that it makes my heart ache with joy.）
（You're the only one I'll ever feel this way about, my whole life.）

The room was quiet, and filled with the warmth of the sun.
I leaned closer and placed a kiss on Alyn's lips, wanting to share with him all that I was feeling...

fin.

After Episode

Find out what happens afterwards in a sexy After Episode...

You and Alyn have officially become a couple.
Now share a sweet evening together with him after your graduation.
You tell Alyn how you really feel, and he frowns, his eyes full of desire.
Alyn：Ahh, you're too much.
Alyn：I'm gonna spend the whole of tonight making up for all the time we've been apart.
Alyn：I hope you're ready for that.
The sweet sounds of your passionate voices fill the room...
Will you let Alyn love you with all his heart and soul?