♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

School Days（Albert）

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!
......
Your romance with the academic whiz exchange student Albert Burckhardt is agonizingly sweet.
Albert：The thing that's important to me is... you.
Albert：I've been fascinated by you since the first time we met.
......
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 Albert

Albert, Chapter 1：

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

（Oh!）

???：Ahh!
I hurriedly dodged out of the way of the tall young man stepping through the door.
He was carrying a stack of books under one arm, and he reached up to adjust his glasses.
???：I apologize for not noticing you.
Jily：Not at all. I'm sorry I was in the way.
I inclined my head in apology, and Mr. Branche spoke to the young man, his voice friendly.
Mr. Branche：Did you borrow that many books from the library again?
???：Yes. I'm just on my way to return them.
???：Before I return to Stein—
???：I would like to read as many of the texts available here as possible.

（Stein?）

My eyes widened in surprise to hear the name of one of our neighboring countries.
Mr. Branche seemed to notice my reaction, and he smiled at me.
Mr. Branche：You know that Stein Institute is the sister school of our school, right?
Jily：Yes.
Mr. Branche：This is Albert. He's an exchange student from Stein Institute.
Mr. Branche：He's a senior, so he's one year ahead of you.

（So your name is Albert...）

I looked up at the tall young man standing in front of me.
He narrowed his eyes slightly as he met my gaze.
Albert：And you are?
Mr. Branche：This is Jily. She's a new scholarship student.
Mr. Branche：She'll be attending our school starting from tomorrow, so I'm showing her around.
Albert：I see.
Albert nodding in understanding in response to Mr. Branche's explanation.

（You said you want to read lots of books, so you must be really into studying.
（I should really follow your example.）

Jily：It's very nice to meet you.
I smiled respectfully up at Albert.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：It's very nice to meet you.
I smiled respectfully up at Albert.
His eyes widened a little as if surprised.
I noticed that his cheeks were flushed faintly red as well.
Albert：Err. Yes.
Albert：That said, we're in different years, so I imagine we won't run into each other much.
Albert gave a small, polite bow to both myself and Mr. Branche.
Then he turned and hurried away down the corridor.

（Aww, I was hoping we could talk for a little longer at least.）

His words had been abrupt and distancing, and I felt a little pang in my heart.
I watched silently as he walked away until he was out of sight.
Jily：Um, Mr. Branche—
Jily：I didn't say or do anything rude, did I?

（Maybe he's really big on formalities?）

Mr. Branche gave me a chagrined smile.
Mr. Branche：No, not at all.
Jily：Are you sure?
Mr. Branche：Albert's just very shy.

（Shy? Hmm, he didn't come across that way at all to me.）

I tried to fit Mr. Branche's words against my first impression of Albert.
But Mr. Branche began to walk off ahead of me, glancing back as he did so.
Mr. Branche：Why don't we continue the tour?
Jily：Oh! Yes!

＊＊＊

Albert hurried away from Mr. Branche and Jily.
As he headed towards the library, he muttered under his breath,
Albert：What is this odd feeling?
He stopped suddenly, turning back again.
At the other end of the corridor he could see Mr. Branche and Jily talking cheerfully.
Albert sighed and frowned to himself as he turned to leave.

＊＊＊

I hurriedly put my meeting with Albert behind me,
and continued to follow Mr. Branche as he showed me around the school.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I continued to follow Mr. Branche as he showed me around the school.
Mr. Branche：All right then, let me walk you back to the entrance.
Jily：Thank you.
The tour was over, and we started to head back to the school entrance, when—
Male Teacher：Ah, Mr. Branche, there you are.
A teacher walked hurriedly towards us, looking relieved.
Male Teacher：I'd like to talk to you about one of the upcoming lessons for the juniors. Do you have a moment?
I realized the teacher was glancing at me as he spoke, and I smiled reassuringly.
Jily：I'll be fine by myself.
Mr. Branche：Are you sure? All right then, take care on your way home.
Jily：Thank you very much.
I curtseyed to the teachers and watched as they walked away.
Suddenly I was alone in the corridor, and I looked around me hesitantly.

（Okay. Mr. Branche just showed me around. I'll be fine. The school's not THAT big, right?）

I tried to reassure myself as I began to walk down the long corridor.

＊＊＊

I didn't quite know how it happened, but I found myself walking down a dark corridor facing out onto a courtyard.

（This is so weird. I'm sure I followed the directions he gave me.）

I didn't recognize my surroundings at all, and I was starting to feel uneasy.
???：What are you doing here?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I didn't recognize my surroundings at all, and I was starting to feel uneasy.
???：What are you doing here?
I turned in surprise to find Albert standing behind me.
Jily：Um. I was trying to get back to the front entrance, but I got lost.
Albert：I see.
Albert muttered the words quietly, and then turned away from me.

（I must seem like a real idiot, getting lost right after I've been shown around, huh?）

My shoulders slumped at the thought, and then Albert glanced back at me.
Albert：The entrance is on the far side of the building. If we don't hurry they'll lock everything up.
Jily：What?

（Are you saying you'll show me the way there?）

Albert：Come with me.
Jily：Okay!
I hurriedly ran after Albert before he got too far away from me, when—
Jily：Oh!
I tripped on something in the dim corridor.
I gasped as I lost my balance and started to tilt forwards.
But thankfully I caught myself against the wall and managed to stop myself falling.

（Geez, why on earth is there a rock on the ground in here?）

Albert：Are you all right?
Albert had walked a few steps away before realizing what had happened.
He turned back to look at me, his expression concerned.
Jily：Yes. There was a rock on the ground, but I didn't see it, and I tripped.
Albert turned and came back to where I was standing.

（What the—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert turned and came back to where I was standing.

（What the—）

He took me by the hand, and my pulse began to race.
Jily：Um—
Albert：For your safety. At this hour, most of the lights will be turned off.
Albert avoided my gaze as he spoke, his voice quiet.
Jily：Thank you very much.

（That's so kind of you.）

His hand was warm and reassuring in mine, and I smiled to myself.
Albert began to walk again, and I hastened my stride to keep up with him.

（Oh, thank goodness!）

We reached the front gates before they'd been shut for the night, and Albert let go of my hand at once.
Jily：Thank you so much!
Albert：Not at all.
Albert：You've only just enrolled, I imagine there are lots of things you're still unfamiliar with.
Albert：When you have a problem, you shouldn't always try to solve it on your own.

（Well, that's true enough—if you hadn't been there I might not have gotten home at all.）

Jily：You're right. I'm sorry about that.
Albert：Very well, then.
Albert nodded briefly in my direction, and then turned and walked towards the dorms.

（You're not really as uptight as you seem, are you?）

I thought back to the warmth of his hand, linked with mine as we'd walked.

（But you just don't come across as the shy type, not really.）

I smiled a little to myself as I watched Albert walk briskly away.
Then I turned and hurried home before it got any later.

＊＊＊

The next day—
My first class was over, and it was time for our first break.
???：Jily?
The young man with white hair sitting next to me smiled as he spoke my name.

（Now let's see, your name was—）

Jily：Leo, right?
Leo：That's right. You remembered.
Jily：I'm trying.
His smile was friendly, and I found myself smiling back at him.
Leo leaned towards me, his expression curious.
Leo：So you got a tour of the school yesterday, right?
Jily：Yes, Mr. Branche was kind enough to show me around.
Leo：Really? It wasn't that senior from Stein?
Jily：What?
My eyes widened in surprise at his unexpected words.
Leo：You were with him at the school gates, right before they shut, weren't you?

（I was, but how did you know?）

I remembered my strange meeting with Albert the day before, and I nodded hesitantly.
Jily：Well, yeah. I got lost as I was trying to leave, and Albert helped me out.
Leo's eyes widened a little at my words, his eyebrows raising.
Leo：That's unusual.

Albert, Chapter 2：

Leo：That's unusual.
Leo：I mean, it's famous. The Stein exchange students are complete opposites.
I blinked curiously at his words.
Jily：Opposites?
Leo：There's another exchange student from Stein, and he's a freshman.
Leo：He's really outgoing and sociable—he can make friends with anyone.
Leo：But the senior? He's cold, or uptight, or formal, whatever you want to call it.
Leo：He's not the type to talk to someone at all the first time he meets them.

（But that's—）

Leo：Maybe that means you're special, Jily.
Jily：Special? I don't think so!
Something about the way he said it made me blush, and I hastened to deny it.

（Or am I?）

I frowned a little in confusion as my heart began to race at the idea.
I was wearing a necklace with a pale pink gemstone pendant,
and without thinking I reached and wrapped my hand around it.

（Why am I—）

At that moment, the bell chimed to signal the start of class.
I pushed aside my confusion and turned my focus back on my lessons.

＊＊＊

My first day of classes ended without a hitch.
After class I'd borrowed a map of the inside of the school from Mr. Branche,
and I was taking myself on a tour to try and get to know it better.

（And so long as I have this map, I should be okay.
（This building is huge, and I need to learn my way around as quickly as possible!）

I studied the map and paid attention to my surroundings as I walked, but all of a sudden—

（Oh no!）

The chain of my necklace came undone without warning.
The pendant slipped off the chain, fell to the floor and rolled away.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The chain of my necklace came undone without warning.
The pendant slipped off the chain, fell to the floor and rolled away.
I hurried after it, but it rolled up against someone's shoes.
Jily：I'm so sorry!
I looked up as the owner of the shoes leaned over and picked up the pendant.
Jily：Albert!
Albert：Are you lost again?
Albert handed me the pendant, and I shook my head quickly as I put it in my pocket.
Jily：I want to learn my way around, so I'm going around the school again by myself.
Albert frowned a little at my explanation.
Albert：Did you forget what I said to you yesterday?

〝Albert：When you have a problem, you shouldn't always try to solve it on your own.〞

Jily：No, I didn't. But after what happened yesterday—
Jily：Well, today I borrowed a map and I'm using it to guide me.
I smiled cheerfully up at Albert as I showed him the map.
But instead of smiling back, his frown deepened.
Albert：When I said that, I meant it would be better to ask someone for assistance.

（I don't think what you said is wrong, but—）

Jily：I understand, but I don't like to ask for help without making any effort on my own first.
Jily：I think it's better to try my best first, and only ask for help if I'm having trouble.
I looked up at Albert as I spoke, meeting his gaze directly,
and his eyes widened a little in surprise.
He looked a little younger without the frown, but I wasn't sure what he was thinking.

（Does that sound silly to you? Oh, I hope you don't think I'm being rude after you gave me such good advice!）

I flushed a little, and hurried to speak again.
Jily：That said, I was really relieved when you helped me out yesterday!
Jily：And it's not that I'm trying recklessly to do absolutely everything myself.
Jily：I know that's not a good idea.
I gave him a somewhat chagrined smile as I finished.
Albert reached up and fiddled with his glasses, his gaze skittering away from mine.
Albert：I see.
Albert：Well then, I will take my leave. Please do your best.
And without another word, he turned to walk away.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert turned to walk away without another word.
Jily：Um—Albert?
I spoke without thinking, and he paused, glancing back.
Jily：I was just wondering—how much longer are you here on exchange?
Albert：Another week or so.
Jily：Oh, I see.

（Only one more week? That's not very long.）

The knowledge sent a strange ache through my heart, and I looked away from him.
Albert：Anything else?
Jily：No. I'm sorry for stopping you.
Albert inclined his head politely, and stepped into the nearby library.

（Why did I even call out to you again as you were leaving?
（Well, I guess I wanted to talk to you for a little longer.）

I didn't really understand my own feelings, and I frowned again.
I reached into my pocket, wrapping my hands around the pendant that Albert had picked up for me.

（Maybe it's because of what Leo said.）

〝Leo：Maybe that means you're special, Jily.〞

My heart began to pound again as I thought about it.

＊＊＊

Several days later, after school—
I decided to visit the library so I could review some of the things I'd learned in class that day.
I moved between the tall bookshelves, looking up at the shelf where the book I wanted was supposed to be.

（Let's see—oh yeah, there it is.）

The book I was looking for was on a shelf quite a bit out of my reach.

（Maybe if I try really hard, I can reach it.）

I stood up on tiptoes, stretching out my hand towards the book.

（Just a little further—oh!!）

As soon as my fingers touched the cover of the book, it tipped towards me and started to fall.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

As soon as my fingers touched the cover of the book, it tipped towards me and started to fall.
???：Look out!

（What the—）

The voice spoke suddenly from behind me, and I heard footsteps.
A hand reached out and caught the book right before it fell on my head.
Jily：Oh! Thank you!!
My eyes were wide with surprise as I turned to look.
Albert was standing right next to me, his face much closer than I'd expected, and I caught my breath.
Albert：Wha—!
Albert looked just as startled as I felt, and he hastily stepped back.
Albert：At times like these, you don't have to try your best to figure out what the end result will be.
Jily：Well, I guess you're right.

（Ahh, why is my heart pounding so fast!）

My pulse seemed to be ringing in my ears, and I couldn't make sense of my own feelings.
Albert cleared his throat, and handed me the book.
Albert：Are you reviewing after your lessons?
I took the book from Albert, trying my best to calm down again.
Jily：I want to catch up as fast as I can.
Albert：Catch up?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：Catch up?
Jily：Well, I've entered late, as a scholarship student. I want to get used to the pace of the classes as quickly as possible.
Albert：That's very enthusiastic of you.
There was admiration in Albert's voice as he spoke.

（You're so enthusiastic about your studies yourself, so it makes me happy to hear you say that.
（But this is... different, maybe?）

Jily：I don't know if it's enthusiasm so much as—I'm doing it for something that's important to me.
Albert：Something important?
Albert's expression was curious, and I nodded firmly.
Jily：Yes.
I lifted up the pendant I was wearing to show him—I'd fixed the necklace the same day it broke.
Albert：That was—from the other day—
Jily：Yes. It was a gift from a girl who lives near me, the first person I ever taught anything to.
The memory of that moment was still as vivid to me as the day it had happened.
Jily：When she gave me this, that was the first time I realized that I wanted to be a teacher.
Jily：She was so grateful for what I'd taught her, and it made me so happy.
Jily：And I never wanted to forget what I felt in that moment.

（I want to become a teacher that would make her proud.）

Jily：It's a dream that's important to me, and so I want to do the best I can.
I looked happily up at Albert as I finished telling him the story.
His eyes were wide as he looked down at me.
For a short moment we stared at each other, and then he seemed to come back to himself with a start.

（Hang on—）

His cheeks looked faintly flushed, and I chewed my lower lip.
Albert：You have—

Albert, Chapter 3：

Albert：You have surprisingly strong convictions.

（Oh wow—I've never seen you look quite like that before.）

Albert was smiling at me, his cheeks flushed faintly red.
I remembered suddenly what Mr. Branche had told me about Albert being very shy.

〝Albert：The entrance is on the far side of the building. If we don't hurry they'll lock everything up.〞
〝Albert：Come with me.〞

〝Albert：Not at all.〞
〝Albert：You've only just enrolled, I imagine there are lots of things you're still unfamiliar with.〞
〝Albert：When you have a problem, you shouldn't always try to solve it on your own.〞

（Sometimes the way you phrase things seems a bit cold.）
（But I feel like you've always been so kind to me.）
（And maybe the coldness is just because you're actually feeling shy.）

Suddenly Mr. Branche's words made sense, but there was still one thing I felt unsure about.

（When you're being kind, is that—）

Jily：Just to me?
Albert：Did you say something?

（Oops! I didn't mean to say that aloud.）

Jily：Oh! No, I was just feeling really happy that you said I have strong convictions.
I hastily changed the topic, smiling brightly up at Albert.
But I could feel myself blushing again.

＊＊＊

Lunchtime the next day—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

It was lunchtime the following day, and I was walking down the corridor with my friends.

（Oh! It's Albert, and—）

I spotted two figures talking together further down the corridor.
One was Albert, and the other was a younger male student with pink hair.
My friends noticed them a moment later, and began to talk excitedly.
Friend 1：Oh, it's Albert and Nico!
Friend 2：It is! It's so weird, they're both from Stein but they're like polar opposites.

（Now that you mention it, I remember Leo saying the same thing.）

My friends and I kept walking, and soon we passed the two of them.

（Wow, I never knew you could look like that, Albert.）

I glanced at the both of them, still deep in conversation.
Something about Albert's expression caught my eye, and I couldn't help but stare.

（You look almost angry, and yet you seem like you're having fun, too.）

It was the most expressive I'd ever seen him, and so different from how he always looked with me.

（I'd love to see what other sort of expressions you're able to show...）

Just as I thought that—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（I'd love to see what other sort of expressions you're able to show...）

Just as I thought that—

（Oh!）
（Did our eyes just meet?）

Just as I was walking past Albert and Nico, I felt as my eyes met Albert's for a moment.
My heart skipped a beat and began to pound even faster.

（Ahh, why do I keep feeling like this?）

I hurried my pace, keeping up with my friends.
But I kept my head down all the way back to the classroom, trying to hide my red cheeks.

＊＊＊

Albert followed Jily with his eyes as she entered her classroom.
Nico watched him for a moment, then laughed suddenly.
Nico：What's that? Don't tell me you're interested in her?
Albert：Shut up.
Albert adjusted his glasses as he spoke, and Nico's eyes widened.
Nico：What?! You really are!
Albert：I didn't say yes!
Nico：But you didn't deny it, either!
Nico laughed in open amusement, leaning closer to study Albert's expression.
Nico：When did you become such good friends? Oh wait, or was it love at first sight?
Albert：Wha—!
Albert scowled, and Nico shrugged and moved away again.
Nico：Al, you're so easy to read.
Nico smiled as he spoke, but then his expression turned a little sad.
Nico：But it's not an easy thing, you know.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：But it's not an easy thing, you know.
Nico：After all, you have to go back to Stein soon.
Nico scratched the back of his head as he spoke.
Nico：And if you tried to remain a couple when you were so far apart—
Nico：Well, you couldn't see each other much even if you wanted to. It'd make you both lonely.
Albert was silent in response to Nico's words.
But his frown turned deeper, his eyes moving to the door of Jily's classroom.
A moment later the bell chimed, signaling the end of lunch.

＊＊＊

After school that day—
I decided to visit the library again.
I had some books to return, and I wanted to do some more preparation for my next lessons.
I stood just inside the entrance, looking around for an empty spot to sit at.

（Oh! Albert's here again.）

I saw Albert sitting at the end of one of the tables, reading a book.

（He looks really focused, though, I don't want to interrupt him right now.）

I decided to sit down some distance away from him.

（That reminds me, he talked about reading a lot, didn't he?）

〝Albert：Before I return to Stein—〞
〝Albert：I would like to read as many of the texts available here as possible.〞

（Before he returns to Stein—）

A sudden odd sense of loneliness welled up inside.

（I don't know why, but I seem to be thinking about Albert nonstop lately.）

I frowned a little to myself, not sure what to make of my own feelings.
At last I sighed and reached into my bag, pulling out my textbook.
I opened it and resolutely focused on my studies.

＊＊＊

A sudden sound disturbed me, bringing me slowly from dreams into wakefulness.

（Hang on—）

I blinked rapidly in confusion.
Everything seemed to come back to me all at once, and I sat up with a start.

（When did I fall asleep?!）

As I sat up, I felt something slide off my shoulders with a soft rustle.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

As I sat up, I felt something slide off my shoulders with a soft rustle.

（What the—）

I reached down to retrieve the jacket that had been covering me, but the person sitting next to me did so before I could.
Albert：So you're finally awake.
Jily：Albert?
I could clearly remember that Albert had been sitting some distance away when I started studying.
It was a shock to find him sitting next to me, and I blinked up at him with wide eyes.

（Did you put your jacket over me to keep me warm?）

His kindness filled my heart with happiness.
Jily：Thank you.
Albert：You really are something, falling asleep in the middle of studying.

（Oh!）

Albert's smile was surprisingly gentle as he spoke.
I could feel my cheeks flushing bright red.

（Oh wow—I finally figured it out.）

My heart was racing, and there was a flutter of excitement in my tummy.

（I've fallen for you, Albert.）

I caught my breath as everything seemed to fall into place, and right at that moment—
Albert：Wha—
Jily：Oh!
The sharp click of a key turning in a lock echoed through the library.
Albert：Don't tell me—
I caught my breath, imagining the worst, and a shiver ran down my spine.
Albert and I hurried towards the library door together.
Albert：...It's locked.
Albert pushed and pulled at the door, trying to open it, but it refused to budge.

（Are we locked in here? All night?）

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Decision Time>>>

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Albert, Chapter 4-Sweet Ending：

Albert：...It's locked.

（Are we locked in here? All night?）

I looked around and realized that we were the only two people left in the library.
Panic welled up inside of me, and I clenched my hands together.
Albert turned towards me, looking me directly in the eye as he said,
Albert：Please, remain calm. I'm here with you.

（Oh, Albert—）

His voice was kind, and it seemed to ease the panic before it could take hold of me.
Jily：You're right. Thanks.
Albert：One of the teachers doing the rounds probably locked it without checking properly.
Albert looked around the inside of the library as he spoke.

（Are you looking for something?）

Jily：What are you doing?
Albert：This library is very large.
Albert：I was wondering if maybe there's a storage room or something somewhere.
Albert：If there is, maybe we could get out through there.
I turned to look around the library as well, appreciating all over again how big it was.
Jily：That's a good idea. I'll look around as well.
Albert：If you could.
We split up and began to make our way around the library.
I was making my way between two of the tall bookcases, when—

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I was making my way between two of the tall bookcases, when—

（Oh!）

Albert was walking between another two bookcases nearby.
There was a gap between the books, and for a moment I thought our eyes would meet.
I caught my breath, my heart racing.
Without thinking I dropped my gaze away before he could catch it.

（Now that I've realized I like you—）
（I don't feel like I can look you in the eye.）

My cheeks flushed red, and I moved away from the bookcases, looking for another door.
Albert：Anything over there?
Albert came walking towards me, but I shook my head.
Jily：What about where you looked?
Albert：No, I didn't find a thing either.

（Maybe there's no storage room at all.）

I sighed softly, leaning back against the nearest bookcase.
Albert：Jily!
Jily：What?!

（Waaaaaaah!）

It happened in an instant—my vision went dark and I could hear the sudden sound of books falling all around me.

（What the—）

I cringed, expecting the pain of books hitting me, but there was nothing.
I frowned in confusion, opening my eyes hesitantly.
Albert：Are you all right?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I frowned in confusion, opening my eyes hesitantly.
Albert：Are you all right?
Jily：Yes, I'm—
Albert must have leapt forward to protect me, his arms wrapped tightly around me.
His face was much closer than I'd expected, and I caught my breath, my words forgotten.

（Albert—you saved me.）

As I stared up at him in surprise, his cheeks slowly turned pink.
I felt captivated by his gaze, captivated by the sight of him.
Then I realized anew just how close he was, and I began to blush as well.

（Ahh—I need to say thank you—or something—）

The words were spinning around and around in my head.
But all I could do was stare up at him as he stared down at me.

（Ahh, I don't know what to do!!）

The silence seemed to stretch out forever, when suddenly—
Jily：Oh!
Albert：Wha—
The familiar sound of a key turning in the lock echoed through the library again.
???：Yoohoo! Al?
At the sound of the unfamiliar voice, we jumped away from each other with a start.
I turned in surprise towards the library door.
A teacher was stepping into the room, Nico by his side.
Nico：I was right! You are in here.
Male Teacher：I'm sorry. I can't believe I locked the door without checking properly.
Albert：How—how did you know I was here?
Albert adjusted his glasses, looking for all the world like he was trying to hide his blush.
Nico's expression turned thoughtful for a moment, and then he smiled brightly.
Nico：I just kinda guessed.
Nico：I went to see you in your room at the dorm, and realized you weren't back.
Nico：So I came looking for you.
Jily：Thank you very much.
I stood up straighter, curtseying to both of them.
Nico looked over at me, and then back at Albert, and he began to giggle.
Nico：Hmm? You're both bright red.
Jily：No, we're—
Albert：No we're not.
Albert cut me off, glaring at Nico as he did so.

（I'm really glad you came and got us out, but—）
（I can't help but wish we could've stayed in here a little longer.）

I bit my lip, glancing hesitantly up at Albert, wondering what he was thinking.
His cheeks were still red, but—

（Hmm.）

Albert refused to meet my gaze again.
We left the library and parted ways, and he didn't look at me once.

＊＊＊

Several days later—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Several days later, after school—

（He really is going home.）

An event had been held that day to say farewell to Albert and Nico.
I kept thinking back to how Albert had looked at the event, and how distant he'd seemed.

（I haven't seen him once since that day we got locked in the library together.）

And I hadn't forgotten how he'd refused to meet my gaze again after what had happened.
It weighed heavily on my heart, no matter how I tried to ignore it.

（And I couldn't just bring myself to go up to him and start a conversation or something.）

I clenched my fingers in the folds of my skirts.

（But even so—）
（I just want to tell him how I feel, before he leaves and I never see him again.）

The thought had plagued me all day, until at last I'd worked up the courage.
I made my way through the corridors until I reached Albert's classroom.
I stood at the doorway, peering inside.

（Oh! Albert—）

Albert looked up from his desk for a moment, and our eyes met.
I hesitated, unsure whether I should call out to him or not.
Albert：What's the matter?
Albert walked over to the doorway to speak to me.
Jily：Um—there's something I'd like to tell you.
I looked up at him, meeting his gaze directly.
Albert glanced around him briefly, as if conscious of the other students watching us surreptitiously.
Albert：Come with me, then.
Albert reached out and took me by the hand.

＊＊＊

Albert led to me the gardens near the dorms, and then turned to face me.
Albert：What's the matter?
Jily：Well—
My heart began to pound as I realized that we were alone together.

（C'mon, you can do this.）

I pulled together every shred of courage I had, and said,
Jily：I wanted to tell you this before you went home.
Jily：I... I really like you, Albert.
Jily：Even if you leave and we're apart—I still really like you.
I looked him directly in the eye as I spoke, trying to ignore the pounding of my heart.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：I... I really like you, Albert.
Jily：Even if you leave and we're apart—I still really like you.
I looked him directly in the eye as I spoke, trying to ignore the pounding of my heart.
Albert：So we feel the same.
Jily：What?

（The same? We do? Wait—）

It was the last thing I'd expected him to say, and my eyes widened in shock.
Albert's cheeks were red, but he continued to speak.
Albert：I like you too.
Jily：Oh—
Albert：As you said, we won't be able to be together all the time.
Albert：And that day, I found myself thinking, if I spend any more time with you I'm just going to like you even more.
I realized then that he was talking about the day we'd gotten locked in the library, and he'd stopped meeting my gaze.

（So you were like me—unsure what to do?）

Albert：Because of that, I couldn't decide whether to tell you how I feel.
Albert：But even if we'll be apart for a while—
Albert：I promise you that I will come and be with you again soon.
His words were direct and sure, and they filled my heart with warmth and joy.
Jily：I'd like that.

（I know you're going a long way away.）
（But so long as I have your promise, I won't feel lonely.）

I was so happy I couldn't stop smiling, and Albert reached out towards me.

（Oh!）

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace.
I felt enfolded in his warmth, and I reached up and wrapped my arms around him in return...

fin.

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Albert, Chapter 4-Premium Ending：

Albert：...It's locked.

（Are we locked in here? All night?）

I looked around and realized that we were the only two people left in the library.
Jily：Oh no!
Albert：One of the teachers doing the rounds probably locked it without checking properly.
I looked up at the clock on the nearby wall.
It was much later than I'd thought, and way past time for the school to be closing up.
Jily：I'm so sorry! This is all my fault for falling asleep.

（And you were being so kind and keeping watch over me.）
（And now we're both locked in here.）

I dropped my gaze, my shoulders slumping as I realized how much trouble I'd caused Albert.
Albert：Not at all. I was so caught up in my book I didn't notice either.
Albert：This isn't your fault.
Albert：However—they may not open the door again until morning.
Albert looked around the library, frowning.

（Wait, I know! You're on exchange, so you live in the dorms, so...）

Jily：Someone in the dorms will notice that you're gone, right?
Albert：It's a single room, so unless something happens, they probably won't.
Jily：Oh. Right.

（What are we gonna do?）

Uneasiness welled up inside me as I stared at the locked door.
Albert：Well, there's no use crying over spilt milk.
Albert：We'll just have to spend the night here.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：We'll just have to spend the night here.

（Wait, what?!）

Albert：Another teacher doing the rounds should open the door again early in the morning.
Albert was still studying the door as he spoke.
But then he seemed to notice my expression, and he gave me a reassuringly smile.
Albert：I know you're probably feeling anxious, but don't worry. You're not alone.
He reached out and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, squeezing it gently.
The warm touch seemed to ease the panic that had been building up inside.

（Oh wow, I'm so glad you're here!）

We returned to the table where our bags were, and sat down next to each other.

（But when we're together like this, just the two of us—）

I'd only just realized how I felt about Albert, and I couldn't get it out of my mind.

（I can't help but want to ask you.）

The library was quiet around us, and the pounding of my heart seemed far too loud.
I pressed my lips together and looked down at my hands in my lap, wishing I could calm my racing heart.

（Hang on—）

Suddenly I felt a warm arm wrapping gently around my shoulders.
A moment later my cheek touched Albert's chest, and I realized he'd pulled me into a gentle embrace.
Jily：Albert?
I looked up at him in surprise.
As our gazes met, his eyes widened in surprise as well.
Albert：Oh, I thought you were crying—I'm sorry.
Jily：That's okay.

（You were worried about me.）
（But wow, this is just making me so much more aware of you!）

I dropped my gaze again, unable to look him in the eye any longer.

（Wait a minute—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I dropped my gaze again, unable to look Albert in the eye any longer.

（Wait a minute—）
（You know now that I'm not actually crying.）
（Why are you still holding me in your arms like this?）

Albert's embrace was warm and sure, and I dared to glance up at him again.
He was looking off to the side, his eyelashes feathering against his cheeks.
But he continued to stroke my hair gently with one hand.

（Don't tell me—do you feel the same way I do? Dare I hope?）

I could hear his heart racing through the fabric of his clothes.
The realization made me blush all over again.

（I would be so happy if that were true.）

A little ray of hope sparked inside of me.

（But for now, I just want to stay like this.）

And so we stayed there like that, spending the night together.

＊＊＊

The next morning—
A teacher doing the rounds came by very early and unlocked the door.
It was a relief to finally be able to leave the library.
Jily：Thank you so much.
Jily：It's all because of you that I was able to get through the night without being worried or scared.
Albert：Not at all. I didn't do anything worth thanking me for.
Albert frowned a little then, and his eyes skittered away from mine as he went on.
Albert：Also... please forget about last night.

（What?）

Albert：If you will excuse me.
Albert turned away and walked off down the corridor.

（When you say：last night—）

I could still clearly remember the warmth of his embrace, and the pounding of his heart.

（I was really happy about that. But—maybe you felt differently?）

I stared at Albert's retreating back, my heart aching at the thought.

＊＊＊

Several days later—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Several days later—
It was Albert's last day at Royal Wysterian before he returned to Stein.
My classes for the day were over, and I sat in the empty classroom, sighing to myself.

〝Albert：Also... please forget about last night.〞

（Maybe I'm the only one feeling this way.
（But I don't want you to leave without knowing how I feel.）

I'd spent the last few days agonizing over things, but I'd finally decided that I needed to talk to Albert.
I picked up my bag and stood up from my desk, determined to go looking for him.
???：You're still here.
Jily：What?
I turned in surprise to find Albert standing in the doorway.
Jily：Why—
My eyes widened in disbelief as Albert walked towards me.

（Albert—you look like you're blushing.）

My heart skipped a beat as Albert stopped in front of me and said,
Albert：I came to see you.
Jily：You did?
Albert：When I return to Stein, I won't be able to see you anymore.
Albert：I thought it might be better to leave without telling you how I feel.
Albert：But the truth is, I want to tell you.
Albert's serious voice echoed loudly in the quiet classroom.
Albert：You said that your dream is something important to you.
Albert：I've also found something that's important to me.
Albert looked down at me, his gaze capturing mine.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Albert：You said that your dream is something important to you.
Albert：I've also found something that's important to me.
Albert Albert looked down at me, his gaze capturing mine.
Albert：The thing that's important to me is... you.
I caught my breath at his words, my mind suddenly blank.
Albert：I've been fascinated by you since the first time we met.

（So wait—you feel the same way I do?）

Jily：But you told me to forget the other night—
The words tumbled out awkwardly before I'd really thought about them.
Albert frowned a little as he said,
Albert：I said that because I'd decided not to tell you how I felt.
Albert：But no matter what I do, I can't get you out of my mind.
There was an edge of loneliness to his voice, and it sent a sweet thrill right through me.
Albert：I realized that even if I didn't tell you how I felt,
Albert：it wouldn't stop my feelings for you growing stronger.
I stared up at Albert, filled with disbelief and hope all at once.
I could feel tears pricking the corners of my eyes.
Albert：Will you accept my feelings?

（Oh wow, I'm so overwhelmed I don't know what to say!）

All my words seemed caught in my throat, but I tried my best.
Jily：Yes!!
My vision was blurred with tears, but I smiled with all my heart as I nodded firmly.
Albert：I'm here on exchange this time, but next time I will come specifically to see you.
Albert reached out and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace.

（I never expected I'd be this happy to know that we both feel the same way.）
（I guess that shows just how much I care about you, Albert.）

I couldn't stop smiling, and Albert reached down to touch my cheek.
Albert：It doesn't matter whether we're together or apart.
Albert：I promise I will make you happy.
Albert whispered the words like an oath as he cupped my cheek gently.
A moment later he pressed a sweet, gentle kiss against my lips...

fin.

After Episode

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

You and Albert have officially become a couple.
Now share a sweet evening together with him after your graduation.
Albert：If you keep being so adorable—
Albert：I'm going to end up wanting more than just a kiss.
Your heart begins to race at the sweet promise lurking in those words...
Albert：I feel it so much more than back then. I love you so much.
The sweet sounds of your passionate voices fill the room...
Will you let Albert love you with all his heart and soul?