♔亞緣腐宅窩♔

School Days（Nico）

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!
......
The more you get to know the freshman exchange student Nico Meier, the more you like him.
Nico：I know we're from different schools, and we're in different years, and I can't change that.
Nico：But it won't stop me from trying. The truth is, 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 Nico

Nico, Chapter 1：

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

（Oh!）

I hastily jumped out of the way, almost tripping over, and a worried voice said,
???：I'm sorry! Are you okay?
Jily：I'm fine! And I'm sorry too.
I recovered my balance and looked up at the newcomer.
The young man standing in front of me gave me a hopeful smile.
He had big, bright eyes, and his hair was a unique shade of pink.
Mr. Branche：I'm sorry, I didn't realize either.
???：No, it's fine, really!

（You seem so bubbly and cheerful.）

The young man was smiling brightly now, and I found myself smiling back at him.
Mr. Branche：Well, I'm glad you're both fine.
Mr. Branche nodded at the young man, and then turned back to me.
Mr. Branche：I'd feel awful if you got injured the day before you started school.
???：You're about to start school here?
The young man turned to look at me curiously, and I nodded.
Jily：My name is Jily. I'm a scholarship student, and starting tomorrow, I'll be a junior.
I smiled at him as I introduced myself.
He nodded in understanding, his expression brightening.
???：So you're a scholarship student!
Mr. Branche：My name is Nico Meier. I'm a freshman, so that makes you my upperclassman! It's nice to meet you, Jily!
Jily：It's nice to meet you, too.

（Gosh, I didn't expect to be called someone's upperclassman already!）

Nico was beaming at me, and I had a sudden urge to giggle.

（But it makes me feel like I'm already a student here, and that makes me happy.）

I smiled brightly back at Nico, and then Mr. Branche interrupted us.
Mr. Branche：Oh, that reminds me. One of the teachers was looking for you, Nico.
Mr. Branche：Apparently some documents arrived from Stein Institute and they wanted to give them to you.

（What? Stein Institute?）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Mr. Branche：Apparently some documents arrived from Stein Institute and they wanted to give them to you.

（What? Stein Institute?）
（I think that's Royal Wysterian's sister school, right?）
（But why would they be sending you documents?）

I studied Nico curiously, my thoughts going round in circles.
Nico seemed to notice my confusion, and he gave me another bright smile.
Nico：Ahh, I forgot to mention that in my introduction!
Nico：I'm an exchange student from Stein Institute.
Jily：Wow, really? That's great.

（So that explains the documents, then.）

Nico：I'll go get those documents now.
Nico：Mr. Branche, Jily, I'll see you tomorrow!
Nico waved happily as he hurried off down the hall.
Mr. Branche：Nico's always full of energy.
Mr. Branche smiled in amusement as he watched Nico walk away.
Mr. Branche：Now, how about we get back to our tour of the school grounds?
Jily：Yes, please!

（You're right—Nico seems like a ball of energy, and really easy to talk to.）

I followed after Mr. Branche as he walked off down the corridor.
Nico's bright smile had made me feel more cheerful too, and I couldn't stop smiling.

＊＊＊

Lunchtime the next day—
Female Student 1：So you're not living in the dorms then, Jily?
Jily：No.
I'd made several friends quite quickly, and we'd decided to have lunch together.
We headed out into the schoolyard to find somewhere to eat.
Female Student 2：It's really fun living in the dorms, so if you like, you should come visit us some time.
We chattered happily as we walked across the schoolyard, until I spotted something.

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

My new friends and I chattered happily as we walked across the schoolyard, until I spotted something.

（Oh!）

As I glanced over at a group of people standing nearby,
I realized that Nico was at the center of the group, chatting animatedly to his friends.
My friends seemed to notice the group as well, and they all snuck glances at Nico.
Female Student 1：It's Nico! Isn't he adorable?
Female Student 2：I talked to him once, you know.
Female Student 1：Really? Oh gosh, I'm so jealous!

（Wow, I had no idea he was so popular!）

I looked over at Nico again, studying him as he chatted.

（Wait, did our eyes just meet?）

For a moment it felt like he caught my gaze directly and smiled brightly at me.
My heart skipped a beat and began to pound faster.

（Wait, why am I reacting like that?）

I frowned in confusion at myself as I hurried to catch up to my friends.

＊＊＊

After school that day—
I was packing up my things for the day when Mr. Branche stuck his head into the classroom.
Mr. Branche：Sorry to ask, but can any of you help me out with carrying a few things?
There were only a few other students left, and all of them looked reluctant.
Male Student：I'm sorry, I have chess club to get to.
Female Student：I have to meet some friends to go into town...

（Well, in that case—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

（Well, in that case—）

Jily：I can do it!
I piped up, and Mr. Branche gave me a friendly smile.
Mr. Branche：Really? That'd help me out a lot. Thanks.
I hurried out of the classroom and began to help Mr. Branche.
Jily：There's only one box left, and I can carry that.
I picked up the last box filled with teaching materials for our classes.
I smiled reassuringly up at Mr. Branche, and he looked relieved.
Mr. Branche：Are you sure you'll be all right by yourself?
Jily：Yes!
Mr. Branche：Thank you, then. You've been a great help, really.
I waved to Mr. Branche and headed back to the prep room with the last box.

（I'll be okay, but you sure packed a lot of stuff into this last box!）

The box was heavier than the others had been, and I struggled a little, trying to adjust my grip on it.

（Oh!）

Something inside the box shifted without warning, and I scrabbled to keep hold of it.

（Ahh, I'm gonna fall over!）

I closed my eyes without thinking, when—
???：Look out!

（Wha—）

I'd expected to crash into the ground and hurt myself,
but instead I found myself wrapped in a gentle embrace.
I slowly and hesitantly opened my eyes.
Nico：Ahh, thank goodness, I just managed to catch you!
Nico smiled at me, his expression full of relief, and my heart began to race.
Jily：Thank you so much!

（You're setting my heart pounding again. Was it just the almost-fall?）

I realized then that he was essentially hugging me, and my cheeks went bright red.
Nico let go of me, and I smiled awkwardly at him.
Jily：Didn't we do this yesterday, too? I seem to be good at causing trouble for you, upperclassman or not.
Nico's eyes widened in surprise, and then he grinned at me.
Nico：Ahh, don't worry about things like that!
Nico：Helping each other out is more important than who's in what year, right?

（You really are so friendly and sweet, aren't you?）

Jily：In that case, thank you, Nico.
Nico：You're welcome!
Nico nodded happily, and then grimaced as he looked down at the box I was carrying.
Nico：That's way too much for one person to be carrying by themselves, though!
Jily：Well, everyone else seemed to be busy.
Jily：And I just thought, if I could do it, I wanted to help.
Jily：But you're right—it'd be a real problem if I ran someone else over.
Nico reached out then, taking the box from me.

（Oh!）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：But you're right—it'd be a real problem if I ran someone else over.
Nico reached out then, taking the box from me.

（Oh!）

Nico：It's not that.
Nico：It'd be a real problem if you hurt yourself.
Nico frowned seriously at me for a moment.
Then his bright smile was back again.
Nico：So let me carry it, okay?

（You're worried about me, aren't you? You're so sweet.）

The kindness of his words and his smile made me feel warm inside.
Jily：Thank you.
Nico and I began to walk down the corridor together towards the prep room.
As we walked, Nico glanced at me and said,
Nico：I saw you out in the schoolyard with your lunchbox today.

（Oh! So when I thought you smiled at me—）

I remembered seeing him surrounded by all his friends.

（That wasn't just my imagination.）

Nico：Did you make your lunch yourself?
Jily：Yeah.
Nico：Ahh, that's amazing! I'm really bad at making lunch.
Jily：It's not that amazing. I've been doing it for years.
Nico：I see! So maybe I should just try practicing more.
We continued to chat as we walked, until at last we reached the prep room.
Nico：So it's okay if I just put it here?
Jily：Yeah, that'll be fine.
I nodded with a smile, and Nico smiled back at me.
He set the box down near the door with the others I'd carried in earlier.
Nico：There, perfect!
Jily：Thanks so much for helping me—
Nico：Oh, Jily!
Nico interrupted my words suddenly, his eyes widening slightly.
He was staring right at me, and I wondered what was wrong.
Nico：Hold still for a sec.
Jily：What?
Nico leaned closer, studying me carefully.

Nico, Chapter 2：

Nico：Hold still for a sec.
Jily：What?
Nico leaned closer, studying my face, and then touched my cheek gently.
Jily：Nico?
He was so close to me, his eyes so intense, and it set my heart pounding.
I bit my lip, not sure how to react.
Nico：There, got it.
Nico smiled brightly at me as he stepped back again, his hand falling away from my cheek.
Nico：You had an eyelash on you.

（So that's what you meant by：hold still? You could've just told me!）

Jily：Oh—thanks.
My heart was still racing at his sudden, unexpected closeness.

（I don't know why I'm feeling so hyper-aware of you.）

I could feel myself blushing at my reaction.
I searched hastily for some way to change the topic.
Jily：And thanks again for helping me carry that last box.
Jily：Is there anything I could do for you, to thank you for that?
Nico：To thank me?
Nico's eyes widened in surprise at my words.
Then he smiled again, a mischievous look in his eyes.
Nico：Anything at all?
Jily：Sure.
Nico：I'd love it if you could make lunch for me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：I'd love it if you could make lunch for me.
Jily：What?
Nico：Well, we were talking earlier about your delicious homemade lunches.
Nico：And I found myself thinking 'gosh, I'd love to try that.' Is that asking too much?
The way he asked was just so adorable, and it sent a sweet pang through my heart.

（You're so cute, Nico.）
（There's no way I could say no to a request like that!）

He stared at me with his big, puppy dog eyes, and I smiled at him.
Jily：I don't mind.
Nico：Yay! Then let's have lunch together tomorrow, on those benches in the corner of the schoolyard, okay?
Nico looked so happy and excited, and his enthusiasm was catching—I found myself grinning back at him.

＊＊＊

The next day—
The bell sounded, signaling the end of morning classes and the start of lunchtime.
The classroom seemed to relax and become more lively almost at once.

（He said the benches in the corner of the schoolyard, right?）

I remembered my promise with Nico from the day before, and I opened my bag to get the lunchboxes I'd brought.
As I did so, my friend sitting next to me turned and said,
Female Student 1：Do you want to have lunch with us again today?
Jily：Oh! Actually, today I'm...
I started to explain things to my friend, but before I could—
???：Jily!
A bright, cheery voice called my name, and I turned towards the doorway.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：Jily!
A bright, cheery voice called my name, and I turned towards the doorway.
Jily：Nico!
Nico：I came to get you!
Nico waved cheerfully to me, his smile bright, and the room erupted with chatter.
Female Student 1：What? He came to get you?
Jily：Well—Nico and I promised we'd have lunch together today.
Female Student 2：I'm so jealous! When did you become such good friends?
Jily：Well, you know, stuff happened...
I felt a little overwhelmed by all the questions, but I did my best to answer.

（You really are popular, aren't you, Nico?）

The girls around me sounded so envious and enthusiastic as they discussed Nico.
It made me feel awkward and embarrassed, and I could feel my cheeks growing hot.

（Um, I think it's about time I leave!）

I could clearly feel all my classmates watching me with amusement as I walked away.
But I did my best to ignore it as Nico and I headed outside.

＊＊＊

Somehow we made our way safely out into the schoolyard.
We sat down on a bench together and began to eat lunch.
Nico：These meatballs are soooo delicious!
Nico：They're the best meatballs I've ever eaten!
Jily：Now you're just exaggerating.
Nico：No I'm not! They really are that delicious!
Nico looked so happy as he ate and chatted at the same time, and I couldn't help but smile at him.

（Oh, hang on—）

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico looked so happy as he ate and chatted at the same time, and I couldn't help but smile at him.

（Oh, hang on—）

As I looked at him, I realized sauce had dribbled down his chin.
I pulled out my handkerchief and leaned closer, wiping the sauce from his chin.
Nico stared at me with wide eyes, and I caught my breath.

（What am I doing?）

Jily：I'm sorry! You had sauce on your chin, and I just—

（I could've just told you about it. Why didn't I?）

Embarrassment flooded through me, and my cheeks felt suddenly hot.
Nico：No, it's fine. Thanks. I guess it was childish of me, huh?
There was something shy and almost vulnerable in his expression, and I couldn't help but find it adorable.
I felt an odd yet sweet ache deep down in my heart.
Jily：No, it wasn't.
I smiled at him as I spoke, and after a moment he smiled back.
There was still an edge of shyness in his expression, and I caught my breath as our eyes met.

（Oh—）

His smile set my heart pounding, and I tried to distract myself by talking about something else.
Jily：You know, you really are popular, Nico.
Nico：What?
Jily：You were completely surrounded by friends yesterday.
Jily：And today when you came to my class, everyone was talking about you.
Nico：Hmm. I don't think I'm exactly popular, but I guess I do have a lot of friends?
Nico's gaze turned distant, his expression thoughtful.
Nico：When you have lots of friends, you get to know lots of different things.
Nico：And you have more chances to be helpful to other people.

（Wow, that's a really great way to look at it.）

I was used to seeing Nico's expression bright and cheerful.
But his expression as he spoke about his friends was thoughtful and determined.
Something about this new look sent a shiver right through me.

（Ahh, what's with these feelings again?）

I frowned a little at myself and the strange way my body kept reacting.
Then Nico gave me a chagrined smile.
Nico：Though I do get told that I'm a faker. That I'm opportunistic.

（Oh gosh, who could ever think that of you?）

Jily：I think I know why you're so popular.
Nico：You do?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Jily：I think I know why you're so popular.
Nico：You do?
Nico's eyes widened in honest surprise, and I smiled cheerfully at him.
Jily：You're so kind, and I think that comes across in everything you do.
Jily：I think that's why people just naturally gather around you.
Nico looked startled at my response, and then he smiled happily.
Nico：Do you really think so?
Jily：I do! I mean, think of all the people you have around you. Isn't that proof?

（You're still a freshman, yet you have so many friends already.）
（I think that's amazing.）

I tried to put all my feelings into my words, wanting him to understand how I felt.
His gaze dropped away from mine, and he murmured something under his breath.
Nico：That's the first time anyone's said that to me.
Jily：What?

（I didn't quite catch that.）

But instead of repeating himself, Nico gave me another brilliant smile.
Nico：Nothing! Thank you, Jily.
We continued to chat and laugh as we ate, and lunchtime seemed to end far too soon for my liking.

＊＊＊

Several days later—

Nico, Chapter 3：

Several days later—
I was walking down the corridor with my classmate Alyn.
We were carrying teaching materials to the classroom.
Jily：This is the last of everything, right?
Alyn：Yeah.
It was our turn that day to assist our teacher with carrying what was needed for the next lessons.
Alyn glanced over at me, and spoke suddenly.
Alyn：That reminds me.
Alyn：That freshman from Stein came looking for you the other day, didn't he?
Jily：Oh—
I remembered when Nico had visited our classroom, setting off all our classmates.
I couldn't help but blush at the memory.
Jily：Yeah.
Alyn：Must be tough going out with someone so popular.

（Wait, what?）

Jily：But—we're not going out or anything—
I hadn't expected anyone to think that, and my voice squeaked in surprise.
Alyn turned to glance at me again, his expression confused.
Alyn：No? But all the girls were making such a fuss.
Jily：He's just a friend!

（Yeah. He's just a friend.）
（So why am I so flustered?）

My cheeks felt like they were burning, and my feelings made no sense to me.
I hurried my step so that Alyn and I would reach the classroom sooner.

＊＊＊

Meanwhile—
Nico was walking down the corridor, but he paused at the sight of two figures up ahead.
Nico：Hang on—
He could see Jily and Alyn walking together.
Jily's cheeks were flushed red, and she looked as if she was enjoying their conversation.
Nico frowned as he watched them.
Nico：Why do I feel like this?
The words came out as a quiet murmur, heard by no one.
Nico turned abruptly and walked in the other direction.

＊＊＊

After school that day—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

After school that day—
I said goodbye to my friends and made my way across the schoolyard.
As I was nearing the school gates, I saw several male students gathered together.
Male Student 1：So what's up with that freshman from Stein?

（Wait, are they talking about Nico?）

I hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but I stopped walking without thinking.
Male Student 2：You mean Nico Meier?
Male Student 1：Yeah. He's a real opportunist.

（What?!）

I remembered then what Nico had said to me only a few days earlier.

〝Nico：Though I do get told that I'm a faker. That I'm opportunistic.〞

I felt an ache in my heart to hear the other students talking about Nico like that.

（He's not like that at all!）

Before I knew what I was doing, I'd turned around and was walking towards them.

（I can't just pretend I didn't hear that.）

I stopped in front of them, took and deep breath, and said,
Jily：Nico isn't an opportunist!
Jily：Please don't talk about him like that!
Male Student 1：Huh?
My fingers were trembling, and I clenched them together to hide it.
I stood there frowning up at the male students, and then suddenly—
???：Jily?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

My fingers were trembling, and I clenched them together to hide it.
I stood there frowning up at the male students, and then suddenly—
???：Jily?

（Hang on, I know that voice!）

I turned in surprise to find Nico standing nearby, looking equally surprised.
Nico：What are you doing here?
Jily：I could ask you the same thing!
The male students had been staring at me with confusion until Nico arrived.
But their attitudes changed, and they spoke to Nico in rough, friendly voices.
Male Student 1：You're late. You're coming today, right?
Nico：I'm sorry, but I just came to tell you I can't make it today.
Nico：I really enjoy playing chess with you all,
Nico：but I have something else to do today that I can't get out of.

（Wait—chess?）

Male Student 2：Geez, what's with that? You've been taking every opportunity recently,
Male Student 2：and it makes you the perfect opponent. What a bummer.
Nico：I really am sorry.
Nico smiled cheerfully even as he apologized.
The other male students shrugged and waved, heading in the direction of the dorm.

（Hang on a minute, when they were talking about you being an opportunist—）

Jily：Was that about chess?
I felt suddenly confused about the whole conversation, and I glanced up at Nico.
He turned back to face me, a smile on his face.
Nico：They're my upperclassmen, but they seem really glad that I've been getting better at chess.
Nico：So they invite me to play against them all the time.

（So—I totally misunderstood the whole thing?）

Suddenly I felt completely overwhelmed by embarrassment.
My cheeks flushed bright red, and I wasn't sure I could look anyone in the eye.
Nico studied me for a moment, his expression curious.
Nico：But what were you doing with them?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：But what were you doing with them?
Nico's big eyes were wide with curiousity, and I said awkwardly,
Jily：I mistakenly thought they were saying bad things about you...
Nico：About me?
Nico's eyes widened even further, and I nodded.
Jily：I thought they were being mean when they said you were a real opportunist.
Jily：And I know you're not that type of person, and I just couldn't stop myself...

（When I think of you, my body seems to move of its own accord.）

Nico：So... that was all for me?
I was still blushing as I nodded at him, but then I gave him a small smile.
Jily：But in the end it was just a misunderstanding, and now I feel really silly.
Jily：And thinking back now, it was a little scary, too.

（I've never just walked up to strangers and said something like that before. I must've sounded like I was picking a fight!）

I chewed thoughtfully on my lower lip for a moment before looking up at Nico again.

（Hang on—）

Nico was staring at me in open surprise, his eyes wide.
His cheeks were flushed almost as red as mine.
I waited for him to say something, but he just kept staring.
Jily：Nico?
Nico：Oh! Um. It's nothing. Thank you for doing that for me.
The surprise faded from his expression, and he smiled brightly, just as he always did.
Nico：I want to do something to thank you!
Jily：You do?
Now it was my turn to stare at him in surprise.

＊＊＊

The next day—
It was lunchtime, and Nico was taking me somewhere as thanks for the day before.
The place he took me was an elegant garden near the dorms, surrounded by a hedge wall.

（I don't feel like I did anything to deserve thanks, but...）

Jily：You know, when I sit and eat lunch in a place this beautiful—
Jily：I feel like I could forget that I'm at school.
Nico：Me too. Sometimes I end up being late for class.

（And I don't think it's just this place, either.）
（It's strange, but when I'm with you, I always feel like I'm having so much fun.）

We chatted happily as we ate our lunch together.
Then Nico seemed to notice something, and he spoke suddenly.
Nico：Oh, Jily—
Without warning he reached out towards me.
Jily：What?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：Oh, Jily—
Without warning Nico reached out towards me.
Jily：What?
Nico gently wiped the corner of my lip with his thumb, and my heart skipped a beat.
I could feel myself turning red as Nico licked a smear of cream from his thumb.
Jily：Nico—next time just say something first—
Nico laughed suddenly, his eyes full of mischief.
Nico：It's payback for last time.

（Last time?）

〝Jily：I'm sorry! You had sauce on your chin, and I just—〞
〝Nico：No, it's fine. Thanks. I guess it was childish of me, huh?〞

I remembered the first time we'd eaten lunch together.
But that only made me blush even more.
Nico：Besides, it was quicker for me to just wipe it off for you.

（That may be true, but—）

Jily：But it's embarrassing.
I turned away, wishing I could stop myself from blushing.
Nico：Aww man, you really are so cute.
Jily：What?
I didn't quite hear Nico's words, and I looked up in surprise and confusion.
His face was closer than I expected, and we stared into each other's eyes.
Nico：Hey, Jily? Why is it embarrassing?

（What? Why would you ask me that?）

I stared at him in confusion, no idea how to answer his question.

（Sometimes I just feel like this when I'm with you.）
（But as for why—）

Nico's face moved closer still, and I caught my braeth.
Nico：Does this mean you see me as a man?

You can proceed to the Premium Ending!

Continue your romance with your prince♪

Decision Time>>>

Select the Sweet Ending>>>

Nico, Chapter 4-Sweet Ending：

Nico：Does this mean you see me as a man?

（What?）

Nico reached up to touch my cheek, his fingers gentle against my skin.
The closeness of him and the soft touch set my heart racing like crazy.
Nico：A lot of people tell me I'm cute.
Nico：But I want you to think that I'm cool, too.
His usual cheerful tone was gone, replaced by a quiet, serious one.

（Nico, you—）

All the moments we'd spent together seemed to flash through my mind.

〝Nico：It'd be a real problem if you hurt yourself.〞
〝Nico：So let me carry it, okay?〞

〝Nico：These meatballs are soooo delicious!〞
〝Nico：They're the best meatballs I've ever eaten!〞

（I thought of you as a friend who's cheerful and kind, but—）

I felt as if I could see myself reflected in his gaze, blushing and uncertain.
Nico：Well?
There was a teasing tone to Nico's voice as he studied my expression.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：Well?
There was a teasing tone to Nico's voice as he studied my expression.
My heart took off and began to pound even faster.

（You're always so bubbly and happy, and I have so much fun when I'm with you.）
（And when we're together, I get all flustered and my heart races. But—）
（Is it like you said? Is it that I'm aware of you as a man?）
（Or is it just because I'm startled when you get so close? I don't understand!）

Confusion washed over me, and I pressed my lips together.
Nico：I'm sorry, Jily.
Jily：What?
Suddenly Nico's bright, cheerful voice returned.
At the same time, his hand moved away from my cheek.
Nico：Saying something like that so suddenly is bound to confuse you, isn't it?
Nico：It's almost time for class to start. Let's get back before we end up being late, okay?
Jily：...Okay.
Nico smiled brightly as he changed the topic completely.
I didn't know what else to say, so I followed him back to the main school building.
I returned to my classroom and tried to focus on my lessons again.

＊＊＊

After school that day—
I couldn't shake the oddly gloomy feeling clinging to me.
I sat down on one of the benches in the schoolyard.

（What is it about Nico?）

〝Nico：A lot of people tell me I'm cute.〞
〝Nico：But I want you to think that I'm cool, too.〞

The more I tried to think about my feelings, the less they made sense, and I sighed softly.
Suddenly a voice spoke my name, and I jumped.
???：What's the matter, Jily?

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：What's the matter, Jily?

（Oh!）

I looked up in surprise to find Mr. Branche standing nearby.
Jily：Mr. Branche—
Mr. Branche：You look like something's bothering you.
Jily：Well, yes.
Mr. Branche smiled gently, and sat down next to me on the bench.
Mr. Branche：If you like, I'd be happy to listen.

（Is it okay to talk to a teacher about this sort of thing?）

I hesitated for a moment, and then began to speak hesitantly.
Jily：There's this guy I've become friends with.
Jily：And I always have fun when I'm with him, and sometimes he makes my heart race.
Jily：But I don't know if that means I like him, or what.
Mr. Branche：I see.
Mr. Branche looked thoughtful for a moment, and then he asked,
Mr. Branche：When you think about him right now, do you still feel that way?
I hesitated, thinking back to my conversation with Nico during lunch.

〝Nico：Does this mean you see me as a man?〞

I could clearly remember the intensity in his gaze, and my cheeks felt hot.
Mr. Branche laughed softly as he watched me.
Mr. Branche：It looks like you do.
Jily：Well—yes.
Mr. Branche：If thinking about someone makes you happy and excited even when you're not with them,
Mr. Branche：I think that definitely means you like them.

（I like him?）

Mr. Branche's words seemed to echo through my heart.
All the gloominess I'd been feeling washed away in an instant.

（You're right. I like Nico. I really like him!）

Jily：Thank you so much. I feel like I can stop worrying about this now.
Mr. Branche：I'm glad to hear it.

（I didn't know what to say to Nico at lunchtime.）
（But now I really want to give him a proper answer.）

I felt incredibly light now that my mind was made up.
I thanked Mr. Branche profusely for his help before I headed home.

＊＊＊

The next morning—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

The next morning—

（I wonder if he's here yet?）

I stood in the corridor, trying to peek into the freshman classroom, when—
???：Jily? Is that you?
Jily：Oh!
I turned in surprise to find Nico standing behind me.
Nico：What's the matter?
Jily：Um—there's something I want to tell you.
My heart was pounding so loud in my ears I almost couldn't hear myself speak.
Nico smiled brightly, reaching out to take me by the hand.

（What?）

Nico：Why don't we go somewhere where no one can hear us?

（Wait a minute, if you're suggesting that—）
（Does that mean you already know what I want to say?）

I hadn't thought my heart could race any faster, but it soon proved me wrong.
Jily：Okay.
I nodded slowly and followed as Nico led me away from the classroom.
He took me to the prep room where we'd once taken boxes together.
Nico：I know it wasn't that long ago, but I feel nostalgic all of a sudden.
Jily：Me too.

（Ever since you carried that box for me that day—）

Realizing that just made my feelings even stronger, and it gave me the courage to speak.
Jily：I wasn't able to give you an answer yesterday, but—
Jily：I see you as a man. I really do.
Nico：Does that mean—
I met his startled gaze directly, putting all my feelings into my words.
Jily：I really like you, Nico.
A smile spread across his face, his cheeks flushing pale pink.
Nico：I really like you too, Jily.
Hearing the words spoken straight back to me filled my heart with joy.

（I never knew I'd feel this happy to realize we both feel the same way.）

We smiled brightly at each other, and then the bell chimed to announce the start of classes.

（Oh no!）

Jily：We should get back, I guess.

（I don't really want to, but—）

I wanted to stay with Nico a little longer, but I forced myself to turn towards the door.
Nico：Wait!
Jily：What?
Nico caught me by the arm—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico caught me by the arm, and I felt something warm touch my cheek.
Jily：Nico!
My eyes widened in surprise, and he gave me a mischievous smirk.
Nico：Oops, that's not what I meant.
Jily：Huh?
Nico：I actually wanted to do it here.
He reached out, running his finger slowly along my lower lip.
I caught my breath, realizing what he meant.
Suddenly my cheeks were burning, and I didn't know what to say.
Nico：I'll come get you after classes are done today, and I won't get it wrong then.

（You won't get it wrong? That means—）

His words sent a sudden thrill of anticipation right through me.

（Ahh, there's been so many times already when you set my heart pounding.）
（But I have a feeling there's going to be a lot more of those in the future!）
（And yet—）

Nico：See you after school.
Jily：Okay!

（I like you so much, and it makes me happy when I feel that way.）

A gentle breeze blew in through the window, caressing my cheeks.
Nico was smiling so sweetly at me, and I smiled brightly at him in return...

fin.

Select the Premium Ending>>>

Nico, Chapter 4-Premium Ending：

Nico：Does this mean you see me as a man?
His gaze was intense and his voice was soft, and it set my heart racing.

（Gosh, when you say it like that, I don't know what to think.）

I stared at him, captivated by the look in his eyes, my thoughts reeling.
Nico：Jily.
His voice was huskier than usual as he whispered my name.
It sent a sweet thrill through my heart.
I dropped my gaze away, not sure how to react, when—
Nico & Jily：Oh!
The bell chimed, signaling the end of lunch.
Jily：I have to get back—

（And I have no idea how to answer your question...）

The words came out as a jumbled rush, and Nico nodded.
Nico：Yeah, me too.
He was back to his usual cheerful self as he stood up and picked up his lunchbox.

（How do I really feel about you, Nico? How do I see you?）

I felt so hyper-aware of him that I couldn't look him in the eye.
I stared down at my feet the entire time we walked back to the main school building.

＊＊＊

At last I made it back to my classroom.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I opened my textbook and tried to focus on my lesson.
But I couldn't stop thinking about Nico.

〝Nico：When you have lots of friends, you get to know lots of different things.〞
〝Nico：And you have more chances to be helpful to other people.〞

〝Nico：These meatballs are soooo delicious!〞
〝Nico：They're the best meatballs I've ever eaten!〞
〝Jily：Now you're just exaggerating.〞
〝Nico：No I'm not! They really are that delicious!〞

I thought about how kind-hearted Nico always was,
and how I always had fun when I ate lunch with him.

（He's so sweet, and so much fun to be with, and—）

〝Nico：Does this mean you see me as a man?〞

（Being with him really messes with my head.）

I remembered the intensity in his eyes, and my heart began to race again.

（I don't know how or when it happened, but—）
（I've fallen in love with Nico.）

My cheeks flushed bright red as I finally became aware of my own feelings.

＊＊＊

After school that day—
It had been my turn to clean the schoolyard, but it was finally done, and I returned to my classroom.

（I've finally realized how I feel about Nico, but—）
（How on earth do I tell him?）

I sighed softly to myself as I headed towards my desk.
???：Hey.
Jily：What?
A voice spoke suddenly, just in front of me.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

???：Hey.
Jily：What?
I lifted my head in surprise at the voice.
I realized then I'd been about to bump directly into Alyn.
Jily：Oh! I'm so sorry!
Alyn：It's fine, but geez, you're spacing out.
Jily：I know. I was thinking about something. I really am sorry.
I apologized again and turned to head towards my desk, but then Alyn said,
Alyn：I was given this to give to you.
Jily：Oh?
I turned back to find Alyn holding out an envelope.
Alyn：From that freshman from Stein.
Jily：From Nico?!
I hastily scrabbled the envelope open and found a short letter inside.

（There's something I want to tell you, so please come to that garden.）

That was all he'd written, and I clenched the letter tightly in my hands.

（Something he wants to tell me? What if that's—）

I felt a sudden flash of hope, filling my heart with a sweet ache.
Alyn：So, I've given it to you.
Alyn：Good luck.
Jily：Oh!
I looked up in surprise to find Alyn smiling at me.

（You're right. I need to tell Nico how I feel.）

I smiled shyly at Alyn, nodding firmly.
Jily：Thanks!
I grabbed my bag and hurried to the garden when Nico and I had eaten lunch before.

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

I grabbed my bag and hurried to the garden when Nico and I had eaten lunch before.
I looked around and soon saw Nico sitting on a bench nearby.
Nico：Jily!
As soon as Nico spotted me, he stood up and walked towards me, his expression oddly stiff.

（Wait a minute—are you nervous?）

My heart was pounding as I waited for Nico to reach me.
Nico：Oh, good. You read my letter.
Jily：I did.
I nodded, and Nico sighed softly, looking at me with a serious gaze.
Nico：I'm sorry for startling you at lunch.
Nico：But the truth is, I didn't want you to see me as just another freshman anymore.
Nico：I wanted you to see me as a man.
I caught my breath, my heart pounding even faster.

（I was right. I know what you want to tell me.）

Nico：I know we're from different schools, and we're in different years, and I can't change that.
Nico：But it won't stop me from trying.
A gentle breeze whispered past, rustling the leaves in the hedges surrounding us.
Nico：The truth is, Jily, I—

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Nico：The truth is, Jily, I love you.
Nico：Please, will you be my girlfriend?
His words sent a shiver of pure joy coursing through me.

（Oh, you said it. You told me how you feel.）
（Now I want to tell you how I feel, too.）

Jily：Nico—whenever I'm with you, I always have so much fun, and you make me feel... happy and excited.
Jily：Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with you, too.
Jily：I'd love to be your girlfriend.
I smiled brightly at him as I spoke the words with all my heart and soul.

（Waah!）

Without warning he wrapped me in a sudden warm embrace.
Nico：Oh man. I'm so happy right now.
His voice was a ripple of joy in my ear, and my tummy did somersaults in response.

（So am I.）

I felt so full of happiness it might burst out of me at any moment, and I couldn't stop smiling.
Nico relaxed his grip on me, just a little, and looked down at me.
His smile was as bright as mine felt.
Nico：I'll do my best to make you love me even more than you do now.
Nico：Then you won't care about the distance, or the age difference, or anything.
His words were like a promise, and then he kissed me softly.

（But I'm already so happy right now.）
（If I love you any more than this, I might go crazy.）

My heart was singing sweetly in my chest as I returned his kiss.
I reached up and wrapped my arms around him, imagining the joyous future awaiting us...

fin.

After Episode

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

You and Nico have officially become a couple.
Now share a sweet evening together with him after your graduation.
Nico：You're adorable. You still react so strongly, every time.
Nico seems more grown-up than usual as he pushes you down onto the sofa...
Nico：I really want you, Jily.
Nico：Do you mind that I'm not like myself?
The sweet sounds of your passionate voices fill the room...
Will you let Nico love you with all his heart and soul?