Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

On a bench meant for resting, a boy and a girl sat side by side, a hint of distance lingering between them.

"…"

"So… how have you been recently?" Kanade Natsukawa finally broke the silence, only to immediately regret it.

The words reeked of an ex-boyfriend clinging to past memories, giving off a cringe-worthy vibe that made him want to curl up in shame.

"I-I've been fine… and you?" Mahiru Shiina, seemingly a bit tense, still responded politely.

"Oh, uh… same here…"

Kanade blinked, surprised she actually answered. He nodded slightly but soon found himself back in the awkward quiet.

"…"

"…"

"You…"

"You first…"

"Alright, I'll go first." Kanade clenched his fists and silently encouraged himself.

What had started as a casual follow-up to those sneaky boys had turned into a rare chance for private conversation with Mahiru. He couldn't let the opportunity slip by.

"Shiina… I owe you an apology. I'm sorry!"

"Huh? No, I should be the one apologizing…"

"Please, let me finish." Kanade raised a hand as if to take hers but hesitated, ultimately withdrawing.

"That day… I shouldn't have said what I did. I had no idea how much it mattered to you…"

He finally said it.

Kanade exhaled deeply, feeling a weight he hadn't realized he carried shatter into pieces. The burden that had clung to his chest dissipated, leaving a sense of relief.

"At first, I just wanted to ease the tension, to calm things down. That's why I said those words. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm so sorry. I promise I'll never do it again."

Human beings can never truly empathize with each other.

While Kanade once took words like those to heart, he had since grown past it. Casual remarks no longer lingered or wounded him, but Mahiru seemed unable to brush them off.

Shaking his head, Kanade dispelled unnecessary thoughts.

The priority was repairing their bond, not indulging in self-pity.

"I know I probably don't deserve this anymore, but I have to say it. No matter what… I hope you'll forgive my thoughtlessness and…" He paused, summoning his courage. "Please, let's stay friends."

Kanade wasn't hoping for love anymore. That dream had already been relinquished. But if even a friendship was out of reach…

Head bowed, fists tightly clenched against his knees, Kanade resembled a child awaiting judgment.

And then, suddenly, warmth enveloped his hand.

"No, Kanade, it's me who should be apologizing."

He looked up to find Mahiru Shiina gazing at him with an expression so gentle, it seemed otherworldly.

Love, forgiveness, tenderness—she truly resembled an angel, radiating warmth and strength.

"That incident wasn't your fault at all. I'm the one who spoke out of turn."

Mahiru shook her head, her eyes shadowed with guilt.

Her initial rejection of Kanade stemmed from a desire to protect herself. Believing that harsh words would keep him at bay, she had unwittingly used them as a shield. Yet, against all odds, she had fallen for him.

And now, her own defensive words felt like blades cutting into her heart.

"Apologizing and asking to stay friends… that's something I should be saying to you."

From Kanade's perspective, the angelic girl lifted his hand, pressing it gently to her cheek. She rubbed against it softly, as though seeking solace.

"I'm sorry, Kanade. And… please, let's stay friends."

She added, her voice trembling slightly, "You might not believe me, but meeting you was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me."

It's often said that people only recognize something's value after they've lost it. This, however, wasn't a fleeting epiphany for Mahiru. It was her heartfelt truth.

For over a year, she had silently nurtured her feelings for Kanade.

She loved him.

Even if she could only remain his friend, she would be content as long as she had a place in his life.

She loved him.

No matter how he changed—whether he was the boy she'd first met or someone new—her feelings wouldn't waver. She loved him for who he was.

The boy he used to be was kind, if a bit unreliable. That version of him was why she fell in love, and she'd be more than happy to support him, even if he needed help with the simplest tasks.

The man he was now was confident and inspiring, someone who shone brightly in the eyes of others. Watching him flourish made her heart race, but what mattered most was how naturally she was drawn to him.

If only she could stay close to him at school, too… Though it might lead to misunderstandings, she wouldn't care.

She would smile and explain: It's not a misunderstanding.

But she wouldn't act recklessly. She didn't want to burden him with gossip, so those thoughts remained small fantasies locked in her heart.

"I'm greedy, Kanade. Not just now, but in the future and always… I want to stay by your side. Is that okay?"

She had made mistakes in the past, but she wouldn't falter again. From now on, she would be there for Kanade until the day he no longer needed her.

"Shiina…"

"Eek!"

A sudden commotion interrupted them.

They turned to see three girls collapsed in a heap around the corner, limbs entangled like a toppled human pyramid.

"Cough, cough… Oh, don't mind us. Carry on," one of them said sheepishly, still sprawled on the floor.

"W-wait! You're mistaken!" Mahiru immediately let go of Kanade's hand and jumped to her feet, flustered. "I-it's not what it looks like!"

Her near-confession had been overheard, and even the ever-composed Mahiru couldn't keep her cool. Her face flushed a deep red as she stammered out excuses.

"Oh, come on, Shiina-san. What's there to misunderstand?"

"I didn't say anything! Let's just go back already!"

Clearing his throat, Kanade also stood up.

"Class is almost over. You all continue chatting—I'll head back first."

Watching the girls bicker, Kanade decided to take his leave.

Staying any longer would only add to the awkwardness, and more importantly, he knew better than to stick around and risk getting pulled into their antics.

Besides, they seemed to genuinely care about Mahiru, so he trusted they wouldn't give her too much grief. Surely, she could handle the situation just fine on her own…