A Pretty Girl Has Her First Kiss Stolen By an Equally Handsome Classmate - Episode 2.15

They took the train back to the nearest station and exited through the south gate.

As they walked toward the sea, they chatted about random things.

It had been months since they last came to the ocean. The sea breeze felt heavier and more humid compared to when they visited in February.

After buying ice cream and warm green tea from a convenience store, they sat on a bench a little away from the shore. As they gazed at the distant waves, they took a sip of warm tea.

“Thanks for today. You even picked out the places.”

“Seriously, I had so much fun!”

Making matching rings, going to a stylish café, shopping, and now watching the ocean together—it had been a perfect day.

“Wakamatsu, you’re really amazing at everything.”

“Me? I didn’t really do anything.”

“You picked the places, planned everything, and even led the way so smoothly.”

Was she complimenting the way he planned their date? The thought made Wakamatsu happy.

“And on top of that, you’re good-looking, smart, athletic, and even into books.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m really into books.”

“Haha, from my perspective, you definitely are.”

As they shared the ice cream, their conversation continued.

“Do you read books, Mizuhara?”

“I used to.”

“I could recommend something easy to read.”

“Hmm… I think I’ll pass for now.”

She hesitated, giving a small, polite smile.

“Books don’t tell me the things I really want to know.”

“The things you want to know?”

Sensing that it might be better not to push the topic, Wakamatsu was about to change the subject. But Mizuhara quietly continued speaking.

“Yeah… Like, how long will things stay like this?”

“What can I do to make this pain go away? When will I finally forget?”

She stopped talking and stared down at her feet.

“People always say time will make you forget. But I don’t want to wait. I just want it all to disappear right now.”

Whenever they came to the ocean, Mizuhara always opened up about her feelings.

The waves might carry away her words, but they would never take away the pain she carried inside. Seeing her so distressed made Wakamatsu’s chest tighten.

“Mizuhara,” he called her name, but she didn’t respond. She just sat there, deep in thought.

Wanting to bring her attention back, Wakamatsu stood up, knelt on one knee, and lowered himself to her level.

Noticing his movement, Mizuhara finally looked up.

Straightening his posture, Wakamatsu met her eyes.

He didn’t know what he could do. But he knew he didn’t want to see her looking like this.

“Sh—Shizu… Mizuhara Shizuku,” he stammered.

“Huh?”

He had knelt down just to get her to look at him, but unexpectedly, this was the perfect moment.

Following his instincts, Wakamatsu took out the small box containing their matching rings and opened it, showing her the ring inside.

The atmosphere was so much like a real confession that he felt embarrassed. His hands trembled as he held the box.

“I’ll always be by your side, no matter what. So please, smile, Mizuhara.”

He knew he wasn’t acting like himself. But he didn’t care.

Doing his best to keep a serious expression, he spoke words that sounded like a love confession.

His heart was pounding so loudly it felt like it might burst out of his chest.

Gently, he took Mizuhara’s right hand and slipped the ring onto her finger.

It fit perfectly on her ring finger, catching the light and shining brightly.

She lifted her hand toward the sky, admiring the ring on her finger.

That small, delicate gesture made her look just like a princess. Wakamatsu found himself staring, captivated.

Forcing himself to look away, he remained on one knee and asked, “So, your answer?”

“I didn’t hear one yet.”

“Hehe, alright. I’ll smile.”

Mizuhara’s face lit up with a soft, genuine smile.

“Don’t force yourself to smile. I like it best when it’s natural.”

“Okay.”

“When things get tough, I’ll be here. I’ll always be here.”

She didn’t need perfect answers or solutions—just someone to stay by her side and listen.

Repeating in his mind what Yamabe-sensei had once taught him, Wakamatsu said,
“Let’s do lots of fun things together. Even if it’s just for a while, we can forget everything else.”

“…Is it really okay? Someone like me?”

“It’s okay.”

Without worrying about the people around them, Mizuhara wrapped her arms around Wakamatsu.

Since he was still kneeling, he didn’t fall backward. Instead, he supported her slender waist and held her close.

“I’m really sorry…” she whispered in a pained voice.

What was she apologizing for? Who was she apologizing to?

Wakamatsu didn’t know.

He only knew to hold her tighter, wrapping his arms around her as they listened to the sound of the waves, feeling each other’s warmth.