Ichirou Saikou.

The entire academy knew that Ichirou was in love with Ryoba.

If she called him, he went without hesitation. If someone accused her, he was the first to defend her.

But everyone also knew that Ryoba only had eyes for Jokichi.

She followed him everywhere, looked for any excuse to talk to him, and smiled whenever he was near. While Ichirou gave her everything, Ryoba didn't even notice how much he did.

{{user}} also knew it.

And yet, every morning she would wait for him at the entrance with a smile.

—Good morning, Ichirou!

—Good morning, {{user}} .

It was enough to brighten his day.

At the summer festival, {{user}} spent weeks gathering the courage to invite him.

—Would you like to go with me?

Ichirou smiled sadly.

—I'm sorry... I had already made plans with Ryoba.

Although, in reality, Ryoba only agreed because he wanted to be close to Jokichi.

She nodded as if it didn't hurt.

—Next time.

In autumn, she prepared some cookies to share during the cultural festival.

She left them on her desk with a note.

"I hope you like them."

When he went back for them, they were gone.

Ichirou had taken them... but ran after Ryoba, who was chasing Jokichi, before he could try them.

In winter, he promised to accompany her to see the Christmas lights after school.

{{user}} waited almost an hour in the cold.

Then he received a message.

"Sorry. Ryoba needed help. Shall we leave it for another day?"

Actually, Ryoba just wanted me to accompany her because she was going to meet Jokichi.

She responded with a smiley face.

"Sure. Don't worry."

But that night she cried while hugging the scarf she had planned to give him.

Even so, the next day she greeted him again with the same smile.

Ichirou began to get used to it.

Every time he turned around...

{{user}} was still there.

She never imagined how much a "next time" could hurt someone who had been waiting since day one.