[Their Thoughts]
Andrei and Jarvis were alone by the fountain in the courtyard.
Wondering what they were talking about, Tayte and I decided to spy on them.
“It seems like Andrei is ready to confess his feelings…”
“…Well, this may be his last chance.”
We whispered to each other as we sneakily moved to the best location from where we could hear their conversation.
At first, they just talked about harmless topics like how difficult the final was, how they did better at it than the last one, etc.
Andrei was waiting for an opportunity.
Tayte and I could tell that much.
–But out of nowhere, Jarvis made a surprising move.
“Andrei… there’s something I’ve got to tell you.”
“““?!”””
She struck preemptively.
He should stop her at all costs, but Andrei just repeatedly opened and closed his mouth like a fish looking for oxygen… seemed like he wasn’t sure what to say.
As he did so, Jarvis got to the heart of the matter.
“About the adoption—”
This was bad.
But just when I thought I should step in…
“I hope your family can give me some more time to think.”
“…Huh?”
Andrei tilted his head in puzzlement.
So did Tayte and I.
“Truth be told… I haven’t sorted out my feelings yet. I’m still… not sure what to do. I feel like I have no hope for the future”
“T-that’s not true!”
Jarvis laughed with a self-deprecating smile.
Andrei grabbed her by her slender shoulders with his big hands.
“What your family has done may be unredeemable… but you have no part in all that! Don’t let their sins chain you down! You have a bright future ahead of you!”
“A, Andrei…”
“Take your time to think, I’ll let my father and mother know. I know… just give us your answer after you graduate.”
“Thank you… Andrei.” Jarvis smiled in joy and relief.
Thank goodness that wrapped up nicely.
After Jarvis left the courtyard…
“Andrei.”
“?! B-Barrett?! T-Tayte, too?!”
Andrei was surprised by our appearance.
We had approached him openly since he was the only one left, but it seemed he had been lost in thought.
“D-don’t tell me… did you two—”
“We saw the whole thing.”
“I-I see …”
Andrei shyly scratched the tip of his nose with his finger.
“…Are you okay with this?” I asked straightforwardly.
In the end… Andrei didn’t tell Jarvis his feelings.
It was clear to me it wasn’t because he couldn’t, but because he chose not to.
The reason being…
“Jarvis… has already so many things on her plate,” Andrei answered, “She’s acting calm and cool as usual, but I know deep down, she’s anything but. If I were to confess my feelings…”
Yes, Andrei had chosen to put Jarvis before his own feelings.
He had chosen to put the girl he loved before himself.
“Well, it’s nothing to be sad about. There’s always a next time.”
“I’m rooting for you, Andrei.”
“…Thanks.”
Tayte and I patted him on the shoulders.
Andrei’s battle had only just begun.
