"Ah....."

As soon as I finish speaking, Wu Yaoyao's persistent courage suddenly collapses like a mountain torrent.

She squats down as if she's lost all her strength, her twin ponytails drooping, and her shoulders convulsing as she sobs. Her hands constantly wipe away the tears flowing out, making her look like an abandoned little rabbit, crying with pear-like tears.

The glow of the sunset shines on her face, and her tears are like pearls. The silent banyan tree behind us seems to be mercilessly mocking the two of us.

My words might have turned into piercing needles in Wu Yaoyao's ears.

"I'm sorry, I really am..."

I squat down, brush aside the strands of hair stuck to her forehead, and hand her a handkerchief from my pocket.

Wu Yaoyao doesn't take my handkerchief, burying her face in her knees and sobbing on her own.

"There's no need to waste your precious first love on me. Look at you, you're so beautiful, Miss Peony of Peony High School for two consecutive years; the champion of the Youth Archery Tournament for three consecutive years. You have countless love letters and handsome guys waiting for you in your shoe cabinet every day. Right?"

I wipe her forehead with the handkerchief, trying to keep my tone as gentle as possible.

Although my words sound like a "nice guy card," every sentence is true. There are people who peek at her daily outside the Kyudo Club that can form long queues. With her smooth twin ponytails and a face that often wears a sweet smile, her cute appearance indeed captivates others at first sight.

So I can't understand why she would fall for such an ordinary guy like me.

"... Ah... liar..."

Hearing my words, Wu Yaoyao lifts her head, her mouth pouting and choking, and the tears in her eyes still continue to drop. Her face has long been drenched by tears, making her light makeup look like a big, wet cat.

Wu Yaoyao, who always goes bare-faced, has actually put on makeup for today. She must have put a lot of thought into it. This gradually rising guilt in me adds a few more points.

"Uh, I'm telling the truth. I'm not lying to you," I say solemnly. My words come from the heart and not half-hearted.

".... Ah..... Other people say that I only became Miss Peony twice because Ning Yi and Tang Xin didn't participate..." Wu Yaoyao continues to sob, her teary eyes full of grievance.

Well... this is a bit awkward. There are indeed such rumors.

Tang Xin is the Chairman of the Student Union. Although her temperament isn't the best, and she always throws her work responsibilities to me and sneaks home, one can't deny that she is indeed as beautiful as Wu Yaoyao, with equal levels of popularity. But to me, her exterior is the only good thing about her, while her heart is vile.

As for senior Ning Yi mentioned by Wu Yaoyao, I have only seen her once or twice during the beginning of the semester's award ceremony. From afar, her cold appearance could be described as breathtakingly beautiful. I don't know much about senior Ning Yi, but half of the boys in class are her fans, which speaks volumes.

But if I were to rank these three individuals, it would be impossible to tell who's better.

"There's no such thing; you're a deserving Miss Peony," I say with a clear conscience.

"Ah... then..." Wu Yaoyao is still sobbing gently, but has calmed down considerably, looking intently at me. "If I'm so great in your eyes, why did you reject me?"

"Uh, because, uh..." I'm a bit dumbfounded for a moment.

What should I say? Should I just tell her I don't believe in love anymore? That would sound even more perfunctory and pretentious!

"Why?" Wu Yaoyao's eyes light up as if seeing a chance, she wipes away her tears and stares at me intently.

"Because... because studying is more important, love will always affect our studies." I quickly come up with a reason in my mind. In high school, everything can be blamed on studies.

Ah, studying, how I love you."Don't worry, I'm ranked in the top five in our grade. If you date me, I can help you with your homework." Wu Yaoyao's eyes sparkled as she said this, as if cutting through the thorns on the bright path ahead.

I seemed to have set a trap for myself, and I regretted it when I realized the problem.

The more you say, the more mistakes you make.

"Well, there's also the issue of my parents. They are firmly against early love relationships." My brain quickly came up with a second reason. But my parents, who always hide in the lab, have never mentioned being against early love relationships. After all, they started dating in high school and their relationship has always been good.

Wu Yaoyao tilted her head, her pigtails leaning to one side. "Didn't you say last time that your uncle and aunt started dating in high school? I'll go say hello to them and let them know I'm a good person. I believe they'll understand."

Wait, did I tell her that? I don't remember.

I wish I could go back to when I said those words and give myself a good beating.

“……” I wasn't able to say anything, unable to think of anything else to say.

"So you do like me, right? Let's date!" Wu Yaoyao's sorrowful expression was replaced with a joyous one.

Hold on! There must be another reason!

I kept searching in my mind, but I had no experience dealing with confessions.

"Be my boyfriend?" Excited Wu Yaoyao slowly moved towards me, squatting in front of my face. Only inches separated us as I caught a whiff of her pleasant fragrance, making it difficult to breathe, noticing her delicate face.

Her strong emotions were palpable through the air.

My mind raced, unable to concentrate as a result of her overwhelming fragrance and adorable face.

What do I do? If this continues, I might just give in!

Someone, give me a reason to refuse! I desperately retreated from Wu Yaoyao’s advances, crying out in my heart.

“I’m sorry, I already have someone I like.”

As I was at my wit’s end, this sweet voice appeared in my ears like a savior, bestowing hope upon me.

“Yes, that’s right, I have someone I like!” I held Wu Yaoyao's shoulders, stopping her from coming closer. I repeated the words I heard to her.

Brilliant reasoning.

Wu Yaoyao was stunned, and she calmed down but seemed angry as she scanned the surroundings. If she had her bow and arrow nearby, she would've shot without hesitation.

After all, when the hope of turning the tables was crushed, anyone would be angry.