THE CONFESSION THEY TRIED TO BREAK

The Same Morning — At Hikari’s House**

“What is this, Hikari?”

“What are you talking about, Mom?”

Saki held her phone tightly.

Her fingers trembled.

“This post.”

“The one where you said you’re going to confess to the person you love.”

“And that if he doesn’t accept you…”

“You’ll quit being an idol.”

Haruto turned toward her sharply.

“Hikari.”

“What nonsense is this?”

“But Dad…”

“That’s exactly what I’m planning to do.”

“Why does Mom have to be so angry?”

Saki slammed her hand on the table.

“What nonsense are you saying?”

“Haruto, I told you to be stricter with her.”

“And because of your softness…”

“She’s become like this.”

“Saki, calm down.”

“Hikari, listen to your father.”

“You can’t make such an important decision so suddenly.”

“Dad…”

“I’ve always listened to you.”

“You told me that would make me a good girl.”

“Right?”

Haruto nodded.

“You’re my good girl.”

“So listen to Daddy this time too.”

Hikari clenched her fists.

“But Dad…”

“I’m not a good girl anymore.”

“I want to decide my own life.”

“I don’t want you two deciding everything for me.”

“What nonsense are you talking?”

“Just listen to your father.”

“Mom.”

“I don’t care anymore what you say.”

“This is my life.”

“And I will decide it myself.”

The door opened abruptly.

Mei entered in a hurry.

“What is going on here, Saki?”

“What was Hikari thinking before posting something like that?”

“Why didn’t you stop her?”

“We didn’t know what she was planning.”

“We’re talking about it now.”

“Why are you here, Mei-san?”

“What do you mean why?”

“I’m your manager.”

“After that post, the entire internet is on fire.”

“Everyone is talking about it.”

“I don’t care.”

“I don’t care if you’re my manager.”

“Or my mother’s friend.”

“This is my life.”

“I’ll decide who I marry.”

“And what I do with my future.”

“Hikari.”

“Today you’re behaving strangely.”

“You didn’t listen to me.”

“You didn’t listen to your mother.”

“And now you’re even talking back to Mei.”

“I’m not your puppet.”

“I have my own life.”

“And I will take my own decisions.”

“Do whatever you like.”

“But what will you do if that boy rejects you?”

“I don’t care if he rejects me or accepts me.”

“I love him.”

“With all my heart.”

“And I’ll confess to him.”

“And if he rejects me…”

“I’ll quit being an idol.”

“Have you gone mad?!”

“Stop this nonsense right now!”

“I don’t care anymore what you say, Mom.”

“You—”

*Slap.*

The sound echoed.

Hikari’s face turned to the side.

Silence filled the room.

“If you think slapping me will make me take my decision back…”

“…then you’re wrong.”

“This is my final decision.”

Haruto looked away.

“Do what you want.”

“But if you’re going to confess…”

“He must come here.”

“And you’ll do it in front of us.”

“What?”

“Why should I call him here?”

“And why should I confess in front of you all?”

“Because after your post…”

“Everyone will be watching.”

“And I want to see the man you’re ready to throw everything away for.”

Hikari took a deep breath.

“…Fine.”

“I’ll invite him.”

“With his friends.”

“Today.”

“Good.”

“Do it.”

Hikari left the room.

---

### **After She Left**

“Saki…”

“Why did you allow her to speak like that?”

“Do you think I’ll allow some random man to marry her?”

“But if he accepts her…”

“She’ll really confirm the marriage.”

“She’ll only confirm it if he accepts.”

“And if he rejects her…”

“There’s no problem.”

“But why would he reject her?”

“That will be handled.”

“Right, Mei?”

Mei smiled.

“I’ll make sure Souta Kageya rejects her confession.”

“You heard that, Haruto?”

“There’s nothing to worry about.”

“You’re right.”

“Mei will handle it easily.”

“Thank you both.”

“I won’t disappoint you.”

---

### **Later — At the Entrance of Hikari’s House**

“I’m Souta Kageya.”

“This is Tanaka Sora.”

“And Hoshino Rei.”

“We were invited here by Hikari.”

“Please wait.”

“I need to confirm whether Hikari-ma’am invited you.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

Mei stepped forward.

“They’re invited.”

“You may let them in.”

“Understood, Madam.”

“Sorry for stopping you.”

“No problem.”

“You were just doing your job.”

“Souta Kageya.”

“I need to speak with you.”

“Please come with me.”

Sora leaned close.

“Don’t go.”

“She’ll manipulate you.”

“It’s fine.”

“Let’s go, Mei-san.”

“You two wait here.”

“Why did you agree to go with her?”

“She’ll manipulate you.”

“I won’t be manipulated.”

Kageya walked away with Mei.

---

“You know why Hikari invited you here.”

“Yes.”

“I saw the news.”

“And her post.”

“Reject her.”

“…What?”

“I said reject her.”

“I thought making her hate you would be enough.”

“But now…”

“Just reject her.”

“But what if I don’t?”

Mei laughed quietly.

“Until yesterday, you were desperate to push her away.”

“What changed overnight?”

“I realized my love for Hikari.”

“Oh.”

“Love?”

“And what if that love destroys her life?”

“What are you saying?”

“The act you performed was very convincing.”

“Blackmail.”

“Threats.”

“Violence.”

“If that footage ever surfaces…”

“You’ll be finished.”

“And Hikari will be dragged into it.”

“So your love destroys her.”

Mei smiled coldly.

“Clever, isn’t it?”

Kageya’s breath caught.

*I forgot…*

*The cameras…*

*What have I done…?*

*I thought telling the truth would fix everything.*

*But now—*

*What should I do…?*

---

TO BE CONTINUED……