After practice, I'd handed out chocolates to Mihono-san and Nishino-san, but Rice-chan was still waiting.
Thank You had left earlier with a cryptic, "Leave the rest for the two of you," and vanished. At the time, I thought she had errands—or maybe a secret delivery of her own. But looking back, everyone probably saw this moment coming.
I didn't.
Alone in the trainer room, Rice-chan spoke.
"Viola-chan."
"What is it, Rice-chan?"
"This."
She handed me a large box.
"Valentine?"
"Yeah."
Inside was a handmade heart-shaped chocolate. Bigger than Thank You's. A little misshapen. But unmistakably sincere.
Written across it: I Love You.
I froze.
This was favorite chocolate.
Why me?
Rice-chan had someone she liked. That's what I'd always believed. I must be misunderstanding something—right?
But then she said it.
"Rice says she likes Viola."
Her smile was gentle. Honest.
I tried to rationalize it. Maybe she meant as a trainer. As a friend. But the truth was clear.
I thought about her—her appearance, her warmth, her hardworking nature. Her occasional mischief. Everything about her was lovely.
So why had I assumed I'd refuse?
It wasn't Rice-chan's fault. It was mine. I didn't think I was good enough. That I'd be loved, then left. That I'd disappoint her.
But in that moment, I chose not to let fear decide.
"I also like Rice-chan."
"Viola-chan…"
I hugged her tightly.
"I love Rice, who's cute and a hard worker."
I didn't let my doubts speak. I just held her.
Her face was close. Too close. Neither of us could say anything. Silence settled between us—warm, shy, electric.
Then she whispered:
"Speaking of… what about Viola's chocolate?"
I panicked.
I only had one bag left—the same kind I'd given everyone. It screamed "generic."
"I didn't expect this… I didn't prepare…"
Rice's smile deepened.
"I knew Viola-chan wouldn't have favorite chocolate ready."
"Huh?"
"I just wanted a gift to match my confession."
"But this is all I have…"
I showed her the last bag.
She stepped forward and hugged me again.
"There is something else, Viola herself is left."
She whispered it in my ear—soft, certain, impossible to refuse.
"I won't let you sleep tonight."
And just like that, I was swept away to Rice-chan's room.