Yuki said, I understood her feelings because I felt the same. So when she extended her hand in friendship, I accepted without hesitation. Over time, our bond deepened, and one day, as if guided by the same thought, we proposed to each other simultaneously. That girl was Yuno.  

"Hehe," Yuno giggled. "I always tease him, saying, 'Let's do it,' but he always insists, 'After marriage.' But he knows I'm just teasing him. We both understand that we're different from who we used to be." She spoke with a cheerful expression, her eyes gleaming with warmth.  

Miyu, watching them, thought to herself, *This is useful for me too.*  

Haruto sighed. "Sometimes I think finding the right partner is just luck, so I never really tried."  

Hana nodded. "Haruto, I feel the same way."  

Meanwhile, Tanaka turned to Rin, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "Rin, when did you fall in love with me?"  

Rin hesitated for a moment before answering. "You all know Tanaka always gets full marks in exams, but I never do. Before we became friends, it used to frustrate me. I'd watch him excel while I struggled in certain areas, particularly in giving advice. Despite all my knowledge, I always felt inadequate at guiding others.  

"But one day, I saw two of our classmates asking Tanaka, 'What is love?' One of them added, 'We mean romantic love.'  

"Tanaka smiled and said, 'Thanks for the clarification. I was about to ask what kind of love you were referring to. Anyway, love must be unconditional. It might sound ridiculous, but that's how it should be. Suppose you love someone for their looks—what if those looks change? Would you still love them as much as before? You love your parents not because they provide for you, but simply because they are your parents. Life has its ups and downs, and true love reveals itself during hardships.  

"'To love someone, you need a reason. In the case of parents, the reason is obvious. But when it comes to a stranger, you have to find that reason. Now, think about what I said earlier—if you love someone for their looks and those looks fade, would your love remain? If one person leaves and another stays, whose love is true?'  

"One of our classmates answered, 'The one who stays.'  

"Tanaka nodded. 'Exactly. That's what unconditional love is. When you love someone not because of their appearance, wealth, or status, but simply because you want to stay by their side forever, that is love.'  

"I was shocked by his words, and suddenly, my frustration disappeared. I realized that Tanaka wasn't just the best student academically—he excelled in understanding emotions too. From that moment, I admired him.  

"After school, I approached him, and we became friends. Over time, I realized that intelligence can be isolating. When you speak, you expect others to engage at the same level. But Tanaka… he could adjust his conversations depending on the person he was talking to.  

"I couldn't help but fall for him—more and more, every day. But I never told him. I feared rejection… feared losing our friendship. And now, here we are." Rin's voice wavered as she looked into Tanaka's eyes. "I know this isn't the right time, but… Tanaka, I lov—"  

Before she could finish, Tanaka gently placed his hand over her lips, silencing her.  

Rin understood. It wasn't the right time. But the desperation in her heart refused to fade.  

Tanaka sighed. "Even if I'm good at giving advice, I end up hurting everyone because of my selfishness. I'm sorry… I wish I could ask for forgiveness in a better way, but all I can say is… I'm sorry." His voice carried a deep sadness.  

Hana shook her head. "Tanaka, it's not entirely your fault. I've made mistakes too."  

Miyu added softly, "I can't fully blame either you or my ex-boyfriend. What happened was unintentional, so… don't worry about it. And I'm sorry too."  

Haruto gave a reassuring smile. "At the end of the day, what matters is that everything is resolved and we're all okay. So let's move on, friends."  

Yuki nodded. "I agree. The stronger the relationship, the more challenges it faces. But that's normal. Let's just forget about it and move forward."  

Tanaka looked around at his friends, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you… all of you."  

Just then, Yuno clapped her hands together. "Wait a second… I just remembered something! Tanaka said that the devil once warned: 'Anyone who seeks help from the devil will die. And only we will remember who Tanaka is.'" She gasped. "Wait… Rin and Miyu both asked the devil for help too!"  

A heavy silence fell over the group.  

Tanaka, however, smiled. "Don't worry. No one is going to die."  

Yuno furrowed her brows. "Then what was that warning about?"  

Rin suddenly recalled something. "Tanaka… are you saying that someone survived this 'devil's mess' and spread the rumors in our school?" She hesitated. "But… that doesn't necessarily mean the one who spread those rumors was the survivor. After all, we've been hearing stories about devils since childhood…"  

Tanaka's expression darkened as he looked at her. "Rin, you're right, but—"