The two of them made their way to the school rooftop.

Lately, this place has been associated with Nishino in various ways. Just above the staircase room set up in the same location, picnic blankets are spread out near the water tower, and there, Rose and Nishino sit side by side. Somehow, it has become their lunch spot.

No other students' presence can be seen.

It's uncertain how things are in newly established schools, but the rooftop of this school, which has its fair share of history, isn't particularly well-maintained. It doesn't serve much of a purpose other than delinquents skipping class or girls having private conversations, avoiding the public eye.

Thanks to this, they can have a discussion without being concerned about others' ears.

"...How does it taste?"

Rose's heart, as she asks, is pounding painfully with excitement.

Nonetheless, she's a steadfast woman who pays him a visit with an indifferent attitude.

"........."

On the other hand, Nishino, who doesn't want to openly admit it's delicious, is a stubborn guy.

If the other party were the class president, he would've showered it with praise.

"Perhaps it didn't suit your taste?"

"Not bad."

"Is that so? I'm glad."

"......."

The bento that Rose made for Nishino was quite ordinary. In the first compartment of the two-tiered container, there were standard items like chicken tempura and rolled omelette. In the lower compartment, there was an ample serving of rice sprinkled with tuna and sesame seeds.

Depending on how you look at it, it might appear as ordinary bento. However, in reality, every single one of them is homemade by her, and not a single pre-made frozen meal is used. It's a product of considerable time and effort.

Each of them has their own portion, enough for two people.

"Weren't you planning to have your meal at the cafeteria?"

"It doesn't really matter, does it?"

It's Rose, who turned down an invitation from her classmates and came here. As for the lunch—she had prepared it in advance, anticipating Nishino's arrival. If the person she has feelings for has come, there's no way she would have a meal with anyone else.

"...If that's the case, there's something I'd like to confirm."

"What is it?"

"It's about this body."

Nishino gazes down at his own bean sprout body and continues.

"It's severe enough to make a person collapse and lose consciousness. The inflammation, which is incomparable to conditions like tonsillitis, likely occurred in my head. Just one or two days of sleep wouldn't have easily healed it. Furthermore, there doesn't seem to be any signs of lingering effects or after-effects."

"So, what of it?"

"...I never thought the day would come when I'd receive charity from the likes of you."

"Ara? You'll be eating this every day from now on, you know?"

"I'm not talking about that."

While wearing a creepy grin and chuckling, Rose playfully teased with a light tone. In response to her, Nishino maintained a somewhat stern expression and replied. For him, who had survived on his own up until today with only his body, understanding his physical condition was a matter of life and death.

"You're still as aloof as ever. That's why you're not popular."

"What happened to my body? Tell me."

"Even if you ask me to tell you, I don't know."

"You don't know?"

"Because it's the first time, you know. Giving a part of my body to someone else."

"......"

Receiving an unexpected response, the futsumen was left speechless.

Considering the events leading up to this point, he understood that blaming her would be unfair. The damage to his eyeball was Nishino's own mistake, and Rose, on the other hand, had compensated for his injury at her own expense. While there was gratitude, criticizing her would be entirely unjustified.

But for Nishino at this moment, Rose is nothing but a villainess.

In that moment, the futsumen interpreted her kindness in a positive direction. He fully agreed with his intention to present himself in the best possible way, considering himself as the one who had won her favor. It was similar to paying for car maintenance.

"What's the matter?"

"It's nothing..."

Still, he worries.

He wasn’t sure how to respond to her, and hesitation showed on his face.

Should he express words of gratitude, or not? That is the other question currently in his mind.

Rose saw an opportunity in his reaction.

"By the way, Nishino-kun. How's the first day of school after being away for a few days?"

"...What do you mean?"

"It seems like you've been attracting a lot of attention?"

She is a deliberate offender, having asked that question.

What would the person being questioned actually answer? The sight of his stomach growling loudly in the classroom has already become widely known, both to the girl in front of him and his classmates who were present in the classroom. There is no room to cover it up.

"I'm wondering if we can make it to your goal."

The goal she is talking about is none other than helping Nishino find a girlfriend.

Thanks to that, the virgin bastard was now even more speechless.

Facing Rose's all-out assault, his disadvantage becomes evident.

"It appears that it's not going well, eh?"

"...Say whatever you want."

"To someone like you, I have a suggestion."

"Suggestion?"

Nishino's position in the school has been declining with each passing day. Recently, his name and reputation has become known beyond his grade level. Even the teachers are beginning to see him as a problem student. Thanks to that, even now, he can't help but react to Rose's words.

Due to his sorry condition, he ends up giving her an opportunity to take advantage of him.

"How about joining a club? I recall you were in the go-home club, weren't you?"

"You sure know even such word well."

"I may look like this, but I am committed to my studies, you know."

She's a blonde Lolita who seizes every opportunity to make an impression.

The conversation's flow had already been taken control of by her.

"...I feel like I've heard a similar line somewhere before."

"Eh?"

"It's nothing, don't mind it. Keep going."

"School events aren't the only opportunities to meet people. Your current position within the school is quite difficult, isn't it? To be honest, I wonder if you'll be able to achieve the desired results even if you continue making an effort like this."

"........."

"Still, it's not necessarily a good idea to distance yourself from the school environment just because of that."

"Why is that?"

"If you desire someone of the same age, the other person would likely be a fellow student, right? Your position within the school is something you can never disregard. Opportunities like enjoying the cultural festival with the person you're interested in would be lost, wouldn't they?"

"!"

Recalling a recent event from memory, the futsumen widens his eyes in shock. The thin tips of his eyelashes slightly thickened, giving them a somewhat creepy appearance.

"That's precisely why I believe it's within club activities, which bridge the gap between the external and internal aspects of the school, where you might be able to grasp opportunities. I think club activities are the sole pathway for you to transfer your value, which could resonate outside into the school. What do you think?"

"That way of speaking reminds me of Francisca."

"That woman just looks like me."

"I see."

Rose's argument was convincing to Nishino, and at the same time, it was appealing. He's a futsumen who has never been a member of a club, counting from his compulsory education days. Recently, he's also had the desire to try something new as he awakens to his youth.

"Have you decided, I wonder?"

"Yeah, indeed. I think it's well worth it."

Because of that, Nishino was skillfully instigated.

On the other hand, the side that incited him was secretly rejoicing. With this, half of her goal in bringing him to the rooftop had been achieved. Just like the futsumen, she also shares the desire to partake in enjoyable club activities during the next year and a half of their school life.

However, the words that came from Nishino's mouth were truly unexpected, even for Rose.

"Without further ado, I'm planning to head to the gym after school today."

"Eh?"

"Do you happen to know who the boys' basketball club's advisor was?"

"H-Hold on a second, Nishino-kun... What led you to the basketball club?""

"What's wrong?"

"Do you have any experience playing basketball?"

"......No, I don't."

"Then, are you good at any other sports? For example, have you played soccer or excelled in volleyball? No, let's not limit it to ball sports. Do you have any experience with team sports?"

"......None."

"You selected table tennis during gym class, didn't you?"

"What about it?"

"......"

The futsumen talks about it casually.

Rose makes an effort to change his direction.

"You started in the middle of your second year, and do you honestly believe you can perform well? Being a senior and only serving as a substitute or not even making it to the substitute list. It's absolutely astounding. Don't you think the disadvantages outweigh the benefits of participating in club activities?"

"......"

"You certainly have excellent technical skills. However, isn't that different from those who enjoy ball sports? After all, most sports are team-based, aren't they? I can't imagine you easily adapting to the current setup."

Actually, the futsumen had a bit of a longing for sports like basketball and soccer. But right now, he's getting a one-sided beating from Rose. Because she's more serious about it than he thought, and the way she's talking with concern, it hurt him as well.

At the same time, he sadly acknowledge the accuracy of those words.

"If you have prior experience, that's one thing, but if you don't, the only choices left for you now are non-technical, solo culture clubs. Since the club itself is not the primary goal, you should compromise in that area."

"......I see."

"Eeh, that's right. You should maximize the aspects you can be proud of. If that involves kicking or hitting a ball, I won't object. However, you're not like that now, are you?"

"......"

Rose is determined to prevent Nishino from joining any sports club at all costs. Most sports clubs are divided by gender. If he were to join one, it would likely take away a significant amount of their cohabitation time. That would defeat the purpose.

"Got it. I'm thinking of exploring the cultural club."

"I'm glad you understand."

"Yeah."

However, at that point, Nishino immediately lost his sense of purpose.

There is no cultural club that particularly interests him. Furthermore, he hasn't even bothered to investigate how many cultural clubs there are in the school. The only one he has any knowledge of is the light music club that he became acquainted with during the school festival.

So, his thoughts naturally turned to the male-to-female ratio of members in various clubs. What immediately crossed Nishino's mind were the names of club activities that seemed to have a larger number of female students, such as the Literature club or the Cooking club. He wasn't lamenting the lack of female presence for no reason.

"Now, Nishino-kun, I've got a proposal for you."

"...What is it?"

Suddenly, Rose's hand reaches into the pocket of her skirt.

What was taken out from there were several sheets of A4 paper folded into thirds.

Wearing a lovely smile, she keeps going.

"Right now, I have a document in my hands that summarizes the gender ratio of the cultural clubs established in this school. If you really wish to have it, I'm more than willing to give it to you. How about it?"

"!"

Nishino was taken aback by the flawless progression.

The conversation within the school environment was carried out in a way that made it clear that even if he were to challenge her head-on, he would never win. In fact, it was due to his utterly poor social skills, but the person himself seemed completely unaware of this fact.

"...Why do you have such a thing?"

"I consulted our homeroom teacher. I want to participate in a club, but I'd rather not have too many boys, so I requested the compilation of the male-to-female ratios in the clubs."

"I see."

"Japanese men are so surprisingly kind to the opposite sex, aren't they? When you request something, they'll come back with the documents the next day. Moreover, they do it so courteously."

Rose spoke with an expression of interest. As her arms moved, the stack of papers she held fluttered. A quick peek at the pages revealed many graphs and tables. Certainly, Nishino might find it impressive, thinking it's quite a substantial amount of information to compile in a single day.

"......"

Dues to this, as she spoke that way, her face appeared even more villainous to Nishino.

When this one grows up, she'll become like Francisca for sure. He's thinking along those lines.

"So, how about it?"

"What do you want?"

"I’d like to assign you some work soon, but I’ll need you to be available on a flexible basis."

"That's too vague. It depends on the terms."

"Is that so? In that case, this isn't needed, then?"

Rose's fingertips moved, ready to tear the papers.

"!"

Nishino had fully grasped that the girl in front of her was a determined woman when it came to getting things done, based on their interactions over the past few days. And if it were ever torn apart, even if a copy existed, Nishino imagined that it would never be obtained through conventional means.

"Wait. I understand."

"Ara? I wonder what you've understood?"

"I'll agree with your terms. So hand it over."

"Fufufu, it would have been better if you had been honest from the beginning."

Rose, responding with a thoroughly joyful smile, handed the stack of papers to Nishino. It was evident that she was a woman who could find enjoyment in both accusing and being accused. With a smirk and an eerie smile, she handed the pile of papers to Nishino.

"......"

Upon receiving it, the futsūmen immediately directed his gaze to the documents.

The documents included a table showing the male-to-female ratios for each club. This may have been because Nishino readily believed Rose's words. Next to the table, the teacher's remarks provided a detailed account of the inclinations of the students in the respective clubs.

On the summary page, all clubs were listed in a row, providing a comparison of the male-to-female ratios. By checking there, one could easily verify the male-to-female ratios in the school's clubs. Thanks to this, even the virgin bastard could quickly identify the club with a higher number of female members.

"......I see."

"Have you decided which club to join?"

"It's the Cooking club."

Nishino acted swiftly in deciding.

As a result, it was Rose who got flustered.

"J-Just a second, Nishino-kun."

"...What is it this time?"

"Really, you're being too aggressive, Nishino-kun. Considering that you already have a bad reputation when it comes to women, trying to join the Cooking club with an exceptionally high female ratio at this timing is quite something. You'll definitely face rejection. After all, Japanese people already experience significant conformity pressure."

"......"

Having his hidden agenda directly exposed, the futsumen was once again at a loss for words.

"In times like this, it's safest to target clubs with a roughly equal gender ratio. What you need right now is to blend in without arousing suspicion. It's important to change your mindset and recognize that the pleasure of having fun with the opposite sex is something that comes later."

"...You're quite knowledgeable, aren't you?"

"It's simply because you're too clumsy."

"......"

Nishino is now completely silent. It's to the point that he's no longer making a "Guh." sound.

So he decided to review the documents once again. Just as Rose had pointed out, he checked for clubs with a roughly equal gender ratio. As a result, he could see several school clubs that seemed suitable. She likely did the same beforehand.

"Photography club (Shashin-bu), Language club (Gogaku-bu), Dance club (Dansu-bu), Light Music club (Keion-bu), and YouTube club (Yuchu-bu), huh?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"There's quite a gap in the nature of the activities, huh?"

"Don't even think of joining the Light music club. You're not proficient at playing any instruments after all."

"I get it."

"In that case, wouldn't the Language club be a good option?"

"Yeah. I thought the same thing."

Nishino has a well-regarded reputation for his language skills.

It's a suggestion created with that in consideration.

"Considering there are seven boys and eight girls in terms of numbers, it feels just right—not too many and not too few, I believe. However, because the club is academically oriented, many of the students who join may rely on logic rather than sensibility. Whether you find that favorable or not is entirely up to you."

"Having a clear sense of purpose is a good thing."

"Is that so? Well then, I suppose it's decided."

"Indeed..."

With a rustling sound, Nishino nodded while occasionally flipping through other pages.

Everything up to this point has gone according to Rose's plan. The only thing left is for the futsumen who joined the Language club to show off his unnecessarily proficient English skills, resulting in a cold response from the club members. Without delay, Rose will invite him to embark on learning a language he doesn't even know, creating a club activity for just the two of them.

The blonde Lolita had thought that far within her mind by yesterday.

"Well then, I guess it's time for me to excuse myself."

Rose lifts her hips off the picnic sheet.

In that moment, she subtly flashed her panties, but Nishino, completely absorbed in examining the pages, didn't notice the black low-rise panties being displayed in front of him, even after standing there for a while. Sighing at his unchanging gaze, Rose left the rooftop.

After that, a while later, Nishino suddenly came across something.

Listed on the last page of the document is a list of gatherings referred to as 'Doko-Kai'. These are small, informal gatherings with fewer than five members, operating outside the framework of official club activities and not yet officially acknowledged by the school.

"...Breakdance club, huh?"

Being cynical by nature, he exuded a sense of wanting to embark on an adventure right then and there.

Apparently, he thought this one had been popular lately, based on what he saw in videos.

After school that day, Nishino decided to pay a visit to the club in question.

It's none other than the Breakdance club.

By the way, as for Rose, she's currently on her way to submit her application to join the Language club without inviting Nishino. Her plan for today is to visit the club room first and then watch him with a smug expression as he arrives later, which is the main dish of her agenda for today.

However, the schemes of such eccentric women are fated to be thwarted by the unexpectedly outstanding determination and decisiveness of the futsumen. In Nishino's hand, he held the application form for joining the Breakdance Club, and his steps had just reached the vacant classroom that would serve as the venue for their activities.

"...Let's go."

With an anxious heart and an excited anticipation, he knocks on the door.

Knock, knock, knock. The sound echoed rather loudly and could be heard. For him, it might have been a more nerve-wracking moment than being surrounded by tens of thousands of bullets. Before he knew it, the area around the armpits of his undershirt had started to get damp with sweat.

"—Uhh, who might you be?"

After a few seconds, a response came from the inside.

The sound of footsteps in slippers scurrying on the floor could be heard from behind the door.

After a brief moment, the sliding door was opened with a rattling sound.

The one who appeared was a handsome young man slightly shorter than Nishino. He had a distinctive feature of tanned skin, and he could be described as outgoing, though some might say he looked a bit flashy. He was dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, with relatively long hair pulled back with a headband.

Sweat was slowly trickling down his collar and forehead. As he glanced past himself into the classroom, he noticed dumbbells scattered around and exercise mats laid out. It seemed like he was in the middle of a workout.

"Ah, are you a sophomore? Did we happen to disturb you by any chance?"

He corrected his posture upon seeing Nishino in his school uniform.

Apparently, he's a first year student.

As can be understood from their first exchange, it's evident that he didn't expect that the futsumen in front of him had any interest of joining their club. Perhaps there had been previous complaints about noise-related issues, and his handling of the situation was rather unskillful, even taking into account the fact that the other person was older.

"Could this classroom be the meeting place for the Breakdance Club?"

"Eh? Oh, y-yeah. That's right..."

The tanned skin first-year student responded with an expression that seemed to say, "Oh crap." It's possible that they might be facing some kind of restriction or requirement from the school. However, such a salty expression was quickly swept away in response to Nishino's continued words.

"Excuse me, but could you let me join the club as a new member?"

"......Eh?"

The tan-skinned first-year student had a surprised expression that made his face go blank.

On the other hand, the futsumen calmly repeated his request.

"Can I join as a member of the Breakdance Club?"

"......"

Eh? For real? Are you dead serious? His expression seemed ready to file a complaint.

The two of them engaged in conversation near the classroom's entrance, and suddenly, their companion fell silent. The other members likely noticed the change. Another club member, also engaged in activities in the classroom, approached Nishino, as if to inquire about the situation.

"Kou-chan, what's wrong?"

"Eh? Ah, no. Actually, a second-year senpai wants to join..."

"Seriously!? That's great!"

The newly appeared club member's face lit up with a delightful expression.

The reason is the role of interest-based clubs in the school.

A Doka-Kai is required to gather five members within one year of its formation to be officially recognized as a school club. If this requirement is not met, the return of the provided activity space and the dissolution of the Interest Club are demanded.

However, that was all leading up to the moment he laid eyes on Nishino's expressionless face at the doorway. The instant he witnessed the poker-faced futsumen standing at the entrance, his expression underwent a sudden and dramatic change. The delighted expression that had been so vivid froze in place, not moving an inch.

Even now, this futsumen still doesn't grasp the significance of a courteous smile.

"........."

"........."

The two underclassmen exchanged glances without saying a word.

This guy definitely doesn't have the face of a dancer; it's practically written all over their faces.

As a matter of fact, the one who came next was undoubtedly a handsome guy. With a two-block buzz cut and oversized earrings, he stood a head taller than Nishino. Furthermore, his well-defined Japanese facial features gave an impression of maturity beyond his age.

It was a scene where facial attractiveness was a must for entry.

A den for handsome guys.

Nevertheless, Nishino was not one to be shaken by such things.

"I'd like to join the Breakdance Club."

Admission requests have been repeatedly submitted.

In his mind, he already vividly imagined his own figure, placing his hands on the floor and spinning his legs around, even though he didn't know the name of the move. He believed that the more he spun, the more popular he would become.

"Um, Senpai, how do I say this..."

"Could it be that you're not recruiting club members?"

"No, it's not like we're not recruiting, it's just... uh..."

The one who's responding is the first-year student with tanned skin. The atmosphere of uncertainty and hesitance on how to decline can be clearly sensed. A normal person would have instinctively walked away in this situation. However, regrettably, the futsumen they've encountered is a special case and can't grasp the situation. An individual who can't the atmosphere.

"Sorry, but I'd like to join."

"........."

The assertiveness of this futsumen was something they had never encountered before.

For that reason, the first-year student with tanned skin was the one to give in.

"W-Well, if you have some experience..."

"T-That's right..."

The two members of the same club nodded at each other.

The fact that the other person is a senior probably contributes as well.

Thus, Nishino was invited to the classroom without any incident.

To sum it up, Nishino couldn't place his hands on the floor and rotate his legs.

"........."

"........."

The breakdancing he tried for the first time became something mysterious, like an earthworm writhing on the asphalt under the summer heat. To call it breakdancing, or even to label it as dance, would be somewhat of an exaggeration.

Naturally, he thought he was dancing. Recalling the breakdancing he had watched in videos in the past, he gave it his all. Initially, he tried to get into the spirit, subtly nodding his head while trying to follow the beat. He was already posing as a B-boy.

"Um, Senpai, it's about time you..."

"......"

He is genuinely serious, consistently maintaining a serious expression and dancing with great determination. That's why, if anything, it's more embarrassing for those who are watching. Even the other underclassmen, as if they couldn't bear to watch any longer, stopped the music playing from the speakers.

"...H-How was it?"

Nishino, the breakdancer, turned toward the two with a gaze filled with anticipation.

This series of dance performance was unquestionably breaking their evaluation of this futsumen.

"Senpai, I'm sorry, but to be honest, that performance just now was a bit..."

"Despite our situation, we're seriously giving it our all, you see..."

Had the words given been delivered in a belittling manner, Nishino might have given up. Alternatively, if they had shown no appreciation, he might have taken a defiant stance. However, the two underclassmen spoke with a deeply apologetic expression, as if they were expressing their concern for the futsumen.

It looks like even Nishino, who is quite perceptive, realized...

...He realized how unimpressive his dance was.

"...I see."

'We're seriously giving it our all, you see.'  That phrase was unquestionably piercing Nishino's heart. Was my dance just now that bad? Was it a failure? At the same time, being told that led the futsumen to finally hold back.

"I apologize for interrupting you while you're busy."

As soon as he said it, he turned on his heel.

Thus, he made a quick exit from the same place, as if escaping.

Upon returning to the Rose's house, Nishino began searching for a large mirror.

Nishino wanted to confirm the quality of his dance performance in the Breakdance Club. While there may have been some clumsiness, he still believes that he was able to dance at least a bit.

"...This one should be fine."

Looking at the oversized mirror embedded in the entrance hall wall, he nods in contentment.

Rose didn't choose a high-end condominium without reason. The entrances to each room are spacious, with plenty of room for an adult to extend both hands wide. Although it's a bit narrow for dancing, with a physique like Nishino's, there should be no problem.

After confirming his reflection in the mirror, he began to dance. He reminisced about the dance he had performed at school and challenged himself to repeat it. It might have been just a few tens of seconds in terms of time. It lasted for just a few tens of seconds, at least not long enough for the clock's hands to complete a full round.

And he quickly realized his own mistake.

"......"

'How lame.'  he thought.

His limbs, which he believed he had extended, were not extending at all. The legs he should have swung widely were crawling on the floor like insects. Furthermore, his gaze, focused on the mirror, combined with his facial features, made the scene even more pitiful.

Thanks to that, Nishino finally understood—

—How much of his awkwardness he had exhibited within the school.

"......"

Naturally, shame welled up within his heart. If he were an ordinary student, he would probably hesitate to go to school the next day. He would dash into his room, wrap himself in his futon, and brood over what a fool he had been. It's undeniably a dark chapter in his history.

However, the futsumen here is a bit more optimistic compared to others.

"No choice but to practice, no doubt."

Murmuring to no one in particular, he struck a pose in front of the mirror.

Recalling breakdancing videos from the past, he starts to move, trying to replicate those moves with his own body. It goes without saying that a change in mindset doesn't miraculously make him better; his reflection in the mirror is still ungraceful.

Nevertheless, Nishino, gazing at the mirror, was completely earnest. He was determined to swing his legs around vigorously without fail; it was truly a sincere effort. He had the kind of personality that put in maximum effort when it came to things he decided to do.

In the midst of it, all of a sudden, with a loud click, the front door opened.

".......Ah."

It was Rose who showed up.

As soon as she caught sight of Nishino, she raised her voice and began speaking.

"H-Hey! Nishino-kun! Where on earth did you go... after school......"

The futsumen in question had received a consultation from her during the lunch break but never showed up at the Language Club in the end. She's probably somewhat frustrated with that behavior. However, as she watches the peculiar and quirky movements he's exhibiting right now, that frustration gradually fades.

What was eventually conveyed was a straightforward question.

"...What are you doing? Is that hand yoga, perhaps?"

"I'm practicing breakdancing."

"Cough—!"

Even Rose, as quick-witted as she is, wasn't able to follow up this time, it seems.

Her spit that burst out scattered onto Nishino's face as he hunkered down at the entrance.

"You're really a dirty woman."

"I-I'm sorry... Because you say such interesting things."

While apologizing, the crazy woman wets herself over the fact that her own spit has clung to the person she has feelings for.

On the other hand, the futsumen has a dissatisfied expression on his face.

"......"

Nishino, who never thought he would be degraded even by Rose, thanks to her, his inner passion burns even brighter. I'll do whatever it takes to learn breakdancing. I'll show off a cool dance. Such passionate thoughts are inside his mind.

"Sorry, but I'm in the middle of practice. Kindly depart quickly."

"Eh? Ah, p-please wait a moment!"

"What now? As you can see, I'm busy."

"How did joining the Language Club go? You're starting club activities, right?"

"I've decided not to join the Language Club."

"You decided not to? What's that supposed to mean?"

"Instead, I'm going to join the Breakdance Club."

"......"

Rose can't find words to respond to this.