I like this outcome JUST because Japanese courting puts WAY too much effort and pressure into confessing. Like dude, you’re asking her to go steady, not for marriage. The worse she/he can is definitely beyond “No”, but you ain’t gotta say anything more than “I like you (optional: because xyz), do you want to go out?” or some variation. Rom coms especially seem to forget the act of dating is to get to know each other better and become more intimate. Nothing’s sealed in stone exactly, you’re just saying you like spending time with someone and want to explore a deeper relationship with romantic intentions.