That's what I call mental gymnastics, they even have that other couple that Tsukushi could use to bring in the topic and ask Hinoka what are her thoughts on scissoring, but nope... gotta drag this on for as many volumes as possible. And I'm not saying her terror at being rejected isn't justified but she should at least do some research first to see what her chances are instead of going blind for the confession, which in fact just makes it all the more terrifying.