Asahina Wakaba to Marumaru na Kareshi Volume 2 Chapter 7

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Asahina Wakaba and her ○○ Boyfriend

1

“Wakaba—I heard everything.”

Haruto’s words rang inside my ears. What did he just say?

“N-No way…you’re joking, right? There’s no way you should know about that…”

That’s right. This is a truth that should have been hidden from him. Bizen-kun, and me as well, we never wanted him to know. That is probably the only thing we agreed on. So, why!? Who told him!? Met with this sudden development, I was left baffled, and my thoughts came to a halt. I can’t breathe. I could tell that the color drained from my face.

“I’m not joking. I know about everything.” Haruto wasn’t done yet.

His deep, groaning voice revealed it all. He knew about my position in class, how I was forced into this situation, and the words I exchanged with Bizen-kun. And, more important than anything, he knew about the game. He really knew about everything.

“…That’s what’s going on, right? You don’t need to hide it anymore, I know. The fact that the confession was a lie as well, and why you were going out with me…”

“Ah, ugh…”

I wanted to deny it, saying that he was wrong. But, there is nothing to deny here. What kind of excuse would help me here? Sweat came out of every pore of my body, and my head hurt. Is this really happening? Ah, I know! This is a dream as well, right? I’m actually still laying inside my bed, being forced to watch a nightmare. That’s right, this is nothing but a dream—

You’ve been lying this entire time, right? Don’t touch me with those filthy hands of yours…!

“Ugh…!?”

No, no! Was that dream reality after all!? Then, from here on out, he will—

“H-Haruto…” I glanced at him, when he slowly opened his mouth.

“If so, there’s only one thing I have to say.”

“A-Ahh…!”

It’s over. No matter what I say, everything is too late. I want to run away, but my quivering legs froze me to the ground.

“Wakaba—”

And, finally, the words followed. The words of his judgement, just like in that dream, destroying me fully. He showed me a scary face I had never seen, with a smile—Smile?

“—Eh?”

The sight of the nightmare I had broke into pieces. Haruto was smiling. It was the same kind smile he would always show me.

“—Let’s continue the game!”

—So he said.

“Wha!? What are you talking about!? A-Are you even aware of what you are saying!?”

“Nature’s ally! I’m not that stupid, you know?” Haruto waved about his arm, nodding with confidence.

“T-Then, you know what continuing the game means, right!?” I couldn’t follow up at all.

Haruto just had both his arms in the air, laughing to his heart’s content. I can’t tell what he’s thinking at all. Continue the game!? I don’t see any reason, any merit for Haruto to do this.

“I have to apologize. I actually was there, on the rooftop…” Haruto spoke with a calm tone, revealing everything. “Ryouichi told me that you had some urgent business come up, and didn’t let me ask anything, whereas Shun invited the Date brothers to eat at the school cafeteria. I didn’t know what to do myself.”

That’s why he wandered around, when he spotted Bizen-kun going up to the rooftop.

“I was wondering what he was doing up there in this cold, so I figured he must be up to something. That’s why I followed him. It’s been a while since I went up there, but then…”

Then, I appeared after him. He must have heard us, and what a simple reason it was. He caught me in the act, so to speak. But, that still doesn’t explain his decision.

“And, that’s what happened. I didn’t mean to listen in on you, sorry!” He shook his head, like a child having been caught mid-prank.

Why, how can you give me that reaction. How…can you smile like that? If he’s serious about having heard all of that, he should not forgive me. Just like in that dream, he should reject me.

“Ryouichi…well, he was raised in a more complicated environment. You know that he’s the son of a distinguished family, right? When he was a young child, all sorts of kingcraft studies were hammered into him. He had no future to choose for himself. It’s like they turned his heart into a machine, I still can’t believe it.” He continued, ignoring my baffled reaction. “I bet he doesn’t even realize what you would go through in the case that he made Nanase-san and the others stop coming to school.” He let out a sigh. “You were bullied, right? What would your classmates think if the girls who bullied you stopped coming to school? In the worst case, they’d assume you sent your boyfriend’s friend to take care of them, and they would treat you like an outcast until you graduate.”

There, Haruto finally stopped his monologue, lowering his head towards me.

“Please, don’t think badly of him. I know what he’s trying to do is bad, but it’s all for my sake. He’s thinking about a lot of things, even if he might not look like it. As a result, he tried to solve it himself—”

“I-I wouldn’t hate him for that…”

I’m the one at fault. How could I blame him.

“Really? Thank you! That’s reassuring to know.” Haruto showed relief at my words, and continued. “And, even though I said to continue the game, I don’t want to go along with what they others were planning, so don’t worry. I have my own plans, people to rely on, so you won’t be hurt in any way anymore.”

I don’t need to worry? So,that’s it? Is it really okay…for everything to be settled like this? Honestly, I felt stupid. Maybe I should have talked to him before this worst case scenario. It’s weird. Just by watching Haruto’s smile, I felt all my anxiety vanish. I felt stupid for worrying this much. Even though I wrapped up my family in this mess…I feel so stupid now. I’ll have to apologize later.

“—Huh?” I had cast down my face in shame, when I spotted a wet space on the ground beneath Haruto’s feet.

It didn’t rain yesterday and this morning. Maybe someone poured out some water there? But, the area is way too small for that…How?

“—!”

I felt a horrible premonition. In a panic, I looked up, and met eyes with Haruto. Until now, I was scared to be hated by him, and couldn’t look him in the eyes. That’s why I couldn’t see it. I couldn’t grasp it. Because—he wasn’t actually smiling.

The corners of his eyes were red, swollen. His body was quivering slightly, and I bet he must have been uncomfortable. There, I realized the reason for my bad premonition I had for a while. Every single world of Haruto sounded like he was forcing himself, trying to hold back something.

—During that previous conversation, he was lying.

“Ah…Ahh…!”

The moment I grasped that, my heart shook. I was forced to realize how foolish I was. I averted my eyes from reality. Why did I not catch on to it? Haruto must have guessed my thoughts, and showed me a reassuring smile.

“Ah, y-you don’t need to worry, I’m not angry! For someone like me with an iron heart, something of this level is nothing!” There, he forced a smile. “I thought it was weird from the beginning. That’s why, please don’t worry about it, Wa—” He stopped. “—Asahina-san!”

That’s what he called me.

“Hic…”

“A-Also, I had a hunch. Waka—Asahina-san is such a cute and kind girl, so there’s no way you would have feelings for me! I feel pretty embarrassed now! I must have been unbearable, right!” Haruto smiled in a cheerful way, as he tightly closed his eyes. “It must have been hard going out with a disgusting fat otaku like me, right? I’m sorry that I never realized…”

“N-No…”

“B-But, it’s fine! We’re just gonna fake everything! O-Once nobody is around, we don’t have to be together!”

Stop.

“We just have to show them a bit here and there. T-That’s why, please cheer up. I want you to smile, okay? I don’t want you to worry, Asahina-san.”

Stop! Stop! I heard a dull sound, as my field of view shook. I can’t have him call me by my given name. I never knew how much that could hurt me. But, that’s not the reason why my chest is tightening up! Why did I never realize…

Haruto is more kind than anybody else, prioritizing others over himself. I thought I knew him, but I actually didn’t at all! There’s no mistaking it that Haruto must be sad. He must have been crying this entire time until I got here. But, that’s not because he was deceived. Everything is for my sake.

Although we were only a fake couple, Haruto did not want to hurt me, and instead kept it all to himself. It’s the same as what happened with Taichi-kun, when he saved him.

I’m fine, really. No matter how much they laugh at me, insult me, I’m used to it. It’s nothing new. But…buf, if it’s the one girl who said she liked me, I can’t stand her being laughed at because of me…

Drenched in mud and dirty water, he walked all alone, not wanting to hurt me. And right now, he yet again is hiding his own feelings. He’s faking the best possible smile he can so that he doesn’t worry me. This is what he feared the most. That the girl he loved turned into a laughingstock because of him!

“…Why…”

“…Eh?”

“Why would you go so far for me!?”

“A-Asahina-san?”

“I deceived you this entire time, you know! I even hated you in the beginning! And now, you go this far for me—”

—likes you.

…Ah. I heard a faint voice reaching my ears. I faintly saw Bizen-kun and Date-kun in my sight. They both spoke up at the same time.

He really likes you.

“—Ah.”

I like the Wakaba-san who talks about her family.

All of his actions, his words, they came gushing into my head. They were all precious, yet equally unbearable memories with Haruto. He would blush because he loved me so much. He would forgive me for talking about my family day in day out, even though he had lost his own. And then, and then, and then—

Of course! That cute, exceptionally adorable girl is my girlfriend! How would I feel bad about that! I’ll definitely—make her happy!

“N-Noooooooo!?”

“W-What happened!?” Haruto tried to comfort me with a hand of his, but I brushed that away.

“Stop! No more! I don’t want you to do anything for me anymore!”

“Eh, wha, what do you mean by that…?”

Ah, ahhh! I finally got it. I found out what I feared the most. It’s not the fact of me getting too close to him, or being hated by him! What I fear more than what happened in this nightmare I had…is to force the person I love the most in this world into a future devoid of any happiness. Somewhere deep inside of me, I might have realized already. Realized, and guessed just what kind of action he might take if he found out about the game.

Without a doubt, he would swallow it all with a smile. Even if it broke his heart inside, even if he was hurt and betrayed like never, with tears about to come out…he would still not let me worry about him. Because of me, that radiating smile of his is gone. The smile I fell in love with, I won’t be able to ever see it again.

“No! No…!”

“A-Asahina-san!? Calm down!”

“What…have I done!?” My body was moving on it’s own, moving away from him.

Finally, my exhausted legs gave in…

“Ah!?”

My back bumped against the wall of the school building. I fell over, and in the process, I could see that thing. My face was reflected in the dirty mirror. It was worn out, visibly exhausted, and I had bags beneath my eyes. I was as pale as a mummy, as I myself looked like a corpse. It’s not an appearance I should be showing him.

“…Eek.”

I looked at myself, and heard a voice, forcing me to accept this reality in front of me.

—You. Are. Not. Worthy. Of. Being. With. Him.

“…Ugh…”

—You. Do. Not. Have. The. Right

[To Love Him]

“Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!??”

“Asahina-san!?”

“…rry.”

“Eh…?”

“I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry…”

“Wah! Eh, wha!?”

“I’m sor—Ugh!” A sharp pain ran through my head, shaking my field of view.

I felt the urge to puke, and let out everything on the ground in front of me.

“Blegh! Ugh…Cough, cough!”

“Wha…Wakaba!?”

“I’m so…Cough! Cough! Sorr…Sorry…Cough!”

Ahhhhh, it’s all over. I can’t even apologize properly. Why can’t I use my words? My head felt incredibly heavy, and my chest tightened up to a level I thought I would suffocate. The guilt I have towards him was slowly killing me—

“Haru…to…I’m…sorry—”

“S-Stop talking! Calm down, please!”

Something warm touched my back. When I slowly lifted up my head, I saw a panicking Haruto. He was rubbing me on the back. Plagued by the guilt, I once again looked down. Most of the stuff I puked out was gastric juice. I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday, right. I’m glad it’s not that disgusting to look at.

I tried to push up my body, but my limbs had no strength in them. It grew dark in front of my eyes. My body slowly leaned forward—

“I’m…sorry…”

—And I fell down on the ground, lifeless.

“Wakaba!? Hey, Wakaba! N-No, don’t do this! Pull yourself together! Please, open your eyes…!”

From far away, I could hear his voice.

“I’ll get you to the infirmary right away! A-Ahh…No, this isn’t what I wanted…! I just…I just wanted you to keep smiling…!”

Finally, my body moved. I felt light. Something soft, and warm…I was wrapped up in a comfortable sensation. Why? My heart feels much lighter. I haven’t felt this relaxed in a long time. I gave in to this, and my consciousness cut out.

2

…My eyelids felt heavy. My body was sluggish, unwilling to move. Um…where exactly am I right now? How did I get here? I used up all my strength, and opened my eyes. What greeted me—was a white ceiling. My consciousness was still hazy, as I couldn’t rely on my senses. It felt like I was still inside a dream. My entire body was plagued by fatigue. I’ll just sleep some more. If I forget everything and sleep some more, I’ll feel much better, I just know it—

“Sensei! Wakaba…Is she okay!?”

—Suddenly, I was wide awake. I heard a familiar voice, filled with panic and confusion. Of course, I didn’t even have to guess. He’s the person I loved, and the person that loved me back. My former boyfriend—his voice. I remember. I lost consciousness in front of him. When I faintly moved my head, I could see him—Haruto—through the opening of the curtain.

He seems to be talking with someone. His face was beet red, traces of tears still lingering on his cheeks.

“W-What happened to her?! She’s not sick, is she…!? Should we call an ambulance!?”

“Calm down, Iruma-kun. From what I can see, there’s no emergency here. She probably just lost consciousness caused by a rush of exhaustion and tension. She’ll wake up soon.” It was a calm, dependable male voice.

I could see a white robe swaying caused by a breeze.

“R-Really!? Thank god…!”

The person talking with Haruto must be the teacher responsible for the infirmary. He helped me before, when I hurt my knee. So then, I’m…

“Sensei, thank you very much!”

“No no, this is my job after all. But, it looks like she received some sort of mental shock. And, not just that. The muscles of her entire body have been overworked as of late. Just what happened for her to end up like this?”

“That’s…because…because I…” Haruto grit his teeth.

I heard faint regret in his words. Why would he have to feel this way?

“…Excuse me. I should not be asking that.” The teacher put his hand on Haruto’s shoulder. “Either way, you have to remain calm. I will check over her, and depending on it, we should get her checked out at the hospital. For now, you have to return to the classroom, classes are about to begin.”

“Sensei, I want to stay with her until she wakes up…I’ll leave right away, so just please…until then…!”

“Iruma…kun…” The teacher’s voice was riddled with uncertainty. “…I understand. I will tell your homeroom teacher.” He spoke with a calm, collected tone.

His words couldn’t have been more kind.

“Thank you…very much…!”

“That’s what youth is supposed to be. When I was your age, I offered my everything to a love as…Hm?” The sound of a phone ringing filled the room. “Yes, this is the infirmary. Eh? Yes, yes, that sounds difficult. Yes, I have time, I will head over there right away. Just keep them still, yes.”

“…Sensei?”

“Sorry, a child at the kendo club got hurt, so I have to be out for a bit. If something happens, call me over the emergency phone. You know the number, right?”

“Y-Yes! I’ll watch over Wakaba!”

I heard the rattling sound of something, maybe the teacher took out something from the emergency box. Finally, footsteps walked towards the door—

“…Iruma-kun. I’m not going to ask what happened. But, let me at least say this. People’s hearts can be exceptionally weak and fragile at times, especially for young children like you. Even if it might not be anything important from your point of view, the other person might be hurt by it. I know that you’re a strong kid, but there’s also those that aren’t.”

For some reason, Sensei’s voice remained in my ears.

“The best we teachers can do is assist our students. I won’t tell you how to live the next three years, let alone your lives. You have to decide on that, as well as your friends around you. Bullying happens, and we can’t do anything about it. That’s why, learn from it, and protect yourself. If there’s a girl important to you, it’s even more important. You understand what I’m trying to say, right?”

“Yes…yes…!”

“Very well. Make sure not to regret anything, Iruma-kun.”

I couldn’t see the teacher’s face, but I felt that he must have been smiling. Silence filled the room, leaving behind only me and Haruto. I slowly lifted up my body, and put my hand on the curtains. There, I could see Haruto holding his head. It seemed like Haruto was blaming himself. Again, I bothered him…

Through that, my determination grew solid. Let’s just give up, and end everything. I can’t stand seeing him like this. I have to say my goodbye to him. And then, tell Nanase-san and the others of my decision. I can’t participate in that game any longer. I’ll pay for the powder case by getting myself a part-time job. I don’t mind quitting school and working right away. If I can repay for my sins only a little bit, then…

“Haruto…”

“W-Wakaba!? You woke up!?”

My voice barely had any impact. But, Haruto had properly heard it, as he came rushing towards me.

“Yes…I’m sorry to worry you like this…”

“Y-You can’t get up just yet! You were tired, right? Come on, rest up a bit more—”

…Rest up?

“Aha, ahahaha…there’s no need for that. I don’t care what happens to this body.”

“Wakaba…? W-What are you talking about?”

“Aha, you’re still being considerate of me? You really are kind, Haruto.”

He’s totally wasted on me.

“Aha…haha…It’s okay now. Just leave me alone.”

That’s right, I don’t have the right to keep him at my side. I have to tell him here. And…and then…I have to say goodbye.

“Let’s not meet up again. The fact that we met has been a mistake. If I hadn’t participated in this stupid game, none of this would have happened.” Subconsciously, my tone changed.

I was talking to him like I did when we barely met. I went back to the old me, before I fell in love with him. I’ll do it so that nothing of this ever happened. There was never a me that deserved the feelings of Haruto. That’s why I accepted this. I have to tell him.

“W-Wait…no! Listen to me!” Haruto looked like he was about to break out in tears, reaching for me with his hand. The sight of him was too much for me, I had to avert my face.

—I’m sorry, it must have been a shock. He must have never imagined me saying something like that. The Asahina Wakaba inside of Haruto is probably a kind, cute, and considerate girl. Someone who doesn’t hurt others…But, she’s fully different from me.

“I never liked you in the first place. I just continued being your girlfriend because I was threatened. There was no romantic affection at all.”

I can’t look at his face. He must be dejected. That’s why I lied as best as I could. I did it lots so far, I’m sure I can do it again.

“Just talking with you is too much for me. T-That’s why…” My voice was shaking, and my fingertips stabbed into my flesh. “This is goodbye…Iruma…kun…”

Silence filled our surroundings. Both he and I could not bring out any other words. This is fine. This was the right choice. I felt a large hole inside my chest, slowly filling with a stinging pain. I got up from the bed, and—

“…”

—Passed by him. I reached for the door of the room. I had to get back to the classroom. Then, everything will end. This ridiculous game—and my love.

“Kukuku…”

“Eh?”

My fingers stopped.

“Ha…hahahahaha…”

I heard an ominous laugh from my back. Subconsciously, I turned towards that.

“Pffft…Bugyahahaha! Now this is one amusing blunder!”

“H-Haruto…?”

He held his stomach, as he laughed on and on. What happened? This isn’t the place to laugh, is it. I didn’t expect this reaction.

“—Hey!”

“Hya!?”

With a roaring voice, Haruto slammed his hand on the desk. There was no smile on his face left. He had his eyes narrowed, his expression frozen.

“You just say what you want, and then leave me behind? How selfish can you be!”

“Eh? H-Haruto…?”

“What is it with you! You don’t even listen to me!? Are you making fun of me!?”

“N-No, of course not—”

“‘Goodbye, Iruma-kun’, my ass!” His expression changed from anger, as he burst out laughing again.

He called me an idiot again and again, as he slammed both hands on the desk. Eh, what!? I can’t follow him at all!?

“Also, even if you say goodbye now, what about everything that comes after? No, I can tell. This is Wakaba we’re talking about after all. You never thought about it, right? Man, it never gets old! Buhahaha!”

“Wha!”

How cruel! Do you know what I went through!? You don’t have to phrase it like that!

“I-I don’t want to do this either! But, what else am I supposed to say!? Idiot! Idiot Haruto!”

All my polite language and tone was blown away instantly. I just blurted out whatever came to my mind.

“Both Haruto, and Bizen-kun, I forced you through all of this! I even said cruel things to my family, you know!? There’s nothing I can do anymore! That’s why—”

“Huh? You did even that?” Haruto shrugged his shoulders, shaking his head in disbelief. “What a helpless young lady you are. Acting cruel wherever you go, this is what you get. You wouldn’t even lose against the heroine of a tragedy!”

“…Hmpf!”

“What, you’re angry now? But, I’m angry myself!” Haruto swallowed his grin, and instead glared at me. “I’m serious, you know? How could I not be angry after being deceived like that! I thought we could do this, and that…and that…soon as well, but you let me down!”

“E-Ehhh!?”

Haruto moved his hands in a disgusting manner, as he roared. W-What!? What is this and that…and that!? Stop with those hands of yours!

“Also, your guard is way too strong, Wakaba! I know you only did it because of the game, but even though you were clinging to me, you never even let me kiss you!”

“Eh, wha, ueh?”

“Don’t underestimate the desires of a young man like me! I was always agonizing over it! Come on, let me fondle those breasts a bit!”

I was shocked. He was thinking about it all the time!? On our dates, during our lunch, always when he was with me!? I can’t believe it!

“W-What are you blurting out just like that!? You overweight pervert! Lewd manjuu!”

“I-I’m not overweight! Just got a bit more on my ribs!”

“It’s the same thing!”

Ahh, ahhh! What is wrong with him! I was thinking about the same stuff myself! Also, you complain about a kiss, but you never tried to be more aggressive about it! Even when we had a good mood going on, you just pulled back, totally embarrassed! I was a bit depressed back then, thinking I had no charm as a girl!

How would I know you were thinking like that! And, it’s not like you’re innocent!

“Y-You were playing lewd games in my absence, right! You moron! Super idiot! Always grinning to yourself!”

I have more than enough to say if you’re starting a war now!

“Even I can get angry, okay! Especially during the last date, when you—”

“……”

Then.

“Haaa…” Haruto let out a sigh, as his face relaxed. “…You’re finally back to the usual Wakaba.”

“—Eh?”

Unlike his tone so far, Haruto now spoke with a calm, almost invigorating voice. There, I realized. On his face was his usual kind smile. Nothing like it had been before when he blamed me. I was baffled.

“Ah…”

D-Don’t tell me…everything just now was acting? Just so that I could feel relieved?

“Wakaba, you try to keep everything to yourself. If you don’t let out that amassed gas somewhere, you’ll break down. The same happened before, right? Really, you never learn.”

“Haru…to…”

“No need to worry, I was just joking…Well, about half of it.”

…Only half of it?

“It’s not good to not let others finish talking, you know. Don’t just leave me when I still haven’t gotten to the main part.”

Main part…? But…

“There’s nothing else to talk about—”

“Of course there is. Wakaba, lend me your hand.”

“—Eh? What are you…Huh? What…is this?”

“Haha, it’s an early Christmas present.” Haruto said, showing a confident smile.

He put a single powder case in my hand. It had a thin pink color as its basis, flower ornaments all over, as it shone brightly under the light. That’s right, it’s the exact powder case from back then—

“N-No mistaking it…this is the powder case I accidentally broke.”

I opened it up, and even the inside was fully repaired, like it was entirely new. But, how did he…? Nanase-san mentioned it was a brand from overseas.

“Ah, by the way, this isn’t from some expensive brand or whatever. I just bought this off a certain old man for a thousand yen.”

—Ehhhhhh!?

“Also, that old man is actually the store manager you know! From that plastic model store. He’s apparently selling handmade accessories on the side. Really, he should have told me from the start. I had to bother the others because of that…!”

“W-What are you talking about!? This is a handmade powder case from the store manager!? And, so cheap…!”

Now that I think about it, the store manager wore an accessory around his neck the first time I met him…But, there’s no way, right!?

“That vexing woman was using such a cheap powder case to deceive Wakaba! I won’t forgive them!”

“R-Really!?”

“Super really! You never doubted them once? You really think they would let you destroy something really expensive? It’d be such a waste.”

…Ugh, now that he mentioned it, I never thought about it…

“That’s why I’m worried about you. You get deceived too easily…Then again, I also like that about you.” Haruto shoved a compliment there in the end, as he shrugged his shoulders.

“B-But, how did you—”

“The reason’s pretty simple. It’s because I got trustworthy and helpful folks with me.” He grinned. “Our overflowing friendship power created a miracle! …Well, I barely did anything, though.”

“Ah, t-then…?”

“Yup. With this, you’ll be free from any guilt!”

Ah—

“That’s a load off your shoulders, right? So now, let’s talk about the future for a bit.”

Ah-Ah…

“Even if we ended the game now, you will still get bullied after, right? That’s why, this Haruto-kun thought of something!”

He spoke of his plan. Just how far did he think things through—

“For now, we’ll stretch out this game as long as possible. We can just decide on a date and cancel it on the day, like that. During lunch break, we can just meet up at my class. It might be hard to tell everyone, but the peeps in my class are understanding. Once we make up for it, they’ll be okay with it. And then, we’ll just wait until these girls are tired of bullying you! People like them actually get bored fairly easily, so believe me!”

—For my sake.

“Also, we’ll tell the teachers—maybe the head of the student year Iwasaki-sensei—about this, and make sure that you don’t end up in the same class as them again.Teachers hate bullying more than anything after all. So, we just have to be honest.”

That’s why, rest assured, is what he said.

“No matter what happens—I am your ally, Wakaba.”

“—!”

He’s a liar. Forcing out a lie, but being hurt on the inside. He swallowed it all, for my sake…! I can’t give up. No matter what I do, I really love him. I can’t live without him. But, I don’t have the right to love him. What should I do? He’s doing all of this for my sake. He’s trying his hardest…what can I even give back to him? And, he even is helping me be freed from my bullies…is this really fine?

I think that things can’t keep going like this. Mama and Papa always say that Ren can’t be here forever. And, that I shouldn’t rely on her too much.

“Ah…”

In the back of my head, my conversation with Haruka-chan popped up. The girl was much younger than me, yet held so much determination.

Do you not have someone like Ren-chan, Onee-san?

I closed my eyes. I only need a portion of her strength. Just a bit, so that I can follow through with my own determination. I need that to push myself beyond my limit. Just now, for this one moment—Please, give me a bit of your courage.

“And then—”

“Haruto.”

“…Eh?”

“Thank you for going this far for my sake. But, that’s not good enough. I deceived you, lied to you, so we can’t continue this game.”

“B-But then, you will…!”

Seeing his worried expression, my heart hurt…But, I can’t step down from this. I have to correct my mistakes.

“I came up with another method. If we manage to pull this off, I’ll be fine. But, I need your help for that, Haruto…”

“A-Another method? If that really exists, then I don’t mind, but…”

“:..Thank you. Then, I’ll start explaining right away. Could you come over here?”

“Aye aye, at your service.”

He listened to my instructions, and walked closer to me. Now, it’s time. Use up all the courage I have…!

“Just what other method did you—”

I connected my hands behind my back.

“It’s simple—”

I pressed my lips on his face.

“—If a lie isn’t good enough, we just have to make it real.”

Haruto’s eyes opened wide, and his mouth stayed open like a fish waiting to be fed. His large body was frozen stiff. Finally, his cheeks burned up in a bright red. I touched my lips, and licked them. It was exactly the same scenery from a while back. The only differences were my feelings, and the place I put my lips on.

“Whaeufhacou…?” Haruto spoke words unfamiliar to me.

A flustered Haruto really is the cutest.

“It’s payback for before! You used something similar, right!”

“B-B-But! Ugh…!”

Was it that much of a shock? Haruto still looked out of the loop, nowhere near recovering. I put my hand on his cheek, looking him in the eye.

“I did something unforgivable to you. That is my guilt that will never disappear.”

“W-Wakaba…”

“You might not believe me. You might think this is just another life of mine.”

But…

“If you were willing to believe me, I want you to listen to my words.”

I felt tears streaming from my eyes, and my voice was shaking. But, I can’t run away from this. I don’t want to regret anymore.

—Iruma Haruto-kun…

“I love you. Please…go out with me…one more time…”

“Waka…” A transparent liquid built up in the corners of his eyes.

“Is it…no good…?”

“No, no that’s not the case!” Haruto’s hand gently grabbed my shoulder. “I also love you, Wakaba…! Please, always stay with me…!”

“…Yes.”

Then, the two of us approached each other, closing our eyes—and our lips overlapped.

“Puha…! Ah, it’s not a dream…! This…this is the best…! I can’t describe it! The sensation is still lingering on my lips!”

“Ugh, don’t say that…! So embarrassing…” My cheeks were burning hot.

I only now realized what just happened. Of course, I don’t regret it.

“Wakaba…with this, we’re a fully-fledged, legit couple, right?”

“Y-Yeah…”

“Alright! Then, one last thing to do!”

“Eh, do what?”

Haruto faced me, opening his arms.

“There!”

“Hyaa!?”

Together with my shriek, Haruto tightly embraced my body. Because of this sudden physical contact, I couldn’t react at all.

“W-What…Eh, ah!?”

D-Don’t tell me, we’re going to do it here!? I’m going to climb the stairs of adulthood now!?

“I-Isn’t this a bit too fast…!? This is the infirmary…and, we have to create a proper mood for this sort of thing…”

“Ushishishi…Wakabaaa~”

“Y-Yesh!”

Now that it’s come to this, I just have to follow through, right!? Alright, I’m ready…I think!? Haruto once again reached out for me with his hand—

“…Eh?”

—And placed it on my head.

“You don’t have to hold back anymore.”

“—Ah.”

“You’ve been holding it in this entire time, right? No matter how lonely you’ve been, how tough it was, you swallowed it all, right? But, no more of that.” Haruto smiled. “You don’t need to worry about anything anymore. If something happens, something that brings you misfortune, just tell us. No more pondering about it on your own!”

“Ah…ah…”

“That’s why, you can cry now. Let it all out.”

“Ah—Ahhhhhh!!!”

My vision grew blurry. Haruto…Haruto…Haruto! Fully in a daze, I clung to him, rubbing my face against his chest.

“I couldn’t take it anymore! I thought my heart would break into pieces! It hurt so much, I went crazy!”

All the feelings I had locked away inside of my chest, they came gushing out, and I couldn’t stop myself. I don’t have to hold back anymore. I don’t have to carry everything on my own. That’s what he said. He said the words I always wanted to hear…

“Hic…I-I even said bad things to my family! That I don’t have any place to belong to anymore…Hic, waaaaah! I’m sorry! I’m sorryyyyy!”

“You really did well, Wakaba…Such a good girl.”

“Haruto…Harutooooo!” My tears wouldn’t stop.

I don’t know where I kept all of this liquid. I felt his kind hand rubbing my back. This might be the first time since I attended this school—No, ever since I was born, that I bawled out my eyes like this.

…Just how much time passed then, as I continued to cry? I felt worried that I used up all of the water inside of my body, so much I let out. Finally, I calmed down. Of course, what assaulted me next was intense shame and embarrassment. I bothered Haruto to such an extent, and even cried like a baby in front of him. He even hugged me the entire time…

Maybe he’s tired of me now? He doesn’t think of me as a bothersome girl, right!? Oh, that reminds me! I never wiped my mouth after puking! Did the teacher properly clean my mouth for me!? Or did we kiss each other like that!? I-It was my first kiss…W-What if he says ‘My first kiss tasted horrible’ later!? Ahh, oh no…! Just imagining this, my body started shaking for a different reason.

“Wakaba, you okay? If it’s too much for you, you can lie down a bit if you’re feeling off.”

What’s too much for me is your kindness.

“I’m…okay…I was just…a bit distressed at my own actions…I-I’m really sorry. I’m okay now, so you can let go—”

Ah, but…Haruto’s body feels so soft and spongy. I wouldn’t mind if he carried me some more like before…I glanced up at Haruto. He had a worried gaze as he looked down at me, but his cheeks were still a bit red. I kept our gaze locked, and rubbed my cheek at his chest.

“Wa…Wakaba?”

His body froze up. Maybe subconsciously, his breathing started to grow out of control. All my internal conflict was blown away like this. Rather than the shame getting the better of me, I felt the desire to be embraced by him.

“Haruto…” I closed my eyes, as if I was begging.

It’s fine now. We did kiss already, so I don’t mind moving on to the next stage. I felt Haruto’s breath on my forehead. He must be excited. I felt a bit scared, but more than anything, I was happy. I slowly moved my face up towards his lips—

“Eeeeeeeeeeek!?”

Hya!? W-What was that!? I suddenly heard a shriek from a bit further away. Haruto and I met eyes, and tilted our heads in confusion. I don’t know why, but that voice just now sounded oddly familiar. I borrowed Haruto’s hand as I got off the bed, and slowly approached the door. There, when I opened it—

“…Eh?”

Two female students were running down the hallway, not bothered by the onlookers.

“Nanase-san…and Torimaki-san?”

I could only see their backs, but I was fairly certain. The real proof however was currently crawling past me.

“N-Noo…don’t leave me behind…!”

“S-Shouji-san!? Why are you looking like that?”

Her normally cute face was drenched in tears and snot. I’ve never seen someone looking like this. She desperately moved her arms, pulling herself forward…apparently trying to catch after Nanase-san, but…Eh? What is going on?

“U-Um? What is happening…?”

Because of this sudden situation, I was left baffled. But, I couldn’t ignore this. Even if it’s Shouji-san, I can’t let such a girl crawl around the school, looking like this. Her skirt for example looked mighty dangerous, and so did her chest. I know that I have no reason to help her after everything she has done, but… I wanted to help her. right when I was about to say something however, someone grabbed her by the neck.

“Eh, Date-kun?”

“Sorry about this, Asahina. Seems like this moron gave you a lot of trouble.”

When did he appear? Date-kun forcefully lifted up Shouji-san’s body, making her lower her head towards us.

“Let’s go. For now, you’ll take the start and apologize.”

“Nooooo! I didn’t do anything bad!”

“I better start by beating that rotten thinking out of your head. Really, what a helpless fellow you are.”

Shouji-san desperately tried to free herself, screaming and crying and kicking, but she couldn’t win in terms of strength. She was pulled away by Date-kun, and I was left baffled at how natural that looked like from him. Um, what is going on again? These two new each other?

“Oh yeah, Date mentioned he had a childhood friend in your class ,Wakaba. So it was that girl? He must be having it rough, huh. I feel blessed by seeing this.”

Shouji-san and Date-kun disappeared down the hallway, and Haruto commented this as he watched them. Oh yeah, Bizen-kun mentioned something about this. That in itself was pretty surprising, but even more than that—

“Nanase-san and Torimaki-san ran away like crazy just now…is that because of Date-kun…?”

“Nah, I’d imagine it’s the other two meddlesome folks.”

I followed Haruto’s gaze, back inside the infirmary, when two male students appeared from the shadows.

“Namikawa-kun and…Bizen-kun!?”

Responding to my voice, the two of them nodded. Namikawa-kun smiled, and Bizen-kun showed a troubled face.

“I wanted to finish things off like a hero. Now I was forced to wait and watch.”

“We didn’t do much~ We just happened to run into these girls while on our way to visit you, so we thought we might as well talk with them for a bit. Right, Ryouichi-kun?”

“Yup, sure thing. Considering the fact they run around bullying others, their mentality sure was weak. They weren’t even ready to pay for the trouble they caused.”

W-What are they talking about? I don’t get it at all. Bizen-kun and Namikawa-kun did something to them…? I looked at Haruto in confusion, and he offered to help.

“It’s that, you know. They were probably coming here to meddle after you collapsed, Wakaba.”

“If anything, they were probably worried.” Namikawa-kun continued.

“Huh? Were they the kind of folk to do that?” Bizen-kun showed confusion.

“On the outside, they act like honor students after all. The teachers really like them. From their point of view, they’re probably not even aware that they were bullying you. It was mostly just a game. That’s why they never thought of pulling through with everything. But, you were probably acting weird in class, which is why they grew flustered.”

“U-Um…now that you say, that did happen, I think?”

Yesterday after classes ended, Nanase-san was acting off, where I almost ended up in a rage. Something was wrong with me there as well. A mixture of panic and despair had me running wild…But, why does Namikawa-kun know about that?

“You could find out the reason for that right away. There’s witnesses after all. If Asahina-san killed herself, the worst case scenario, what would happen then? Then again, they probably never thought of this as anything big. They probably came here with the intention to make you shut up.” Namikawa-kun gave me an explanation.

“And there, Ryouichi and Shun shunned them away. That must have been a shock for them. You folks don’t hold back at all. Sympathise with them at least a bit.” Haruto said, as he stretched out his arm.

His fingertips touched something hanging down from Namikawa-kun’s right hand—Some files? He apparently had planned to show these from the beginning, as Namikawa-kun showed no resistance, handing them to Haruto.

“The heck is this? So many names…Are these the students at our school?”

“Ah, these…are the people in my class. Though I can’t seem to find Nanase-san or Shouji-san…” I took a glance at it from the side, and inspected it.

Except Nanase-san and her group, all other 22 students’ names were written on there. And, it wasn’t written on PC. No, they were handwritten with a pen. Oddly enough, all of them were written differently, as if a different person wrote them.

“Ah, this? They’re signatures from your classmates. They state that ‘Asahina Wakaba was forced into this game as a means of bullying her, instigated by Nanase Ikumi and her two friends’, you see.”

“—Eh?”

What…did he just say? My brain couldn’t comprehend the words I just heard.

“None of them were willing to talk about it at first. Only after showing LINE messages and social network activities about the whole bullying, they sold out Nanase-san and the others right away. Thanks to the Date brothers, we got more than enough proof, so they had no way of talking themselves out of it.”

“E-Eh…?”

“We told them that it might be a pretty interesting idea to send this information to the teacher’s, their families, and all other universities around. There, they started panicking. To calm them down, we even played a voice recording we snacked. That apparently worked wonders.” Namikawa-kun took out his smartphone. “I’m pretty sure that the Date Brothers filmed this whole thing, so you can look at it later. I think it was pretty interesting to watch. These girls have been doing the same, so they deserve it. That’s why I won’t sympathize with them, because I’m not as kind as Haruto-kun.” Namikawa-kun snickered.

Eh, what, was Namikawa-kun always this scary?! Where did the usually kind Namikawa-kun wander off to!? His tone and smile sent a shiver down my spine. Bizen-kun was terrifying before, but Namikawa-kun was just as scary, in a different way. I was already baffled from everything happening, so this sudden change in him was too much for me. Feeling anxious, I clung to Haruto’s arm.

“If it comes down to it, he can be the most cruel out of everyone. And, he’s still being kind here. If he says he’s doing it, he won’t stop until he’s satisfied.” Haruto embraced my head, whispering in my ear.

He can even go more aggressive than this!? This is still kind…!? Haruto saw my reaction, namely my entire body shaking in fear, and he gently caressed my head. I’m sorry for being such a pathetic girlfriend…!

“Will you choose your words a bit more carefully? Asahina is terrified.”

“Sorry, sorry. I might have been a bit too aggressive. But, should you be talking, Ryouichi-kun? You sent them running in tears. Even I was taken aback.”

“What are you talking about? I didn’t use violence, did I?”

There, Bizen-kun finally spoke up himself. It sounded like he was complaining, and eventually averted his gaze.

“They just got what they deserve, no complaining.” He let out a snort, and scratched his cheek.

Why did he look so flustered? There, Namikawa-kun shrugged his shoulders.

“Nobody can win against you in terms of punch. So, of course everybody would run away if you say stuff like that, let alone their legs giving in. I’m just surprised nobody blanked out.”

There, Namikawa-kun approached Haruto, whispering something in his ear. I couldn’t pick up just what they were saying, but judging from Haruto’s reaction, it couldn’t have been anything reasonable.

“Y-You…one wrong step, and shit could have gone down the drain, you know that!? Also, why did you have to go and finish it with such a violent statement!?”

“Huh? It wasn’t physical at all! I was just, you know, holding back my anger, so my expressions and choice of words were really limited—Ahh, what a pain! Who cares about that! You get what I mean, right!?”

“I clearly don’t, you moron! Your vocabulary is severely lacking! That’s why people always get the wrong idea! Doesn’t Yui-san always tell you!?”

“Zip it! Yui’s got nothing to do with this, right! Also, this just happens because you always fall for stupid lies! Thinking about it rationally, there’s no way some disgusting otaku like you would get confessed to a girl!”

“Excuse me!? Actually, I just got confessed to! I’m a normie now! Are you jealous now, you loner moron idiot baka!”

I felt my IQ drop just by listening to them. Where did his elegant boyfriend attitude wander off to? He’s more of a child than anything. Then again, that’s what’s great about Haruto. I was watching the three and their quarrel, when someone tapped me on the shoulder.

“Asahina-chan, Asahina-chan, do you have a moment?”

“Date-kun…? Didn’t you just go with Shouji-san…Oh, you’re the younger brother?”

Recently, I managed to somewhat distinguish who I was talking to.

“Take a look at this. It’d be bad if Haruto saw this, so put in earphones. Just one ear is fine.”

“Is this your tablet, Date-kun? What are you showing me, a video?”

I spotted what looked like several thumbnails on the screen. Date-kun clicked on one of these, when a play button appeared. Right after, I could hear a voice, with a familiar scene. It looked like a classroom.

“I said something unnecessary yesterday, right? It seems like everything worked out, but if the worst case scenario happened, I thought this might have some impact.” Date-kun said, and tapped the play button.

…So something like that happened.

It was Namikawa-kun’s voice. But, I wonder why, his voice sounded a bit defeated, and his face was tightened up like he was in pain. It’s different from the usual kind and calm him. Looking closer, a group of students stood around him…Um, Bizen-kun, Iizuka-san, Kujou-san, and…Yajima-san as well?

I rubbed my eyes, and took a closer look again. There’s no mistaking it. My classmate Yajima Ruri-san stood next to Kujou-san…But, why?

“This happened yesterday during lunch break. That Yajima girl almost fell over in the hallway, only to be saved by Namikawa-kun…And then, she suddenly said ‘I need to talk to you all about Asahina-san’, and followed him to our class. I thought it was weird, so I recorded this and planned to ask you later…”

Eh, Yajima-san did? Yesterday’s lunch break…so after I ran away? Then, she went to Haruto’s class? But, my doubts and questions were all blown away in an instant.

Y-Yes…! I’m sorry! I actually bought that powder case in front of the train station at Shitarazu, and it was actually something very cheap…!

…Eh? Subconsciously, I grabbed the tablet in confusion. What? What did she just say? It was her powder case? But, the video continued. With teary eyes and a shaky voice, Yajima-san explained the circumstances. She bought it because it was cheap, and the design looked great. But, when she accidentally dropped it, it ended up with a crack, and became unusable. She told her classmates about this, and that it thankfully wasn’t anything expensive.

Then, one day, Nanase-san…said she would buy it off me for 500 yen since I didn’t need it anymore…

And you sold it to her, huh?

Namikawa-kun continued, to which Yajima-san covered her face with both her hands. Either of these were shaking.

I-I didn’t know! I could have never imagined they would use it for this!

Really, you are just…! You’ve always been careless.

Kujou-san softly embraced Yajima-san’s shoulders, sighing in disbelief. These two really must have been close, maybe even childhood friends.

That’s why, Asahina-san isn’t the one to blame! It’s me who gave the powder case away—

…That’s what happened, huh. Shit.

Bizen-kun kicked his chair as he got up. I could hear Namikawa-kun click his tongue. He was about to stop Bizen-kun. But, even faster than that, the class rep Iizuka-san stood in front of Bizen-kun.

Bizen! Where do you plan on going!? I understand what you’re thinking, but calm down!

You shut up! Hey, Yajima…You won’t be forgiven just because you ‘didn’t know’, aye?

Eeek!

Bizen!

Kujou-san stepped in front of Yajima-san to protect her, but nothing of that reached his ears. If anything, Bizen-kun looked only more agitated.

And, even if everything started with you, that doesn’t change the fact that Asahina deceived Haruto!

Bizen-kun’s fist shook beneath the desk. He used enough force to leave cracks in the metal bar, which led my body to freeze up right away. I was the one about to get hit. His anger was directed at me, and only me—

Hey, keep it at that already!

Right! Don’t get so hot-headed now! That girl was deceived as well. We should at least give her the benefit of the doubt…

The various other students tried to calm down Bizen-kun, but it ended with the opposite effect.

Shut up! Why are you all acting so kind now! You were all deceived, you know! She acted all close and friendly…but continued that game behind your backs! As if I’d forgive her for that!

Listening to Bizen-kun’s words, everyone around showed a troubled reaction. That’s right. They were all acting friendly towards me, even accepting me into their class. I betrayed their feelings. Even the rational Namikawa-kun must have felt that way. Yet again, I realized how heavy my sins were. The atmosphere in the class was approaching the worst possible condition. Several students already seemed like they stopped caring. It’s all my fault…

Tears built up in the faces of the students who always called out to me with a smile. I know, Date-kun must be angry at me as well. That’s why he’s showing me this—

Say something already! That woman is—

—Alright, leave it at that.

A voice reverberated inside the classroom. Every single person in the room immediately directed their heads towards the source. Even the screen shook over there, revealing the identity of the voice. Standing there was a single boy. He wasn’t bothered at all by this much attention, and just waved his hand. Of course, standing there was—

Y-You…!

He leaned against the door.

You were listening…?

With a faint smile.

Haruto-kun!

—It was my boyfriend, Iruma Haruto.

Up on the rooftop, yeah.

—!

…I heard everything.

Haruto’s mouth slowly opened. His voice sounded painful. I know that he was up on the rooftop, but—my chest still shook from this. Why can he say something like that with such a calm and kind voice? If I was in his place, I would have been devastated. Just look at everyone’s reaction right now.

O-Oi, Iruma! Calm down, okay?

Moron! Don’t just instigate this further! At times like these, you have to feign ignorance!

Who cares! You’re telling me that we should just ignore this? I say we follow Bizen-kun and give these guys from class 4 a good beating!

Most of the class stayed calm, but a few selected students would not hide their displeasure, starting to complain. Iizuka-san tried to calm them down, but it barely had any effect. If anything, everyone grew more agitated.

—Hey, Shun.

Haruto ignored all of this, and just stood in front of Namikawa-kun.

Tell me, what should I do—

Although his eyes reflected a fragile amount of sadness, he showed no anger. If anything, a clear determination filled his gaze.

—To save Wakaba?

“Haru…to…” In a daze, I muttered his name.

I knew just how kind and forgiving he was. That incident before in the infirmary showed me enough. That’s why I thought I understood—But, I was nowhere close.

The screen I held started to shake. No, my fingertips were quivering. I had no words for this scene I was watching, that’s how impactful it was for me. The best I could do was drop my gaze from the tablet. As I did, Namikawa-kun answered Haruto’s request, and explained his idea. After everything ended, Haruto nodded. There, everyone came together, and decided on their own roles, and what they had to do. They shared necessary information, and talked things out with their classmates.

For starters, we need the same powder case that Yajima-san bought. Let’s look for that today after school.

T-That’s…! I was doing that myself, but I couldn’t find that Oji-san! I looked around everywhere, in accessory shops or the internet, but I couldn’t find the same powder case…!

It was probably a street vendor. They probably moved somewhere.

Eventually, everyone calmed down, and worked together under Haruto’s words.

B-But, if I give my testimony, won’t that be enough!?

I don’t think so. You could fake something like this far too easily, and they can just say they bought another one and not your own. The fact that Asashina-san broke it is more proof than anything we have right now.

What if that old man street vendor just happened to be there that day? She said that she couldn’t find him anywhere else either! Ahh, this is such a pain in the ass! Kujou-san ran her fingers through her hair.

She must have wanted to help clear up her friend’s sin by just a bit. That was very much like her.

It can’t be helped. There’s no mistaking it that he was there that day. Even if it’s still clouded in mystery, we have to go there ourselves and check it out—

I found more information about that old man.

—From somewhere outside what the screen showed, I heard a familiar voice. They were the Date-kun Brothers.

W-Where!?

Hm…Just as Shun said, he might have changed locations depending on the day. On social networks, there’s daily sightings of him, treated like some urban legend. Today…he should be around here.

Isn’t that the exact opposite direction from here!?

Well, normally it would take us an entire day to fully look into it. This is the best we could do in such a short amount of time.

This time, our childhood friend is involved, so we can’t just sit still.

That damn moron…! We have to hurry up and clear things up before her parents get wind of this.

A conference was held inside the classroom. The male students of the class all tapped the brothers on their shoulders, thanking them, praising them. Everyone was happy, delighted at the idea that everything might be resolved now—at the possibility that I might be saved.

Date…

How’d you like that, Haruto? Were we finally of help? We can’t always be drinking Mirum*ru, right.

Yeah, today it’ll be J*a¹, Big Bro.

Thanks a bunch! I’ll definitely make up for it! Let’s go, Ryouichi!

I have to come with you?

Of course, you bastard. After everything you did to Wakaba!

But, that’s…Ahh, I get it, I get it already!

Bizen-kun still didn’t seem too satisfied, but reluctantly stood up after Haruto gave him a slap on the back.

You come with me, we’re skipping class before you get too depressed. And then, if your grades fall too much, get chewed out by Yui-san, and get married. The end.

Are we really going now?

Of course we are. I’ll be taking an early leave from school. Just add whatever reason you come up with. Haruto laughed as he spoke, the same way he always would.

He hid his wounded heart, not showing it to anybody. Because he doesn’t want to worry others.

If you’re going that far, then it can’t be helped! Let’s get this over with then. You better be producing some results, or you won’t hear the end of this.

Yeah, leave it to me! Shun, you take care of the rest!

Not like me trying to stop you would do anything, right? Yeah, I got it.

Bizen-kun started stomping away on angry feet, and Namikawa-kun had a somewhat saddened expression on his face.They must be aware of it, aware of Haruto’s feelings. Because they’ve known him for far longer than me.

Is there really any reason to rush things like this?

The class rep asked, as she walked towards Haruto. He nodded.

…It might be too late soon. She’s the type to suck it all up inside of her. She’s probably blaming herself right now, up to the point where her heart can’t take it. And, it might already be too late before we can do anything.

How do you know about that…

Because I experienced something similar.

—Because he was bullied in middle school. Airomori-san’s voice popped up in the back of my head.

That’s why I want to at least clear up one reason for her worries. And…I don’t want to regret anything. It might already be too late tomorrow. I don’t want to go through the same things again.

But then, you and Asahina-san would—

The class rep grew desperate, but Haruto kept his cheerful smile.

Ha ha ha, it’s fine! I got to enjoy myself for a while, so I have no regrets! I’m satisfied.

With these words, Haruto observed the classroom. All the gazes of his classmates gathered on him.

That’s why—won’t you forgive her?

I could tell how all of them were holding their breaths. Large drops of water fell down from my eyes, directly onto the tablet, as they drew large circles. From my mouth, sobbing sounds leaked more and more, until I couldn’t stop them any longer.

Alright, talk’s over! We have to hurry! And, I get to skip class, so that’s two birds with one stone. Aren’t I a genius?

U-Um, Iruma-kun!

Hm?

I’m sorry…! Because of me, this happened…

Iruma, she didn’t have any bad intentions with this. That’s why…

Yajima-san apologized desperately, and Kujou-san supported her. But, Haruto still showed a smile. He shook his well-endowed tummy, grinning.

…Yajima-san, was it?

Y-Yes!

Thanks for telling us! If you want to apologize, then do it to Wakaba. I’m totally fine. Rather, take care of her once you make it back to class. Wakaba surely is blaming herself, so help her out.

Haruto grinned, raising his thumb. Yajima-san was absolutely baffled at that. I could understand her feelings very well. I probably would have made the same face.

…Is that too much, I wonder?

N-No, I got it! I promise!

Thanks a bunch! Anyway, I really have to get going now, so everyone, I’ll sniff you all later!

Haruto left the classroom on quick feet. Bizen-kun apparently had something to complain about, but he let him go. I knew just how hurt Haruto must have been. He wouldn’t cry in front of others like this.

He…really is a moron.

Kujou-san’s mutter was supported by the other classmates, as they nodded. A complicated atmosphere reigned inside the classroom.

—Hey.

Someone muttered these words.

Today, after classes, I wanted to do some preliminary observation of a location in the shopping district so that I can accidentally bump into a girl there. Someone wanna accompany me?

Following these initial words, a few other students joined in…Why?

Oho? I just felt like eating something there. How about you, Big Bro? I’ll treat you.

Hm…Not bad. I had a bit of free time today.

—Why would you…

This is why good-natured people are so troublesome to deal with. I don’t wanna act for a kid who’s lying the entire time.

The class president said so, but the video did a close-up on what was in her hand. There, she booted up some app—

So you say, but you’re checking your schedule, right?

Pffft, tsundere maiden!

U-Ugh! Shut up! I’m just making sure that I don’t use up too much time! And I’m sure that that girl has enough things to say, so I’ll just hear out her apology!

I always thought that school was hell. My classmates ignored me, bullied me even, and nobody ever supported me.

For crying out loud. Bizen! Me and Ruri will take care of the neighbouring town! That’s why, you chase after Iruma, and go to Shitarazu!

…Really, all of you are meddlesome folks.

—I figured that the people from class 1 were only kind to me now, ready to throw me out as soon as they knew the truth. I told myself that, and just came to that conclusion.

Ryouichi-kun, I know just fine that you were never really that angry at Asahina-san, right? You were just angry in our stead, right?

…Who knows.

If only I had asked for a bit of help, they would have responded like this. Even though they helped in changing my school life for the better, I didn’t trust them at all!

I’ll leave Haruto-kun to you. This is the best I can do. So you take care of the rest.

Just what…foolish things have I done…I couldn’t watch any longer. My quivering fingers stopped the video, and I rubbed my cheek against the screen.

“I deceived…everyone…and yet…”

And yet—they are willing to go this far for me.

“You think about it too much, Asahina-chan. Look at this.”

“Eh?”

I raised my face at Date-kun’s words, when an image appeared in front of me. Date-kun apparently was showing me his phone screen.

“This is right in the middle when we were looking for the old man. We couldn’t find him at all, and a lot of time passed, so we panicked. There, we happened to blurt out the name of Haruto, and how he’s such a weird fellow, when some young boy, probably a kindergartener, approached us. He asked ‘Hey, Nii-chan, did you just say Haruto? The one who has a round face and white skin?’, see”

I’m sure that my mouth was wide open, with a baffled expression on my face. After all, the kid in the picture should not be on the phone of Date-kun.

“—Taichi-kun?”

During our dates, we ran into that gleeful boy and his father multiple times.

“From the sound of it, you never checked your own phone, right? He mentioned that he tried to contact you several times.”

Flustered, I took out my smartphone. I was shocked to see missed messages and calls from Haruto, my family, and even them.

“From Taichi-kun’s father…! And, even Haruka-chan!?”

I met this girl on our second date, and quickly became friends with her. I did exchange contact information with her, and we kept in touch after that. But, why would she…

“It’s a real coincidence, but while we were searching for that powder case, another group ran into this girl.” Date-kun explained. “There was that one picture you and Haruto took together, right? The one where you looked a bit tense. Haruto happily uploaded that on LINE, sharing it with us.”

I remember. That happened a while ago. The class rep apparently didn’t believe that we went on a date, which is why he uploaded that. But, at that time, it was just me being forced by Nanase-san to take that picture…

“That Kanami apparently took great liking to that, and kept an eye on that while searching for that vendor. She was really worried about you two.”

Kujou-san was…?

“She happened to drop the phone. Right as she wanted to pick it up, a dog ran by and snatched it away. There, the owner of said dog saw you two on the screen, and said the following.”

“…Eh?”

“‘—Um! Are you friends of Wakaba-oneechan!?’, right.”

“Haruka-chan…!”

After what happened in that park, we sometimes met up, and talked about this and that. I even introduced Haruto as my boyfriend. There, Ren-chan mistook him for a ball, and chased after him. That led us all to break out in laughter. After that, she whispered into my ear that she’ll confess to the boy she likes as well, and hoped for my support.

“Anyway, a friend of hers from another school actually bought the same powder case, so she could ask for more information. Next week, they’ll be on sale at a certain place, so she’ll go buy one, she said.”

“Eh…”

“She was really desperate, you know. ‘I don’t want Wakaba-oneechan and Haruto-oniichan to break up! Never!’, she said while crying.”

—We’ll become a boyfriend and girlfriend that are just as close as you two!

Yeah, I remember. She said so at the park.

“Also, there’s this Arimori girl and her friends, who’ve known Shun and Haruto ever since middle school. They knew you as well, so they helped out.”

I never would have expected these names to appear now. I met these girls on the day I realized my feelings for Haruto. They’re Futaba’s friends, and Haruto’s former classmates—

“Shun finished his strategies against the morons from class 4, and rushed after Haruto. Then, he met them at the train station. After hearing him out fully, one of the group, this Nitta girl had a similar powder case, and knew where she got it. A relative of hers had that made, and gave it to her as a present…”

Your older sis and boyfriend are really close, I’m almost jealous. To think Iruma would speak so proudly of his girlfriend. I’m happy, but at the same time lonely—

I remember seeing that message on Futaba’s phone when she showed me. They really seemed worried for Haruto, which made me feel a bit jealous myself.

“—After that, we put our information together, and you won’t believe it. That kid Taichi’s dad is actually a friend of the old man who made the powder case! We found out where he was located, and got all excited about it. I mean, what kind of coincidence is that?”

“…Ugh.”

“Ryouchi’s family is some old, distinguished one, which is why he’s got quite the deep faith in God and all that. What did he say back then…Oh, right. That the connections between people will continue forever, no matter good or bad, which is why this wasn’t a coincidence, but all the natural flow of events. It’s like a miracle. Because you two have gathered so much benevolence, this is what happened, or whatever…” Date-kun’s voice sounded oddly distant.

I was at my limit. My view was full of tears, blocking off everything. The best I could do was tightly grasp the phone in my hands.

“Why…would you all…”I muttered in a daze.

It made no sense to me. But, Date-kun let out a sigh, as if he was disappointed in me.

“—watching you.”

“Eh?”

Date-kun scratched his cheek in shame, as he averted his face.

“We love watching you, all happy and flirty. That’s the only reason we needed!”

I felt like I was hit in the head. I never even thought about that. At first, I was scared of what the people around me thought when I was with Haruto. In the beginning, it was just mockery and words of sympathy. Everyone made fun of us, treating us as laughing stock. That’s why I never even bothered to think about it. I protected my heart by not looking at what’s around me. Because of this, I acted distant even outside my own class. I told myself that I didn’t care what others thought about me.

But, they all enjoyed seeing me and Haruto together. They were just purely watching us with joy, without any intent on bullying, or using this as material to make fun of us.

“Don’t just blabber around like that. Apologize, become a normie, and live your life in happiness! I am jealous, and I’ll keep complaining about it if you go at it too much in front of me! But…” There, Date-kun stopped his words, scratching his head in anger. “Ahh, shit! Big bro would be able to find the right words for this! Haruto, pass! You take care of the rest!”

Not even a second passed—when someone softly embraced my shoulders.

“Haru…to…”

Haruto had appeared next to me, pulling me closer.

“Every single one of you is making Wakaba cry. That’s my own special right, you get that. Also, what is what video? That’s illegal filming, you know?” Haruto showed a wry smile. “Well, I do have to thank you. We did trouble you a lot, didn’t we.”

“Y-Yeah…!”

“We can wait a bit until you’ve calmed down, okay?” He looked at me.

“N-No! I want to apologize…right away!”

I want to tell them I’m sorry. Now that I know of what they went through just because of me, and how far they went for my sake, I can’t sit still.

“I’ll…tell them. I’ll tell them everything, and then apologize. We might not be able to go back to how we were, but…!”

There is something I need to tell them.

“Date mentioned it before, but you don’t have to think too deeply into it. You just have to make up with them. And once that’s done, let’s contact Taichi-kun and the others—” There, Haruto lowered his gaze, meeting mine. “After everything is over, let’s go apologize to your family as well. They must have been worried, right?”

My chest tightened up at these words. Only weeping and sobbing came out of my mouth. I buried my face in his shoulders, and bawled my eyes out, as I continuously nodded.

---

1Mirumiru and Joa, a brand from this weird Yakult milk.