Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/16817330662140414210/episodes/16817330662445961804
“Is it okay for you to hold me like this? I’m trying to push against the pain of being dumped by my girlfriend.”
“Have I ever said no to you?”
“No.”
“I’m on Masatoshi’s side.”
There was no need to suppress my feelings anymore.
I slowly rested my body against Rika’s chest. It felt round and soft, something that the old Rika did not have.
The nostalgic smell brought back nothing but pleasant memories.
In the past, when I was in pain, she used to comfort me with hugs. When I do this, I always feel that my problems are so small.
“I’m a scumbag. I couldn’t even see that she was the kind of person who would cheat. I’m not a good judge of people.”
“That’s not true. It is difficult for anyone to see the true nature of a person. What’s inside you is something that no one can see.”
“I couldn’t even make her frustrated. She just threw me away.”
At that time, I didn’t feel like anything was going to resonate with Kisaki Saki. She had a strong sense of confidence that her beliefs were correct.
Only I ended up being the one who got hurt. I’m just so frustrated.
“Don’t worry. She will be punished sooner or later.”
“But she’s got a good character on the surface. She won’t fall apart anytime soon.”
“Don’t worry, it’s only a matter of time. She’s like a naked king.”
“What makes you say that?”
“You don’t have to think about anything right now, Masatoshi. Just bury it in your heart and forget about it.”
Now that you mention it, it doesn’t matter anymore.
I don’t have to worry about people like Kisaki Saki. If I’m surrounded by this sweet smell, I won’t even think about what’s over…….
“Look, calm down. Calm down.”
A tap on the back. With a certain rhythm and with the same intensity.
My thoughts are taken away.
It is a frightening yet comforting sensation, as if I will soon become a puppet. If I just give myself over to it, I can reach that state of being.
“Masatoshi, you don’t have to think about it. Just leave it all to me and turn your back on reality. It’s a wonderful thing. You’ll understand soon enough.”
“Yeah.”
“Good answer.”
When I turned my head upward, I saw Rika’s face. The way she smiles softly is the same as in the past.
The image of Rika from the past begins to overlap. The hands of the clock are rewound in my brain, and I feel as if I’m the same person I was when I was a child.
I am trapped into the glasswork-like memories of a time when I was pure and innocent and knew no lies. I willingly did it.
“Masatoshi only needs to look at me. In a momentary lapse of fancy, you may have gotten involved with a crazy woman. But that’s not how it should be. You should spend time with me, just like we used to do. That’s what makes me happy.”
“Spending time with Rika makes me happy.”
“That’s great. Masatoshi has always been good at understanding things, so that helps.”
“Hehehe.”
I haven’t laughed like this since kindergarten or elementary school.
“I may not be able to get over the situation with Kisaki Saki just yet. But the day will come when I will be able to clear my head cleanly and refreshed. When that time comes–“
“When that time comes?”
“I’m sorry, I’m talking too much.”
I was hugged tighter and tighter.
“I’ll leave it like this until Masatoshi wants me to stop.”
“Are you sure?”
“Because I’m a childhood friend who will never let you down.”
Rika smiled.
“That’s why, don’t worry.”
After Rika asked me if I wanted her to stop hugging me, I gradually regained my sense of self.
It was as if I had temporarily fallen into a trance. It is always like that. It’s a bit frightening, but there are not many things that give me more pleasure and relief than this.
It was the only way to forget that woman.
Now that I had Rika to comfort me like that, I felt okay.
The hugs had a tremendous effect.
“I’m glad you seem to be recovering.”
“Rika is reliable, after all. You’re the person who knows me best.”
“I feel the same way.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“If you feel like it, we could try……going out together.”
“Hahaha. I might think about it.”
If I were to go out with Rika, things would change so quickly.
After all, Rika is a childhood friend, not a love interest. I guess you could say she’s like a little sister.
The best thing for me is that we can continue to have the same relationship as in the past.
“I understand. Then, let’s meet again when you feel like it.”
“Yeah. I feel like it’s been a year since we’ve talked properly, but it went surprisingly smoothly.”
“It’s only been a year. If you think about the ten or so years you spent with me.”
“When you put it in numbers, it makes sense.”
Unable to let go of my regret, I decided to go home.
I heard that my mother came home early. That was unusual.
“Eh, you’re leaving already?”
“It would be a nuisance to Rika if I stay longer.”
“You’re not a nuisance. Don’t say that to yourself.”
“I’m sorry, I said too much.”
“Honestly.”
“Anyway, I really appreciate you listening to my problems.”
“Hehe. I’m glad I could help Masatoshi, I’m more than happy to do so.”
Saying goodbye, she walked me out the door and sent me on my way. Rika had a big smile on her face.
The power of a childhood friend is great, after all.
If I had any problems, I could just ask Rika for help—it seems like I’ve forgotten something simple lately.
–
–
If you enjoy our content, feel free to donate, Thank you in advance !