Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/2912051597934651646/episodes/2912051601421258782
Houtarou steps outside the store with Misao.
Even though it was late, Misao’s father, Souta, saw his daughters off with a smile.
…What a generous father he is.
His heart was as vast as the open ocean, and seeing him just as he had always been… Houtarou felt a sense of peace.
Houtarou and the others made their way to the station.
There was a guardrail in front of the convenience store, and Misao sat down on it.
Misao turned her gaze toward him.
He knew she was telling him to speak.
Yet, he felt no pain in his chest.
“I’m going to confess to Hirugami-san.”
“Hmm… I see.”
“Yeah.”
He was able to say it without hesitation.
But that was simply because he was afraid.
He knew that the more time he took, the longer he would end up hurting Misao.
“That’s fine, isn’t it? You’re the one who decided that’s what you wanted, right?”
Misao took out her smartphone and exclaimed, “Oh, it’s from my darling~!”
“He says we’re going on a date. Man, my darling loves me so much it’s a real hassle. Anyway, I’ve got to run now.”
“Ah…”
Misao’s voice was trembling.
Houtarou knows.
…There’s no notification on Misao’s phone.
“You’ve made the decision to move forward. I’m looking ahead, too. So… please forget about your ex and find happiness.”
…It’s not certain whether she’s truly looking ahead.
What is certain is that she doesn’t have a boyfriend.
……Houtarou and Misao had dated in the past.
But that was just to heal his broken heart after his parents died.
He knew it stemmed from Misao’s kindness.
“Misao.”
“What…?”
Houtarou bowed his head toward Misao’s retreating back.
“Thank you. Because you were by my side, I… was able to get over my parents’ deaths. If you hadn’t been there… I… probably would have followed them.”
The reason he didn’t follow his parents was because the wedge named Misao was lodged deep inside him.
It was an undeniable fact… and it was also the reason they broke up.
(I’m sorry for making you lie…)
Houtarou isn’t stupid.
He understands why Misao suddenly asked him to go out with her.
She didn’t want to be with Houtarou like this.
She had become the reason he didn’t die.
…Even though she must have been suffering more than anyone else.
But whenever she was by his side, she always kept a smile on her face.
Around the time her emotional wounds had healed, Misao said it.
“I’ve got a boyfriend now, so I want to break up.”
……Houtarou accepted it without a second thought.
He knew that Misao—even though she didn’t show it on the outside—was pushing herself too hard.
He knew she was crying inside.
“I’m sorry for hurting you.”
“You idiot!”
Misao ran over to me.
Then she punched me squarely in the stomach.
“What are you getting the wrong idea about? I’m the one who hurt you. The one at fault is me—this worthless woman who fell for another guy even though I had a boyfriend.”
“Misao…”
“So, just forget all about that stupid woman… and start a new romance.”
Misao was pressed so close against me that I couldn’t see her expression.
But her shoulders and her voice were trembling.
If I said I couldn’t forget her, Misao probably wouldn’t be able to move on either.
So…
“Okay. I’ll forget all about my ex—completely.”
“……Yeah.”
Houtarou simply hugged Misao.
“But I won’t forget Misao Shiojiri.”
“…Huh? What’s that supposed to mean…?”
“I won’t forget my childhood friend. That bond is unchanging. It always has been, and always will be. Right?”
“…………”
The death of her parents.
The fact that I hurt Misao.
The fact that I broke up with her.
All painful memories.
Facts he wanted to look away from.
That’s why…
From now on, he’ll accept that past and move forward.
Even though they can’t be lovers anymore.
“That’s right.”
Misao stepped out of his arms and smiled brightly.
“Exactly!”
Misao’s smile returned.
She must have thought she’d lost it forever.
Her connection with Houtarou.
But Houtarou never let go of it.
That’s probably why she was so happy.
Houtarou, too, smiled naturally.
How long had it been since he’d seen Misao—the girl he’d been causing so much pain—looking this happy?
…For the first time in years, the two of them laughed together, looking genuinely happy.
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