Chapter 25: I won’t make a mistake twice.

Translator: Soafp

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[Miyamoto PoV]　

I often hear rumors about Renya-kun at school these days. After the ball game, they praised him for his greatness, but now they are filled with malice, saying that he molested a girl and then covered it up.

　It reminded me of the time when everyone turned their hands from praise to humiliation.

（I wonder what he thinks about it.)

　I haven’t even been able to talk to him yet, but I hear he’s started going out with his classmates.

　However, if this rumor causes everyone to drift away from him again, he might not be able to keep anyone at bay this time. I’ve been treating him normally for a while now, but it’s possible that he’ll give up on people and live on his own.

　I don’t know who she is, but she did something unnecessary. I know there are people who don’t believe the false accusations and the lies mixed in. But peer pressure is a terrible thing. Even if they don’t believe it, some people may go along with it. Just like we used to do. I hate myself for being so weak even when I remember now.

　Besides, Renya might start to be bullied. There is a possibility that there are people who will try to reject Renya, who is facing negative feelings from many people, with their own selfish justice.

　Memories of being bullied in the past come back to me. Back then, every day was hard for me. I didn’t even want to go to school. But I had an ally, and at that time, Renya-kun did something about it.

　Unlike the old me, Renya-kun would never cry himself to sleep. He is not like me, who is weak. Even if he was bullied, he might be able to solve the problem immediately.

　Without relying on anyone else, alone.

　When I was bullied in the past, I don’t know how he did it, but Renya solved it all by himself. That’s why Renya-kun may not be able to rely on anyone. Still, I think it’s better to have an ally. At least I was able to endure this because I had allies.

　At the very least, I think that Ruri will stand by Renya’s side. I’ve heard that Renya’s classmate, Saijo, is also trying to do something about it. But even if it was just me, I would still support him. I don’t think it will win back the trust of Renya-kun. I don’t think it will redeem me, but I’m not afraid to do so.

I won’t make a mistake twice.

　Even if Renya himself doesn’t think of me as an ally.

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