V2 Chapter 21 | Discomfort

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[Hazuki’s Point of View]

“It’s been a long time, Hazuki. Can I have a moment of your time?”

Yuri was in front of me.

And Yuri was talking to me.

And he called me by my first name, “Hazuki,” instead of my last name.

This was the first time he called me by my first name after Yuri had rejected me.

“If you are okay, follow me to Hanasaki Park.”

With that said, I followed Yuri as he started walking.

When we arrived at the park, I saw Kanade sitting on a bench.

I was getting more and more confused as I was urged to sit down on the bench.

“It’s been a long time, Hazuki-chan.”

“Yes, it has.”

I had not talked to Kanade properly since she severed our childhood relationship in this park, and to be honest, I could not make eye contact with her.

“I’m sorry for the suddenness of it. I didn’t think you’d be so surprised but rest assured I’m not trying to get you in trouble or anything.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I was actually listening to what you and Kouki were talking about yesterday.”

I was even more upset than before.

Was he listening to what we talked about? Why?　

“I am sorry. Let’s go through it in order.”

Yuri then explained that he had been consulted by Mom, that he had been watching my behavior for only a week, that he had overheard me talking with Kouki yesterday, and that he had recorded the exchange.

“Oh, I see…”

But I am even more confused.

Because if Yuri tells my mom what I said yesterday, it means that Yuri has complied with her request. I have no idea what Yuri wants to do.

“I’m going to ask you frankly. Does Hazuki really want to marry Kouki and have a baby?”

“…Yes, I think so.”

“Do you love Kouki?”

“…”

“Do you?”

“I, I love him.”

“…I see. A student marriage would most likely have a tough future ahead of it. Are you saying you want to marry Kouki with that resolution in mind?”

“I know it’s tough. But I want to give birth. I want to have the baby and marry Kouki.

When I said that, Yuri muttered, “I see,” and then fell silent.

After a long silence, Yuri opened his mouth again.

“I see. Then, I will help you so that you and Kouki can get married.”

“Huh?”

“But it doesn’t mean that you can get married 100%. It’s only to the extent that it raises the odds. Would you still do it?”

“Yes, if there is a chance that we can get married, I will do exactly what Yuri says.”

When I said this, Yuri gave me a step-by-step explanation of what I should do from now on. I was surprised to hear that. Surely, I could get married if that’s the way it goes. I looked at Kanade next to me and she was as surprised as I was, but she said, “Certainly if that is the case…”

“But, Yuri. Why did you decide to help me after I betrayed you?”

“I honestly can’t forgive you guys at all, and I don’t think I ever will.”

“Yes, I know…”

I let my face fall at the harsh words from Yuri.

“However, I don’t hold grudges against you anymore. I did indeed resent you guys right after that. I wanted to take revenge. But the one who healed my broken heart was Kanade, who is here now. There were many people besides Kanade who helped me. That’s why I was able to look forward.”

I was surprised to see Yuri’s face again, as I thought he still held a grudge against me.

“I don’t hate you, but I don’t think I can forgive you for the rest of my life. If I hadn’t found out you were pregnant and didn’t know your true feelings, I wouldn’t have been particularly interested in doing anything about it. But now that I know, I’m pissed off with the way Kouki handled it. Besides…”

Yuri then opened his eyes for a beat and said, “We are childhood friends,” with kind eyes as if we had been dating.

I broke down crying at his words and the look in his eyes.

“Ugh …… I’m sorry. I’m sorry I betrayed you. I know I did something unforgivable. And I am prepared to be unforgiven for the rest of my life. But, but ……”

I burst into tears and begin to apologize.

“I really wanted to apologize earlier… But I was afraid of rejection… and I was afraid to look you in the eye… I couldn’t muster up the courage… I am so sorry. I’m so sorry for being carried away, for continuing to run away… and for hurting you.”

“To be clear, this is the last time I’m going to help you. This is probably the last time I’m going to talk to you. So today is goodbye, Hazuki.”

“Thank you so much, Yuri. I was really happy that you called me a childhood friend again. And thank you for letting me say goodbye at the end… Yuri, thank you so much for everything. Goodbye.”

“Ah, goodbye.”

———

[Yuri's Point of View]

I and Kanade watched Hazuki leave the park and then sat back down on the bench.

“What do you think? Was it too sweet?”

“Hmmm. I think it was a very good choice for Yuu-kun. Because if Yuu-kun had parted just like that, I think he would have left a lingering stain in the corner of his heart.”

“I'm no match to Kanade, after all. I’m sure you can see through it all.”

“Yes, I do. I know more about Yuu-kun than Yuu-kun.”

I was aware that my face was reddening as Kanade was directly telling me how much she liked me.

I continue my story, trying not to let my embarrassment show.

“Do you think those guys can get married?”

“I think they can get married if they do it in the right order, just like you said. I gave her the recording data of those two, so I thought we could make it work.”

“Yes, I suppose so. Now, all we have to do is show Hazuki how serious we are. Whether they get married or decide to abort, it’s between those two and their parents, so it’s really the end of our involvement.”

“By the way, what are you going to explain to Hazuki’s mom?”

“I’m sure Hazuki will explain soon, so I’ll tell her to wait until then.”

“I see. That’s a good idea.”

I looked at Kanade who was standing next to me and reflected on everything that had happened.

I don’t know how much support Kanade has given me since I just broke up with Hazuki. If it weren’t for Kanade, I probably wouldn’t have had the chance to call her a childhood friend again. I am indebted to Kanade to the extent that I cannot thank her enough. And I was overflowing with feelings for Kanade even more than that.

And, as Kanade said earlier, if I had not said goodbye to Hazuki in person, I might have been holding on to a small lump in my heart for a long time. And now, I feel like that lump had been completely removed.

“Hmm? What’s wrong, Yuu-kun? Do I have something on my face?”

“Kanade, I need to talk to you.”

“Un. What’s this about?”

I closed my eyes for a moment and looked back at my memories of Kanade.

Then I opened my eyes again and looked into Kanade’s beautiful eyes.

“I like Kanade.”

“Eh?”

Kanade looked at me with a stunned expression.

“When I was in pain when I was feeling down, Kanade was there for me all the time and really saved my life. I want to be able to save Kanade this time. I want to stay next to Kanade. I want to make Kanade happy. I hope you will go out with me. I love you, Kanade.”

Several big tears spilled from Kanade’s eyes.

“Yuu-kun. I Like you too. I love you, Yuu-kun. Please make me your lover.”

I hugged Kanade.

Kanade also put her hand on my back and hugged me tightly.

We held each other there for a long time, feeling each other’s warmth.

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TLN: This is the final chapter of volume 2. I hope Hazuki can still be happy even though he betrayed Yuri before. But it’s all up to this Kouki b*****d.

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