Chapter 27: I wish I could forget.

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Translator: Soafp

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“…So, what are you planning to do, Kazunari?”

In the room where tea had been prepared, I found myself seated with Katsuragi and his sister Mari-san. Calling her “Mari-chan” felt too familiar, so I corrected myself. Once we were all seated, Katsuragi asked me this question.

“……”

I hadn’t had the chance to collect my thoughts. What could I do? What must I do?

“…There’s only one thing I can do.”

I just voiced what was on my mind.

“I have to forget everything.”

“…Forget? Forget what?”

“Everything about Maya.”

The betrayal by Maya.

The love I had for Maya.

Unless I forget these, I’ll never be able to move on.

“…Does that include the resentment and bitterness towards her?”

“……”

But Katsuragi’s pointed question left me speechless. Why couldn’t I immediately say, “Yes, that’s the plan”?

“If you can truly forget, that might be for the best. It would brighten your future, allowing you to find happiness without any lingering issues.”

“……”

“But can you really forget everything?”

“…I don’t know. But I’m certain that I still have feelings for Maya.”

“……”

“That’s why it hurts so much to be betrayed by her. So…”

Katsuragi stayed silent. Mari-san didn’t move a muscle either.

“If I could forget the love I had for Maya, then maybe I could also forget the resentment and hatred. If she became someone I felt indifferent towards, then whatever she does wouldn’t matter to me.”

After saying that, I drank the tea that had been served. It had cooled to just the right temperature, allowing me to drink it quickly.

Despite saying so little, why was my mouth so dry? I couldn’t understand myself.

I tried to calm myself, reassuring my mind. But then…

“That won’t work.”

Mari-san said apologetically, cutting in.

Ignoring Katsuragi’s surprised expression, she continued.

“Even if you forget the memories, the wounds won’t heal. If anything, if the memories that help alleviate the pain disappear, only the pain will remain.”

“……”

“People tend to remember painful memories they want to forget.”

“……”

“And even if you have more joyful memories, they can only distract you to a certain extent. They can never completely heal those wounds.”

I had no rebuttal. I lifted the empty teacup to my lips, tipping it back as if hoping a few more drops might quench my thirst, but of course, it did nothing.

No matter how much I try to forget, distance myself, or seek new happiness, the wounds from betrayal will never fully heal. I will have to live with those scars for the rest of my life.

It was as if Mari, with a face that seemed resigned to her fate, was telling me that I had no choice but to live with these wounds forever.