Chapter 31: Distinction

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Translator: Soafp

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“So, what do you want to do?”

The feeling of having a plum seed stuck in my throat eased, and Dad’s question no longer sounded negative to me.

“Of course—”

Divorce, seeking alimony—there are plenty of things I could do to get revenge.

However, I stopped myself from expressing my baser instincts.

It’s strange. When I had no allies, I just wanted to get divorced as quickly as possible. But now that I have people who understand me and lighten my load, I feel like I should handle this properly.

“I think I’ll leave without making a mess.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Honestly, I was so overwhelmed before, and I was all over the place. Every time I blamed and resented Maya, I was reminded of my own misery. And when I tried to forget everything, I was told it was impossible.”

“…”

“Either way, it was hell. But I realized it was because I was running away from facing myself.”

Well, partly because people around me kept telling me unnecessary things. In this long life ahead, Maya won’t be by my side, and there’s no need to face her. There’s no need to understand her. Facing myself is what’s most important, and I hadn’t been doing that. Or rather, I couldn’t. It’s not about reflecting on each other; it’s about reflecting on myself.

So now that I’ve realized that, even if it’s just from now—

“I’ll face myself and take actions accordingly, without running away.”

“…Do you have confidence that you can do that without faltering until the end?”

“Well, at the very least, if I stick to my principles, even if I end up getting divorced shortly after getting married, I think I can live with my head held high.”

Maya didn’t stick to her principles. That’s why she ended up causing trouble and inconvenience for everyone around her. I need to learn from that.

“…I see.”

Knowing full well the outcome of my actions, that’s all Dad said. But Mom, with a bit of concern, added:

“Will you really be okay? It’s not going to be easy, you know.”

“I know, Mom. But it’s something I need to do. For myself.”

Mom sighed, still looking worried, but nodded.

“Alright, Kazunari. Just remember, we’re here for you, no matter what.”

“Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.”

As I left my parents’ house, I felt a sense of resolution. I was finally ready to face the future, whatever it might hold, with my own strength and determination.

“…Kazunari, you say you’ll stick to your principles, but what exactly does that mean?”

“I’ll have to make it crystal clear to Maya that our marriage isn’t beneficial for either of us.”

“…Eh?”

“Despite the various entanglements, not divorcing Maya immediately was also my fault.”

“…”

“…”

I said it with a bit of irony. I hope they can forgive me for at least that much.

“I promised Maya that we’d stay married for one more month. We agreed to reconsider everything after that. I can’t go back on that promise now. So, I’ll live with Maya for one more month, making sure she doesn’t cause trouble for Dad, Mom, or anyone else.”

“…Are you sure that’s okay?”

Mom didn’t specify what she meant by “that,” and it could have referred to many things. I decided to keep it light and continue.

“I think that by doing this, I'll be upholding my principles in the eyes of those around me. Well, that’s just my opinion; others might not see it that way.”

Living at the whim of others is not an option. Maya is also an ‘other.’

At this point, finally, I feel a little bit of confidence that I might be able to forget about Maya.

No, perhaps it’s more accurate to say that I’ve resolved to live with the scars.