Chapter 36: Green paper

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Translator: Soafp

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“And so…”

As a form of closure, or something close to it, I thought of doing what was necessary for us to continue living as a couple.

“I want to establish a contract for the next month right from the start.”

“…What kind of contract?”

Sensing the seriousness in my expression, Maya asked quietly.

Without a word, I presented her with a blank divorce form.

“This is the contract. First, I need you to sign this paper.”

The moment I said that, Maya’s face turned pale. It wasn’t as if she didn’t know. What did she think the purpose of living together for a month was?

By facing oneself, one would be able to sort out their feelings. The next steps after that were clear.

“…N-no, I-I don’t want to.”

“That’s a problem. If you don’t sign this, we can’t live together for the next month.”

“Wh-why…?”

“We can’t live together indefinitely. If we do, we'll both end up regretting it.”

One month might be too short a period to find closure, but unless we clarify our intentions for what comes afterward, we can’t truly face ourselves.

So I decided to be clear about my intentions.

“I want to be with you until I die, Kazunari…”

“Unless you plan to die within this month, that’s not going to happen.”

‘Till death do us part.’

What a beautiful phrase—and such a lie.

“I have my own plans. If you don’t sign this, I’ll do everything in my power to finalize the divorce immediately.”

“That’s…”

“Do you really want to be sued for alimony?”

“…”

Maya seemed to have misunderstood something, judging by her bewildered reaction.

What's done is done. It’s not about now. It’s about the past and the future.

After a while, Maya seemed to muster the courage to speak.

“I have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“After a month…will this paper definitely be submitted?”

Maya asked the most obvious question. It was so obvious that saying it out loud seemed ridiculous, so I simply nodded.

“Could you make it so that it's not definite?”

“Ha?”

“I want to add more meaning to our time living together.”

“…”

“Of course, I'll follow your wishes. But please, just grant me this one thing. If you promise, I'll sign.”

I could somewhat understand Maya’s desperation in offering a condition for her signature. But was she really in a position to make such a bold request?

Still, my resolve wouldn’t waver, and the future wouldn’t change. So, to get her to sign quickly, I agreed to her terms.

“…I get it. But this is the last time I’ll be soft to you.”

For some reason, Maya nodded with tears in her eyes upon hearing my words.