Chapter 6: I will not fall

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Translator: Soafp

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I’m not going to fall for it.

“My sister just broke up with her boyfriend because he cheated on her. As someone who’s been cheated on, she wouldn’t do the same.”

“…I haven’t divorced yet.”

“It’s not a big deal. It’s just a trial. Besides, your wife did it too, so she can’t blame you even if she finds out, right?”

“…Well…”

“Plus, if you cheat and your wife finds out, she might realize how terrible her own actions were.”

Eye for an eye, huh? Well, it might work, but…

“…No, let’s just leave it at that. I don’t intend to fall for it like Maya did, and besides, if your sister were to date me, it would be considered cheating. I wouldn’t want her to go through such a terrible experience.”

“…”

“I’m sure your sister is devastated that her boyfriend betrayed her, but I hope she finds a good man soon.”

That’s what I told Katsuragi, mixing social commentary with my true feelings.

Katsuragi picked up the glass he had momentarily placed in front of him and swiftly downed the Chu-hai inside.

“You’re a good guy after all. That’s right, I’ll stop. If you divorce your wife, please talk to me again.”

“Well… do you think your sister might find a boyfriend before that happens?”

“Nah… She’s become wary of men. Said she’s fine without them for a while. That’s why I thought, given your similar situation, you might be able to help her heal.”

“…That’s not something I can handle.”

“Well, that’s fine, just think of it as insurance in case of an emergency. Oh, sister, I’d like an oolong high, please!”

Feel free to order something pricier.

I struggle internally, thinking, ‘I’m actually not great with alcohol.’

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I feel somewhat comforted by Katsuragi.

I’m drunk enough now that I feel like I could even handle the hula hoop, which I usually struggle with.

But returning home, my heart remains unsettled.

“Welcome back…”

Even though it’s well past 1 a.m.

Even though I sent a message saying, ‘I’ll be late because of a drinking party, so go to bed first.’

Maya was awake, so my tipsiness fades halfway.

“Why are you still awake?”

“Oh, I was worried about whether you’d come back safely…”

“Tch.”

Partly bolstered by alcohol-induced confidence, I give Maya a noticeably cold attitude.

“What’s there to worry about? When you were cheating, you wouldn’t even send a message when I came home late, you’d just go straight to sleep.”

“…”

“Or what? Did you think I was cheating? Too bad for you, I’m not that lacking in common sense.”

“…”

“Well, rest assured. If I ever feel like cheating, I’ll break up with Maya properly beforehand.”

“…Please forgive me”

Unable to withstand my hostility, Maya finally speaks out.

“What are you asking forgiveness for?”

“Look at me. Look at who I am now. I won’t make the same mistake again.”

“…”

“For your sake, and yours alone, I’ll serve you faithfully for the rest of my life. So please, forgive me and look at me properly.”

“…”

“Because you won’t believe just words when it comes to who the most important person is, I’ll show you through my actions.”

Once again, apologies and convenient words.

Maya’s words only include one of those.

“…That I love you.”

CRASH!

I instinctively react to the words “I love you,” grabbing the nearby coffee cup and hurling it towards Maya. Her reflexive ducking prevents it from hitting her, but the cup shatters against the wall, shards scattering.

“…Say that kind of line before you get caught cheating, you shameless cheating woman.”

Beyond anger, I can only speak in truly cold tones.

With my head in my hands, I send a contemptuous look towards Maya, trembling uncontrollably, before being overwhelmed by intense nausea.

“Urp!”

I rush to the toilet, embracing the bowl as I vomit, even expelling stomach acid.

──Can you believe that I love you, fool? All I can believe is that she’s a toilet girl.