Chapter 70: The Depth of Sin

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Translator: Soafp

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Afterwards, as expected, we were taken care of by the police.

Unfortunately, Naoki did not make it. It seemed to be hemorrhagic shock.

The death of a single person was a major incident, so naturally, we faced intense scrutiny. Especially Katsuragi, who had assaulted Naoki, regardless of whether it directly caused his death.

However, thanks to the testimonies of onlookers who had gathered—the fortunate circumstance that I had left the front door wide open when entering the room—and Mari’s adamant claims that she had no connection with us, our time in custody was short-lived.

Well, I might have to quit my job.

At this point, that’s a trivial issue.

I also heard stories that Mari had been treated well by Naoki.

It seems she contributed large sums of money, took care of housing, and ended up with a relatively large debt. Well, I think it’s just retribution for Naoki.

Still, witnessing someone’s death, no matter whose, leaves a sickening feeling. It might become traumatic.

Relatives, including Mom and Dad, are waiting for us, ready to question us.

That sense of heaviness seemed to be with Maya as well, as she remained pale-faced after returning home.

Then, for the first time in a while, Maya returned home and immediately prostrated herself before me.

“…I-I’m sorry… I’m so, so sorry…”

I first thought, “What’s with her?”

But then, I noticed tears streaming down, wetting the floor.

—Now of all times?

I remained silent, unable to grasp her true intentions, perplexed.

Then, through sobs, Maya began to explain.

“…… Mari was you, Kazunari. And Naoki was me.”

“…”

“If I had made one wrong move, it would have been me stabbed by Kazunari. No, it’s because Kazunari didn’t do that, I became complacent. I took advantage of Kazunari’s kindness.”

“…”

“Because of that complacency, even though I wanted to make amends to Kazunari, I couldn’t risk my life for it. At the same time, even though I wanted to make amends, I didn’t feel like I could.”

“…”

“So, when you held me, Kazunari, I felt the greatest happiness. Kazunari’s rough embrace was trying to sublimate and release all the anger built up inside. I accepted that, thinking I could make some kind of amends. But…”

“…”

“Kazunari, the whole time you were holding me, you were stabbing me with the knife in your heart… I hadn’t made up for anything.”

Maya trembled uncontrollably, tears flowing freely, but I couldn’t find any words to interject.

There’s no denying that I had definitely harbored enough fury to want to kill her and Naoki, even if it was exaggerated.

“Now… in Kazunari’s eyes, I’m practically dead, aren’t I…?”

That’s why I hesitated about how to answer her question.

—What am I doing? What have I been hoping for all this time?