Chapter 18 – Mind Your Own Business

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“Thank you, thank you… Yuuta-kun. And, truly, I’m so sorry……” 

“Yuuta-sama, allow me to express my gratitude as well. Thank you for accepting my daughter’s apology,” Kurebayashi-san’s mother added, bowing alongside her daughter.

“You don’t have to keep thanking me; I said it’s fine,” I replied.

Seeing that the same words would likely be repeated by the Kurebayashi-san duo, I decided to wrap things up quickly. It was time to cut ties with the past and leave.

“Well then, I hope you get discharged soon and get back to your daily life,” I said.

“Yeah, thank you, Yuuta-kun! Um, uh, if it’s okay, could we… like we did in middle school—” Kurebayashi-san stammered.

“I don’t think I’ll be involved in your life anymore,” I interrupted.

“Eh?”

As I was leaving the hospital room, I decided to make one final point. Pushing a little harder wouldn’t hurt. Oh, Kurebayashi-san’s expression just turned sour.

“You know, trust doesn’t just recover overnight. Let’s say Ando showed up here right now, full of regret, and apologized to you. Even if you accepted it, would you trust him immediately, starting tomorrow? Of course not,” I explained.

Although accepting an apology is one thing, whether Kurebayashi-san and I can get along from now on is a completely different matter.

“So, instead of trying to build a relationship with someone whose trust has been severely damaged, I think it’s more constructive to build trust with someone else,” I concluded.

“That’s… but… I just…” Kurebayashi-san struggled to respond.

“Forcing a relationship that’s already over isn’t going to help anyone,” I continued.

“!?”

“Feeling guilty and being driven by romantic feelings are two different things, right? Right now, Kurebayashi-san, you’re just clinging to me out of guilt, aren’t you? It’s not because you love me and can’t forget about me, right?” I questioned.

“…”

Kurebayashi-san remained silent.

“It’s inconvenient if you forget your guilt, but it’s annoying if you keep clinging to me with those feelings. So, I’m saying, let’s forget about each other and move on.”

“…”

“…” 

Both Kurebayashi-san and her mother fell silent.

Of course they did. While it may seem forward or backward in terms of mindset, it’s clear that Kurebayashi-san didn’t like me that much, right? There wasn’t any love there, was there? The bond, the love, and the sex were all with Ando, weren’t they?

“So, it’s fine. You don’t have to be obsessed with meeting me to apologize. Let’s be strangers and free from each other. See ya,” I said, ready to leave.

“W-Wait!” Kurebayashi-san’s voice stopped me in my tracks, despite my belief that she had finally understood. Why did I reflexively stop my steps even though I could’ve just ignored her?

“Is it really impossible? Even just talking to each other as friends?”

Uh, what is she asking for? Despite being a man-crazy woman, she’s making such clingy requests.

In terms of the trust graph between men and women, it’s pierced through the mantle and reaching the outer core, and yet she’s asking for more.

“Is…that really difficult?”

“…Um, yeah…”

“…”

Why didn’t I just say ‘No’ right away? I don’t even understand myself sometimes.

But now’s the time. If I leave, whether it’s tears, frustration, or golden showers, let it all out.

“Take care,” I muttered, then left the hospital room.

…

Ah, I really need someone to vent to.

***

“Wow, that’s unfortunate.” 

“Thank you, my dear friend. Since no one else comforted me, I had to comfort myself.” 

“Even at a time like this, your libido is still strong? I should’ve known better than to worry.” 

“Leave me alone. It’s better than having no desires at all.” 

With that said, I finished my university errands and returned home to call Mitsuhide.

Man, ever since I came here, besides my family and excluding NTR experiences, I’ve only talked to two or three people. If things continue like this, I’ll be spiraling into emotional loneliness. It’s a real problem that there are only perverts around me, seriously.

“By the way, when you mentioned Ando… you’re probably talking about that Ando, right? He’s attending the same university as me now, although he changed his last name. It’s Okutsu,” Yuuta informed.

“What!? Mitsuhide, do you know something

“I know his face and name, that’s all. We’ve never talked, but I know his parents divorced, and now his last name is Okutsu,” Yuuta explained.

“Hmm…” I muttered.

Although I obtained unexpected information, it didn’t matter much. I hold a grudge, but there’s nothing I can do about it.

For reference, Mitsuhide’s university is about an hour and a half away by train from here. I could go if I wanted to, but the round trip train fare and three hours are too much of a waste, so I can’t visit him frequently.

“Well, anyway. Once you’ve settled down, let’s hang out sometime,” Yuuta suggested.

“Yeah, of course. You’re the only one I can trust now, Mitsuhide,” I replied.

“…Well, stay strong. See ya,” Yuuta said.

“Yeah, thanks,” I replied.

Talking to someone I can trust is really nice. It’s been draining dealing with people I can’t trust, so it’s even more refreshing.

“…I feel tired…” I said to myself.

I lay down on the bed, taking up a lot of space in the cramped room, with my smartphone as a makeshift pillow. It’s been a lot of unfamiliar things, and I’m more tired than I thought.

…Ah, sleepiness is creeping in… I feel like I’m forgetting something, but oh well. Tomorrow is a two-day break, but for now, rest is necessary.

*Stomach growls*

—

And then, the next morning.

I woke up still dressed, and as soon as I opened my eyes, I noticed the flashing lamp of my smartphone by my pillow.

…

Oh.

[😠💢]

Oh crap, I forgot to send a message to Ange.