Chapter 5: Scarlet Regret

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Translator: Soafp

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[Sakura PoV]

It was the spring of my second year in high school. I stood in the spotlight as the track team’s ace, basking in the brightness. Every day was fulfilling, and all I thought about was running. And always by my side was Amano Ao, my childhood friend since kindergarten. To me, he was like air—so ever-present, I didn't even notice his kindness anymore.

Every morning, we walked to school together. He'd listen to my meaningless chatter and respond with bored nods. But if I even looked slightly troubled, he would immediately come to help me. He always came to watch track practice just to cheer me on. I took his serious gaze for granted, thinking it was just normal.

Then, Ren Kurosaki-senpai entered my world.

He was the captain of the track team—handsome, kind to everyone, and admired by many. He saw potential in me and began coaching me personally.

“Ichijou, your potential is limitless. You can get even faster.”

Those words lit something inside me. I felt—for the first time—that someone was truly seeing me. After practice, he'd give me personal advice, and even during breaks, he would come all the way to my classroom. Talking to him became the highlight of my day.

It was a feeling different from when I talked to Ao—my heart would race. He became someone I admired, and before I knew it, I had fallen in love.

I didn't even notice that I was spending less time with Ao. It no longer felt natural to be beside him.

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One afternoon after school, I said to Ao, “Sorry, I have plans to train with Kurosaki-senpai today.”

His expression darkened for just a moment, but I was so excited to see Senpai that I didn't even notice.

Ao only replied, “I see. Do your best.”

At the time, I had no understanding of the feelings hidden behind those words. I simply prioritized my time with Senpai.

I didn't even glance at Ao walking home alone.

Soon, my heart was filled with nothing but thoughts of Kurosaki-senpai. Even on weekends, we would go out together under the guise of practice.

Photos of us smiling and laughing together filled my social media.

I once saw Kazama Hayato—Ao's best friend—talking seriously to him, but I didn't care about their conversation at all.

Then, one rainy day as the rainy season set in, Ao approached me.

“Sakura… you shouldn't trust Kurosaki-senpai so easily. There are some strange rumors about him.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Ao was trying to tear down the perfect Senpai I adored. The thought alone made me furious.

“What are you saying, Ao?! Senpai isn't like that! You don't even know him!”

My voice trembled. I could feel the heat of anger rising through me.

“That kind of baseless rumor—I'd never believe it! He's kind and supports me! This has nothing to do with you anymore, Ao! Stop interfering!”

I shouted and stormed off.

Ao's face twisted in pain, but I pretended not to see it. From that day on, I avoided Ao completely.

Every time I saw him, I was filled with disgust.

I never wanted to speak to him again.

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Summer break came, and I spent nearly every day with Kurosaki-senpai.

Fireworks festivals, aquariums, summer fairs—he was always sweet, sometimes daring.

And I gave myself to him, believing that was love.

Ao had long since disappeared from my thoughts.

When the new term began, I was at the peak of happiness.

I believed what Senpai and I had was something special, untouchable.

But gradually, things changed.

Senpai began growing cold.

During practice, he became harsh.

During breaks, he no longer smiled when I talked to him.

I began to feel anxious.

On the day of the cultural festival, I wandered the school alone.

I went to see Senpai's class activity, but he seemed to be avoiding me, chatting with other team members instead.

When I mustered the courage to speak to him, he looked at me with a cold stare.

“What? Do you need something?”

His words froze me to the core.

Trembling, I managed to say, “Um…” but he cut me off.

“Sorry, but I don't need you anymore. I was just using you.”

I felt the ground disappear beneath me.

Using me? That couldn't be true.

Senpai loved me… didn't he?

“Lies… you’re lying, Senpai!”

My voice shook, but Senpai only glanced at me with icy eyes.

“We’re done. Stop clinging to me.”

He turned and walked away.

I collapsed to the floor, sobbing.

My body trembled, the tears wouldn’t stop.

I had been deceived.

Used.

Ao's words echoed in my mind:

[You shouldn't trust Kurosaki-senpai. There are some strange rumors about him.]

He tried to warn me… and I pushed him away.

I never listened.

And now I understood—just how foolish I had been.

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I don't know how long I stayed there.

While I sat crying with my face buried in my hands, I sensed someone approaching.

When I looked up, it was Amano Ao standing there.

He looked unsure, but stepped toward me.

“What's wrong, Sakura?”

His gentle voice made my tears pour out again.

Through a trembling voice, I told him everything.

How Kurosaki-senpai had only wanted my body.

And once he got it, how he discarded me like I was nothing.

“I… I gave myself to him so many times…”

I sobbed, the weight of irreversible regret crushing my chest.

“If I'd only listened to you back then…!”

I looked up at Ao, my tear-soaked face a mess of pain and shame.

His eyes were filled with pity, with sympathy—
but not with the passion or affection they once held.

He quietly offered me a tissue and murmured, “That must've been hard.”

His kindness hurt even more.

Because I knew—we could never go back to the way things were.

The Ao who once loved me unconditionally was gone.

I had lost him.

Ao slowly turned his back to leave.

Desperately, I reached out to him.

“Wait! Ao! Don't go!”

My voice echoed through the empty stairwell, hollow and unanswered.

He didn't turn around.

His back grew more distant.

Under the scarlet sky of the late afternoon, I stood there alone.

And it was only then that I realized—

I was truly alone now.

It was far, far too late.

End