Chapter 46: Incorrigible Kindness

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Translator: Soafp

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[Aoi Pov]

The chime signaling the end of afternoon classes rang, and a sense of relief spread through the classroom.

“Finally done.”

“Today’s classes were so long.”

I heard voices from all around.

The students stood up in unison, starting to prepare to leave while chatting with their friends.

Outside the window, the light of the evening filtered in, casting long shadows across the desks.

I closed the notebook I had spread out on my desk and put my pencil case and textbooks into my bag.

Without thinking much, I turned to the side, intending to speak to Miyabi, who was sitting next to me.

But—Miyabi wasn't there.

“…Miyabi?”

I called out instinctively, scanning the room. But there was no sign of her anywhere.

A sense of unease stirred deep inside me. In that moment, what had happened this morning vividly flashed in my mind.

“Just for today.”

Miyabi’s tense expression when Godai had said those words.

Right in front of me, she hadn't said anything, only clenched her fists tightly.

“—!”

I quickly stood up, grabbed my bag, and rushed out of the classroom.

I wasn't sure where Miyabi had gone, but I was certain she was heading toward the entrance.

I ran down the hall.

I nearly collided with other students and heard voices shouting, “Watch out!” but I couldn't afford to care.

Miyabi… Please, let me catch up…

Without stopping, I ran down the stairs to the first floor.

I could hear the teacher’s angry shouts from behind, but there was no time to pay attention to that.

Out of breath, I burst into the entrance hall—just as I had expected, the scene was right in front of me.

Godai, Takamatsu, and Miyabi.

I instinctively shouted.

“Miyabi!”

The three of them stopped. Godai and Takamatsu slowly turned around, and as soon as they saw me, they grinned.

“Oh, you came, huh?”

Godai said casually. Beside him, Takamatsu gave a thin smile, looking at me like he was sizing me up.

But more than that—Miyabi.

She was looking down, not saying anything.

Normally, she would have immediately responded to my call, but now she just stood there, silent, looking down.

I ran over to her and grabbed her shoulder.

“Miyabi, you can't do this! Don't go with them!”

Shaking her with all my strength, Miyabi's body gave a slight tremble.

“If something happens—!”

Just as I was about to say more, a mocking voice rang out from behind.

“Hey, hey, what do you mean by ‘something’? You're being rude, Aoi-chan.”

Takamatsu's flippant voice. Without even turning around, I spoke in a low voice.

“Shut up.”

Then, I turned back to Miyabi.

“Do you think this is self-sacrifice!? You know that Hajime would never want that, Miyabi!”

At those words, Miyabi's shoulders slightly shook. Then, slowly, she lifted her face.

Her face was pale, her eyes wavering.

“…I know that…”

“Then…”

“I… don't want anything for the future anymore.”

Miyabi’s voice was hoarse.

“Eh…?”

I was momentarily speechless at her words.

“Because… I don't have the right to stand next to him, to walk with him… It's something I'm not really allowed to do…”

I could see deep regret and hesitation in her eyes.

“Hajime will probably say ‘That’s not true.’ But for me now… his kindness only makes it harder…”

I gasped.

“Miyabi…”

“Actually, Hajime… I wanted him to blame me more. I wanted him to laugh and say ‘You foolish girl.’ But Hajime is the kind of person who can't do that…”

Miyabi looked down, her voice trembling as she continued.

“But I just can't forgive myself… So, I'm sorry, Aoi. Please, let me go.”

I was left speechless.

Miyabi’s eyes held a strong resolve.

“It's okay. I've made preparations, thinking of the worst-case scenario…”

Her voice was barely a whisper. However, it wasn't enough to ease my anxiety.

“W-we could consult the police…!”

“…What happened earlier today isn't considered a threat.”

Miyabi quietly shook her head.

“You understand that much, don't you, Aoi?”

At those words, I couldn't say anything.

“…Look, the people around us are watching and worried.”

As I glanced around, I saw the concerned faces of other students looking at us.

Miyabi smiled bravely.

“…Hajime must never know about this…”

As I began to speak—

“Please, don't do that!!”

Suddenly, Miyabi grabbed Aoi's shoulder tightly and shouted in a sharp voice.

“Please, don't involve him any more…!”

Tears welled up in her eyes.

“If I disappear… from in front of him, then… everything will be resolved…”

“Miyabi…”

Aoi's chest tightened.

“See you, Aoi-chan.”

Godai gave a faint smile and pulled Miyabi's shoulder.

“It's fine, we're just going to karaoke. Let's go, Miyabi-chan.”

“…See you, Aoi. Take care of Hajime for me…”

After saying that, Miyabi left with Godai and the others.

I—could only watch Miyabi's back as she walked away.