V5Ch3: Causal good news Part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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[Kikyo PoV]

[Eh! So Onii-chan went off on his own!?]

I was in Onii-sama’s room, calling Hiori-san to discuss what had happened. Just as Onii-sama had predicted, my father came to take me back.

I couldn’t hide my disappointment that my mother wasn’t there. It was clear that she didn’t think much of me, and that fact seemed to prove my worthlessness, making me feel almost desperate.

I thought my father might take me back, but I was relieved when Onii-sama showed no intention of allowing that.

He told me to stay hidden in the room and then easily convinced my father.

Somehow, Onii-sama ended up going back with my father to see my mother. I had no idea what he was planning. Even when I asked my half-mother, she just gave me a troubled smile and didn’t give me an answer.

When I finished explaining everything, Hiori-san started thinking.

[I can never predict what Onii-chan will do, but I wonder… Hmm.]

“What’s wrong? Is there something bothering you?”

It was rare for the usually lively Hiori-san to speak so hesitantly.

[I don’t know, but Kikyo-chan, are you really okay with this?]

“Onii-sama said to leave everything to him…”

I didn’t know what was right or wrong anymore. I just followed Onii-sama’s words. As I struggled to find an answer, Hiori-san seemed to gather her thoughts and spoke a bit more firmly.

[But this is Kikyo-chan’s problem, isn’t it?]

“—!”

I felt like a wedge had been driven into my heart, making me momentarily breathless.

[Onii-chan will surely resolve things, but if you leave everything to him, I think you’ll regret it, Kikyo-chan. Because Onii-chan is an outsider.]

“That’s…”

I had sought help from Onii-sama, drawn to the sense of security he provided. It was natural to want to rely on him.

[If Onii-chan solves everything and you just return once it’s all over, remaining an innocent child who knows nothing, that might be fine. But if that’s not the case—]

Surely, that was why my mother was suffering.

[Kikyo-chan, would you like to talk to Onee-chan now?]

“Ah, so you’re Yukito’s little sister. Nice to meet you. I’m Hinagi. It’s a pleasure.”

I shook the hand extended towards me. Her eyes were filled with curiosity as she looked at me.

“I’m Kikyo Touren. Thank you for making time for me—”

“Oh, it’s no problem. I needed a break anyway. It’s a good distraction.”

Hiori-san’s sister, Hinagi-san, was very beautiful. So this is Onii-sama’s childhood friend. I heard that my father and mother were also childhood friends. It might be more common than I thought. I’m a bit jealous. I wish I had someone like that…

“…I came here with Onii-sama.”

“Really? So you know?”

Hinagi-san spun around. The truth about this place was known only to the two childhood friends.

Hinagi-san was smiling, but she seemed so sad, filled with sorrow. It looked like she was smiling on the outside, but her heart was crying, and it made me feel so sad.

Onii-sama had shown me this place, a place filled with memories of being rejected by his childhood friend. Hinagi-san had designated this place for our meeting.

Curious about the reason, I dared to ask her, though it might have seemed rude. After all, this was a place they should want to avoid.

“Hinagi-san, did you dislike Onii-sama?”

I still don’t understand love. I’ve never been in a situation where I had to think about it. If I had a boy I liked in my class, maybe I would understand, but whenever the topic came up in conversations with friends, it felt like a distant dream, an unreal world.

I just listened. When asked if I liked anyone, I would evade the question. If I had to say, Onii-sama would be the closest.

“No, I loved him. I really, really loved him—so much that I ended up hurting him.”

Hinagi-san brushed her hair behind her ear. The wind blew gently, making her hair sway.

In the depths of Hinagi-san’s eyes, maybe she saw the Onii-sama of that time.

“I was selfish, foolish, and incredibly stupid. I thought that if I shouted hysterically, I could get everything I wanted. But reality didn’t work that way, and I got frustrated.”

She spoke of her regrets, knowing that no matter how much she wished to redo things, it was impossible.

“I didn’t realize the happiness that was right in front of me. What I wanted was in my hands all along. Yukito was always making me happy. It was so ordinary that I took it for granted.”

The words Hinagi-san spoke were strangely opposite to what Onii-sama had said. Onii-sama had said that he never got anything he wanted.

“I’ve heard a bit about you, Kikyo-chan. I didn’t know Yukito had a little sister.”

“Neither did Onii-sama, I think.”

“Yukito must be surprised—or maybe not? It’s Yukito, after all.”

She burst out laughing. The mysteries surrounding Onii-sama only continued to grow.

One day, our father suddenly appeared, and another day, a sister suddenly sought help from him.

To Onii-sama, what do we really mean? Perhaps the attitude displayed by my half-mother was also a reflection of Onii-sama’s true feelings—annoying and troublesome distractions.

“You know, I received so much from Yukito. So much that I can’t possibly repay it all. Now, I understand how much he loved me and how much he cherished me. At the same time, I wonder how shallow my feelings were. Did they even come close to matching Yukito’s feelings?”

“Then, why?”

The emotions that Hinagi-san directed toward Onii-sama—they were of love. If Onii-sama liked Hinagi-san and she also liked him, then why weren’t they together now?

“It’s no good. I’m not good enough. If I don’t become someone who can make Yukito happier than he made me, it’s not enough.”

Hinagi-san turned and looked at me intently.

“Kikyo-chan, can you make Yukito happy?”

Her serious gaze did not allow for evasion. I unconsciously took a step back, feeling the intense resolve emanating from her.

It was a strength I had never felt from my mother or friends before. It was something I encountered for the first time.

“I…”

I stammered, struggling to find the words. Suddenly, I understood that what was being asked of me was a form of reciprocation.

I had sought help from Onii-sama, and he had granted my wish. Somewhere, I had mistakenly believed it was only natural to receive the benefits, as if it were permitted.

“But it’s a problem, isn’t it? Yukito is so kind that lots of girls always gather around him. And they’re all cute, too. It makes me jealous. I want to have him all to myself, but I can’t.”

She pouted and voiced her complaint, but she seemed somewhat happy.

“But that’s why I love Yukito.”

She said it boldly, without shame, and I was moved by her words. It was so vivid and dazzling. A feeling welled up inside me. I wanted to be like that—a woman to admire.

“Continuing with endless regrets, praying to go back to the past. While repeating such things, I lost the bond and lost sight of him. Yukito didn’t wish for that. All he wanted was to be together. I’m a failure as a childhood friend.”

Even at this moment, the distance between Hinagi-san and me continued to grow. It felt like I was being left behind.

Hinagi-san was trying to move forward on her own feet, while I clung to Onii-sama and remained stagnant. Onii-sama isn’t here, so why am I here?

“Aren’t they waiting for you? Kikyo-chan, your family is waiting for you.”

---

[Hinagi PoV]

A unique exhilaration I had never felt even during matches. It didn’t subside at all, even as I immersed myself in it for a while, my heart still pounding as I took a shower to sort out my feelings.

This choice will shape my future. It’s my responsibility to decide it for myself, not anyone else’s. Now, I truly realize Yukito’s greatness. Yukito has always made such choices. He’s vastly different from me, who never really thought deeply about things.

The water from the shower flowed down the drain. As I showered, I hugged my trembling body and just kept watching the water drain away.

When you’re at the forefront, there’s no one there. You have to decide your own path. Yukito might have been confused, too. But Yukito kept working to make his choices the right ones.

“I have to decide what’s right for me—”

At some point, I found myself remembering middle school. I never worried about my future path. I was just chasing after Yukito. I was so desperate just for that. I finally realized how foolish that choice was and how it had troubled Yukito. Anyone would think that if told. You can’t bear someone else’s life.

“—I’m such an idiot.”

The murmur flowed away along with the droplets falling from my eyes.

---

[Shiori PoV] (Everything below this happened in the middle school)

“Kamishiro, how are your exams going?”

“Pretty well, I think. Haha.”

Called to the faculty office, I gave a vague answer. I had a rough idea why I had been summoned. The teacher wasn’t just interested in asking about my exams. The person who called me was the advisor for the boys’ basketball team, after all.

It’s February. We third-year students had already retired from club activities to prepare for our exams. The handover was complete, and we had only a few more days left at school before graduation.

“Kamishiro, you were close with Kokonoe, right?”

“Not that close, really…”

A pang of guilt hit me. Having to deny my relationship with him, and the reasons for it. The situation it caused was entirely my fault, and I had been hiding it all. Even if it was at Yuki’s instruction.

“But you’re the only one who can do it. I also went to apologize with them, but it didn't help at all. Could you try talking to him?”

“Me?”

“Yeah. If things stay like this, neither the second nor the first-years might come back.”

The teacher, looking troubled, sighed heavily and took a sip of coffee.

“Is it still like that?”

“Well, if anything, they've been coming to practice even less recently. His grades aren’t a problem, and it seems like many are just following his lead. It's the seniors' responsibility, so I think they'll come back after graduation, but…”

“I see…”

Since that incident, the boys’ basketball team has been virtually inactive. The third-year members had their hopes dashed when Yuki's injury forced him out of the final tournament.

After achieving remarkable results in the previous tournament, the members were determined to perform well in their last tournament. Yuki's injury was unexpected. Their motivation turned to frustration, and they entered the tournament demoralized, resulting in a humiliating first-round defeat.

The members, who had been more serious and dedicated to practice than ever, ended up voicing their frustrations towards Yuki.

The advisor also criticized his lack of self-management. Yuki apologized to everyone for the trouble he caused and then left the team—without ever explaining why.

Neither the advisor nor the members had anticipated Yuki would quit.

Even though they frantically tried to stop him, apologizing for their harsh words, it was too late. Besides, there was no real reason for the third-years to stay in the club after the final tournament. Trying to stop him at that point was futile.

But that wasn't the end of it.

The impressive results in the last tournament were thanks to Yuki’s leadership.

Before Yuki came along, the other members weren’t that serious about the club.

The boys’ basketball team was more of a place for casual basketball enthusiasts. But things changed with the second and first years.

Especially the first years, some of whom joined the basketball team because they were inspired by Yuki’s performance. The second years were also increasingly influenced by Yuki and became more dedicated players.

For these members, it was inevitable that they would clash with the third years, who seemed to have shifted the blame onto Yuki and driven him out despite relying on him so much.

After Yuki left, the boys’ basketball team became strained and split in two. This situation persisted until the third years retired, and during this time, more and more underclassmen stopped attending practice. And where did those underclassmen go—

“I think it’s clear to Kokonoe as well.”

“Well, Kokonoe-kun did seem to be struggling with it. He said he was trying to talk to them…”

“He does seem quite responsible despite appearances.”

“Even so. Please, just try to talk to him once.”

“Understood.”

I left the faculty office after giving my response. Unfortunately, it’s an impossible mission for me. There’s no way I, as someone directly involved, could do such a thing.

As I trudged down the hallway, I was plagued by countless regrets that I had replayed over and over again, hundreds or even thousands of times.

In the end, this was all my doing. The responsibility for what happened was mine. The only reason I could be here now was because Yuki had protected me.

Yuki broke his bone to protect me and kept the reason for his injury a secret so that I wouldn’t be blamed by those around me. I was saved twice by Yuki.

I couldn’t reveal the reason for Yuki’s injury. I couldn’t ruin what he had kept secret, no matter how much it tormented me. That was the only way I could atone for what I did to him. I deserved to suffer more.

February. It’s the season of trials for exam students and also the season for expressing feelings. The winter sky I looked up at was clear and endless, and the chilly wind brushed against my cheeks.”

[Yukito PoV]

“Go home, you punk.”

“But we're only a year apart.”

“You know, I'm a high school senior and I have exams coming up.”

“Senpai, are you struggling with the exams?”

“Don't underestimate me, kids. I could ace them a hundred times out of a hundred.”

“That sounds like a tall tale, but it's kind of impressive that it seems true.”

“I'm serious!”

The high school I chose isn't particularly challenging in terms of difficulty.

I'd say I have the exams in the bag. That's the fact, and this is the real me, Yukito Kokonoe. Unless something out of the ordinary happens, like an unexpected stomach ache during the test, it should be a walk in the park.

Although my internal grades might be terrible, which is a concern, there's nothing I can do about that now. I've made sure to stay on my homeroom teacher's good side, so it should be fine. Yeah.

“You guys better attend club practice. The advisor gave us a hard time about it the other day.”

After school, for some reason, I was surrounded by my juniors from the basketball club. Even though I'm technically no longer a member of the team.

“This will probably continue until graduation.”

“So, we're going to keep doing this for another month? And aren't there more of you now?”

“A lot of the first years joined because they wanted to play with you, Senpai. Given the situation, they'd rather hang out with you. I still want to play with you too, Senpai.”

“Even if I'm chosen, it's a problem. Why would I want to exercise outside in this cold?”

“Come on, let's go, Senpai!”

“Don't you guys have any respect for your upperclassmen?”

“I heard you did whatever you wanted when you were a first-year.”

“I always wonder who's spreading those weird rumors about me.”

I tilt my head, but no answer comes. Getting pushed from behind, I, now an ex-member of the basketball team, and the current members were taken to the outdoor court. My juniors are enthusiastic. The basketball team is safe.

February 14th, Valentine's Day.

Even students busy studying for exams feel restless and excited on this day. There's a strange tension in the air for both boys and girls, with those who receive chocolates rejoicing and those who don't feeling a sense of sorrow. It's a day that highlights the inequalities in our social life.

As for me, I received homemade chocolates from my mom and sister, and that's enough to make me happy. I don't ask for more.

I'm modest like that. What? It's not just bravado. Some people say that getting chocolates from family doesn't count, but there are plenty of people who would love to receive chocolates from their mother or sister.

I thanked them on my knees because they're beautiful. Jealous, aren't you?

“Aren't you guys sad on Valentine's Day?”

“I got chocolates from Ishihara-san from the girls' basketball team.”

“What…did…you….say?”

As usual, my juniors gather around me after school. I'm not an instructor. Do they really intend to keep following me until I graduate?

A second-year student who proudly announced his success was now being mobbed by booing juniors. Some first-years were mixed in.

They admire me, it seems. With this kind of unity, the basketball team should be fine next year. I'll just ignore the current state of disarray.

Despite the juniors' usual plans to drag me off to street basketball, sadly, since I had no hope of getting chocolates at school, I had no plans for after school.

I did receive some store-bought chocolates from classmates and members of the girls' basketball team, but those were just obligatory gifts, like social courtesies. There was no misunderstanding those mass-distributed chocolates.

As I was changing my shoes at the entrance, I was stopped. Standing before me was my childhood friend, Suzurikawa.

“What's up?”

“Well…”

I vaguely stared at Suzurikawa, who seemed to be hesitating and struggling to say something. Come to think of it, it had been a while since we last spoke.

I hadn't initiated a conversation with her, but how long had it been since she last approached me? I couldn't even remember.

“Um… Yukito, are you heading straight home today?”

“Well, I have some errands to run first.”

“I see…”

The time we have after school is limited. Since it's not an official club activity, I can't keep the juniors with me for too long.

The days are short, and it gets dark early. If I want to make sure they get home before dark, we can only spend about an hour together. Still, for some reason, they want to spend that time with me.

It was my decision and my selfishness to leave the club. If the juniors wanted to spend time with me, I thought I should at least fulfill that wish during the short time left.

“Here, take this.”

“Chocolate…”

I had a feeling this was why Suzurikawa had stopped me. Given the day, it was predictable. She's always been very conscientious.

“Thanks. I'm really happy.”

I accepted it and expressed my gratitude honestly. Suzurikawa's face seemed to brighten just a little. She didn't look too well, which was understandable because she…

“Suzurikawa, thanks for the chocolate. But let's stop doing this.”

“Eh?”

She looked bewildered. It was understandable. We'd been repeating this routine on Valentine's Day for years, as if it were a duty. And this year, she brought me chocolate again, as if it were a habit, as if it were decided.

“You have someone special, right? So you don't need to give me obligatory chocolate anymore.”

“What… what are you saying…”

“I don't want it out of habit or obligation.”

Suzurikawa got a boyfriend, and it was supposed to end. Last year, we didn't do this. That was the right thing. It felt wrong to have a senior graduate and become a high school student while still doing this.

The awkwardness of talking only during this time, after having grown distant, made me laugh at myself. Receiving obligatory chocolate like this felt inorganic and pathetic.

“What is Valentine's Day for? What is the purpose of giving chocolate?”

“Yukito…?”

Despite her having a boyfriend, she gave me chocolate every year just because we were childhood friends. For her, it was a tedious and bothersome task.

Her somber expression made that clear. If her face had lit up like it used to, maybe I could have hoped for something more. But her face was dark and gloomy. She probably felt burdened by it.

I was now just a burden to Suzurikawa.

Chocolate is just a means to an end. The purpose isn't to give the chocolate, but to convey feelings. Chocolate is merely a substitute for that.

“Every year, I was happy to receive your chocolate. I wanted it from you more than anything. But it wasn't because it was an obligation.”

“That's not true! I didn't mean to—!”

“What I wanted was your—”

I cut myself off. I couldn't say any more. It would be an unwanted, early confession. It was pathetic and lingering. Even the basketball I threw myself into to move on didn't help, and I couldn't even participate in the last tournament. My feelings remained unresolved, scattered somewhere.

I had left all my feelings behind somewhere, unable to move forward.

“Of course, I'll properly reciprocate on White Day. Don't worry about that.”

Naturally, I would return the favor. But this would be the last time.

“Senpai, what's going on? Let's go already.”

My junior comes over to check on me. It was perfect timing. I don’t want to be here any longer.

“Yeah, sorry. I'm coming.”

I put the chocolate in my bag and changed into my loafers. I didn't look back. There would be no more Valentines where I foolishly hoped for something only to be disappointed.

So, I didn't notice what kind of expression Suzurikawa had on her face at that moment. By then, she was no longer within my sight.

[Hinagi PoV]

“Why… why does it have to turn out like this…?”

I staggered, leaning against the wall. Just staying upright was taking all my strength.

Even after that detestable man graduated, my situation remained unchanged. Breaking up didn’t erase the fact that we had dated, nor my lies. As a third-year student with exams approaching, no one cared about me anymore.

It had been so long since I had a conversation with Yukito. Summoning the last bit of courage, I approached him. Valentine's Day gave a push to my timid self. Today was such a special day.

I had waited so long, thinking of him every single day.

“It’s not just obligation… it’s not out of duty…”

I never intended to give it that way. Still, it’s natural for Yukito to think so. Every time I gave him chocolates in the past, to cover my embarrassment, I would insistently say things like “It’s just obligation,” “Don't get the wrong idea,” “Because we’re childhood friends,” “Just because.” I kept repeating such nauseating, deceitful words.

I was always full of lies and facades, never conveying the most important things. What misunderstanding? What obligation? I picked those chocolates carefully, sometimes even making them by hand, hoping to see him happy.

But in the end, I denied all of that myself. My clenched fist weakly hit the wall. Without words, nothing gets through. Yet I kept lying because I couldn’t be honest. And before I knew it, he was gone, leaving only memories behind.

What did Yukito really want?

What is Valentine’s Day for? What is giving chocolates for?

Why didn’t I realize sooner?

Yukito didn’t want the chocolates. What he wanted was—my words, my feelings.

“My feelings…”

I denied even the emotions I put into the chocolates. What was he feeling each time he received them from me? Did he expect something, only to have me deny it every time? Yet he always smiled and said, “Thank you,” “I’m happy.”

When he gave me something in return on White Day, not once did he say it was out of obligation or because we were childhood friends. He always looked straight at me and conveyed his words sincerely.

I devalued the special chocolates I gave him. How did he feel eating chocolates devoid of any genuine sentiment?

The evening sky was colored crimson, just like that day he confessed to me.

[Shiori PoV]

“Enough!”

I was in a hurry. I could hear the usual warning about not running in the hallways, but I hoped they’d let it slide just for today. On this day of all days, my homeroom teacher had unexpectedly burdened me with a task, causing me to run late.

After school, I headed to Yuki’s classroom, but he was already gone. I checked the shoe lockers, but his shoes weren’t there. Had he already gone home? I hesitated, unsure of what to do.

I couldn’t contact him; Yuki didn’t have a phone.

The weekend was about to begin. If I didn’t see him today, the next chance would be Monday. Should I wait until then? In my bag was the chocolate I had painstakingly chosen. I had never picked out chocolates so earnestly before. Every year, I watched the girls get excited about Valentine’s Day as if it were something happening to other people, believing it had nothing to do with me.

But now—

“Maybe I should go.”

I knew where Yuki lived. He had told me once when we walked home together. But I had never visited. Would it be a bother if I showed up unannounced? Still unsure, I found myself walking toward Yuki’s house.

“I’m here…”

I stopped in front of the apartment building. I had arrived, but now what? I had been loitering around the entrance for almost ten minutes, unable to decide what to do. Time kept slipping away as I hesitated.

I considered just leaving the chocolate in his mailbox, but I had things I wanted to talk about. Since Yuki had returned to school after being discharged from the hospital, we hadn’t spoken much.

When explaining the situation, he never mentioned my name. Why had he protected me? Why hadn’t he mentioned me? I wanted to ask, but the very act of asking felt like it would nullify his efforts, and I lacked the courage.

I took out the chocolate from my bag and looked up at the floor where he lived. The misunderstanding hadn’t been cleared up yet. I wanted to confess properly once more, and that’s why I had come this far.

“Are you Kamishiro-san?”

“Eh?”

A woman coming out of the building addressed me.

She had long black hair and was wearing skinny pants with a short trench coat. A tall, beautiful woman.

“The student council president?”

“When was that?”

She sighed with a half-amused, half-exasperated look. Although I had never spoken to her directly, I knew her well. She was Yuki’s older sister. She had graduated but had served as the student council president until last year. She was beautiful, stylish, and intelligent. She was popular among the students and seemed flawless. That was my honest impression.

“Yuri-san.”

“What are you doing here?”

I realized that her gaze wasn’t exactly friendly.

Yuri’s cold gaze held me captive with its penetrating intensity.

“Um… I wanted to see Yuki I mean, Yukito.”

“He’s not here”

“Oh, really?”

Disappointment washed over me. Whether he was out somewhere or hadn’t come home yet, there was no point in staying if he wasn’t here.

“Is that for him?”

Yuri’s eyes were on the chocolate I was holding. Of course, it was obvious. Embarrassed, I felt my face flush.

“Um… if he’s not here, I’ll come back another time!”

I hastily turned to leave, but her cold voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Are you planning to deceive my brother again?”

“What—”

I turned around to see Yuri standing right in front of me, the sound of her heels clicking against the ground as she stepped closer, her sharp gaze piercing through me.

“Are you planning to deceive and hurt him again? Do you think I'll allow that?”

“What are you talking about?”

There was clear hatred in her eyes.

“Kamishiro, I know what you did. I know you’re the reason he got seriously injured.”

“I’m sorry! I—”

I couldn’t stop trembling. I had been mistaken. Just because Yuki hadn’t mentioned my name at school didn’t mean he hadn’t told his family.

He had probably explained everything to them honestly. There was no reason for Yuki to lie to his family. He wasn’t the type to hide things. He had protected me even though it wasn’t something his family could forgive.

“How much more do you intend to belittle him?”

“I never meant to—”

“He was already hurt because of that other girl, and you took advantage of that.”

“I was serious! I never meant to deceive him—”

“Then why weren’t you by his side when he needed you the most?”

Yuri was so close now that she could have grabbed me by the collar, her eyes burning with fury. She knew everything about my foolish lies. I was nothing but an unforgivable presence to her.

“It was my fault! I lied, and even though he protected me, I didn’t say anything to anyone. That’s why he had to quit the club! If it weren’t for me, Yuki would have been able to compete in the tournament!”

I was incoherent, not even sure what I was saying. Tears streamed down my face as I kept apologizing. In my desperate grip, the box of chocolates was crushed.

“The one who should be crying isn’t you. It’s him.”

“I’m sorry…”

Yuri-san seemed to lose interest in me and walked away. As she left, she said one last thing.

“He might be at the outdoor court.”

By the time I understood what she meant, I was already running.

[Yuri PoV]

She dashed off. Quite some time had already passed. Even if she headed there now, there was no guarantee that he would still be there. He might have already left.

He should be on his way home soon.

Even if that girl heads there now, it’s likely she’ll be making a wasted trip.

“What an awful person I am…”

Despite knowing it might be futile, I sent her on what could end up being a fruitless errand because it was the only way to satisfy my own frustration. I was overwhelmed by a sense of self-loathing.

It felt like looking into a mirror that reflected my own ugliness.

“I'm the one who hurt him the most.”

I muttered to no one in particular, my words dissolving into self-mockery.

[Shiori PoV]

“He’s not here…?”

The sun had already set. The streetlights were the only things illuminating the darkness. Yuki was long gone. There was no way he would be practicing this late in the cold. I was too late; I didn’t make it in time. What was Yuri-san’s intention in telling me?

Did she foresee this outcome? In hindsight, it was strange that someone who harbored such hostility toward me would straightforwardly tell me where Yuki might be. She must have known he wouldn’t be here.

I sank down onto a bench, feeling utterly defeated. Nothing was going right. I couldn’t convey a single word I needed to say, nor could I give the one thing I wanted to give. Despite being so close, the distance between us felt insurmountable.

I glanced at the trash bin next to the bench. I considered just throwing the chocolate away. After all, it seemed impossible to ever deliver it to him.

“I don’t need this…”

The outer box was crushed and looked terrible. I wasn’t even sure if the contents were intact. It could be broken, for all I knew. It was so clumsy, much like my current self.

Drawn by an irresistible urge, I stood up to throw it away. I had no right to say I loved Yuki. All I could do was atone for everything I had ruined and wish for nothing more.

—Love, such feelings should be discarded!

“What are you doing out here at this hour?”

The voice I longed to hear stopped my hand in its tracks.

[Yukito PoV]

“Yuki? Why… Why are you here?”

“That’s my line. I was just talking to someone I know.”

For some reason, Shiori Kamishiro was there. Why? And in her uniform at this hour, no less. As always, her actions lacked any coherence.

“A friend?”

“The guy’s a high schooler, but he’s definitely not a friend.”

A mere acquaintance was indeed a more accurate description. I had occasionally played street basketball with a group of high schoolers, and I had run into them after a long time.

They had been somewhat concerned since I had completely stopped showing up at the court during my time recovering from my fracture.

“What are you doing here at this time? You’ll catch a cold.”

“Uh, yeah. Sorry.”

“Apologizing doesn’t help.”

I bought a hot coffee and tea from the vending machine, sat down on the bench, and handed the tea to Kamishiro.

“Do you need something?”

“…I’m sorry.”

“You’re always apologizing.”

“No matter how much I apologize, it won’t be enough.”

“Nobody’s asking for that, though.”

“But, but! Because of me, Yuki—”

This is troublesome. Kamishiro is emotionally unstable. Honestly, from someone like me who’s frequently injured and even has multiple fracture experiences, it doesn’t seem like a big deal.

But for Kamishiro, it’s clearly a different story. That said, it’s not like I have any comforting words for her either.

“Today… I wanted to give you this.”

“It’s pretty beaten up, though.”

“Sorry. You probably don’t want something like this, right?”

She tried to laugh weakly as she moved to throw it into the trash.

“Did you plan to give someone something you don’t even want yourself?”

“No! I was excited today. I forgot about what I did. But… I can’t give it to you. I can’t! Because… I don’t deserve to say what’s next…”

“Just give it to me.”

“Ah, no! Stop!”

I tore open the box, revealing chocolates inside. Anything else would have been surprising in this situation. Despite being slightly scattered, they were mostly intact. I opened it and put one in my mouth. It was a perfect snack to go with my overly sweet coffee.

“Chocolate helps with recovery from fatigue.”

“Yuki…”

“Don’t make that face. You eat one too, Kamishiro. It improves blood circulation.”

“Mm!”

I unceremoniously shoved a piece into Kamishiro’s mouth. Additionally, chocolate has a warming effect on the body.

It's actually quite logical to give chocolates in the cold season of Valentine's Day. For those who don't get any, I suggest buying some for yourself (says me from a superior stance).

“Well, now that we’ve had the chocolates, let’s head home.”

“Yuki, how can you be so kind to me?”

“Kind? I’ve never seen that written on my report card.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I couldn’t grasp the emotions behind her words. What was she seeking? What words did she want to hear? I lacked the experience to understand such depths of human interaction. My responses were always far off the mark.

“Listen, all the injuries are my responsibility. Kamishiro, you did nothing wrong. It’s like a baseball coach; it's all my fault. That’s it. Now, let’s go home, exam student.”

We couldn’t stay here any longer. This was the most crucial time. Getting sick now would be a disaster. I ended the conversation and made her stand up. In the end, the blame was always on me, never on anyone else.

If I weren’t here, Kamishiro wouldn’t have to suffer.

If I weren’t here, Suzurikawa could date her senior without a care.

If I weren’t here, my sister wouldn’t have done what she did.

If I weren’t here, Mom could have focused on her work.

No one should have to worry.

It’s such a simple thing.

“Why does everyone worry so much?”

There was no one to answer that question.