Chapter 69: The Illusion of Righteousness

TL: One more chapter untill we caught up

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“Hello, it’s another beautiful day.” (Keido)

　There was no trace of lasciviousness in the healthy smile on her face.

　It was early in the morning, but it was already hot. However, considering that the temperature is going to rise, there is only a limited good time to exercise in this summer season.

　For me, I usually choose early morning or evening. Sometimes in the evening, but I don’t recommend it because of the seasonal guerrilla rains.

　I kept up a steady rhythm. The Imperial Palace is famous as a sacred place for runners, and I wanted to try running there, so I called out to the person running alongside me.

“Is this why you asked me about my time?” (Yuki)

“Nah, I’m just trying to time things since I usually run too. Even though it’s a routine, I’m always alone. It’s fun to have someone to talk to, isn’t it?” (Keido) 

“As for me, I’m only worried.” (Yuki) 

“You’re always so funny.” (Keido) 

　Oh, by the way, I got a new phone.

　It was last night when Keido-senpai contacted me on my brand new phone. She had seen me running a few times. She asked me to run with her.

There was no reason for me to refuse. Keido-senpai, whose words and actions violate the rules on a daily basis, is still the student council president of our school. This high school is over.

　But it seems that I’m the only one who thinks so, and the people around me have an unreasonable high opinion of Keido. Well, maybe not unreasonable, but she’s kind of a dangerous person in my opinion…….

　After about five kilometers, I switched from running to walking to regulate my breathing. After rehydrating myself with a sports drink, I continued walking for a while and finally caught my breath.

“How long do you usually run?” (Yuki)

“About the same. But it’s hot this time of year. I cut it short so as not to overdo it.” (Keido) 

“Did I make you run longer than you usually do then?” (Yuki) 

　If that’s the case, I’ve done something wrong. Heat stroke is not a good thing.

“No, it’s not. It’s just the right amount. I’m just fine. More importantly, if you’re sweating too much while we run I’ve got a change of clothes for you at home, don’t worry.” (Keido)

“I don’t want to do that because it would worry me in a different way.” (Yuki) 

“No, no, no, no! I want you to come!” (Keido) 

“I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn. I’m not going to run with you anymore.” (Yuki) 

“No way?!” (Keido) 

　I don’t know why she was shocked. I had to say it.

“So, senior, why did you suddenly ask me out?” (Yuki) 

“Hahaha. I didn’t mean anything by it. I just wanted to show you my abs and brag about them.” (Keido) 

“This girl” (Yuki) 

　As she said this, Keido showed me her abs. Her abs were beautifully shaped. She’s a girl with abs. Her supple muscles were glistening with sweat.

“Isn’t it beautiful? Go ahead, rub yourself to your heart’s content. Girls often don’t understand the romance of it. It’s lonely.” (Keido) 

“Eh, is that really why you called me here?” (Yuki) 

Sasu sasu sasu sasu (Rubbing sound)

“I like the way you touch me without hesitation. But that’s it, Yukito Kokonoe. Are you planning to join the student council while you’re at it?” (Keido)

“The student council? It’s only been a year, and I think I heard something I shouldn’t have …….Now?

　While I was indeed preoccupied, I was being recruited into the student council.

“Yuri will probably be the student council president next year anyway. From the looks of it, she’s going to bring you into the student council for sure.” (Keido)

“It’s possible.” (Yuki) 

Sasu

　It is possible that this is the case, considering that she was the student body president in junior high school and has an unshakable position in high school, although she has a reputation for arrogance. I’d love to see the competition do well, but is there any competition in the second year?

　In the second year, the only other person I can think of is Goddess-senpai, but well, she’s a loner. I don’t think she’s popular with people. Her self-proclaimed claim to have many friends brings tears to my eyes.

“It’s good to get some experience while we’re at it, don’t you think? You don’t have to answer right away. Just think about it. Yumi will be happy to have you here. By the way, the position is my secretary.” (Keido)

“I don’t want to be in that position.” (Yuki) 

Sasu

　Mmmm.……. I’m in trouble. Aside from the Seniors, if I am ordered to join my sister next year, I can’t say no. It’s not like I’m the type to do that, obviously.

Sasu

“Fufufu. It looks like you like my abs. Let’s go to my house. You can touch me until you’re satisfied. But I’m a little worried about the sweaty smell. Why don’t we take a shower first?” (Keido)

“I was happy with the way it felt?!” (Yuki) 

　She pulled me hard, but I managed to resist. Her strength was strong, as if she had been training on a daily basis. Our strength was equal.

　Suddenly, Keido’s voice sank and cast a shadow.

“Why don’t you want anything from me? Is there nothing I can give back to you?” (Keido)

“You still care? I said I forgave you.” (Yuki) 

“What I did is not something that can be forgiven with an apology, and I think you understand that better than anyone.” (Keido)

Words filled with deep regret. But they are the undeniable truth. Some things can be forgiven with an apology. Sometimes that’s not enough. There are things in this world that cannot be undone.

　Even if someone kills someone and apologizes, they will never come back to life. Will the bullying be forgiven if the main culprit apologizes? I don’t think so.

　The wounds inflicted on the heart will never be healed. No matter how many empty words are piled up against the act, no matter how sincere the apology is or how superficial it is, it will not make a difference. That is why crimes that cross a certain line are converted into imprisonment or compensation.

　I guess you could call it obsession. The obsession that my senpai shows me is similar to that.

“I just need to know one thing. Are you willing to help Yumi again?” (Keido)

‘Well, Mikumo-senpai is no longer a stranger to me. But if someone else was going through the same thing, I would abandon them.” (Yuki) 

“…… I’m not qualified to blame you for that.” (Keido)

“It has nothing to do with you, Senpai.” (Yuki) 

“I don’t understand! What am I supposed to do? What do you want me to do?” (Keido) 

　I think Keido misunderstood me. And I felt that she was somewhat underestimating Mikumo-senpai.

“Senpai, I was once almost taken away from my family. I’m not even sure why. It really happened out of the blue. At that time, I thought. This world is unreasonable, full of enemies, and always absurd. So the only person who can do something about it is me.” (Yuki) 

“Wait! you were taken away? When was that?” (Keido) 

“It was a long time ago. Inexplicably long ago. Maybe it would have been better if it had been true.” (Yuki)

　I chuckle. Now I don’t even know which was the right answer.

　The same goes for accidents and illnesses. It’s the same with circumstances and environment. We are always confronted with such unreasonableness, wondering why we are the target.

　Someone might be able to help me. If I don’t take action before putting my faith in such an illusion, nothing will change. Only the person himself can have the courage to do so.

“Mikumo-senpai always asks you for help, right? Then you just have to take another step yourself and ask for help from the people around you this time. You shouldn’t expect an abstract somebody to help you when you don’t do anything. And that’s how I see it.” (Yuki)

　I felt depressed. I called out cheerfully to change the atmosphere.

“Well, I’m going home. Watch out for the sun, senpai! Please let me touch your abs again. See you later.” (Yuki)

“Y-yeah. You can touch it anytime.” (Keido) 

　As his back became more and more distant, her memory flashed back. Her body trembled with fear, as if he was about to disappear right in front of her again.

“It’s a lie.…… the boy from that time…… I am I am …… again…….” (Keido)

　Her eyes darkened as she felt as if the ground was crumbling away with a clatter.

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