Chapter 19: A Sense Of Loss


TL: Akabane


***


[Yui's POV]


I love Yuji.


I want to hold his hand. I want to kiss him. I want to marry him.


But Yuji has a girlfriend.


Her name is Akari Shinomiya.


Shinomiya is cute, stylish, and very popular with the boys.


There is even a "Akari Shinomiya Fan Club."


Yuji is dating such a school idol.


Knowing this, a big hole in my heart opens up.


I am cute. I was ranked third in a ranking of the cutest girls among the boys.


But I can't beat Shinomiya.


I heard that she came in first place by an overwhelming margin over second place.


If I were a slime, Shinomiya would be the Demon King.


There is no way a slime can beat a demon king.


I let out a deep sigh, "Haa......."


I had so many chances. But I was afraid Yuji would reject me, so I couldn't confess my feelings.


I had been running away from him for a long time.


But unlike me, Shinomiya gathered her courage and confessed to Yuji.


Yes, she didn't run away. She was prepared to fail and told the person she loved how she felt.


Shinomiya and Yuji became lovers.


Yuji is already Shinomiya's property. ......


As soon as I thought that, my eyes started to heat up.


Hot tears trickle down my cheeks and spill onto the floor.


"Ugh ...... ugh......."


I can't stop, I can't stop crying.


The tears are blurring my vision.


"Ugh ...... ugh ...... ahh ..... ahh ......"


It's hard, it's so hard. ......


Why didn't I confess to Yuji?


I had so many chances. ......


If I had approached him aggressively like Shinomiya, could I have become a lover with Yuji?


Could I have monopolized Yuji? ......


Could I have spent sweet time with him every day......?


It's too late. Regretting it now won't change anything. I know, but I can't stop thinking "I wish I had done that back then."


I cried a lot. But my heart wasn't cleared. ......


When will I be able to forget him?


I want to forget Yuji as soon as possible. ......










-- The next day...


 

The next day, the alarm on my phone rang in my ears.


I stop the alarm on my phone and slowly wake up.


Is it morning already......?


I get out of bed and move to the bathroom.


I look in the bathroom mirror and see my face.


My black hair, which I am proud of, is shaggy.


My eyes were bloodshot.


Dark circles had formed under my eyes.


I look terrible. ......


After properly washing my face at the sink, I head for the living room.


Yuji was in the living room.


"Good morning, Yui."


Yuji said and smiled kindly.


I feel a prickle in my chest when I see his smile.


Stop, don't give me that kind smile .......


I don't want to like you any more than I already do.


"This is today's breakfast."


"Yuji-kun made it for me?"


"Yeah."


"......"


There was breakfast for me on the table.


It seems he woke up early and made my breakfast.


Yuji is really kind. ......


I love him like that.


But now Yuji has a girlfriend. And she is a very beautiful girl.


That makes me cry again because it's so hard.


Seeing me unleashing my negative aura, Yuji gives me a strange look.


"Nn......? What's wrong?"


"No ...... nothing."


"But it doesn't look like that, um ...... are you sure you're okay?"


"I'm fine. Don't worry about it. ......"


"I see. ......"


I sit down next to Yuji and start eating my breakfast with a crunch.


After finishing my breakfast, I talk to Yuji who is washing dishes.


"Yuji-kun, do you want to go to school with me?"


"Eh? Ah~, sorry...... I'm going to school with Akari today."


"I see. ......."


You're going to school with Shinomiya?


Knowing that, I feel depressed.


I suddenly turned to Yuji and saw a happy expression on his face.


Please, don't make that face. .......


***


After getting ready, I put on my shoes at the front door and go outside.


After locking the door properly, I start walking towards the school.


"Hey! Yui!"


I hear a male voice behind me.


Hm? What is it?


Reflexively turning around, I see Hashima's figure.


"Good morning, Yui."


"Yeah, good morning ......."


"Let's go to school together."


"I don't mind, but ......"


"Thank you."


We walk side by side to school.


I turn my head to the side and my eyes meet Hashima's. He look alike.


Hashima looks a little like Yuji.


Why do they look so much alike?


Is this a coincidence? Or is it .......


"Hey Yui ......"


Hashima calls my name.


"Hm?"


"Are you free ...... next Saturday?"


"I'm free next Saturday ......."


"Are you sure ......?"


"Yeah, I'm sure."


"Well, come hang out with me."


"Eh? With you?


"You don't want to ......?"


"......"


This is an invitation for a date, right?


Could it be that Hashima likes me?


No, I don't think so.


Seeing me being silent, Hashima looks anxious.


That's not good, I have to answer him quickly.


"Okay, let's play next Saturday."


"Eh......?"


Hashima rolls his eyes.


"You sure?"


"Yeah, sure. I'm free on Saturday."


"......."


Next Saturday, I'm going to play with Hashima.



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