Chapter 3: Daily Life 6

Chapter 3: Daily Life 6

"I-I can't sleep!"

I've been lying still in my futon, but because I can't sleep I finally sat up and opened my eyes.

The room was pitch black. Thanks to the moonlight shining through the small gap in the curtains, I gradually adapt from darkness.

"I mean... it's no wonder I can't sleep. It's the day we we're attacked by that robber."

I justified to myself in a mutter. Even now, just remembering it makes me tremble.

Anger, fear... During the incident, my anger surpassed my fear, but now, fear takes the lead. I understand now, calmly, that my actions actually put Ayana in danger. It wasn't good move to talk to the robber who was so desperate.

If Riku hadn't gotten naked...!

"No, that's not it...! It's not about that guy or whatever."

Thinking about Riku's body makes my face flush. It was the first time I had seen a man's body like that.

I really saw it. All of it, from top to bottom...!

"Human beings, you never know what they'll do when pushed to their limits."

I decided to cool my head a bit and went out into the garden.

As I left the room and descended the stairs, walking along the first-floor corridor, I ran into Ayana.

"Oh, Ayana?"

"Kanaaa!"

Surprised, Ayana's shoulders jumped. Aren't you overreacting...?

More importantly, I'm worried about Ayana, who was crying earlier till sleep.

"Are you okay? About the earlier...?"

"I might not be okay... but, um..."

"...?"

Looking at Ayana, her cheeks were red. And her attitude somehow seemed happy. She didn't seem like a girl who had been crying out because of fear.

"Why are you awake, Kana?"

"Well, you know, after something like that, it's hard to fall asleep."

"That's true, yeah..."

"Did something happen, Ayana?"

"Huh?"

Ayana let out a surprised voice. Definitely the reaction of someone who experienced something...?

"Ayana?"

"...Just a moment ago... I was talking with Kuromine-kun in the garden."

"With Riku? What were you talking about?"

"About the robbery... and our feelings for each other."

'Our feelings for each other...' I see. So that's what happening. No wonder why Ayana suddenly changed.

And it even changed her emotions, overshadowing her fear earlier.

Thinking this far, I could quickly imagine what kind of change occurred between these two... Well done, Riku.

"He said he really likes me a lot... while hugging me tightly..."

"Riku was always saying 'Hoshimiya Hoshimiya'."

"He, he did? That much?"

When I nodded, Ayana's cheeks softened with happiness. Of course, her face continued to blush.

"Did you know about Kuromine-kun's feelings, Kana?"

"Of course I did."

"I see... I guess so."

"Riku is a strange guy, but his feelings for you are genuine."

"I know. I can feel them so strongly..."

Placing her hand on her chest, Ayana had a gentle expression. She must have been thinking about Riku's words and actions up until now. It was the reaction of someone who had become aware of their own feelings of love and received the other person's feelings.

"So... you guy's start dating now?"

"Yeah..." Ayan nodded slightly.

Then Ayana's face turn so red and it looks like steam just pop off her head.

"That's great. Congratulations."

I sincerely congratulated her from the bottom of my heart. It was a moment of reward. I was almost moved to tears...

Knowing the struggles of Riku and Ayana, I was overwhelmed with emotion.

"I want tomorrow to come quickly, so I'm going to bed now."

"You sound like a child."

"Haha, hard to deny. Even though something so scary happened... I feel relieved knowing Kuromine-kun is by my side."

Despite being the guy who got naked...

I held onto that teasing thought in my heart.

With that, Ayana disappeared down the corridor.

She should be able to sleep while savoring the happiness of being with Riku...

"Now then, should I go to Riku?"

Perhaps influenced by Ayana, I was also in a bright mood. Or rather, I was happy.

Riku must be high-spirited too right now. He might be running around in the garden like a dog.

I could easily imagine that scene and couldn't help but laugh.

As I came to the veranda and looked around the garden, I spotted Riku's back.

He wasn't running around, as expected. He was standing alone, looking up at the night sky.

...Is he pondering some deep thoughts right now?

Let me you, Riku, doesn't suit to you.

Riku should be himself and express his emotions more to show his joy.

I put on sandals and stepped into the garden. Even though I made deliberate footsteps to approach Riku, he showed no sign of turning around. I had already come within reach.

I see. He's just got moved just by being with Ayana.

I understand that feeling too, Riku.

He worked so hard. I should join in the celebration with him!

"Hey Riku! Well done! Congratulations!"

I haven't spoken in such a bright voice in years. I couldn't hide my joy either.

"...Kana?"

"Riku..."

My words failed me. My cheered emotions plummeted in an instant.

It felt like encountering an unknown phenomenon.

Because right now Riku was crying.

It wasn't tears of joy. It's a face filled with sadness and just shedding tears.

The moonlight illuminated his cheeks, highlighting several streaks of tears.

He was the complete opposite of the happiness-filled Ayana.

"...What's wrong? You're dating Ayana, right?"

"That's right... Hoshimiya accepted my feelings... and she also yearned for me."

"Isn't that great?"

Without nodding in response to my question, Riku continued calmly.

"If we continue as a couple and build a happy daily life together... there won't be any problems."

"Right? That's why tere's no need for you to─"

"Then... what if Hoshimiya doesn't regain her memories?"

"Then Ayana will be able to live with a smile, right?" I hesitantly spoke to Riku's question.

It was like being called on by a teacher during class and don't know the answer to a question.

Was my answer really correct...?

In the next moment, Riku's expression changed to one of anguish.

"Yeah, that's right!! That's the best solution!!"

"Huh?"

"Hoshimiya won't have to cry! She won't have to go through the pain! I know that! I know it, but... it hurts, it hurts!!"

Tears streaming down, Riku continued to scream with his teeth bared.

His true feelings, being expressed with all his might, were imbued with heavy impact with each word.

"She's forgotten our everyday life together!!"

"..."

It was a fact that was too late to realize. It was clear from the beginning.

I hadn't truly understood that fact.

I had only grasped the fact that she had forgotten.

The contents... in other words, Riku's feelings...

"Why I fell in love with Hoshimiya, that has been erased too!"

"Riku..."

"I fell in love at first sight...? Haha, no... that's not it. It's not love at first sight. I touched Hoshimiya's heart... and fell in love."

Tears continued to flow down Riku's cheeks, pooling at his chin before falling one after another.

Ironically, the tears, reflecting the moonlight, looked like falling stars, beautiful yet sorrowful.

"I never thought it would be this painful and agonizing. To be forgotten by someone you love... it's just so...!"

Riku's intense sobbing left me speechless. His deeply pent-up emotions erupted violently, and I was engulfed in his intense aura.

"I was going to do my best for Hoshimiya. But I can't suppress my own feelings... Remember it, please. Don't pretend like the everyday life we spent together never happened...!"

Riku's cry shattered the late-night silence, but after pouring out everything, silence once again enveloped us. The eerily quiet time began to flow as if it were a lie.

"..."

Riku, who had been staring at the ground, slowly raised his head. With a calm demeanor, he looked into the empty space and spoke those words.

"I'm the worst, aren't I?"

"...Huh?"

"Even though I think Hoshimiya's happiness is the most important, in the end, it's all about me. I disgust myself... for being like this."

"That's not true..."

"Nothing has changed. I haven't grown. I'm still useless... I'm still the same as when I was relying on Haruno, protected by Haruno... Even though I decided to do my best for Hoshimiya... I'm pathetic, a pathetic person."

With those words, Riku fell silent.

He stopped moving altogether, becoming like a statue.

The only thing moving was the tears overflowing from his eyes.

I'm the worst. With all my might, I want to punch myself from just a moment ago.

Even though I was in a position to help, I didn't notice Riku's anguish.

Why didn't I notice until now?

Being forgotten by someone you love... of course that's painful.

No matter the circumstances, being forgotten is painful.

I overlooked something so obvious.

After all I've never experienced something like that before... Being forgotten by someone important never crossed my mind. Just being ignored by someone is painful enough...

Riku was pushed into a painful situation, tossed around by various emotions, yet he continued to do his best. Riku, who had called himself a weak person...!

Above all, I'm angry at myself.

I declared that I would be his ally, but I didn't see anything about Riku.

"Riku, you're such an idiot... a total idiot."

"Haha, being an idiot is better than being pathetic... Maybe it's still better."

Watching Riku laugh self-deprecatingly, I finally couldn't take it anymore.

"It's obvious!"

"...What is?"

"...It's obvious that it's painful!!"

Riku looked surprised at my sudden outburst. I continued to shout at him.

"Listen, being forgotten by someone you love!? It's painful, isn't it!!"

I couldn't contain my emotions. Heat surged through my body, tears streamed from my eyes. But even so, I couldn't stop.

"The current you, Riku, is not pathetic! You're trying... you're trying really hard!"

"It's not like that..."

"It is, it is! If you were just like other guy's, you would have given up long ago! I mean, you wouldn't choose a difficult path willingly, right!? Living a life where you're protected by Harukaze is normal... it's normal!!"

"But I..."

"But you... Riku, you came here, didn't you!? You came here because you're the only one who can support Ayana... even if it meant parting with Harukaze!! How is that pathetic!?"

In Riku's case, it wasn't just about parting ways with Harukaze. Even a fool like me could understand that much from listening to him.

Riku had been dependent on Harukaze.

He didn't seem to realize it, but it seemed like he was mistaking his dependency for romantic feelings.

Harukaze might have understood that, which is why he chose to part ways and pushed Riku forward.

To separate from someone you've always relied on... even I, who have no experience, can easily imagine that it's not something trivial.

This pure-hearted man, unaware as he may be, thought of Ayana and, for Ayana's sake, became independent from Harukaze.

"I, always thinking only about myself..."

"Huh!? It's painful to be forgotten by someone you love!? You want them to remember you!? That's obvious, isn't it!! If you didn't feel that way, you wouldn't really be in love, would you!? Don't mess around, Kuromine Riku!!"

"..."

"You're... you're just too decent, too much of a decent person."

I gave in to my emotions and said it all to the end.

My vision blurred with tears, I wiped them away roughly with the back of my hand.

Even after shouting and saying everything I wanted to, I still felt like I hadn't said enough.

"Riku is more human than anyone else. He lives according to his honest feelings... He's the kind of person who can do anything for the person he loves, without hesitation. Even though he's not good with pain or hardship, he's willing to endure a difficult path for the sake of the person he loves."

"..."

"If anyone dares to belittle what you are now, I'll seriously knock them down."

I was out of breath, my breathing heavy. I took a deep breath.

The silence while I was regulating my breathing felt strangely uncomfortable.

I suddenly realized that Riku, with a serious expression, was staring at my face.

And I realized that I had been out of control...

My head cooled down as if I had been doused with cold water.

"Uh, um... Riku? Are you okay? I mean, I..."

I felt regret for what I had done. Then, Riku, with a slightly embarrassed expression, scratched his cheek and asked me in a light tone.

"Knock them down... even if it's me?"

"............ Of course, even if it's you."

I lightly punched Riku's chest with my right fist. Or rather, I lightly tapped him.

"I see... that would be a problem... haha."

It wasn't a forced laugh but a natural, light-hearted one.

Released from the tense atmosphere, the air began to relax.

"...Um, hey. I think it's natural to want various things from the person you love."

"Do you think so?"

"I think it's tough to keep asking for things one-sidedly... but you're different, right?"

"Yeah..."

"It's okay for you to be like that. Keep seeking Ayana's happiness and smile as you have been, and cherish your true feelings. Don't be pessimistic."

"............"

"I'll continue to listen to you as ally. Don't bottle things up. Just letting out your feelings to someone can make a difference."

"So... venting?"

"Yeah, venting."

I said it in a light-hearted tone. Riku also relaxed his shoulders and slowly closed his eyelids. I wonder what he's thinking...? I wait for him to speak.

Eventually, Riku opened his eyes and said something I didn't expect, in a very calm voice.

"Thank you, Kana."

"Huh, me?"

"I'm really glad you're here, Kana."

"I-I haven't really done anything special... I'm just saying what I want to say, not really doing much..."

I was earnestly thanked, and I felt puzzled... no, embarrassed. My cheeks felt hot.

If I were his ally in the general sense, maybe I should act more supportive. My violence isn't really useful being as this guy collaborator.

Even though I thought that way, Riku shook his head gently with kindness.

"That's not true. It's because it's you, Kana... Anyway, just being with yourself, saved me."

"I-I went too far though..."

"It's not just about this time. It's about after coming to this house... and before coming here..."

"I haven't done anything special."

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here. That day, I happened to meet you at the convenience store, and you told me about Hoshimiya... that's why I'm here now."

"Riku..."

"Kana. Thank you so much."

"Ah..."

Riku's gentle and soft smile.

Innocent, straightforward, and untainted.

The moment I saw that smile illuminated by the moon...

Something clicked inside me... a feeling I had never felt before... a warm feeling...

"Shall we go to bed? It's late."

"............"

"I feel refreshed. I'll rely on you again starting tomorrow... Kana?"

"Huh?"

"Are you okay? You seem out of it, and your face is red."

"I-I'm fine! I'm okay! Don't worry about me!"

"Even though it's summer, it's chilly at night. Let's go inside before we catch cold."

"...Okay."

"If you ever have any trouble, tell me. I'll do everything I can to help."

"Is it okay?"

"It's more than okay, it's a given. Not in a weird way, but you're special to me too."

"Special to you────!?"

"...?"

Because of my excessive reaction, Riku leaned in to peek at my face.

He's so close! I shook my head as if to say it was nothing.

We went inside the house and returned to our respective rooms on the second floor.

In the pitch-black room, I slipped under the covers to hide the pounding in my chest.

Of course, this feeling wouldn't easily subside.

"............"

I'm the only one who can support Riku right now.

I'm the only one who knows about Riku's anguish.

I'm the only one who understands Riku right now.

I have to support him.

I have to make Riku and Ayana happier than they are now.

"Argh!"

A mysterious pain struck my chest. I didn't understand why.

Various faces of Riku suddenly flashed through my mind.

The serious face when I couldn't understand what he was thinking, the innocent smile, the mysterious smirk when he said something strange, the crying face stained with sadness...

And then, the gentle smile he showed only to me.

Strangely...

No matter what I tried to think about, Riku's face kept appearing.

I couldn't sleep at all. I didn't feel like I could sleep.

Earlier, I couldn't sleep because of the robbery, but now I couldn't sleep because of Riku.

"Riku... How dare you disturb my sleep..."

Chapter 3 finally done. Please join to my telegram group, for more novel stuff.

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