Nyanta & Pomeko

Chapter 35: Special Day

Anri hugged me and listened to my story.

　I continued to speak objectively, telling her only what had happened.

　If I didn't, my emotions would fluctuate and I would suffer.

　In the middle of my speech, my emotions would rise up and I would feel pain in my chest, or I would be at a loss for words, but each time

　Anri's hug became stronger.

"─ At that time, no one believed me."

"I became friends with Saito-san in the library—-"

"Everyone hated me—-"

"I thought that maybe this time I could really make it work, but—–"

"But I still felt lonely—–"

"Karaoke——"

" I built a wall around my heart—-"

　It was the first time I had ever had someone ask me about my past.

My emotions screamed and bit into my chest.

　I didn't need sympathy. I didn't need friends. I thought it would be better if I didn't trust anyone.

　I was anxious and insecure.

　What if I told Anri about my past and she hated me too?　

　That's not possible, my heart told me, but what if...

　If Anri threw me away, ...... then I'd be really broken.

　So I didn't want to talk about the past. But that's not it. I felt that I had to tell her if she believed in me, because she was my precious friend.

　I can't just leave the past behind forever. I have to face it properly.

　Today's ...... date made me realize that once again. Anri is the most important person to me.

　When I finished telling her everything, there was only silence in the karaoke box.

　I was too afraid to look at Anri's face.

　Anri pulled her body away from mine.

　Anri's hands touched my cheeks.

　Her warm hands gently caressed my cheeks.

　I bet I look terrible. It was a fun date, but because of my selfishness, I had ended it on a bad note. I was filled with regret.

　I couldn't make eye contact with Anri.

　I could hear Anri's voice.

"Makoto-kun ......, look at me."

　I looked down and raised my eyes fearfully.

　My eyes met Anri's.

"Ah, ......."

　Anri was crying inconsolably.

　It wasn't pity, nor was it sympathy.

　It was a look of sadness and love. ......

　I don't want to make Anri cry. But I can't stop crying either. I don't know why I've become such a crybaby. ...... I'm supposed to be strong, right?　I've been living my life with a will of steel, right?

"Makoto, hey, can you still not trust ...... anyone?"

"——!"

　I wanted to scream, but it's not true, I can trust Anri. No matter what happens, I will always believe in Anri!