Hourglass [Quintessential Quintuplets]

Chapter 16 - Echoes of Betrayal

''All the time we spent together... Asuka! There's something I need to tell you! I lo-''

''No.''

- - -

The quake of disbelief in her widened eyes. I know what she's feeling—her entire world must be collapsing because of my words. ''W-what...'' 

My own chest feels hollow, as if something within me has been ripped out. My mind keeps screaming I'm doing this for the better outcome, but that doesn't make it any less painful to watch. ''Listen, you're going to regret what you're about to do.''

I want to respond to Itsuki's feelings... but not like this. Everything will be ruined since midterm exams are just around the corner. If I start dating Itsuki, her lessons are going to be negatively affected. Worse yet, I probably risk being kicked out of the house if her sisters finds out.

Trembling hands, clenched teeth. Denial and sadness—I am used to seeing these. But today, it cuts deeper. I have no choice... just one more week.

Already, she begins to back away out of my reach. "N-No... This c-cannot be..." Itsuki stutters.

The only feeling I felt was the sadness of hurting someone else, which I'm starting to get used to back in the days. It's different this time. I want to cry. I want to shout. I even want to throw myself out of the window. But no. Not this time. Itsuki always believes she's being helped, though the truth is, she probably helps... me more than she ever realize.

I have to explain the situation to her. Just one more week to set things right.

''Itsuki listen t— ''

SLAP!

''How could you say that! I gave you my all... I trusted you. I OPENED MY HEART TO YOU!''

Hurt. Itsuki's palm collides with my cheek before I can even draw breath to speak. The sting radiates across my skin, it hurts. Yet, does it hurt physically or emotionally? Can't tell anymore. 

No one can hear us in the dead of night right now— but this doesn't comfort me, not even a single bit. Pressed against the cold window, I gaze at Itsuki's tear-streaked face. The despair and anger swirling in her eyes strike me like ton of bricks. She's throwing a... tantrum because of me.

''I trusted you... and those nights...'' Her tone cracks as she starts punching weakly on my chest with closed fists. Each blow is as soft as a feather, but her anguish hits me full force. She's crying so bad, what am I going to do?

''...''

''I hated you both when you first came... I was very sure that you were just people trying to approach us for money. You two weren't the first...'' Itsuki was just mumbling now, as the screams faded into quiet murmurs. ''But my mind had changed... After everything you've done for us.''