Stumbling Over Love | ✓

Chapter 61

_Chapter 61~ Best Friends_

He would be crazy if he thought I would just go.

I would be even crazier to actually go.

Though, considering I was stalking towards the destination, limbs moving as stiffly as a robot, I guess this meant I lost all means of my sanity.

>>> I know I shouldn't even be asking this of you, considering what I put you through, but I'm begging you. Please. This isn't a trap, I swear on my life. I just... want to see you.

My legs came to a halt at the threshold of the park. As soon as they did, my legs felt like lead—I couldn't move them again. The quiet of the night only spurned the arrival of goosebumps across my arms. It wasn't as if I was willing to trust him again. Not like I believed if I saw him things could return to how they were. I'd long given up hope on that.

I'd hurriedly told Aki I had to go and left a frazzled him and Satoru after grabbing my coat and racing out the doors. If they were to find out about how stupid I was being about all this, I didn't know how I would be able to face them. I was even willing to smack myself upside the head to come back to my senses.

He wasn't someone I could have faith in. What he did wasn't something I could just nonchalantly forget about and laugh. And if I was gullible enough to believe a text would somehow change that fact, I definitely deserved the repercussions that would undoubtedly follow.

      As soon as I galled up the courage, I moved my feet forward. I kept my eyes peeled, cautious, as I did. The eeriness of the park at night only added to my uneasiness as I shuffled on. It was after I arrived towards the rear end of the park where the headlights and benches were positioned did I see him.

     He was seated, dressed so flimsy as a grey t-shirt and black sweats. His chestnut hair that typically maintained a subtle quiff was now matted to his forehead as he twiddled his thumbs rather anxiously.

      But he was right there, in front of me.  Waiting for me.

      All at once, I regretted coming.

Right as I took a step back to leave before he could see me, he'd heard the ruffle of my sneakers. Daichi's head jerked upwards, his eyes as wide as saucers. He clambered to his feet in a clumsy matter. "R-Reina!" he shouted, newfound relief breaching his features. "You came—"

      "Don't flatter yourself," I cut him off, my heartbeat hitching up in my ears. I sent him the dirtiest look I owned, venom slipping into my tone, "What the hell do you want from me?"

      Daichi momentarily appeared discouraged. He gaped—almost, heartbroken. Soon enough, he settled himself, averting his gaze to the ground in an act to recollect his thoughts. "I... I know an apology...."

      "Is this why you called me out here?" I demanded incredulously. "To apologize?

      Daichi once again, stiffened. His eyes were wide as he swallowed hard. His voice was so faint—so weak. "No," he confessed, gritting his teeth. "I didn't. I can't, anyway. Not after everything I did to you."

     I wasn't able to believe my ears as I stared at him in disbelief. A scoff push past my lips before I realized it and I laughed humourlessly, looking around. "Where are the cameras; the swarm of delinquents that are going to make their appearance to hurt me? Why not instead of putting on your pathetic acting you just give it to me straight. What is it this time? Are you and Miyabi going to tie me up and shove me off a cliff to kill me? Will that make you feel good about yourselves?"