A Twisted Introvert loner Like Me, Mentally Wrecked One-Sidedly due to Love, Throws Away the Love Letter Sent by the foremost School's Beauty, Leading to an Unwanted Romantic Comedy

Chapter 24: Surprising Facts 1

The rains that had been falling for a while now took a break today even though it’s a cloudy weather.

Near the river, a little separated from my place, I walked along that familiar path on this Saturday evening. By this time tomorrow, I’ll probably be feeling lethargic and down about going back to school.

If it were sunny, the setting sun would create an emo-scene… But well, considering there are fewer people on road due to this weather, it’s definitely fine too.

In my head, I’m still running around seeking the right answer as usual, but somehow, it feels mentally soothing to be moving rather than sitting still.

As I drawn in my thoughts, I arrive at my usual resting spot.

“…So. you are here today as well?”

There was someone else on the bench placed in the spacious ground. Looking at the straightened posture as she sat alone, I immediately recognized who she was.

Well, to be precise, I didn’t know who she was. For, I didn’t know the name of that “elderly person.”

One day, it so happened that I had helped an elderly lady who had collapsed on the riverside path before.

If any elderly person looked like they were in pain and asked for help, I don’t think there is anyone who wouldn’t lend a hand to them, right? I carried her on my back and carried her back till her home.

Since then, whenever I came here, I would often be approached by her. It seemed the bench had become quite dear to her as well.

Maybe sensing my presence, the elderly lady turned her face around and gave a slow bow.

I returned the gesture with a small head-bow myself.

“Konnichiwa~ssu.”

“Yes, Konnichiwa.”

We exchanged greetings casually, as we always did. That was our usual way of starting a conversation.

“It’s been a while, Kazari-san.”

[TL: I think my eyes needs a checkup now.]

“Yes, it has. Have you been well?”

“Yes, I’ve been fine.”

“That’s good to hear.”

The elderly lady smiled kindly and returned her gaze to the flowing river. I settled down beside her with a ‘Pardon~’. By the way, the reason why the elderly lady knew my name was because she asked for it when I helped her out.

I stole a quick glance at her sitting near me.

Dressed mostly in black, with neatly dyed white hair. Always wearing a calm expression, exuding a composed ambience.

Even though she didn’t speak much, but strangely enough, the conversation went on even without words.

Originally, this was a place I visited alone. I didn’t want to be with anyone over here, but with her, it was completely different. Rather, it felt rather pleasant instead.

She was one of the few people I genuinely admired wanted to become like someday.

“…Is something the matter?”

Perhaps she noticed my gaze, or was it intuition? The elderly lady tilted her head.

“Ah, no.”

I replied, pretending it was nothing, and turned my face forward. But I could still feel her gaze continuing on me from the side.

“Are you perhaps… troubled about something?”

“Eh—”

Just as I quickly turned back, I was met by a gentle gaze from the elderly.

Those eyes, as if it felt like it could see through everything, because of which, the denial that arose within me dissipated just as quickly.

If I can compare it to someone, it’s most likely like my mother. On days when something bothers me and yet I try to return home pretending to be calm, she sees through it immediately. It’s something like that kind of a feeling.

I didn’t feel like I could deceive her. So, I admitted honestly.

“Well, yeah something like that… Though even if I say something like I’m troubled, it’s mostly out of my own selfishness.”

“Is that so…”

She asked just as much but didn’t pry further. This was her unique way of ending a conversation.

The elderly lady once again gazed at the scenery which lay ahead. However, her profile didn’t seem focused on the scenery; it was as if she was looking at something far, farther away.

It’s way too unique. A novice like me, could never make such a face. Our life experiences had just too much difference.

I wonder if this elderly lady has worries too?

A sudden question came to my mind.

“Um—…”

Do you still have worries?

Before I knew it, I had already asked her.