Embracing my stalker - Zetro Translation

17th June, 2020.

I remember that day very vividly.

It was my fiancée, Yumeko’s birthday. That day I had planned to celebrate it with her.

We were in the second year of college, and after classes, I decided to surprise her by saying I was going home and returning with a bouquet of flowers.

I didn’t tell any of her friends about it and since I knew she always spends her time at the library after classes, I made my way towards the library with a big smile on my face.

However, upon reaching there…I found her sitting with another guy from our class and holding his hand.

That was the first time I caught a glimpse of the real Yumeko.

I had a big argument with her in the library, in front of everyone.

She kept on apologizing but I wasn’t ready to hear.

And when I decided to leave, I heard a loud cry.

I hurried back since I knew it belonged to Yumeko.

I saw her lying on the floor, crying.

I helped her, naturally.

Other students had also appeared at the scene and while pointing at one of the students, Yumeko said,

“She pushed me! Because I angered you, she took revenge on me!”

It was Amaye.

I knew she liked me.

That’s why, I believed in Yumeko’s words.

I thought Amaye actually had pushed her.

And between Amaye and Yumeko, it didn’t take me to choose on which side I stand.

That’s why, I said something quite mean to her that day.

Something…that still lives within me.

“You think you can have me? Look at you—gloomy, pathetic, hiding behind those ugly glasses like some tragic wannabe. You lock yourself in rooms like you’re the star of some sad movie. Newsflash: you’re not. You’re just a miserable, delusional pig. Fix your face before even dreaming of someone like me.”

I said a few more things and the last thing I saw was tears in her eyes before she ran away.

That night, like always, I told Blaze about what happened.

I used to tell her everything.

And reading the chat of that night, my heart only turned heavy.

Me: [You ever met someone who just made you cringe?]

Blaze: [Why? What happened?]

Me: [There’s this girl at school. Always alone, wears these big glasses, never talks to anyone.]

Me: [I don’t know what her deal is, but she gives off this “poor me, I’m deep and broken” vibe. It’s annoying.]

Blaze: [Maybe she’s just shy…]

Me: [No, it’s more than that. She sent me a love letter once. Can you believe it?]

Me: [Like, really thought I would date her.]

Blaze: […What did you say?]

Me: [I told her the truth. That she should look in a mirror before dreaming of someone like me.]

Blaze: [That’s… harsh.]

Me: [Nah, it was honest. Someone had to say it. I mean, the way she looks at people—like she’s waiting to be saved or something. It’s pathetic.]

Blaze: [Maybe she didn’t want to be saved. Maybe she just wanted to be seen.]

Me: [Well, not by me.]

Me: [She probably hates me now. But whatever, I don’t lose sleep over girls like her.]

Blaze: […]

Me: [You there?]

Blaze: [Yeah.]

Blaze: [Thanks for being honest.]

Me: [What do you mean by that?]

Blaze: [No, it’s nothing. Good night.]

Me: [Hey, wait-]

…

I…hurt her again and again without knowing.

Now, that I think about it, I should have guessed that it was someone around me.

There were a few instances that gave the impression that Blaze was around me. However, I was so engrossed in Yumeko that I never noticed.

*Click*

Turning off the screen, I remained lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling.

I couldn’t explain what I was feeling at the moment.

My chest was heavy…a little too heavy. Am I going to die?

The sadness was something I had felt before.

When my grandmother died I felt the same kind of pain.

Was it because I knew that Blaze was dead?

Or because how I unknowingly hurt her when she always stood by my side? I don’t know but it hurts…a lot.

‘I need to get out…’

I was getting stuffy so I walked out of the room.

Thankfully, my parents weren’t at home, or seeing me like this would surely have concerned them.

“Ah, I will drive.” Signaling to the driver, I entered the car and drove off…to just somewhere.

I drove…and drove…and then, I paused.

At the roadside, I just stared at the darkness ahead with my eyes blank.

Suddenly, tears began to well in my eyes.

I didn’t wipe them, nor did I blink.

Just allowed those hot tears to slide down.

…what have I done?

Lowering my head, I bit my lip.

Even though I didn’t have to suppress my voice, I didn’t cry.

She wasn’t there to comfort me.

To say that everything was fine.

She has left me…abandoned me.

“You can get her back,”

“Ah!” I yelped in surprise as I heard a voice from behind.

I looked back and found a man sitting there, his face hidden By a wooden mask.

“Who the fuck are you?” My hand moved toward the dashboard where I put a pocket knife. When did he enter? No, wait…was he here all this time?

He didn’t look bothered that I took out the knife and calmly stated, “I can help you reunite with the one you have tormented…and the only one whom you dearly miss.”

With his golden eyes staring into mine, he said,

“I am here to give you another chance.”

*******

A/N:- Thanks for reading.