I Love To Hate You - Chapter 1- Rejection

“I am sorry, Ryuuta-kun.”

My hold around the bouquet turned stiff as I stood before the woman I had previously proposed to.

Thankfully, I hadn’t offered the flowers to her yet.

For a few moments, I said nothing.

It was…unexpected.

We have been seeing each other for the past eleven months, and a few days ago, I asked if she wanted to take another step in this relationship.

I had started to see a wife in her. I believed we were compatible and understood each other well. Not to mention, we have met each other’s family members too.

Everything felt so good that I brought flowers along.

But, “Why?” I asked. My voice…it was trembling. God, a twenty-six-year-old crying… no, I don’t want that.

She raised her head. Her eyes glisten behind her glasses.

“I know you won’t have heard anything worse than this….But, I have accepted someone else’s proposal.”

I…wasn’t expecting this at all. I believed it was her choice not to be my life partner. Things were…different.

“What do you mean?” I asked in a heavy voice.

She looked down. Guilt? I doubt that.

“I met him a month ago…we were nothing more than just friends. I liked my time with him.”

So…it was the time when we were dating. She says friends, but do friends accept marriage proposals while the other person is already dating someone?

So…I was getting cheated on too, huh?

Never believed karma would hit so hard.

“Then…he suddenly asked me if I wanted to be his life partner.”

“And you said yes.” My voice was a little fierce. Is it alright to lose my composure here? I was feeling angry.

“Yes,” she nodded.

My fist balled as I asked, “Exactly…what does he have better than me?”

I was curious…and frustrated.

My situation was not ideal. I look average. But…looks are all that matter to her? She wasn’t like this. Or did I read her wrong?

After a brief pause, she responded, “Because…he can support me.”

I frowned but didn’t say anything.

With her head still lowered, she said, “You know I have seven siblings…and no financial support. I am the only earning member of the family-”

“So it comes down to money, huh?” I asked, a mocking smile on my face.

I wasn’t mocking her….I was making fun of myself.

She didn’t say anything and bit her lip.

I chuckled.

“I understood now. Thank you for telling me the real reason why you are rejecting me.” With my shoulders dropping, “I believed being compatible and understanding each other was enough. But how can I forget, above everything, stands…well, forget about it.”

I decided to leave. Standing before her might make me say something I shouldn’t.

It was her decision. She took it based on her necessity. She took the practical path and abandoned emotions. Nice for her.

I turned around and started walking away.

She didn’t say anything.

Dumping the flowers in the bin, I thought for a moment.

I really wanted to have a few drinks right now…but someone was waiting for me at home.

I bought a few ingredients and was walking down the familiar street when suddenly, I received a call.

Without much thought, I picked it up, “Yes?”

[Asahi Ryuuta-san, you have booked a table at our restaurant.]

Ah, I completely forgot about it.

“Yes, I am sorry. Something came up so I won’t be coming. Thank you.” I disconnected the call and continued walking.

I made the booking at an expensive place. I had that much confidence in this relationship.

This was the second time I made a romantic connection…and this time, I got dumped.

‘Well, I got probably what I deserve.’

Soon, I reached my house and opened the door using the spare key.

*Click*

“Hmm?” Came a voice from inside, “Nii-san? You are back?”

My little brother, who was reading a manga got up and asked me, “Weren’t you having dinner with Yumi-san?”

I wryly smiled, “Embrace this rejected brother of yours.” I tried to be light about this.

However, the way he froze and his eyes widened I realized I failed.

“…you are joking, right? Tell me she couldn’t come because of some family emergency.”

Well, he surely would think something like this.

He had a very close bond with Yumi. She has visited my place a few times in the past.

Her closeness to my brother and how fond her siblings were of me, clearly indicated that we were already a couple. Just needed the formal knot.

But well, “Well, we weren’t compatible. We talked things out and decided not to rush things.”

What a sore loser I am to still try to protect her image.

Well, I would eventually tell him the truth.

“Nii-san…you are lying.” He said with conviction, “…do you want some fried rice?” But one of his best qualities; he changed those topics which could make the other person uncomfortable.

I ruffled his hair with a smile.

“Yes…thank you.”

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Ready for some pain?