I Was Cheated on by My Girlfriend but My Devilish Junior Now Yearns for Me - Chapter 82

Chapter 82   Reina Aisaka – Past 2 The Distance of Hearts –

I first became aware of a girl who was unusually close to Yuuta-kun about a month into our relationship.

Not physically close, but emotionally.

That emotional closeness was something that bothered me a bit more.

As time went on, we often found ourselves chatting and sharing moments while looking at his phone. And whenever we watched videos on his phone, I’d occasionally notice notifications pop up with the same name. After six months together, that name became etched in my memory.

The name was saved as “Ayaka,” and, as his girlfriend, I couldn’t help but feel a bit concerned.

I wasn’t suspicious of him cheating, but I still felt the need to confirm things.

“That Ayaka-san who sometimes sends you notifications—is she a friend of yours, Yuuta-kun?”

When I asked, Yuuta-kun paused the video and nodded honestly. He seemed to have anticipated that I’d ask about it someday.

“Yeah, she’s a friend.”

“Childhood friend?”

“No, we met in high school.”

If she was a friend from high school, then it was probably just a normal friendship. But from his expression, I could sense that there was something more to their connection than just friendship.

“Sorry, I guess I shouldn’t message female friends that much, huh?”

At his words, I shook my head quickly.

“No, it’s okay. I was just a little curious. Friends from high school are important too.”

“Really?”

He sounded a bit relieved.

I didn’t regret saying it, either—I was glad I didn’t answer childishly. My words had come from my heart.

Just hearing it directly from him seemed to lift a weight off my shoulders, and I felt a lot better.

“But still, I’ll try to limit it as much as I can. When notifications come in while we’re watching videos, it can be distracting.”

I thought simply turning off notifications would solve that, but I didn’t say anything. I could tell he said it to make me feel reassured.

Thanks to our calm conversation, Ayaka-san’s messages didn’t create any friction in our relationship. If Yuuta-kun had been visibly rattled, things might have gone differently, so I was grateful for his level-headed nature.

Though we’re the same age, he seems more composed than most. I remember noticing that from our very first meeting, and it left a strong impression on me.

Yet he’s also the type to joke around and be playful with those he feels comfortable with. Seeing that side of him, I can feel that he’s truly open with me. It was endearing, and it didn’t take long for me to feel a deep affection for him once we started dating.

Ayaka-san is likely someone he feels he can be himself around, much like he is with me. As his girlfriend, it wouldn’t be right for me to interfere in his important friendships. I don’t want to tell him to limit his contact with female friends just because he’s in a relationship with me.

Some people might say that having a partner means you should limit contact with friends of the opposite sex. But I think friends provide a unique kind of comfort, just as lovers do.

Since both are distinct, enjoying both seems like the best choice for him.

When I shared this perspective with Natsuki, she frowned.

“And what about you, Reina?”

“Huh?”

Her question left me puzzled, and she looked at me with a serious expression.

“You’re really considerate of him, Reina. Honestly, he couldn’t ask for a better girlfriend.”

She touched the bracelet I’d given her for her birthday and continued.

“But what do you think? Two people of the opposite sex hanging out alone—most people would call that a date. Maybe it’s a matter of personal opinion, but…”

When I stayed silent, Natsuki gave me a gentle pat on the back.

“Stay strong. You’re the only one who can decide if his actions are cheating or not.”

“…Hey, Natsuki, what do you think?”

“That’s not for me to decide. This is something between the two of you.”

She was completely right, and I had no counter. I wished she’d given me a bit of advice, but I resolved to come to a conclusion on my own.

—Ayaka-san is an important support for my boyfriend.

She reaches out from an angle where I can’t support him and fills in the gaps where I fall short. I decided to think of her that way, and it felt right.

“I’d like to meet Ayaka-san someday,” I told Yuuta-kun honestly.

He smiled, looking genuinely pleased.

“Oh, that’d be great! If you two got along, it’d mean the world to me.”

That comment reassured me more than anything else that he wasn’t cheating. Seeing him so happy made me feel happy, too.

“If I do meet her…I’ll have to thank Ayaka-san.”

“Thank her? Why?”

“Because part of the reason you enjoy your day-to-day life is thanks to her, right?”

Seeing Yuuta-kun happy makes me happy. In a way, that means Ayaka-san has brought me happiness, too. Yuuta-kun thought about this for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right…I guess she’s helped me, too.”

“Exactly! So as your girlfriend, I’d like to thank her.”

“I get it. You’re so considerate, Reina.”

“Am I? Maybe just a little?”

Mimicking his tone, I made him laugh. He squeezed my hand, and I instinctively intertwined my fingers with his.

Up until that moment, I truly felt like I was his ideal girlfriend.