I Was Unreasonably Dumped By My Girlfriend And Had My Heart Broken. When I Rescued A Beautiful Girl Who Was My Former Classmate And Idol In My Class From A Group Of Yarisa, My Gray College Life Started To Shine - Chapter 40
Episode 40: It’s Not About Being Cured, It’s About Curing.
“Just kidding. Aha, sorry. Forget about it? I said something selfish. I’m too greedy, aren’t I? I mean, I lost the necklace I got, made you take care of me when I had a fever, and caused you a lot of trouble.”
“…Didn’t I tell you not to worry about the necklace anymore?”
“Yeah, but… I did lose it for real. I cause trouble, I’m selfish, and I’m just hopeless.”
A dry laugh escaped from Aoba’s lips. She was trying to joke, but she couldn’t do it at all.
It seemed that she hadn’t completely shaken off the incident of losing the necklace.
Her behavior of acting like nothing had happened in messages was probably her way of putting on a brave face.
Maybe it leaked out now because she was weakened by the fever.
She was the kind of innocent and carefree beauty who could say anything and still be accepted by everyone.
A girl who seemed to lack nothing, with everything going her way.
I used to think of Aoba that way from afar, but it’s different now.
She’s just another girl when you get closer.
Of course, she also has her own thoughts and struggles.
However…
“There’s nothing hopeless about it.”
This time, I could confidently say that.
“I’ve never thought of Aoba like that. In fact, I even feel like I’m being saved by her.”
“That’s a lie. I’ve caused a lot of trouble for others too. I even called you over in the middle of the night because of *that*, and made us skip the next day. Isn’t that really the worst?”
“…I don’t care about any of that. Including that, I can’t imagine life without Aoba.”
I said it clearly.
And my mind felt clear.
Yes, I enjoy the time spent with Aoba.
So there’s no need to feel ashamed or think unnecessarily like it’s a date when a guy invites a girl.
Although I said earlier that she could go with anyone using the ticket, when I bought it, I imagined Aoba and I going together.
The sight of just the two of us going to the movies.
“Wanna go together? How about next weekend, when you’re better? I’ll think of some other places to visit too.”
I invited her straight, offering the ticket to Aoba again.
This time, she didn’t take it immediately.
She gave me a piercing gaze.
“…Are you not forcing yourself? Do you really want to go with me?”
“I’m not forcing myself. I actually wanted to go with you from the beginning. It’s just a little cover-up.”
“…Really?”
I just nodded repeatedly.
“That’s, well… I’m glad. …Thank you.”
For some reason, Aoba seemed embarrassed at that stage.
She pulled her bangs while her cheeks turned slightly red.
And upon closer inspection, a single tear was flowing from her eyes.
I panicked and ended up in a half-squatting position.
“Um… are you okay?”
“I’m fine, I’m fine. I was just happy, really, that’s all…!”
Aoba sniffled and wiped her eyes.
Seeing her like this, I didn’t know what to do.
“Um… is it okay if you come?”
“Well, um… hmm…”
“Huh. Am I going to be rejected in this situation?”
“It’s not like that. No, it’s not. It’s just that I prefer this weekend instead of next. I want fun things to come sooner.”
“Will you really get better by then?”
“It’s not about getting better, it’s about making it better.”
After saying that clearly, Aoba finally took the ticket.
“You’re probably free this weekend too, right? I know.”
“How do you know that…?”
“Just a hunch. But I think I’m right. Because, besides me and Seira-chan, you don’t seem to have any other friends.”
“Well, that’s not…”
Maybe not, but…
“Well, I don’t have any plans for this weekend…”
“That’s great! It’s settled then. Hehe, I’m looking forward to it.”
She probably still had a fever. Yet, she seemed lively already.
She even made me feel energized.
It was a smile of satisfaction, or so it seemed.