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 5

Episode 5: Light Reaches Even The Bottom Of The Pit

“If you don’t mind, would you tell me? Of course, I won’t force you.”

At Aoba’s words, I ruffled my unkempt hair that wasn’t styled in any particular way.

Then, I decided to talk about the series of events.

I could have stayed silent, but before I knew it, I was already speaking.

About changing the university, I was supposed to take the entrance exam for, as Asuka requested. About my high school days. And then, about hesitating but ultimately leaving Takarazuka, my hometown in Hyogo, with Asuka.

All of it, I told her.

“Sorry… I ended up rambling. It’s probably not important.”

“You only spoke because I prompted you, so it’s not unimportant. It’s definitely the worst. You must be feeling down… it’s turbulent, in the true sense of the word.”

I nodded.

I was starting to feel gloomy again, but just as I lowered my head, I felt a light tap on my forehead with a fist.

Then, I was gently pushed up.

“But then again, on the flip side, maybe there’s something to what she said.”

“What do you mean?”

“Sure, she’s awful, but it’s better than being told after your college life is over, right? You’re just starting out as a college student. Besides, Nogami-kun, you’ll definitely meet someone better than her!”

“…That’s quite sudden. Where’s the guarantee in that?”

“Then, I’ll guarantee it right here, right now. No doubt about it. You’ll be fine. The fact that you’re going out of your way to help me like this means you’ll be fine!”

With a toothy grin, Aoba asserted confidently.

There’s probably no basis for her words.
She’s just trying to encourage me, that’s all.

Yet, despite that, for some reason, I want to believe in Aoba Hikari’s words.

Her words, her smile, they’re like rays of sunlight.

Their straight, unwavering brightness reaches even me, who should be at the bottom of the trench.

“…I hope so.”

That’s all I can say as I avert my gaze.

Even though I’ve gotten a little used to interacting with women through my relationship with Asuka, seeing Aoba’s face, which is too beautiful, up close would make my heart race uncontrollably.

“Yeah, your complexion has improved a bit. You were so pale earlier.”

“…Is it really something to tell others about? Besides, Aoba-san, you’re still pretty red-faced.”

“Whoa, really? I thought I was getting better. My head’s clearing up as we talk.”

After saying that, she pushed herself up from the bench with momentum.

Her orange skirt fluttered in the darkness.

For just a moment, I was captivated by her unexpected actions and the radiant beauty of her fluttering like a butterfly in the darkness.

“Look, I can do a full rotation—oops!”

“You idiot, what are you doing!”

As Aoba started to fall backward, I hurriedly supported her back.

It wasn’t as cool as a manga hero, I ended up on my knees, barely managing to catch her.

Gravel dug into my knees, causing pain.

“Haha, I was wearing heels, now that I think about it.”

“Cut me some slack. Seriously. Let’s rest a bit longer.”

“Okay. I’ll take you up on that offer… By the way, will you see me off afterward? I don’t feel like going home alone.”

“Don’t look at me like that. Aren’t you trusting me too much? It’s been a while since we last met, and you’re asking a classmate to tell you where you live, that’s not normal.”

“Now that you mention it, that’s true… Wait, were you planning something after knowing where I live!?”

“No, it’s not like that.”

Under the starless urban sky, the noisy night passed.

It’s not a good night by any means.

Of course, it’s natural, considering that I was betrayed by the girl I cherished.

Moreover, I’m exhausted from being involved in strange incidents while trying to save Aoba. I don’t want to experience a day like this ever again.

…However, it’s not the worst either.

Light reaches even the bottom of the pit. Because it was the night when I learned that.