I'll Take Nanase-san, Who Is Small And Adorable, Away From Her Cheating And Clueless Ex And Make Her Happy. - Chapter 2: Let’s Hear What Nanase-san Has To Say.

Let’s Hear What Nanase-san Has To Say.

“…I see, so you overheard us. That’s embarrassing…”

“I’m sorry. I knew it wasn’t right, but I just…”

“It’s okay. It’s our fault for talking about such things in a place where people gather. But… if you feel bad about it, could you listen to me for just a little while?”

“…If you don’t mind, I’ll stay as long as you want.”

As the sun began to set and the park grew dim, Nanase-san smiled weakly while eating the hamburger I had offered her. With the wrapper crumpled in her hand, I indicated that I would listen, partly as a form of atonement. Nanase looked slightly happier and started to share her story.

“Yoshihide… was my childhood friend. We’ve been together since kindergarten, and I gradually developed feelings for him. Then, during the summer of our third year of junior high, I confessed to him, and we started dating.”

“During the summer of my third year, right after I retired from my club?”

“Yes. He was in the basketball club, and on the day he lost to your school in the regional tournament, I confessed.”

Nanase grinned as she glanced at me.

To be honest, I was surprised that she knew that I had been on the basketball club in middle school, but I also remembered Kouma, who I played against in a match, and Nanase, who came to support him, so I guessed that was how it was.

“He was the ace of the team, so he felt responsible for the loss and cried like a baby. Seeing that, I thought I had to support him. After spending so much time together, I had developed feelings for him. But he—”

Even after accepting her confession and becoming her girlfriend… he was dating other girls too.

Nanase seemed to be feeling despair beyond mere anger towards Kouma, who had deceived her for nearly a year since that summer.

After spending such a long time together as childhood friends and having taken the step to confess, it was natural for her to be shocked to discover that the man she loved was so despicable.

As I struggled to find the right words to comfort her, she continued her story.

“…I had been feeling something was off for a little while. He became distant, yet his body contact with me increased. So the other day, I decided to follow him when he said he had something to do and went home alone… only to find him getting cozy with Shibamura-san from our class. He wouldn’t even hold my hand because he was embarrassed, but when Shibamura clung to his arm, he didn’t say anything and just acted all lovey-dovey…!”

“So today, you called Kouma out to confront him, right?”

“…Yeah. And look what happened. He just shrugged it off and said the stupidest things… like, ‘Your face and chest are better than hers.’ Is that all he’s been thinking about? Has he only cared about that since we started dating…?”

“…That’s terrible. Even just listening, I couldn’t forgive Kouma.”

I regretted not stepping in sooner, even at the risk of embarrassment. If I had, maybe Nanase wouldn’t have been hurt this much.

While I felt a mix of anger toward Kouma and the inability to take that last step myself, I clenched my fists in frustration as Nanase whispered.

“…Should I have forgiven him?”

“Wait…!?”

“I thought it was too early and that we should handle those things more maturely. But… maybe if I had been a bit more forgiving, I wouldn’t be feeling so miserable now. Just like he said, I have a good face and body. If I used that as bait, maybe Yoshihide would—”

“You shouldn’t say that. No, even thinking that is wrong.”

If I had allowed myself to be intimate, would things have turned out differently? I firmly rejected Nanase’s words.

As I stared into her surprised eyes, I poured my feelings out to her.

“What you’re saying isn’t wrong. Those things shouldn’t be taken lightly. Besides, a relationship held together by physicality isn’t a real relationship at all.”

“…I see, you’re right. Even if someone falls for me through that, it wouldn’t mean we’re true partners. Just like what you said, Ogami-kun.”

“Exactly! In fact, consider yourself lucky! You might not see it now, but thanks to discovering Kouma’s true nature right after entering high school, you didn’t waste your time on him!”

“Fufu~! That’s absolutely right! If I had just let him call the shots and do whatever he wanted, I would have regretted it for life! Plus… thanks to this little setback, I got treated to a hamburger!”

With a smirk, Nanase stood up from the bench and tossed the crumpled hamburger wrapper into a nearby trash can.

As it sailed through the air in a beautiful arc and landed perfectly, she pumped her fist in the air, exclaiming, “Yes!”

Turning back to me, she spoke again.

“Thank you, Ogami-kun-kun. Because of you, I feel a bit lighter now! I really need to repay you for the hamburger!”

“It’s fine. I did it because I wanted to. As long as you’re feeling better, that’s what matters.”

“…Thank you. I felt really down and embarrassed, but I’m glad you were here. I can’t imagine what would have happened if you weren’t.”

Nanase blushed slightly as she expressed her gratitude to me. Seeing her in a better mood eased my own worries.

“I should head back soon. If it gets any darker, it’ll be a hassle.”

“Then let me walk you home. I’m still a little worried.”

“Oh, how sweet of you! In that case, I’ll gladly accept your offer!”

And so, I walked Nanase to near her home.

As we parted, she waved and said, “See you at school tomorrow,” her face bright with a liberated smile. Seeing that made me feel truly relieved, and I returned home with a smile of my own.