I’m Betrayed by My Childhood Friend Who is Also My Lover, but My Other Childhood Friend Healed Me, So I Feel Like I Can Recover and Be Happy ~Is it True That Friendship Between a Man and Woman is Impossible? - Chapter 11

Hope and Despair

Airi’s POV

I didn’t get to sleep well last night.

Even after waking up, I don’t feel refreshed.

It takes a long time for me to get ready.

I ended up being a bit later than usual to Akito’s house.

Akito said it’s fine for me to just come in, but I still ring the intercom to let him know that I’m coming in.

Then, I use the spare key that Akito’s mother has entrusted me with to enter his house.

I go to the living room and exchange morning greetings with Akito.

Immediately, I notice the pleasant smell of cooked rice and the breakfast laid out on the table.

Completely taken aback, I puff out my cheeks with some grumbling.

However, I soon find myself naturally smiling and thanking him.

With the freshly cooked breakfast before us, we both said ‘Itadakimasu’ together.

It might just be me, but saying ‘Itadakimasu’ with someone else feels nice.

While we are eating, Akito seems to have something on his mind as he glances at me several times.

Eventually, he begins to speak.

As expected, he’s worried about me.

Akito may say I’m kind, but it’s actually him who is truly kind.

When we were little, how many times was I saved by Akito’s kindness?

It’s true that there have been times when we grew a little distant, but that was just because things felt awkward between us, not because we fought.

He’s my precious and beloved childhood friend. For his sake, I…

Suddenly, Akito tells me his heartfelt feelings.

“That’s why, Airi—I-If something were to happen that hurt you because of me…If something like that happens…I-I won’t be able to forgive myself!!”

I can’t help but widen my eyes in surprise.

I think about it if I were in the opposite situation.

If my dear Akito were to suffer for my sake, if such thing were to happen, I’m sure I would never be able to forgive myself as well.

Hearing his heartfelt feelings, I look earnestly at Akito.

Akito is looking at me with a serious expression on his face too.

I’m such a fool.

I’ve become Akito’s precious childhood friend.

How can I not realize that he will feel that way if I got hurt.

Knowing Akito feels that way makes me genuinely happy—yes, I’m truly happy.

I can’t take my eyes off Akito, and I can’t help but smile at him…

…ah, this might be the first time.

I might have lost in a staring contest with him.

While thinking about such trivial matters and listening to Akito’s words that continues to make me smile, I feel a sense of relief wash over me.

Then, to add to my happiness—

Akito who has been looking at me with a curious expression on his face, finally smiles back at me as if he is drawn in by my own smile.

Truly, one might say that ‘fortune favours the one who laughs’.

(TN: 『笑い角には福来たる』= ‘fortune favours the one who laughs’. It means that happiness will naturally come to where there is always laughter, and if you are always bright and cheerful, happiness will come naturally. It also means that even if something sad or painful happens, if you don’t lose hope and live cheerfully, happiness will come.)

I earnestly wish for Akito to find true happiness in his laughter.

After finishing breakfast, we head to school together.

Although I can’t say it to Akito, I feel a little lonely without our clumsy childhood.

When we arrive at school and entering the classroom, I notice that Akito is unusually talking to Maeshima-kun.

For now, Akito is being treated delicately in class, and everyone seems to be struggling with how to handle the situation.

However, amidst all this, Maeshima-kun continues to treat Akito the same way as usual.

He must be a comforting presence for him.

During lunch break, I actually want to have lunch with Akito, but I have something to discuss with Chitose.

So, I excuse myself from Akito and head to Chitose’s classroom.

Chitose apologizes for leaving me behind yesterday.

“I’m really sorry about yesterday. I asked you to come along, and then I left you.”

“It’s okay, it’s no big deal.”

“Thank you. Airi-chan, you’re really kind.”

“…that’s not true. Anyway, I want to talk to you alone if possible.”

“In that case, I know a good place.”

With that, Chitose leads me to the Handicraft Club’s room.

“Is it okay for us to use it without permission?”

“Technically, I’m also a member, even though I hardly ever participate in the club activities.”

“Do you think other members might come in?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem.”

Saying so, Chitose flips over the placard hanging on the door of the club room.

“It’s an unspoken rule among the club members. By doing this, they won’t come in.”

I thought it’s a bit of an odd rule, but as long as we won’t get disturbed, then it’s fine.

I decide not to think about it any further and hand the bento I brought to Chitose.

“Eh, are you sure?”

“Yeah, I made it for you. I’m the one who called you here anyways.”

“Thank you. It’s been a while since I had one of your bento, Airi-chan.”

Chitose start to happily eat the bento that I gave.

Seeing her enjoy it so much makes me happy.

After Chitose finished eating, I bring up the main topic.

“Chitose, listen carefully.”

“Y-Yeah.”

Pressured by my serious expression, Chitose straightens her back.

“Yesterday, I talked to Hiruma-senpai.”

“Eh?”

Chitose looks surprised.

I continue to tell her everything that scumbag told me yesterday.

Hearing so, Chitose seems to have realized her own naivety once again.

In the end, she is in tears.

Somewhere along the line, Chitose believes that she can’t cut off her relationship with that scumbag.

So, I thought that I have to do it in her place.

However, that is such a terribly arrogant and naïve thought.

After all, Chitose who is right in front of me should also think of Akito as someone very important to her.

She may be very naïve and has let that scumbag manipulate her, but I want to believe in her again.

That’s why, I ask her once again.

“Chitose, do you really love Akito?”

“Of course I do! Akkun is the one I love most!!”

“In that case, for Akito’s sake, cut all ties that scumbag completely.”

“Yeah, I understand. I’ll do my best.”

It’s a little amusing to see Chitose getting all worked up.

“This time, I won’t be going with you.”

As despicable as that scumbag is, he did speak one truth.

This is Chitose’s own problem to deal with.

No matter what, it’s Chitose’s decision that matters in the end.

I did all my best to convince her not to fall into his trap.

But still, if Chitose decides to accept his feelings, then that responsibility lies solely with Chitose.

It’s a decision she has to make herself, that’s why she has to take responsibility for it.

Even if she ends up hurting Akito as a result…and at that time, I’m sure I’ll be hurt too.

“Okay, I’ll show you!”

Watching Chitose getting all worked up in front of me, I can’t help but smile.

Even though she is such a clumsy and naïve childhood friend, she is still someone really important to me.

So Akito, if the worst happens, It might be painful, but…

At that time, let’s share the pain together—