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 24

Self-Destruction (2)

Airi’s POV

“It’s my fault…?”

“Because you are prettier than me, cuter than me, kinder than me, capable of everything…there’s someone who cherishes Akkun right by his side. Someone like me who can’t do anything on my own wouldn’t stand a chance if we weren’t childhood friends. That’s why, I learned various things from senpai about what makes men happy. Of course, it’s all for Akkun’s sake.”

“Don’t you think doing that would mean betraying Akito?”

“What are you talking about? I’m doing it for Akkun’s sake. Besides, if Akkun has sex with me, I’m sure he’ll understand. Once he feels good and happy, he’ll quickly fall in love with me again.”

Seeing Chitose laugh while saying so, I’m left speechless.

She is not my childhood friend anymore…I don’t know this person in front of me.

Akito, I understand now…the feeling of losing someone important and closing off emotions towards her…

As I’m lost in such thoughts, Chitose continues with a composed expression on her face.

“Hey, I really hate that ‘Airi’ who’s after Akkun, but I still like my childhood friend, ‘Airi-chan’.”

For a moment, she sounds like the childhood friend I know.

“So, I have a suggestion…Airi, you should date senpai. That way, I will be able to date Akito without any worries and I can still be friends with Airi-chan. Isn’t that a great idea!? Don’t worry, senpai is really good at it, he will make you forget about Akkun in no time.”

What Chitose is saying is terribly selfish, it’s unbearable to hear.

“Why would I get involved with that scumbag…?”

“That’s mean. Even Airi would definitely fall in love with senpai. Besides, what about our promise? You said you’d help reconcile with Akkun, but in the end, you prioritize yourself and betray me, just like what senpai said.”

“That’s not true…I really want you to reconcile with Akito.”

I’m shaken by my feelings towards my childhood friends.

I can’t seem to let go of these feelings.

Now that it has come to this, I have to make a choice.

If we can no longer go back to the good old days where the three of us laughing together, then I…

“I’m sorry. My sincere wish for the two of you to reconcile has hurt you.”

“That’s right. It would be better if you just keep your distance from us.”

Chitose’s harsh words pierce my heart.

“That’s right, just like what Chitose said. I actually like Akito more than just a friend. I love Akito.”

“Ah, you finally admitted it.”

“However, after all that I’ve done, I don’t think that I deserve to be by Akito’s side.”

“I don’t understand, are you joking?”

“I’m not joking at all. Because…I killed Akito’s father.”

“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“That’s why, I thought it would be wonderful I could see Akito and Chitose getting along and laughing together. I thought of protecting it would be my atonement.”

Chitose seems confused at my sudden confession.

She regains her composure for a while and continues.

“…well then, that’s fine. Watch over Akito and me by senpai’s side.”

I continue to look into Chitose’s eyes.

“If I do that…I won’t be able to protect Akito’s smile.”

I’m sure that Akito doesn’t want a relationship driven by lust and pleasure.

There is no way I can let Chitose, who only thinks about herself, meet Akito.

“I…I don’t want to take away Akito’s smile again.”

That’s why I choose Akito over you…I’m sorry, Chitose.

I’m just a worthless person who can’t even help you to reconcile with Akito…

I didn’t realize that I’ve been cornering you all this time…

However, now, I will let go of your hand…

You have every right in the world to resent me…

“Chitose, are you okay with taking away Akito’s smile? Don’t you want the person you love to smile?”

“If I can please him, he will stop giving me that cold and disgusted look. I’m sure he will see me with his gentle eyes and smile again like he used to do.”

There seems to be anger in Chitose’s words.

Without averting my gaze from her, I assertively reply.

“I love Chitose who always smiles brightly, makes troubled face, cries easily, helps others without giving it a second thought, clumsy but earnest, cares for others…she has the kindness and consideration for everyone that I don’t have, and I love her for it.”

That’s the Chitose that I love so much.

However, I no longer know the person in front of me right now.

She is a completely different person, but I want to believe that the Chitose I know is still there, somewhere deep inside her heart.

That’s why, I have to tell Chitose the truth, even if her heart can’t bear it.

“…I told you, stop with all of your lies.”

“What you did is incredibly wrong, Chitose. You’re at the point of no return.”

“No, I didn’t do anything wrong. Senpai said if I do this, I will be able to get back with Akkun.”

Chitose denies my words.

“Hey, how could you believe in such a despicable and heartless guy’s words over me and Akito?”

“Well, that’s because when I did what Senpai said, it worked out.”

“That’s not true. I’ve told you, it all worked out because you tried your best to reconcile with Akito. Making bento even though you’re not good at cooking…the octopus-shaped sausages were delicious. Those stuffed animal keychains, even though it looks clumsy…it’s filled with Chitose’s feelings.”

However, in the end, Chitose chose the easy way out.

“I know it’s hard to face your mistake and try to make it right, I understand. However, Chitose, you’re running away. No, worse, you’re taking the easy way out.”

“That’s not true. I did it for Akkun’s sake.”

“Do you even consider Akito’s feelings in all this? How do you think Akito, who is incredibly disgusted even when Chitose kissed someone else, would feel if he sees Chitose now?”

“No, I’m sure Akito…”

“If Akito were to see Chitose now, he would surely be incredibly saddened. You believed the words of that despicable scumbag more than us, and became so self-centred.”

If Akito were to see Chitose right now, he would be even more heartbroken than me.

“No, please…Airi…Airi-chan…please don’t take Akkun away from me…please…”

Chitose realized what she has done and gradually start to reveal her true self.

However, I’ve made up my mind not to take that hand anymore.

“Chitose is the one who let go of Akito. It’s nobody’s fault. You broke your relationship with Akito with your own hands.”

“No, no, that’s not…that’s not true…”

Facing Chitose’s pleading gaze, I supress my emotions and calmly say so.

“That’s why, Chitose, you have to take responsibility for what you’ve done on your own. I can’t help you anymore. From now on, you have to stand up on your own.”

“No, please! Help me, Airi-chan…”

With Chitose who starts crying like a child, I say my final goodbye to her.

“I’m sorry, goodbye, Chitose.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…I’m really sorry…uwaaaahhhhh—”

Unable to hold herself back any longer, Chitose breaks down in tears, pleading for my help.

Holding back the urge to take her hand, I turn away.

In my heart, I say goodbye to Chitose one more time and leave her house.

Before I knew it, tears are streaming down my face as well.