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 8

Beyond Trash and Scum

Airi’s POV

I made up my mind and direct a gaze filled with anger as I stand in front of the scumbag.

He returns a faint smile.

“What’s wrong, Shirakawa Airi-san?”

“How shameless of you, Hiruma Yosuke-senpai.”

“What are you talking about? I’d be troubled if you suddenly look at me angrily like that.”

I feel even angrier when I look at his smug smile.

I don’t want to talk to this scumbag any more than necessary.

“I have no intention of engaging in pointless conversation. So, let me be straightforward. Please stop harassing Karasuma Chitose any further.”

“That’s rude. Do I look like a stalker to you?”

“You’re just a scum.”

There is no need to hold back against such a person, I tell myself so in my mind.

“That’s harsh, but in the end, Chitose will be the one who decides our relationship, right?”

“If you have a friend about to buy an outrageously expensive painting right in front of you, wouldn’t you try to stop them?”

“Well, determining the value of art is up to the individual.”

“Yes, what you’re saying is true. If they really like it, I wouldn’t stop them either.”

I sarcastically retort.

When I say so, his smirk seems to fade.

“You’re quite straightforward, Shirakawa Airi.”

“Good. It seems you understand my intention then.”

I look at him with a contemptuous gaze.

Gradually, I find it harder to hide my anger.

He clicks his tongue several times.

However, as if he suddenly thought of something, he puts on the same disgusting smirk as before.

“Okay. As you say, I’ll give up on Chitose.”

This scumbag just suddenly changed his attitude. I can’t trust him.

“What are you scheming?”

“Scheming? That’s a rude way to put it. All I’m saying is, because of you, I have to give up on Chitose, whom I love dearly.”

“…what are you trying to say?”

“It’s simple, I need someone to heal my wounded heart after being forcibly separated from her.”

With that, he smiles at me mischievously.

I’m surprised.

I never imagined there could be someone who would truly leave me speechless.

“————”

Beyond surprise and disbelief, I remain silent

As if sensing this as an opportunity, the scumbag continues.

“As I said earlier, there’s no reason for me to cut ties with Chitose. But you’re forcing me to do it. If that’s the case, imposing it unilaterally is unfair.”

“So, you want something in return…”

“It’s not about wanting something in return, it’s a matter of basic rights. Besides, if you do this, you can protect Chitose, and I, who is heartbroken, can find solace in you. This is what you call a win-win situation.”

It’s as if the irritated attitude he showed just now was all a lie.

Right now, this scumbag has a triumphant expression on his face.

Of course, I have no intention of accepting such a ridiculous proposal.

Until I heard what he has to say next—

“Moreover, you have another precious childhood friend, right? This way, you can save him too, isn’t this a really good offer for you?”

He says so condescendingly and starts laughing.

“————”

I’m left speechless once again, unable to think of anything.

“Well, take your time to think it over. Whether you abandon Chitose or save the two of them, it’s up to you.”

With those parting words, the scumbag leaves.

After that heart-wrenching conversation, I go to Akito’s house, feeling depressed.

Because of that, when we have dinner together, the atmosphere became a little awkward.

Since I’m feeling depressed, Akito seems to also feel down.

I feel like I failed as his childhood friend.

Afterwards, we try to distract ourselves with trivial conversations and play games together for the first time in a while.

I’m able to lighten up my mood somewhat.

Before leaving, I told Akito that I will come again in the morning.

Arriving at my house, I see that my dad is still not home yet.

It seems like my dad will be home late again today.

So, I prepare a simple meal that is easy to eat and leave a handwritten message alongside it.

After taking a late bath, I return to my room.

With nothing else to occupy my mind, this afternoon’s events come back to mind, bringing back the feelings of anger and humiliation.

I vent my frustration by hitting my pillow.

Then, I try my best to calm down and think rationally.

After pondering it for a while, a sigh naturally escapes from me.

I find myself worried of my clumsy childhood friend and I feel really angry towards that despicable scumbag.

On top of that, seeing the worried expression on Akito’s face during dinner, I don’t want to cause any more sadness to my precious childhood friend.

That is the strongest feeling in my heart.

“Akito must be happy.”

Those words naturally escape my mouth.