Is it okay for a loner like me to have a yandere?

Haruka was my childhood friend. I met her when I entered middle school.

She lost her way and I had a map. So I helped her, and that’s where we began our journey of friendship.

During middle school, I had very few friends. It’s just that I can read people a little better than others, and I say things that people normally keep within their heads. That’s why, they hated me and ignored me.

Hauka wasn’t like them. She liked that side of me and also never showed any disgust when I told her about my craze for anime and manga.

Although she didn’t read them, she accompanied me to the bookstore whenever a fresh volume came out.

I remember once she ran away from her house because her mother scolded her.

That day, she didn’t come to play or respond to my calls.

Her mother was worried sick, but unlike Naomi-san, she barely knew me to ask for my help.

But I knew where to find her. So I went there. In the rain. Ran in house slippers and found her hiding beneath the slide, weeping silently.

That day, when I brought her back home our friendship deepened. And the time she fought a few girls who were bitching about me, I started liking her.

My delusional self thought she liked me back, that’s why she always approached me.

But one day, she came to me and asked, ‘Hey, um…are you and Ichihara-kun close? Do you know if he is single?”

I…was devastated.

Felt as if I was betrayed even though I should have realized she never liked me.

I helped her get to know Takuya better. Why? Because I wanted to see her happy. Yeah,I know. I am a loser.

I always left them alone by making some excuses and also canceled my plans so they could enjoy their dates.

And slowly, they became close and didn’t need me to become a bridge.

Maybe he is the reason why she stopped talking to me? I barely believe though, that Takuya would be insecure because of me.

Regardless, those were the things of the past. Now is the present.

I stood before the girl whom I once called my friend. But now, she was just another girl who sat in the same class as me.

“Excuse me,” I said and walked past her.

She was startled and gave me space.

Walking inside, I bought myself an iced tea and a straw. After paying for it, I walked out, intending to return home and enjoy my weekend—when, unexpectedly, I found the same black-haired girl standing before the store, her back pressed against the vending machine.

I frowned and decided to go my way when suddenly, “Ah, Akito, wait.” She called out and started walking beside me.

I never had a fight with her so I casually raised my brows, “What is it?”

“Thanks for that day. You really saved Yuki-chan.” Oh, so it was about that, huh?

Well, no surprise here since I know how close Yuki and Haruka had become.

I shrugged, “It was nothing.” I sped up a little, wanting to end this conversation but she matched my pace and said,

“You shouldn’t ignore her, you know. She is not a bad girl and always talks about you these days. That you have been looking past her and all…”

I scoffed, and couldn’t stop myself from saying, “I don’t want you to lecture me for ignoring people.” Was it an impulsive decision to say it? Maybe, it was. But who cares?

Haruka evidently looked stunned, her lips parting.

I didn’t stop and continued to walk at my pace, not a single sign of guilt on my face.

She suddenly sped up and started walking beside me again.

“Listen, Akito… I want to tell you something for a long time. It’s about…why did I stop talking to you.”

I frowned…wasn’t it because I was an otaku and she felt embarrassed about it? She told me directly. Does she want to make me go through that pain again?

However, before I could have stopped her or she could have started insulting me again, her phone rang.

I reflexively glanced at the number and found it was from Takuya.

It could be my imagination, but I saw her turning stiff for some reason.

Regardless, she picked up the call, and even before she could have said ‘hello,’ the other side asked something.

I couldn’t hear his voice but from Haruka’s answer, it seemed she was asked where she was.

“I just finished my morning jog and am returning home.” She seemed nervous. What the heck?

After a brief pause she added, “Yes, I understand. I am coming back.”

She turned to look at me and said apologetically, “I will need to rush back home. See you later, Aki.”

Saying so, she dashed away in a rush.

So…they live together now, huh? Thought it wouldn’t bother me. Guess, I was wrong.

I didn’t think much about her and soon returned to my house.

At the doorstep, I found an unfamiliar pair of shoes.