The Boy Who Gave Up on Romantic Feelings ~I’m Done Because I Was Betrayed by The Girlfriends I Used to Date~

Chapter 19

“Hey, why did you decide to become friends with Motomura?”

Two days had passed since Motomura apologized to me, and Kotaro asked why I became friends with Motomura.

While I do find it strange to become friends with someone who used to bully me with just an apology, there are several reasons behind my decision.

“Hmm? Being friends with him is half friendship, and half calculation.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“In a way, what he did in the past is tying him down. Essentially, he owes me. After doing something like that, there is no way I would just forgive him so easily, right? Originally, I wanted someone like a collaborator. Sure, I want more friends as well, that’s just natural. Honestly, I thought it would be tough for just the two of us. So, I saw it as a good opportunity. I tied him down with the chains of past guilt and a sense of obligation under the guise of friendship. That’s why I decided to become friends with him, and if something happens, I can just use him. Didn’t he say something like, ‘If anything happens, you can tell me anything, okay?’ I’m just using that to my advantage.”

“You’ve been thinking of quite ruthless things, huh?”

“Well, yeah.”

It’s true that I might be doing something terrible to Motomura, but both me and Kotaro understand. If we don’t handle it this way, I have a feeling we might get deceived again in the future, just like with Shinozaki.

While talking with Kotaro, I remember such things.

I did such things to Motomura because I don’t want to experience that again.

I don’t regret it, but I think what I’m doing to Motoura is truly despicable.

To say it frankly, I’m using Motomura as my pawn.

However, there might be no other choice. I do feel guilty for using him, but this time, I’ll take advantage of it.

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After concluding the discussion with the girls, I immediately contacted Motomura.

He quickly agreed. When I asked why he agreed to help me, he just simply replied me with one word, ‘Gratitude’.

Well, he probably wants to repay his debt.

Also recently, it seems that Shinozaki is asking for Motomura’s help as well. He seems bothered by it.

Anyway, it’s a good thing that he agreed to help me. I told him what I wanted him to do and decided to start our plan tomorrow.

After that, I immediately contacted Kotaro. This should be fine for now, but I never expected that I would end up doing something like this.

I need to prepare myself mentally.

The image of Shinozaki in my mind have already crumbled.

All that remain are negative emotions towards her such as anger and sadness.

Enough, this settles it. I’ll put an end to everything.

And then I—

Chapter 20

And so, a few days later—

“Maeshima, here you go.”

Saying so, Motomura sends me an audio file.

“When did you manage to record this?”

“Oh, just the other day. I just casually asked her about it, and she told me that easily. She currently has three people helping her (collaborator).”

“Three people?”

“Yeah, me, Mikami, and one more person. She really extended her reach to other schools. I tried asking about her true intentions, but she didn’t want to tell me about it.”

“I see. Can you find out more about Mikami?”

“Sure thing. I owe you after all.”

Even though I do feel bad for using Motomura, there is no other way for us. Since that incident, no one else came to apologize except Motomura. Therefore, I believe he deserves a chance at redemption.

He’s the only one who came to apologize to me, even if it was driven by self-centred desire to escape from suffering, bowing his head and saying sorry to the person he used to bully is admirable.

First, I back up the audio file in my computer before sending it to Karen. It’s a precaution in case she betrays us. While I also have recordings of our conversation, I sincerely hope I never have to use them.

After sending it, I quickly received a thankful reply from her.

After everything is done, I realized that I haven’t listened to it myself since I received it.

In my room, I play the audio and listen carefully to it.

“Hey, who else are you associating with?”

“Hmm? Well, there is this guy called Mikami, you, and one more person.”

“Won’t you tell me about the other person?”

“It doesn’t really matter. Whether he’s around or not, it doesn’t make much of a difference.”

“Hmm… Well then, can you tell me about this guy Mikami? Just to be sure.”

“Well, I understand your feelings. I’ll tell you a bit. He was dating someone at that time, and I kind of stole him away from her. The look on his girlfriend’s face back then was priceless.”

“Heh… I-I see…”

“After that, he started to hit on me every now and then, and before I knew it, he became my collaborator.”

“I-I see…I guess I can cooperate with that guy.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Got it. But don’t forget. The reason I’m helping you is…”

“To get rid of the rumours, right? I understand. I’ll do something about that.”

“Yeah.”

Then, the audio is abruptly cut off.

How do I say it…Shinozaki sounds like a completely different person from when she was dating me.

Perhaps, she was wearing a mask back then.

I accepted her confession in the heat of the moment, but now, all I feel is regret.

However, when I listen to the audio, I can’t help but to wonder why didn’t she treat me the same way as she does with Mikami?