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

Chapter 39

Afterwards, there major changes are made at the school.

The new principal made a complete overhaul of the staff.

As a result, more than half of the teachers resigned. By the way, Momogaya-sensei stays in the school. Or rather, she got promoted into the vice principal. From now on, she’ll be Vice Principal Momogaya-sensei. Promotion…isn’t that a good thing?

Furthermore, Shinozaki dropped out of school. I don’t know what she’s up to now, nor do I care. She Doesn’t matter anymore. Right now, cherishing my time with Sayaka is all that matters to me.

Speaking of Shinozaki, I remembered something. Otsuki apparently got arrested for something and then died later. The cause of death was starvation. His mother ran away, then his father committed suicide, leaving him alone to starve to death.

Serves you right.

Well, leaving that trash aside, today is my first day of school as a third-year high school student. I’ve never been this excited before.

“Alright, I’m off.”

“Mm-hmm.”

I told my little sister Maho so and leave the house earlier than usual.

And then, after walking for a few minutes.

“Ah, Shintani-kun.”

“Yeah.”

I arrive at the meeting place with my girlfriend, Sayaka.

And then, we walk to school together.

“Hey, hey, how about we go see a movie next Sunday?”

“Hmm? Sounds good. What do you want to watch?”

“Um, well…”

As we walk while chatting about our plan for the date, we finally arrive at school and check the class allocation announcement posted on the wall.

Hmm, where is it?

“Ah!”

“Found it?”

“Yeah.”

As I follow Sayaka’s finger—

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“—hmm?”

I wake up in my bed.

Oh, that was just a dream.

“Ah, you’re awake.”

“How long was I asleep?”

“You slept quite a bit, you know? Look.”

I look at the clock and see that it’s 8:00 PM.

“Whoa…I slept for a long time.”

“But…you can stay awake at night.”

“Yeah…”

“By the way, what were you dreaming about?”

“Hmm? Ah, it was about high school. I was dreaming about checking the class allocation announcement for my third-year class.”

“Oh…I see.”

“What’s with that reaction?”

“It’s nothing. I’m not bothered by it at all.”

“You’re totally bothered.”

“Ugh, well…”

“Well, I guess it can’t be helped. However, it’s nice that we ended up attending the same university and live together, isn’t it?”

“…well, yeah, but…”

After we graduated, the school changed drastically. It has even grown into one of the most prestigious institutions in the prefecture. This is probably all thanks to the efforts of the newly appointed principal and the vice principal…

“Well, forget about that. Dinner’s ready though…want to eat?”

“Yeah.”

Then, I eat Sayaka’s homemade dinner. It’s delicious as always.

“Your cooking is really good, Sayaka.”

“Thank you.”

A pleasant and peaceful atmosphere fills the room.

After finishing the meal, I wash the dishes, and then we watch TV together…and then…and then…

“Hey, hey, Shintani-kun…want to do it…?”

“…yes.”

My girlfriend is truly cute.

I don’t think this excitement will ever settle down no matter how much time passes.

Now that I regained my emotions, I find myself constantly fluttered by her every day.

Surely, we will continue to be together in the future.

I will cherish these days, and we will keep living on happily together.

And as the night breaks into dawn—

Chapter 40

Going back to the third year of high school—

“—hey, do you want to study together today?”

As I’m in my third year of high school and the exams approaching, Sayaka’s words is truly like a lifesaver for me. Over the past two years, I haven’t been able to focus much on studying due to that series of events. However, my rankings in regular tests always stayed around the middle of the grade.

Well, due to those reasons, I’m worried about the upcoming exams. Sayaka, who is better at studying than me, asked me if I want to study together with her at such a time. I feel like I want to cling to anything at that moment, so I gladly accepted. Little did I know, it was the beginning of hell.

“Hah…”

We studied for two hours, and I’m already at my limit. I’m done…I have no motivation at all.

Without thinking, I relax my upper body and lie down.

“It’s only been two hours, if you’re already tired, it’s going to be tough from here on, you know?”

“…please…let me rest a while.”

“You’ll not be able to improve your grade if you keep up like this. Come on, sit up and get back to studying.”

“Ugh…”

I sit up and continue studying at Sayaka’s words. By the way, we are studying in my room today, where I should have the freedom to do anything, but…it’s strange, it seems like Sayaka is the one in control here…this is dangerous.

“Shintani-kun?”

“Eek!?”

“Hurry up.”

“Y-Yes.”

I feel immense pressure from Sayaka as she sits across from me…terrifying. Reluctantly, I earnestly focus on studying. I have to, or else…I’m scared to even think of what Sayaka might do to me.

Another three hours has passed, and we finally covered everything.

“I’m a bit sleepy. I’m going to take a nap.”

“Yeah, have a good nap.”

Unlike usual, I feel really sleepy, probably it’s because I studied too much today.

Then, without resisting the drowsiness, I let my consciousness fade away.

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“…hmm?”

I feel like my head is wrapped in something soft. Amazing, this is amazing. I more of this softness, I can’t get enough of it. It’s also really warm. I move a little to feel it more.

“…hmphhh♡”

Hmm? Did I just hear a moan? …no way.

I cautiously open my eyes and raise my head.

“Ah, you’re awake.”

“…could this be, by any chance, a knee pillow?”

“T-That’s right. A reward. Are you happy?”

“Two more hours.”

“N-No, I can’t. My legs will go numb…”

I reluctantly get up. It feels like I’ve slept properly for the first time in a while. Usually, I often have nightmares of that incident, and sometimes I even wake up in shock because of it. But this time, I’m able to forget about such things and just sleep comfortably. It’s been a long time since I last felt so refreshed upon waking up.

“Thank you, I feel like I slept properly for the first time in a while.”

“No, you were groaning and sweating in your sleep at first…but you calmed down not long after. I’m glad.”

Is that so? I truly am saved by her.

“Well then, as a thank you for earlier, let me grant you one wish within my capabilities.”

“Hmm, I don’t really have anything in mind.”

Sayaka says so with a troubled expression on her face. So cute.

“Alright! Then, give me a knee pillow too!”

“Hmm? Is that really okay?”

“It’s fine!”

With that, she promptly rests her head on my knee. It’s as if it’s going to make a ‘puff’ sound.

I think Sayaka has truly changed for the better. I still don’t understand why Shinozaki did what she did, but even so, our relationship ended once because of that. However, thanks to her as well, me and Sayaka started our relationship all over and I think we have become even closer than ever. I feel like we are able to truly understand and care for each other.

“I’m truly happy.”

I can’t help but to murmur so. Then, she turns her face towards me and says,

“Yeah, that’s right.”

I can feel that one word holds a lot of emotions. She is the one who put in the most effort in our relationship. That’s why I truly believe she deserves to be rewarded. I’ve decided to gradually repay her kindness and continue to work hard in order to make Sayaka happy in the future.

“But first, let’s study, okay?”

“…yes.”

My resolve is already about to waver.

(TN: The next chapter will go to the university arc)