Different Perspectives, Same Answer

We were slowly making preparations for the school festival.

Although the groups that didn’t stay after school cooperated well behind the scenes, there were about five students who didn’t help out at all, which left a rift in the class.

“Aoi~, can you help me out here a bit?”

“Roo~ger”

◇ Ryoma Kashiwazaki POV

“Is it okay, Ryoma? Should we head back?” 

“I don’t really care. They’ll do their thing whether we’re there or not.”

“But as someone who’s rooting for Yukina-chan, I kinda want to help…”

“Then go. Traitor.”

“N-No, it’s fine…”

I liked Marin Shiozaki.

She was radiant, brilliant, and angelic.

She maintained a perfect distance in her interactions, always keeping everyone at arm’s length.

I had asked her out on several dates, but it always ended up as a group hangout, and we never had a chance to be alone together.

Still, I didn’t mind having unrequited feelings for her. Then, one day, she suddenly showed up wearing a ring.

While there was still hope if she was dating someone, marriage was a completely different story.

It felt like she had suddenly gone far away.

I desperately tried to find out who she had married, but she kept it a secret, and I feared pushing further would only make her dislike me. Eventually, I gave up.

It turned out her husband was a plain guy in the same class, Aoi Yamaguchi.

There was nothing remarkable about him.

In terms of intelligence, looks, athleticism, charisma, popularity, or family wealth, I surpassed him in every way.

It infuriated me to lose to such a guy.

I felt like he was mocking me as I desperately wagged my tail trying to get her attention.

That’s why this time, I decided to take revenge on him with this sort of boycott-like behavior.

I don’t mind if the angel despises me now.

After all, I know I’ll never be liked by the angel.

“Let’s go to karaoke or something.”

And so, I resolved to vent my pent-up frustration.

◇ After School in the Classroom (Kiyohito POV)

“Hmm…” Aoi gazed at Ryoma’s empty seat.

“Don’t worry about it. The play will go on even without Ryoma. Besides, he said he’s not interested.”

“But… it’s the last school festival…”

“Even if it’s the last one, forcing him to do it when he’s not motivated won’t end well.” 

“…”

“Sigh… Alright, I’ll go fetch him.”

“No, I’ll go.”

“Hey, if Aoi goes, it’ll just complicate things. Leave it to me. More importantly, I’m counting on you for guiding everyone,” I said firmly.

“Yeah.”

Thinking that perhaps those who have experienced unrequited love can understand each other, I left the classroom.

Exiting the hallway, I immediately contacted Aika Aikawa, Ryoma’s friend, but he was reluctant to disclose his whereabouts. When I mentioned setting up plans with Yukina-chan for another hangout, he quickly revealed he was at karaoke. He’s as loose-lipped as always.

As I was using my phone, about to leave through the school gate, I almost bumped into an older man.

“Ah… Sorry about that.”

“No worries. It’s my fault for not looking where I was going… You’re a student here, right?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“I’m actually looking for someone.”

Wait a minute… Something seems off about this guy. He’s talking to a student outside the school, which means he’s probably not affiliated with the school.

Alright, I should just say the person he’s looking for has already left or something.

“Who are you looking for?”

“Do you know Aoi Yamaguchi?”

“…Huh?” I froze, not expecting Aoi’s name to come up. Am I getting involved in unnecessary trouble here?

“Your reaction… Do you happen to know him?”

“He’s a friend. Why are you looking for him?”

“My bad, Sorry. Let me introduce myself,” he said, handing me a business card.

“…Ando…..Kozo.”

◇ In the car

When I mentioned I was heading to the karaoke near the station, I was told he’d drive me there, and before I knew it, I found myself persuaded into getting into the car.

“Do you get along pretty well with Yamaguchi-kun?”

“Yes, we’ve been friends since elementary school.”

“I see. Well, that’s something. If my name rings a bell, I suppose you might know about his child actor days… or perhaps about his family background?”

“…yes.”

“I see.”

“But now he’s married and seems happy… at least I think so.”

“I see. Well, I suppose I have no right to pry into his family background. I couldn’t do anything for him… that’s why.”

“…I feel the same. I was there, but… no, I could only stand by. Ultimately, it’s his current wife who helped him.”

“I see. But our positions are different. I’m an adult and you’re a child. There’s a world of difference between not knowing what to do to help and knowing what could be done but not doing it.”

“… “

“If possible… could you ask him how he feels about me?”

“….yes.”