When I Was Presumed Dead, They Became Unhinged Unknowingly - Chapter 36

Long, yet short, memories from the past pulled me back to the present.

“Satoru-kun, you know Mika was saved by Satoru-kun too. Do you understand that? Mika is who she is now because of Satoru-kun. If Satoru-kun weren’t around, she would have continued feeling lonely, not knowing those strange middle-aged men or university students hanging around her. Even though Dad is overseas now, Mika was able to mend her relationship with him, and that’s thanks to Satoru-kun. Satoru-kun is the one who made sure Mika isn’t lonely or in pain. I can’t forgive Satoru-kun dying. You know Mika will follow after you, right? Besides, Mika can’t allow Satoru-kun to become some other girl’s property.” 

(Tl/n: Damn this girl love talking in paragraphs. Good effect)

Mika gently caressed my cheek with her emaciated hand. It reminded me of the fragile Mika from the past.

“But that doesn’t mean Mika is the only one who was saved by the too kind Satoru-kun. Making you exclusively mine would be like doing something like that unknown weird girl. So, I will not ask of you too much. I just want you to promise me one thing.”

Mika approached me, gave me a gentle kiss, and then stared into my eyes.

“Don’t ever disappear from Mika’s life. Don’t leave Mika behind. Don’t leave Mika alone. Just promise Mika that.”

“…”

If I could have honestly said “yes” here, it would have been so much better. Even now, despite being involved with them, I haven’t completely abandoned the longing to die. The truth is, if I had just nodded here, everyone might have been happy.

“…I’ll do my best to do that.”

“…Satoru-kun.”

Mika muttered with genuine sadness, and her eyes became even dimmer.

“Sorry, Mika. But I’ll do my best to be with you as much as possible.”

“…I understand. I’ll nod for now. I’m not completely convinced, and I probably never will be.”

Mika said that, then removed her hand from my cheek.

“Well, I’ll be going now. Mika.”

“Yeah. See you again, Satoru-kun.”

“See you.”

I stood up and moved away from her. What kind of face is she making now, and what is she thinking? I was supposed to be watching over her, but I have no idea.

When I went outside, it was already dark. Although I thought I had gone pretty early in the morning, it was already past 8 o’clock at night when I checked the time.

Thinking about how to go forward on the way back, just as I was about to do so, a high school girl in a familiar uniform stood in my way.

“…Satoru?”

Looking at her face, it was another familiar face, delicate.

“Satoru… is that you? Even if you try to disguise yourself like that, I can tell. If it’s you, Satoru, I’ll understand.”

Despite being quite disguised and confident about it, she said so with a convinced voice. I felt there was no need to hide it from her, so I took off my glasses.

“Long time no see, Karen. And, sorry.”

Looking at my face, Karen, full of tears, dropped to her knees on the spot.