When I Thought I Was Reborn, My Family Turned Out to Be a Huge Landmine - Chapter 24: The Worst Answer

Chapter 24: The Worst Answer

“…!”

“That just now…”

In a place different from here, as if they had experienced an improbable encounter, a vague memory lingered between the two. 

Ren, who was akin to, or even identical to Asami, had verbalized what he was thinking. Asami, albeit temporarily, felt saved by Ren… Though she couldn’t comprehend what it all meant, she confronted Ren with a certain truth.

“Nee-san… am I not a blood-related family member?”

“…!”

The words uttered by their father while he pinned down Asami had been clearly heard by Ren. Seeing Asami biting her lip and looking down, Ren realized the truth of the matter. The amount of information flooding his mind was overwhelming, and it was difficult to accept such a fact now… That’s what he had thought. However, for Ren, this truth was no longer something to ponder upon deeply.

No matter what happens, no matter what truths are revealed, he could say that he belongs to this family. He was nurtured with love, surrounded by his beloved sister and brother.

“Nee-san, I am happy being a part of this family.”

These words, expressing happiness in being part of the family, might have sounded like a curse to Asami. However, without saying anything to Ren, Asami suddenly lifted her face, looking at Ren in surprise. Ren, while appearing somewhat shy, firmly expressed his feelings to Asami.

“I may not know what kind of past I have, but still, I am a member of this family. A brother who loves both you, Nee-san, and Nii-san. I really love Nee-san, who has been so kind, strong, and protective. So… thank you.”

Even if there was no blood relation, Asami had protected him like a real brother. Ren expressed his gratitude to her. They might not be a real family, but that was a trivial matter. For Ren, Asami, and Ryo, the bond of this family was as strong as any, perhaps even more so.

“…Ah…!”

Being born into this family was a curse for Asami. She had lived without knowing why she was born, finding meaning in life only through the existence of her brother. That’s why she was so happy to be loved as a sister and to be thanked by him.

In the previous world, Asami feared that the letter Ren left behind might become reality in this world too. But the Ren before her was kind, and though she intended to be the one providing comfort, often found solace in him instead. She feared that he might go far away.

“…Ren…!”

When she embraced him, Ren was there. Just having him, the one she had come to love in this world, by her side, made Asami happy. She had lived a life solely for Ren’s sake, not that she had sought it… but hearing Ren’s heartfelt thanks, Asami finally felt that it was good she was born.

“…I love you.”

Once that started, there was no stopping it. Her smoldering feelings for Ren overflowed. She had convinced herself that Arika, who had continued to love Ren, was more deserving, yet her heart screamed not to let him go to Arika. She wasn’t as pure as Arika, and had done terrible things before regaining her memory. Asami, who felt like she didn’t deserve happiness, still loved Ren. She loved the boy more than anyone, the Ren who was always by her side.

“…No, don’t be selfish, Asami.”

Trying to discipline herself from becoming too dependent, Asami attempted to distance herself from Ren. However, this time, she found herself tightly embraced in Ren’s arms. Drawn to his broad, firm chest, Asami, despite being an adult, felt her face redden. The thought of staying by Ren’s side, abandoning her selfishness, brought Arika to her mind.

(….Arika)

Like her, a girl who loved the same person even after being reborn. Asami wished for Ren’s happiness, of course, but she also wanted Arika to be happy… yet, she couldn’t help wanting Ren to stay by her side.

(I love you, I really do.)

If she confessed her love, Ren would probably look troubled. She knew he was attracted to Arika, but she also knew he would seriously consider her feelings and give her an answer. However, that would mean imposing her feelings, burdened by the weight of two worlds, onto him… If Asami were in Ren’s shoes, she realized quickly that she couldn’t possibly give an answer.

If it meant forcing such a heavy decision upon him, she thought it might be better to restrain herself…

“I won’t let go.”

“Eh?”

She looked up in surprise, meeting Ren’s intense gaze. His eyes, strong and gentle, yet hiding some resolve, captivated Asami. The strong emotions emanating from him made her hope, perhaps unfairly, that Ren could even understand the worries she bore.

“Nee-san, I want you to be by my side. I don’t want you to go anywhere, I want you to stay with me, always and forever!”

“…Ren”

These were not just words of resolve; the pain on Ren’s face made it clear that he was struggling with a difficult decision.

“But… I also want to cherish Arika, who has thought of me for so long, and who feels so strongly for me… Damn, this ultimate choice is just too much to bear.”

Indeed, Asami knew this would happen. She didn’t want to cause him pain, which is why she had tried to silently step back. But by expressing her feelings, she had ended up causing Ren distress. No matter what answer Ren gave, someone would get hurt… Asami cursed her own weakness, silently apologizing.

“So, you see…”

“?”

“I’m sorry, Nee-san, and Arika too… I, as a man, am going to make the worst possible decision.”

After much deliberation, Ren’s answer was―.

Meanwhile, Arika was also thinking about Ren and Asami.

“…Asami-san, you should be thankful to me.”

If she hadn’t mentioned Asami, Ren might not have talked to her… or maybe he would have, and Arika could have been chosen. It was like giving aid to the enemy, exactly that. She shouldn’t have done it, then she might have… but.

“…That’s impossible. Because Asami-san has suffered much more than I have.”

Arika knew about Asami’s past and the hardships she had endured. Ren had been Asami’s refuge when her heart was almost broken, and it was only because Ren was there that Asami could live. Asami, who had a more painful past and stronger feelings for Ren than Arika… Arika didn’t intend to lose in terms of feelings for Ren, but somewhere in her heart, she acknowledged her defeat.

“…Ah… why does it hurt so much? It’s just unrequited love.”

It’s just that her feelings for him are unreciprocated, yet the pain and sadness are overwhelming. Tears flow ceaselessly, unable to be stopped no matter how hard she tries. She loves Ren so much, it’s unbearable… Having spent time together in this world, truly falling in love, makes the sadness even more profound.

“They say first love never works out, and it seems to be true…”

The one she fell in love with, even in a changed world, was Ren Kamisato – Arika’s unchanging first love. She fears the coming of tomorrow, yet it was she who asked to hear Ren’s answer. Therefore, she’s prepared to accept whatever response she receives.

“…? A message?”

Noticing the vibration of her smartphone, Arika glanced towards it. Currently, everything from the outside world felt bothersome. She intended to ignore it, but the name displayed on her phone made her heart beat faster.

“…Ren-kun.”

It was from Ren.

After some hesitation, Arika decided to open the message.

Who said that first loves never blossom? 

If one were to consider her love in the previous world and this world as separate… then Arika’s current love for Ren is not a first love. The Ren from the previous world and the Ren of this world may seem similar but are entirely different. If she fell in love with the Ren from the previous world, and now loves the current Ren from the bottom of her heart without carrying over the previous feelings, can it not be said that this is not a first love?