When I Thought I Was Reborn, My Family Turned Out to Be a Huge Landmine - Chapter 27: Would You Walk into the Future with Me? [End of the Main Story]

Chapter 27: Would You Walk into the Future with Me?

In the living room, Arika and Nee-san were sitting across from me. Both appeared restless and uneasy, prompting a wry smile from me as I sipped the barley tea prepared for us. Not only were their manners indicative of nervousness, but I, too, shared in this tension. In my case, it’s not just nervousness… right, there’s also a bit of fear.

“…”

I wondered what response my answer would elicit from the two of them… Sigh, it’s too late to be scared now. No matter what answer I give or what I try to convey, I can’t afford to stand still. I don’t have memories of a past life spent with them, yet despite their painful pasts, they came to love me as I am now. I want to face them.

Putting down the cup in my hand, I finally spoke.

“To be honest, there have been times when I thought it was too much for me. The more I understood the feelings and thoughts of Arika and Nee-san, the more I felt happy to be loved so deeply, but also puzzled over how to respond to those feelings.”

It would have been easier to laugh it off as a luxurious worry. But I didn’t have the luxury to do so, and even as I resolved to convey my answer, I still felt lost in my indecision. Being loved by someone is not always a source of happiness; sometimes, it brings pain. But I’m not the only one suffering, I realize that, and that’s why I’m here.

“I—”

Don’t look down, look forward. As I lifted my face with that thought, Arika and Nee-san each took one of my hands in theirs. The gentle gazes from Arika and Nee-san seemed to convey that they would accept any words I had to offer.

“…You’re truly strong.”

It felt like Nii-san had also given me a push, but in the end, these two were the ones who really spurred me on. There’s no need to hesitate; I just need to honestly express my feelings. To Arika and Nee-san, the two people who are so important to me.

“Arika, Nee-san—I love you.”

The words “I love you,” echoed in the living room, spoken by Ren.

For Arika and Asami, it was the phrase they had hoped for, yet somewhere deep down, they had both prepared themselves for disappointment. They wanted to be united because of their love, but at the same time, Arika wished for Asami’s happiness and Asami wished for Arika’s, ready to step back if necessary.

“Ren-kun…”

“Ren…”

Their joy at hearing those words was mixed with confusion. Ren, noticing their reactions, gave a wry smile and continued.

“Spending time and interacting with both Arika and Nee-san, talking more and getting to know each other… this was the answer I came up with.”

This was the answer Ren had struggled to reach, and it was what he referred to Asami as the worst possible response a man could give. The past lives they lived might not be relevant in the world they inhabit now, but after hearing their stories, Ren couldn’t simply dismiss them as irrelevant.

If Ren had given an unwanted answer, it might have caused sadness. But Ren knew that both were strong and resilient, able to recover and move forward. Yet, the reason Ren gave this answer was complex, yet at the same time, very simple.

“Arika—honestly, at first, I just wondered why you were so involved with me. I didn’t remember meeting you before, and I thought we were meeting for the first time when school started.”

“Fufu, that’s right. If I were in Ren-kun’s shoes, I might have thought the same.”

Arika let out a small laugh at Ren’s words. Ren, feeling her hand in his, squeezed it back as he continued.

“But, talking with Arika was fun. I didn’t realize it at first, but I think I was gradually being drawn to you. Every time I discover a new side of you, spending time with Arika, who expressed her feelings so openly… I had fallen for you.”

“Ah…”

The grip of Arika’s hands, held by Ren, also grew stronger. Ren then turned his gaze away from Arika and towards Asami.

“Nee-san—Nee-san has always been the closest person to me. Ever since we were little, you were always by my side when I felt lonely, protecting me… I even picked a fight with someone who was bothering you once, but even then, I was the one being protected.”

“You remembered that? I was so happy. Even though you were small, you looked so big to me at that time.”

It seemed Asami also remembered that incident. The time when a young Ren stood up to her classmate to defend Asami, who was being called names… As Asami put it, that memory was still vivid in her mind.

“That strong Nee-san who always protected me, I came to want to protect her too. Part of it was a sense of repaying the favor, but it wasn’t just that… As a brother, and as a man, I wanted to protect Nee-san’s smile. I fell in love with Nee-san, who was always by my side.”

“…!”

The grip on his hand tightened.

Having conveyed his feelings to the two, Ren took a deep breath and continued, feeling there was still more to say.

“Normally… well, under normal circumstances, these feelings of love should be expressed to just one person. But I couldn’t do that. It wasn’t about choosing one or giving up on the other… I fell in love with both of you.”

Ren wanted to respond to both their feelings, but his own feelings were simpler. Yes, he had fallen in love, just that. However, he was aware that such an answer might be seen as wrong by society, and he fully understood it might be seen as insincere and irresponsible. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to give any other answer.

“Of course, I understand that this might not be the answer you two want. As a man, I realize I might be uttering the worst possible words. I’m prepared for rejection from both of you… but still, let me say this.”

Ren bowed his head and spoke the words that needed to be said most.

“I love Arika, and I love Nee-san. Will you both stay by my side from now on? As my lovers, please walk into the future with me.”

Ren conveyed what needed to be said.

Even if his words were met with angry shouts, a slap on the cheek, or the severing of their bonds, this was the answer Ren had arrived at. As he continued to bow his head, the voices of the two women shook his eardrums. Their tones were not of anger or disdain, but gentle, as if embracing everything. They reached Ren with kindness.

“Ren-kun, lift your head.”

“Ren, please raise your face.”

Surprised, Ren lifted his face to see Arika and Asami. Both were shedding tears yet smiling. Arika spoke first, breaking the stunned silence of Ren.

“We’ve put you through a lot of pain, haven’t we? I could see how you were struggling, Ren-kun. I’ve always watched you, always loved you… and that’s not going to change.”

“Arika…”

Following Arika, Asami also spoke.

“I finally understand what you meant by the worst answer, Ren. But I’mhappy. Happy because you struggled so hard to find your answer. My feelings won’t change either; I will continue to love you.”

“Nee-san…”

Arika and Asami exchanged nods, then voiced their responses to Ren.

“This is a new beginning for the three of us at this moment.”

“I love you, Ren-kun. I want to stay by your side forever, I want to walk into the future with you!”

“I love you too, Ren. I want to be with you more than ever. I also want to walk into the future with you, Ren!”

Upon hearing their words, Ren’s eyes widened and then… he felt tears overflowing. He had been desperate, regardless of the outcome. Crying in front of the two people he loved might seem pathetic, but he couldn’t stop the tears. And since both of their hands were holding his, he couldn’t even wipe them away.

“Ahaha, I think this is the first time I’ve seen Ren-kun cry.”

“Ara, I saw him cry many times when we were little. Fufu, I win in that regard.”

“Mmm! Ren-kun, you’re going to come over here, right?”

“Eh?”

Ignoring Ren’s surprise, Arika stood up and walked over to sit beside him. Asami watched her with a tender smile, winking at Ren as if to say, “Make sure you pamper her.”

Sitting next to him, Arika leaned into Ren as if jumping into his chest.

“I might lose to Asami-san when it comes to past memories, but from now on, I won’t let that happen. Because now, I don’t have to hold back anymore.”

Arika rubbed her face against his chest, causing Ren to be momentarily startled, but he soon placed his hand gently on her head. His right hand was still held by Asami, but he seemed not to mind that now. This must mean that both of them accepted Ren’s words.

“It feels like a dream. Can something this happy really be happening?”

He let out these words inadvertently, and immediately, a response came from close to his chest.

“That’s my line. I’m so happy, I keep thinking this must be a dream.”

Then, Asami’s voice followed.

“I feel the same way. It’s like a dream that might turn out to be false when I wake up. But this isn’t a dream; this warmth from Ren is real.”

That’s right. This is not a dream but reality. And it’s true that challenges may lie ahead of this happiness. But for now, Ren decided to immerse himself fully in this joy, focusing on the scene before him.

“Arika, Nee-san… I’m looking forward to our future together.”

“Yes! Looking forward to it, Ren-kun!”

“Absolutely! Looking forward to it, Ren!”

No matter what happens, it’ll be alright. Their strongly intertwined feelings won’t break, and as long as they care for each other, they can overcome anything.

Thus, Ren finally reached the place he longed for—a future with Arika and Asami, who also overcame their past to embrace a future with their beloved.

“But Ren-kun, it’s going to be tough from here on out, right?”

“Yeah. I need to be more prepared than ever.”

“Fufu,  right. After all, you have to deal with both me and Arika.”

“Exactly. I’m going to be super clingy. After all, we’re lovers now.”

“Ah, that’s what you meant…”

[Afterword]

This marks the end of the main story.

Actually, there was a bit more to follow, but looking back, this seemed like the best place to end it.