Next Date and Childhood Friend’s Regrets
Eiji’s PoV
“It was interesting.”
Ichijo-san speaks to me excitedly.
“I know. It was a really good movie. I cry every time I see the Vietnam War scene.”
It’s a movie that won a lot of famous awards. It’s in my mom’s Blu-ray movie collection, so I borrowed it and watched it many times.
It’s a really good movie. You can enjoy it on Blu-ray, but watching it in a theater is the best way to feel the movie’s realism.
“The last part is a little sad, but I like it because that part feels very close to real life. It’s a movie that makes me happy. It was great to watch it together.”
Ichijo-san smiles with satisfaction. Come to think of it, she also talked to my mother about movies. Mom is such a fan of foreign dramas and movies that she set up a subscription service in the break room. Even if there’s a movie she likes that isn’t on her subscription list, she’ll happily rent the DVD and take time out of her busy schedule to watch it.
“As I said, since the movie was released before I was born, it would be difficult for me to see it in a theater unless I had an opportunity like this.”
I also never thought I’d get to see it on the big screen.
“During the Corona pandemic, there was a period when they couldn’t release new movies, so it seems that this theater survived by showing revivals of older movies. The customers also requested it, and it seems they still have slots for classic movie revivals.”
“I see. Well, let’s come back when they start showing interesting movies again.”
I said this without thinking, but I quickly realized the significance of the matter.
This is like promising another date with the most beautiful girl in school.
Despite my hesitation, Ichijo-san laughs.
“You’re asking me out on another date, right? Yatta! I’m looking forward to it. There are still so many great movies we can watch together. Oh yeah, tell me about your favorite movies too, Senpai!”
She replied immediately. There will always be another time. My heart soars with this hope.
Miyuki’s PoV
Why did I let this happen?
Why did I do such foolish things?
Regret consumed my heart.
I wanted to continue my happy relationship with Eiji.
I knew it was my fault.
But I didn’t know why.
I was most afraid that if I got too close to Senpai, it would be discovered and my relationship with Eiji would end.
So no matter what, my relationship with Kondo-senpai must not be revealed to Eiji.
I thought that when Kondo-senpai graduated from high school, he would naturally disappear. I felt bad for Eiji, but I told myself I’d only play with fire for a short time. Thinking like that, I tried to justify my betrayal.
It would be a waste not to have fun while I was young.
It’s okay because I have a destined boyfriend.
It’s okay as long as we love each other.
Senpai had prepared a way for me to escape. So I used it.
But that day.
The day Eiji found out about my affair.
My heart was crushed. I couldn’t return to those happy times. I felt impatient and full of regret about what would happen if I lost Eiji. After all, I had spent more than half my life with him.
It was bad. My despair-driven mind made a selfish decision.
To erase the fear of rejection, I sought out Senpai, who was supposed to love me. If I couldn’t have a happy relationship with Eiji again, I didn’t care what happened. Destructive and unclear desires. That’s what created my lifelong regret, one that will never fade.
In the end, I lost everything.
I want to go back!
I want to go back!!
I want to go back!!!
I want to go back to that day.
I wanted to celebrate Eiji’s birthday properly and laugh together.
I want to go back to before I met Kondo-senpai.
I want to return to the pure version of myself that hadn’t betrayed Eiji.
I knew Eiji was the only one for me.
“If I had never met Kondo-senpai, I would probably still be laughing happily with Eiji.”
I hate myself for saying that.
I feel nothing but self-hatred.
Even though I betrayed him.
Feeling suffocated, I stepped out the front door to get some air.
I saw an envelope in the mailbox.
Without thinking, I opened it.
Inside were photos.
Photos that plunged me further into a whirlpool of despair.
“Why? It’s a lie, isn’t it? You said you loved only me. Senpai. Please. Please. Please. I don’t want you to throw me away too.”
Inside the envelope were photos of Kondo-senpai entering a woman’s house in a friendly manner. Arms linked, looking happy.