Chapter 67 Fate and Coincidence

Fate and Coincidence

Ai’s PoV

I left Amada-san as if I were running away.

I walked away with a crushing sense of self-loathing for having crossed a line I shouldn’t have.

I had told her about the suicide attempt—something I shouldn’t have revealed. I thought Senpai wanted to keep it a secret.

My emotions had spiraled out of control, and I couldn’t stop them.

Because the person who saved my life was driven to such despair. Senpai, who was always so kind, was pushed to the brink of death by someone else’s malice, yet she acted like she was the victim. That’s unforgivable. I’m not saintly enough to let such a kind person be twisted by someone else’s malice.

Self-loathing and anger—such negative emotions engulfed me.

But strangely, I had no regrets.

Considering how kind Eiji-senpai is, maybe he would forgive her if she apologized.

I knew I had spoken to Amada-san on his behalf. Even if she hated me for it, at least I had stood up in his place. Maybe, in this small way, I could return the favor.

If we hadn’t met on that rooftop, Eiji-senpai would’ve died there. Someone like him shouldn’t have ended his life in a cold, lonely place without anyone knowing. He deserved a full life—a life with love, a family, and happiness.

He’s on a completely different level from someone like me, who survives by leaning on others.

He deserves happiness. A person like Aono Eiji is someone worthy of joy.

“Ai. You’re the only one who should be happy.”

“Sorry. I should’ve said it better. Forgive me for being a bad mother who can only say this at the very end. I’ll always love you.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll meet someone who will love you.”

“Your mother will always be with you. If I had one regret, it’s that I won’t get to see you as a bride.”

My mother’s last words replay in my mind, words I’ve tried to bury for so long. They echo again and again.

Thank you, Mother. I was about to give up, but now I finally understand the meaning behind your words.

I’m sorry for trying to run away. I’m sorry for seeking the easy way out.

But finally…

I found someone I love. I found someone who cares about me more than I care about myself.

“I want to meet Eiji-senpai.”

I’m fully aware of my love for him. High school romances are often fleeting, but I want to believe that my feelings for him are eternal.

I start running back to my apartment as fast as I can. But even here, the god of fate smiles upon me.

In the distance, I see a man waving at me. It’s Aono Eiji. I, who have finally learned to love, can’t help but believe that this fleeting moment is fate.

“Senpai!”

I almost hug him out of pure emotion. It’s just a coincidence, but I had wished so deeply to see him again that it feels like destiny.

“Ichijo-san, what a coincidence! I was just about to get ramen for dinner. Would you like to join me?”

He laughs softly. I realize he remembers how, during our date yesterday, I mentioned I’d never been to a ramen shop but was curious.

My mouth speaks before my mind catches up.

“Is that okay? I’d love to go!”

More than anything, I’m overjoyed by Senpai’s kindness.

Eiji’s PoV

I was on my way to the convenience store to copy the class notes Satoshi had lent me. On the way, I ran into Ichijo-san, and we ended up having ramen together. Since she’s an Ojou-sama, she rarely gets the chance to visit ramen shops.

She ate the recommended menu with such enthusiasm.

That alone made me happy.

Afterward, I walked her back to her apartment and then headed home.

I’m glad she was happy.

As I walked along, murmuring those carefree thoughts, I noticed a familiar face up ahead.

There was no way I could mistake her for someone else.

My heart started to race—an unsettling, uncomfortable feeling.

It was a woman I didn’t want to see again.

“Eiji?”

My former childhood friend and lover, Amada Miyuki, called out to me, her face pale and lifeless like a zombie.

The ex-girlfriend I never wanted to see again stood there in front of me.