Chapter 70 Coincidence? and Flirting

Coincidence? and Flirting

I broke up with Miyuki and moved on. My heart didn’t hurt as much as I expected. Of course, the pain wasn’t completely absent, but it was far less than I had imagined.

After all, we had known each other for more than ten years. There were countless memories. But now, they were simply memories—part of the past.

I realized that through this incident, I had gained far more than I had lost.

An angelic junior who stood by me, even at her own expense.

A best friend who showed me unwavering honesty.

My mother and brother, who love me unconditionally.

My uncle, who carries on my father’s legacy.

And my teachers, who, despite their busy schedules, took time to support me and ensure I wasn’t left behind.

Even though I lost Miyuki, someone so important to me, I still had so many invaluable people in my life.

“I have to be happy for the sake of those who supported me.”

With that resolve in my heart, I began walking home when I suddenly heard my name being called from behind.

“Seennpaiiii!”

I turned around to see Ichijo-san standing there, smiling brightly.

“Ichijo-san? What happened?”

It felt like a dream. The person I most wanted to see was right there.

“I actually forgot to buy tea. I went to the convenience store nearby, and then I saw you, so I called out.”

Her face was slightly flushed, her expression shy yet endearing.

“I see. But it’s late, and it’s not safe to walk alone. I’ll go with you.”

“Thanks! You don’t mind walking twice?”

“Not at all. I feel like spending a little more time with you tonight.”

I realized too late that I had spoken my true feelings out loud.

She laughed softly, her smile more radiant than usual.

“Thank you. You’re really sweet, Senpai.”

“Well, you’re a girl… and besides… no, never mind.”

Ichijo-san is undeniably beautiful. Anyone would think so. But saying something so obvious out loud felt embarrassing.

“Hehe, are you worried about me? Thank you. Then I’ll be a little selfish today.”

Her playful smile was like that of a child, yet it carried an undeniable charm.

“I’m… kinda glad.”

“Hmm? About what?”

“It’s just… it feels nice to be spoiled by you. Even at school, despite your reputation as a heartbreaker, you’ve always treated me warmly.”

Seeing this side of her felt like a rare treasure.

“Well, you’re special, Senpai. You deserve it.”

I couldn’t help but smile in response to her playful words.

“Then I’m glad. You’ve made me feel special, and you trust me enough to let me see this side of you.”

When I teased her back, her cheeks turned a deeper shade of red as she took a deep breath to steady herself. How adorable.

“The way you say those things… that honesty of yours… Senpai no baka.”

Her gentle teasing warmed my heart in a way I couldn’t describe.

“Alright then, let’s go.”

“Yes, thank you. I’m counting on you.”

Together, we began walking—as if bidding farewell to the past.

Ai’s PoV

We began walking side by side.

Both of us understood, deep down, that this walk symbolized something more—a quiet farewell to lingering shadows of the past.

I had already received unintentional, heartfelt confessions from him. His eyes met mine, and he spoke with sincerity.

The men who had confessed to me in the past never spoke about me. They used borrowed words—praising my appearance, my popularity, but never seeing me for who I was.

Because of that, I thought I would always be alone.

I never imagined someone would see me as I am, walk alongside me, and share such honest moments with me.

Just like before, he noticed my naivety and quietly filled in the gaps with his kindness.

I shouldn’t have been able to stand beside someone so kind. But through a series of coincidences…

I want to make him as happy as he makes me.

“I want him to be happy that he chose me…”