Oneshot 6: The Result of Risking My Life to Save My Childhood Friends
The Result of Risking My Life to Save My Childhood Friends
Author: 私です
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n9448go
I have three childhood friends: Haruno, Yuki, and Maika. One day, while the four of us were on our way to a crepe shop, a speeding car came rushing toward them. Instinctively, I shoved them out of the way—
My name is Hayama Akito.
It’s sudden, but I have three childhood friends.
One is Aisaka Haruno, the school idol known for her beauty and talent in both academics and sports.
Another is Hoki Yuki, born into a distinguished family and currently the head of the student council.
And then there’s Mizuno Maika, who has taken care of me ever since my parents died.
Thinking about it again, I really don’t deserve such amazing childhood friends.
“Akito, hurry up!”
“What are you dawdling for? You’re our slave, remember?”
“That’s right~. If we took away your only good point, those filthy legs, there’d be nothing left of you~.”
Lately, everyone has started relying on me like this. I may be worthless, but being able to help them has finally made me feel like I have some value.
“Hey, what are you spacing out for?”
“A slave should only think about their masters.”
“As punishment for thinking about something else, no dinner for you today~.”
So today’s dinner is gone. Still, I should be grateful they even give someone like me food at all.
It happened while the four of us were walking along the usual route to school.
“Ahh, I’m tired again today.”
“Yes~. Mostly because taking care of that pig was such hard work~.”
“Seriously.”
Once again, it seems I caused them trouble. I really need to reflect on myself.
“Hmm, that’s right. How about we go to that new crepe shop today?”
“Oh? Sounds fun.”
“Yuki’s a little interested too~.”
“Alright, it’s decided then. It’s close by, so let’s run there to work up an appetite.”
Looks like we’re going to the crepe shop today. But really, why do girls our age always crave sweets so much? And didn’t Maika say yesterday that she had gained a bit of weight? Not that it matters.
“Then let’s all race there. Whoever arrives last treats everyone.”
“Okaaay!”
“Got it.”
Good grief, there goes my part-time pay again. If I got serious, I’d be the fastest, but the last time I came in first, they yelled at me, saying, “A man should always let the ladies go first!” I don’t get how you can challenge someone to a race and then expect them to hold back, but whatever, it’s not my place to question it.
“What’s the matter, hurry up, pig.”
“Yeah~. Stop dragging your feet and come on~.”
“If you don’t hurry, you’ll be the one paying.”
Looks like they’re calling for me. I should hurry, I thought, when suddenly I saw a car speeding straight toward them. Through the windshield, I could tell the driver was asleep.
The car was already right next to them. They hadn’t noticed and were still chatting happily. The moment I realized they were about to be hit, I instinctively shoved them out of the way.
I don’t remember what happened after that. I vaguely remember being thrown and seeing my own blood splatter across the road, but the sight of them crying and looking at me with worry must have been an illusion.
Their tearful, anxious faces must have been nothing more than a hallucination.
“…A ceiling I don’t recognize.”
When I opened my eyes, I saw an unfamiliar ceiling.
“Ah! Akito, you’re awake!”
When I turned toward the voice, Maika was there.
“…What’s wrong? Why do you look like you’re about to cry?”
When I asked, Maika answered in a trembling voice that sounded like she was about to break down.
“Of course it’s because you’re safe! Wait here, I’ll bring Yuki and Haruno right away!”
Maika stumbled several times as she rushed to get the other two. But I wasn’t interested in that. What did she just say? “Because you’re safe”? As I sank into my thoughts, the other two came in and spoke to me.
“Akito! Are you alright? Does anything hurt!?”
“Akito! Thank goodness, really, thank goodness…”
They both spoke with concern for me. It didn’t seem like an act.
“Hey, why are you two looking so worried?”
“Because you were hit by a car, of course!”
“We were terrified you might die!”
“That’s right! Why would you even ask that!?”
No, something’s not right here.
“Then why are you acting so worried just because I got hit by a car? You’re the ones who always said I was worthless, that I was so filthy it was unbearable to have me around, weren’t you?”
Gasp!
When I asked that simple question, the three of them bit their lips and fell silent, looking like they were about to cry.
“Why do you look like that? Are you emotionally unstable or something?”
“I’m really sorry. I know an apology isn’t enough, but I truly am sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing? I’m less than garbage. Even if I died, you wouldn’t feel anything, would you?”
“Ah! Th-then why did you protect us when the car came at us? Why?”
Wondering why she’d ask something so simple, I answered.
“It’s obvious. People like you, who have value, are more important to society than a worthless person like me. You’ve always said that I’m worthless, haven’t you? Why would you even ask that?”
When I said that, their faces turned completely pale.
“Is that all you wanted to talk about? If it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me what day it is today?”
“It’s the 28th…”
“I see, so four days have passed. I need to go to my part-time job and apologize to my manager.”
“W-wait, you’re planning to work in that condition!? That’s insane!”
“That’s true, but I need to become independent soon, so I have to earn money.”
“I-independent? What do you mean by that!? Tell me!”
“Hm? Right, I haven’t told you yet. To stop causing Maika any more trouble, I’m planning to move out of her house and live on my own within a year.”
“W-what! I’ve never once thought of you as a burden…”
“Hmm, it’s only twelve. I should still make it to work on time.”
“W-wait, please, don’t go!”
Ignoring her voice, I closed the door of the hospital room and headed to work.
I chose to believe that the sobbing I heard from behind the door was only my imagination.
The End.